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Buccaneers Game Grades: 2017 Week 7 loss to Buffalo Bills

By Philip Schwegler

ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 22: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks towards the sideline during the second quarter of an NFL game against the Buffalo Bills on October 22, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 22: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks towards the sideline during the second quarter of an NFL game against the Buffalo Bills on October 22, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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ORCHARD PARK, NY – OCTOBER 22: Josh Robinson #26 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrate after David recovered a fumble during the fourth quarter of an NFL game against the Buffalo Bills on October 22, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY – OCTOBER 22: Josh Robinson #26 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrate after David recovered a fumble during the fourth quarter of an NFL game against the Buffalo Bills on October 22, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

With the glorious return of Mike Line Backer Kwon Alexander, the Bucs seemed to have some hope defensively heading into this contest. Alexander seemed to be a little rusty as the day went on. Will he get back into his usual self? I have no doubt in my mind, but you could easily tell he had been out for a few days.

One play in particular occurred when the Bucs had the Bills at 2nd and 14. The opportunity to hold the Bills back was present, but the execution wasn’t. The ball was handed off to L. McCoy and Alexander would’ve tackled him behind the line of scrimmage.

To say the less, he missed that tackle and L. McCoy continued to run and make guys miss until he met with Safety Justin Evans at the first down marker. This seemed to happen most of the day. Poor tackling.

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The lone star of the linebackers was again Lavonte David. David has this incredible ability to make the ball come loose from whoever has it. With 10:02 left in the 4th, David made the tackle on L. McCoy while punching the ball loose and recovering it for no gain.

This play ultimately set up the offense to score its last touchdown and take the lead.

David has kept himself in good spirits with Pro Football Focus as he has been once again graded as one the best linebackers this week. He also graded out as the highest Buccaneer in week 7.

All three-line backers accounted for the majority of tackles made for the Bucs, although some were missed, it’s safe to say without the backers playing as well as they are, the Bucs would be giving up even more yards than they already are.

Grade: C+

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