Buccaneers: Winners and losers from loss to Falcons

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TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 18: Running back Devonta Freeman of the Atlanta Falcons rushes for a first down in the fourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 18, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

Losers

Buccaneer front-seven

Considering the rash of injuries that hit the Bucs defense – and their front seven defenders in particular – it’s amazing that they didn’t give up more points and yards than they did on Monday night. It’s difficult for me to be too harsh on a unit missing Lavonte David and Gerald McCoy, but the Buccaneer defensive line and linebackers were simply not up to the task of stopping Falcons running back Devonta Freeman. The Falcon back rushed for 126 yards and a touchdown, and also caught five passes for 68 yards; he led his team in both categories.

On top of their struggles slowing down Freeman, the anemic Buccaneer pass rush sacked Falcon quarterback Matt Ryan just once all game. Fortunately for them, Ryan had something of a bad day at the office and only completed 17 passes and a touchdown. Atlanta was able to assert their will at the line of scrimmage so much that they barely had to throw to Julio Jones, the dude who had 250 yards on them a few weeks ago. Hopefully there are better days ahead for the Buccaneer front seven, but this was not one of them.

Doug Martin

This might be the first time we’ve had a player make the winners or losers list without actually playing in the game, but Doug Martin is deserving this week. The Buccaneers running back has been one of this season’s biggest disappointments, and was a healthy scratch on Monday night thanks to an unknown violation of team rules. We’ll see if he plays in the remaining two games, but if not his season will end with just 402 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

Martin got the start last week over Peyton Barber to the surprise of many, but an early Martin fumble sent him to the bench for the remainder of the game, and perhaps the rest of his Buccaneer career. The Bucs are paying dearly for putting all of their eggs in the Martin basket (something I can’t criticize them for, because I was in favor of it), and will surely try to remedy the problem through the draft this year. Expect Peyton Barber to stick around in some capacity, but Doug Martin is a goner.

Next: Buccaneers Pick Six Versus Falcons

Who were your winners and losers from the game, Buccaneer fans? Sound off in the comments and be sure to check back in after next week’s game!

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