Buccaneers game grades: 2017 Week 5 loss to New England
The Buccaneers defensive line started fast in Week 4 and kind of faded away as the game went on. They did a bit better in this one, even though they didn’t have as fast a start against this Patriots team.
In just the first quarter of the game, veteran defensive tackle Clinton McDonald broke a 127-snap streak for this defense going without a single sack.
CLINTON! THANK YOU!
— The Pewter Plank (@ThePewterPlank) October 6, 2017
Later, in the same quarter, Robert Ayers put pressure on Tom Brady inside the Tampa 10-yard line. The pressure forced Brady into an incomplete pass, and it was a redzone stop for the Bucs defense.
Pressure from Robert Ayers leads to Brady incompletion -- good red-zone stop for Bucs defense. Field goal coming ...
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) October 6, 2017
Gerald McCoy got into the action as well, as he got a sack on Brady during a third and one situation to force a punt down 0-3.
This was particularly impressive considering the Patriots had just had a previous crack to get the one-yard they needed at the time for a first down.
It just goes to further support the narrative that, while they may not make a ton of splash plays, this defensive front is pretty solid.
In fact, the Buccaneers front line was largely responsible for not allowing the Patriots to run out the clock on their team.
This provided Winston and his offense multiple opportunities to come back. They just couldn’t make it happen.
Mike Gillislee has yet to rush for 100-yards with New England. At least that streak stays in tact.