The Pewter Plank
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Buccaneers: Winners and losers following Week 17 win against Saints

By Michael Horan

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 13: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers talks with quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints after the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 13, 2015 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Cliff McBride/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 13: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers talks with quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints after the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 13, 2015 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Cliff McBride/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 24: Chris Godwin #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball against the Carolina Panthers in the second quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 24: Chris Godwin #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball against the Carolina Panthers in the second quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Winners

Chris Godwin

Here’s a tip for players that want to make the winners list: you’re pretty much guaranteed a spot if you make the game-winning play. Chris Godwin has become a regular on this list during the second half of the season, but he’s never been more deserving than this week. Filling in for an injured DeSean Jackson, the rookie set season highs in catches, yards, and most importantly, touchdowns. With time running out, Godwin scored his first career touchdown, and gave his team the lead for good.

Godwin’s stat line of seven catches for 111 yards and a touchdown led all Bucs receivers on the day, and it follows last weeks strong performance in which he reeled in a catch for seventy yards. It’s clear that Jameis Winston and Godwin have formed a strong rapport this season, and we can expect even bigger things next season with increased playing time and opportunities to make plays. The Penn State product finishes his rookie campaign with 34 catches, 525 yards, and a touchdown.

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Donovan Smith

Though the Buccaneer offensive line finishes 2017 in shambles, third year pro Donovan Smith had a quietly impressive year, especially down the stretch. Smith has been much maligned since he was drafted as the teams franchise left tackle, and struggled often during his first two seasons. He remains prone to whiffs – ugly ones at that – but Smith  has shown he’s good enough to hold up against most NFL pass rushers. Thanks to his huge frame he can be a punishing run blocker, and if he’s quick enough into his stance can bury undisciplined pass rushers.

With Ali Marpet and Demar Dotson on injured reserve the Buccaneer offensive line has struggled mightily to protect Jameis Winston, but Donovan Smith has managed to largely hold his own. The Panthers racked up six sacks two weeks ago, but the pressure came from the center and right side of the offensive line, and teams have noticeably been aiming their best pass rushers at the right tackle instead of Smith. Look for Smith to potentially have a new left guard playing next to him next season, which should help his play out even more.

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