Week 17 Grades for Buccaneers Win over Panthers
OFFENSIVE LINE: C
The Buccaneers started their Week 17 game with the same offensive line they had Week 1. It was short lived however, as an early thumb injury to Joe Hawley.
The Bucs’ center would return, and for all intents and purposes the offensive line held up pretty well against a Panthers defense which hasn’t exactly been lighting up quarterbacks all season.
Unlike a lot of games this season Jameis Winston looked to have more time than he’s used to and it helped him settle down in the second half to become more effective leading his team to the lead.
They did give up three sacks, although they weren’t all on the offensive line.
A potentially crucial mistake was made by Donovan Smith on a field goal attempt in the second half when he was flagged for a false start.
The penalty pushed Roberto Aguayo and replacement long snapper Adarious Glanton who sent a wobbly snap into the hands of Bryan Anger and resulted in a blocked field goal.
The block gave Carolina good field position in a critical time in the game. Stemming from a false start, it serves to confirm what most of the fan base has been saying all year: The Buccaneers need to improve the O-Line this offseason.