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Week 10 Grades for Buccaneers Win Over Chicago Bears

By David Harrison

Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Chicago Bears in the second half at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Chicago Bears in the second half at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) stands in the huddle against the Chicago Bears in the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) stands in the huddle against the Chicago Bears in the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

OFFENSIVE LINE: B

Ok, I don’t usually do this, but we’re going to go ahead and grade the Buccaneers offensive line on a curve.

How can we not? The front five lost Logan Mankins to retirement in the off-season and his replacement hasn’t stepped foot on the field yet. It may not be his fault per se, but J.R. Sweezy’s absence has contributed to the Bucs ranking third worst in allowing their quarterback to get hit, and is on pace to give up around ten more sacks this year than last.

This week, not only were they still missing Sweezy, but they came in without Joe Hawley and rookie Caleb Benenoch making his first NFL appearance at left guard.

Must Read: Draft Profile: Jabrill Peppers

By the end of the first half, they would be down to their third-string center – Ben Gottschalk – who literally got promoted from the practice squad this very week.

Still, despite the decimation of their starting offensive line, the Buccaneers found a way to protect Jameis Winston long enough for him to throw for over 300-yards and sustained drives to the tune of over 37 minutes time of possession.

Winston did get sacked four times losing 32-yards combined, but the pressure wasn’t an open faucet, and even with the pressure the Bears did get he was able to complete 70% of his passes.

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