Monday, 4 a.m.
Monday, 4 a.m.
5 Thoughts
- I understand. I really do. Jameis Winston has been frustrating enough so most fans are ready to file for divorce. But then I read fans talk about "all the weapons" the Bucs have on offense, and just laugh. What weapons? Practice squad receivers? Impotent running backs? Wobbly offensive linemen? Please. The Bucs still count on Winston to get 85 percent of their yardage. That's what has to change.
2. Say what you want about old-time quarterbacks who also threw a lot of interceptions. The plain fact is that because of restrictions on defensive backs and liberalzed holding (plus other rule changes), it's harder to throw an interception now that it ever has been.
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3. I don't know if Winston will ever get it, but I'm pretty sure that huge stacks of money won't do it.
4. The Bucs need a running back. Heck, they need two running backs. Maybe three.
5. If they want to have a Pro Bowl without Lavonte David, that's fine. But it's kind of like having a great art show and not inviting Rembrandt.
5 of the Best Takes
Quarterback Jameis Winston tried to lead the Buccaneers to a comeback, but ultimately, the team was just unable to overcome his multiple mistakes. Winston threw four interceptions on the day and had several other turnover-worthy plays.
-- Pro Football Focus
Wide receiver Breshad Perriman turned into Winston's go-to receiver in the absence of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, and Perriman did not disappoint. He caught seven passes for 102 yards and he made several impressive sideline receptions.
-- Pro Football Focus
Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David continued his impressive season with a solid outing against the Texans. David led the Tampa Bay defense in tackles as he was all over the field and made plays both in coverage and against the run.
-- Pro Football Focus
Although he showed up on the stat sheet with just three tackles, second-year interior defender Vita Vea had an excellent game. Vea got the better of Houston's interior offensive line on multiple run plays and he also made his presence felt in the pass-rush with a couple of pressures.
-- Pro Football Focus
Under "Losers": "Jameis Winston: He served up four interceptions to the Texans, including his sixth pick-six of the season, tying Rudy Bukich and Peyton Manning for the league "record." Tough deal for Winston, who's playing for a contract ... with a busted throwing thumb ... and without both of his Pro Bowl wideouts. Winston also joined Eli Manning as the only players to throw at least 30 TD passes and commit at least 30 turnovers in the same season."
-- Nate Davis, USAToday.com
Game Balls
Offense: Breshad Perriman finally looks like a legit third receiver. In the last three weeks, he's caught 15 passes for 285 yards and four touchdowns.
Defense: Lavonte David played like he was making a final argument for the Pro Bowl. He had eight tackles, a quarterback hit and a forced fumble.
Special teams: Matt Gay made two field goals (he had one blocked) and two extra points. He has 121 points on the season.
Grades
Quarterback: Wouldn't you rather not hear that Winston is trying not to throw interceptions? Wouldn't it be better if he just shrugged and said "oops...times four?" Grade: D.
Wide receivers: The Bucs don't have many left who are NFL caliber. But Perriman is played well. Grade: B-.
Running backs: Yes, Jones had a 49-yard run. But he didn't do much else. Grade: D.
Offensive line: Three more sacks? Too many. Grade: D.
Defensive line: Five sacks and they controlled the running game. Grade: A-.
Linebackers: David and Devin White were very good. Grade: A.
Secondary: Deshaun Watson was ordinary. A good day for the kids.
Unsung Heroes
- Cody McElroy caught a 30-yard pass, his first NFL reception
2. Ish Hyman caught a 31-yard pass.
3. Jason Pierre Paul had three sacks and three quarterback hits.
4. Carlton Davis had five tackles.
5. Sean Murphy-Bunting had four tackles and a sack.
5 Reasons to Let Winston Go
- Josh Freeman
2. Trent Dilfer
3. Vinny Testaverde
4. Bruce Gradkowski
5. Steve Spurrier
5 Reasons to Bring Winston Back
- Trent Dilfer (won a Super Bowl elsewhere)
2. Steve Young (won a Super Bowl elsewhere)
3. Doug Williams (won a Super Bowl elsewhere)
4. Vinny Testaverde (reached an AFC title game elsewhere)
5. Chris Chander (reached a Super Bowl elsewhere).
Winston Stats
Passing Yards 1
Touchdowns 2
Interceptions 1
First Downs 1
Rating 46 (tie)
If Winston Took Care of the Ball
(If Winston reduced his interceptions, his rating would skyrocket)
Interceptions Rating
28 84.6
25 85.3
20 88.8
15 92.3
10 95.7
Random Stats
Sacks Shaq Barrett 1 16.5
Tackles Lavonte David 10 (tie) 116
Receiving Yards Chris Godwin 7 1,3333
Field Goals Matt Gay 5 (tie) 27
Rushing Yards Ronald Jones 37 618
Most Passing Yards -- Five Seasons
(NFL History)
Rank Player (Team, Seasons) Passing Yards
1. Peyton Manning (IND, 1998-2002) 20,618
2. Jameis Winston (TB, 2015-19) 19,536
3. Dan Marino (MIA, 1983-87) 19,422
4. Andrew Luck (IND, 2012-16) 19,078
5. Matt Ryan (ATL, 2008-12) 18,957
Most TDs in a Season
(Team History)
Rank Player (Season) TDs
1. Jameis Winston (2019) 31
2. Jameis Winston (2016) 28
3. Josh Freeman (2012) 27
4. Brad Johnson (2003) 26
5. Josh Freeman (2010) 25
Best Bucs Seasons (passing)
Rank Player (Season) Passing Yards
1. Jameis Winston (2019) 4,908
2. Jameis Winston (2016) 4,090
3. Josh Freeman (2012) 4,065
4. Jameis Winston (2015) 4,042
5. Brad Johnson (2003) 3,811
Most Points in a Season (kicker)
1. Matt Bryant (2008) 131
2. Martin Gramatica (2002) 128
3. Martin Gramatica (2000) 126
4. Connor Barth (2012) 123
5. Matt Gay (2019) 121
Here and Gone
2019 2018
Breshad Perriman 31-522 yards DeSean Jackson 41-774
Ndamukong Suh 39, 2 1/2 Gerald McCoy 28, 6
Devin White 86 Kwon Alexander 45
Bruce Arians 6 Dirk Koetter 5
Matt Gay 121 Cairo Santos 44
All-Time NFL Season Interceptions
(11 Quarterbacks have thrown 30 in a season. James
Winston needs two more to become the 12th.)
- George Blanda, 1962 47
2. Vinny Testaverde, 1988 35
3. Frank Tripuca, 1960 34
4. John Hadl, 1969 32
(tie) Fran Tarkenton, 1978 32
Bucs' Interception Leaders
- Vinny Testaverde 112
2. Jameis Winston 86
3. Trent Dilfer 80
4. Doug Williams 73
5. Josh Freeman 66