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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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GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 15: Cornerback Vernon Hargreaves #28 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Buccaneers 38-33. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 15: Cornerback Vernon Hargreaves #28 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Buccaneers 38-33. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Compared to last weeks melt down, the defensive backs and safety play, at times, seemed to play a little better. The Buccaneers decided to move Vernon Hargraves to the nickel position which seemed to fit him better this week.

Hargarves had four targets thrown his way during the 36 snaps he played, allowing zero yards on all four passes. He came out more aggressive this week and played faster with the receivers that came his way.

With the move of Hargraves, Robert McClain took over as a cover corner.

McClain caused the team a possible stop on the defensive side by a personal foul that gave the Bills 15 yards enforced on the Tampa Bay 31. He was injured during the play with a possible concussion.

Safety T.J. Ward can take some blame on this loss also. Two of Taylor’s touchdowns came from Wards side of responsibility. Ward seemed to misunderstand the play they were running and aloud the reciever to get wide open in the endzone.

The break down in communication or just overall understanding of the gameplan is hindering the defensive backfield and the defense as a whole from being a good enough defense that allows its offense to stay in the game.

An overall dissatisfaction from Ward was apparent and also from Brent Grimes. Grimes didn’t have his greatest day and by the looks of him on the sidelines, he didn’t seem happy with the way the defense was performing.

Garde: C

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