Sep 20, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) warms up prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
As Jameis Winston astutely pointed out, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are one victory away from tying their total number of wins from last season. Take that as you like. Following an absolutely atrocious Week 1 showing against the Tennessee Titans, the Buccaneers came out on Sunday and proved that they weren’t the team we saw in the season opener.
Following a lackluster first half by the offense which was salvaged by a Vincent Jackson touchdown catch late in the first half, it was the Buccaneers’ defense which kept them in the game. You know, the same defense which surrendered 35 points in the first half to the Tennessee Titans last weekend.
In a game which seemed eerily similar to the second preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Buccaneers were able to put pressure on Drew Brees yesterday after failing to do so in the previous contest.
After looking terrible in their first preseason game versus the Minnesota Vikings, the Bucs improved at every facet on defense, giving Andy Dalton fits in the pocket and the frustration trickled down to the entire offense which struggled to get any momentum.
Led by the game’s MVP, Jacquies Smith, who had three sacks and two forced fumbles, the Bucs were able to play to the strengths of the Tampa 2 scheme. They made Brees feel unsettled in the pocket and they capitalized on turnover opportunities.
In addition to the improvements on the defensive side of the ball, Winston erased all the “bust” talk by making some great throws and smart decisions under center for the most part.
In Week 1, there was no need to have a “Best Moments” post because there simply weren’t enough to choose from. But, after going back to the film room and holding a players-only meeting, the Bucs gave us plenty of plays to choose from. So, without further ado, here are The 5 best moments from the Bucs’ Week 2 win over Saints.