When the chips are on the line, and their backs against the wall, someone for the Buccaneers had to step up. There was a lot of pressure on Jameis Winston to perform and with Mike Evans coming off of an illness, someone from the organization had to step up and take the mantle. Enter Chris Godwin.
A divisional Road game against the Carolina Panthers on a short week is huge for the divisional race. A defeat on a Thursday night game after a disappointing loss to the 49ers could have went very badly. Tampa needed to escape with a win. Christian McCaffrey, Cam Newton, and the Carolina offense was efficient against the Los Angeles Rams during week one.
The defense gave up 30 points, so points were at a premium considering that only 17 points were scored the previous week from the offense. Tampa Bay needed to start well. With a minute and 24 seconds left before halftime, Jameis Winston and the Buccaneers offense were in the Red Zone on the 20. The 6’1 product out of Penn State was being covered by Donte Jackson. 4 seconds later, A 20-yard strike in the end zone to Godwin, changed the momentum and the complexion of this game.
Godwin caught 8 of 9 targets for 121 yards and the 2nd quarter touchdown. At 15.1 yards a click, and with almost automatic hands, Godwin could be a road warrior in the making. At 209 pounds, and the number 2, he doesn’t receive the same recognition from the defense that Mike Evans would; and Godwin is emerging because of it.
Carolina had it’s own offensive issues; continuity missing and settling for only field goals. Once Peyton Barber scored from 20 yards out, Tampa Bay had a firm grip on the game. Defense saved the day; they enabled Tampa Bay to hold off Christian McCaffrey in crunch time and played well to get the win.
Photo credit: buccaneers.com
