Buccaneers Observer

The Buccaneers face a playoff-contending opponent in this Saturday’s game against the Houston Texans. Should the team continue to play as it has in the last several weeks, the Buccaneers could end the game with a victory. Doing so would hurt the Texans playoff prospects, as it fights for contention with Tennessee. The Buccaneers secondary continues to catch eyes. Mike Evans and Jordan Whitehead will end the season on injured reserve. Jameis Winston must excel with a backup receiving corps. The defense will need to contain Deshaun Watson and Deandre Hopkins.

Jameis Winston had another nearly-flawless showing this week against the Detroit Lions, convincing some fans he deserves a longer term contract than the anticipated franchise tag. The secondary performs up to Ralph’s hype and gloating ensues. William Gholston sees his snaps increase with the absence of Beau Allen and has a game ball worthy showing. Shaq Barrett, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin get Pro Bowl nods. Lavonte David is once again snubbed.

Another victory for the Buccaneers! The offense got off to a hot start after Jameis Winston’s initial interception, and the Buccaneers defense stuffed the Lions for much of the first quarter. Detroit staged a near-comeback in the second half, triggering the PTSD of Bucs fans worldwide. But this is the new Bucs, and we don’t lost those games. A Sean Murphy-Bunting pick six was the final nail in the coffin. The Buccaneers defense, however, never took their foot off the throttle, with Lavonte David forcing a fumble the very next Lions offensive possession that was picked up by Devin White. Jameis Winston answered the debate of whether Mike Evans makes him look like a great passer – after losing Mike Evans, then Scotty Miller and Chris Godwin, Jameis still managed to have a record-shattering game. Hitting 11 different receivers all game, Jameis became the first player in NFL history to have two consecutive 450+ games. And he did it with a broken thumb and without his two stud receivers. Ryan Jensen sustains an injury and He. Gets. Angry.

The Detroit Lions are in a position the Buccaneers have experienced many times in the past. Hosting Tampa with a current record of 3-9-1, they have nothing to play for but the draft. The injury bug hit the team hard, with a backup quarterback and depleted wide receiver and running back corps. Rumors are Matt Patricia’s hard-nose coaching style is not resonating with the players. How will the Buccaneers fare as they enter their last road game of the year? Can they finish the season on a six-game win streak? We touch on the Patriots cheating scandal and Ralph’s reverence for a good cheat.

The culture change has finally turned the tides. The Buccaneers proved with this win that they care about one thing in the last remaining weeks of a championship-less season: victory. The feeling has spread to the fan base and energy surrounding the team is high. Ralph assessed Jameis’ interceptions: they were all clearly on the shoulders of the quarterback. But by playing complimentary football, the defense minimized damage from the mistakes and put the hands back in the hands of Jameis Winston. Winston had a record-shattering showing this game, as he broke his single season record for passing yards, which also happened to be the franchise record.

Buccaneers claim victory in a roller coaster ride to which Bucs fans have become accustomed. Jameis Winston started off the game with an interception, followed in the next drive by an Ogunbowale fumble. But that didn’t keep the offense down. Neither did the pick six late in the second quarter. Or the loss of Mike Evans. The boys persevered, putting up 38 points. The defense helped, and although they only clocked one sack on the stat sheet (shared by Shaq Barrett and William Gholston), they put heavy pressure on Brissett all day. Devin White shows why he was a top-5 draft pick with a forced fumble, which was recovered by Mike Edwards. Winston sat out a series with a fracture in his hand, allowing Ryan Griffin to get his first regular season snaps. Winston powered through the injury for the remainder of the game.

The Buccaneers are on a hot streak as they return home to face off against the Colts. This game is a must-win for both teams to keep playoff dreams alive. The Colts limp into the matchup with injuries to its receiving corps and at the kicking position. We’ll see the Bucs elite defensive line compete against an elite Colts offensive line. Ralph and Molly master segues this episode. Could the colt be the worst mascot in football? Dallas DT Antwaun Woods gets arrested for marijuana and Ralph gets political.

Jason Pierre-Paul was the standout in this game, making his presence felt all game. The interior defensive line had a relatively quiet showing. The secondary played outstanding for the second week in a row. Rojo missed the blitz that caused Winston to fumble. His benching by Bruce Arians was justified given the poor pass protection we’ve seen all season. OJ Howard and Donovan Smith, along with Rojo, were the weakest performers on offense. Plus, bonus good news from the NFC South: Ron Rivera has been fired from the Carolina Panthers. We talk the Panthers prospects and the state of the NFC South given the impending Falcons implosion.

The Buccaneers play a complete game for the second week in a row, leading to victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jameis Winston keeps his mistakes to a minimum. Devin White has another good game. A quarterback change for the Jaguars momentarily breathed life into the team, but they were ultimately only able to rack up two scores. Vita makes another appearance on offense.

Shut the front door… The secondary made this game. Jamel Dean shows promise, tallying an impressive 13 passes defended in 161 total snaps. The defensive line hits its stride in the second half and showed passion that has been absent in recent weeks. Jameis Winston overcame adversity early in the game to finish with a solid performance overall. Ralph has some praise for the refs this week.