6 takeaways from Buccaneers at Falcons: Defensive woes continue

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ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 14: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is tackled by Brooks Reed #50 of the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Jamies Winston fills the stat sheet, but turnovers continue to interfere

The knock on Jameis Winston has been his knack for turning the ball over. In his two appearances this season, Winston already has four interceptions. Add his two fumbles (which Tampa was able to recover); not much has changed.

Overall, Winston had a solid day. He completed 30-of-41 passes for 396 yards and four touchdowns. In a vacuum, those are solid numbers, but the turnovers haunted Tampa Bay.

Winston threw an interception when the Bucs were just yards away from the goal line; he also threw an ugly pick on a deep ball attempt to DeSean Jackson.

The rest of the 2018 season is the final test for Winston. His long-term future with the club relies on his performance from here on out. The defense won’t do him any favors, but the inaccuracy and turnover issues will hold him back from taking the next step.

Mike Evans makes history

With his 19-yard catch in the first quarter, Mike Evans leapfrogged Mark Carrier as the Buccaneers all-time leader in receiving yards. This comes a few weeks after passing Jimmie Giles as the franchise’s all-time touchdown leader.

The 2018 version of Evans is the best one yet. He was held in check by the Falcons with only four catches for 58 yards, but he still sits just outside the top ten in receiving yards. Evans has limited the drops and continues to be a go-to target on third down.

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