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Buccaneers: Grades for week 9 loss to Saints

By Philip Schwegler

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 15: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sits on the bench during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 15: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sits on the bench during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 15: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sits on the bench during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 15: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sits on the bench during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers struggled early on in their 30-10 loss to the New Orleans Saints this past Sunday afternoon.

What can be said of the now 2-6 Tampa Bay Buccaneers? Not a whole lot. The Buccaneers seemed to have checked out the past few weeks. If there were hope for the Bucs to turn it around before it was too late, well now it’s to late.

After starting the season with a strong win against the Chicago Bears, the Buccaneers have not found their stride at the halfway point in the season. Some can be contributed to the injury of star quarterback, Jameis Winston, or perhaps players not buying into what the coaching staff is selling to them.

Regardless of any excuses, the once Nationally praised Tampa Bay Buccaneers are heading down a rough out of control spiral.

Quarterback Jameis Winston did not seem himself last Sunday and this past Sunday. After an awkward pregame pep talk to his teammates, Winston started the game flat.

The shoulder injury of Winston was very evident on Sunday. Looking back at the play after he took a big hit from a linebacker, who wrapped Winston’s arms so he couldn’t break his fall, Donovan Smith got beat on the outside and Winston threw his pass fast and turned his back to the defender, protecting his wounded shoulder.

Did the defender know he was favoring his arm? I’m sure he did. The Saints came into Sundays match up ready to stomp on the Bucs. They proved it by one, icing Pat Murray on a long kick, and also by keeping Drew Brees in the entire game.

Winston finished his half of the game with 7 for 13 with 67 and zeros in the last two columns. That shoulder injury was on full display.

Winston continues to put too much focus on his first read and forced a ball to O.J. Howard in the first quarter that he didn’t need to.

One good from the game would be the history Winston made on Sunday:

https://twitter.com/TBBuccaneers/status/927244967784873986

Ryan Fitzpatrick entered the game after the half and did not produce much more than Winston. Fitzpatrick finished his half with 8 for 15 with 68 yards and a touchdown in garage time.

Fitzpatrick will need to get on the same page as the first team offense this since he’ll be filling in for an injured WInston.

Grade: F

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