The Pewter Plank
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 2 winners and losers

By Brian DeFeo

TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 17: Wide receiver Mike Evans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hauls in a pass from quarterback Jameis Winston in front of strong safety Quintin Demps #21 of the Chicago Bears for a 17-yard gain during the first quarter of an NFL football game on September 17, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 17: Wide receiver Mike Evans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hauls in a pass from quarterback Jameis Winston in front of strong safety Quintin Demps #21 of the Chicago Bears for a 17-yard gain during the first quarter of an NFL football game on September 17, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 17: Wide receiver Mike Evans  of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates in the end zone after his 13-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Jameis Winston during the first quarter of an NFL football game on September 17, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 17: Wide receiver Mike Evans  of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates in the end zone after his 13-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Jameis Winston during the first quarter of an NFL football game on September 17, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

Winners

Mike Smith and the Defense

While Mike Glennon is by no means a world beater but he looked like an NFL quarterback after week one against the Falcons. Today he looked like he was going against a defense that has knows everything about him. The Buccaneers defense forced four first half turnovers and held the Bears scoreless for 58 minutes. While he left the game early Kwon Alexander got a pick in after the Bears were driving. Noah Spence got a strip sack leading to a touchdown. Robert McClain got a 47 yard pick-six. Rookie superstar Tarik Cohen made a rookie mistake on a punt return leading to a muffed punt, which led to another score. Forcing turnovers is a key for success in the NFL and when you win the turnover battle 4-1 you get to be a winner this week. Only two penalties on defense is a major improvement as well.

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Wide Receiver Mike Evans

Mike Evans hasn’t missed a beat since last season. Today he looked like a number one receiver. He had seven catches for 93 yards and a touchdown. On his touchdown catch he had some serious toe drag swag, shoutout Good Morning Football. His connection with Jameis Winston hasn’t lost a step. The additions on offense are already helping with some single coverages. Mike Evans is going to be a top five receiver again this year barring injury.

Quarterback Jameis Winston

When you are on the bench in the final few possessions of the game you are either a winner or loser. Jameis made all the plays required today allowing Ryan Fitzpatrick to come in on the final drives just to hand it off and take a couple knees. Jameis while not putting up huge statistics was able to make all the plays when he needed to. He only had 204 yards and one touchdown but zero turnovers. Jameis has been known to be risky with his passes but today he stayed out of trouble. There were some opportunities for more touchdowns but he did make a few over throws. When Jameis doesn’t have to put up big numbers and they still win by double digits you know it’s been a good day.

Now while there aren’t many let’s take a look the losers from this weeks game.

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