Buccaneers game grades: 2017 Week 4 vs New York Giants
Jameis Winston led the Buccaneers into this game looking for redemption. First of all, the team lost. Secondly, he threw four interceptions, and needed to have a solid game to reinvigorate some of the fanbase who still aren’t sold on him as a franchise quarterback.
He got things going quickly though, as he connected on the team’s second possession on a 6-yard touchdown pass to star receiver Mike Evans. It gave his team a one score lead, and an early one at that.
If that wasn’t enough, less than two minutes later, the third year quarterback connected with his rookie tight end O.J. Howard.
His second touchdown toss of the afternoon went for 58-yards, and was longer than any play the Bucs had all of 2016.
Everyone noticed Winston’s impressive start. Even Hall of Fame voter, Ira Kaufman:
After an awful opening quarter, the Giants have been outscored 53-7 in the first half so far this season.
— Ira Kaufman (@IKaufman76) October 1, 2017
In the third quarter, with the Buccaneers facing their first deficit of the game, Winston orchestrated a three-and-out which could have been disastrous. However, as it stands, the Giants couldn’t take advantage of a Tampa defense which was starting to wear down due to the lopsided time of possession.
Still, moving forward, the team is going to need Winston to put some first-downs together and let his defenders rest up and discuss strategy.
With his team still down 17-16 though, Winston was able to pull through when they needed him the most. Throwing his third touchdown of the game, the gunslinger found Cameron Brate on a 14-yard pass giving the Bucs a 22-17 lead.
Eventually, the Bucs would again surrender the lead, and Winston would be called upon to get his team in scoring position.
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He would again respond, and set his team up for a game winning, walk-off field goal.
Jameis ended the day 22-for-38 for 332-yards passing and three touchdowns.
Notice, there were no turnovers. It wasn’t pretty all the time, and the Giants will walk away knowing there were some turnovers they failed to secure.
A good job by the young leader of keeping his offense in it, even when momentum was definitely leaning towards the Giants. Overall, a solid performance.