What does Madden think? preseason week 1 – Buccaneers at Steelers
By Lee Tyers
Third Quarter
A huge quarter for Tampa Bay. Blaine Gabbert sees re-focused after halftime as he uses rookie wide receiver Scotty Miller and Justin Watson to complete short, effective passes. The first points of the third quarter are scored by running back Bruce Anderson who runs it in from the 15 yard line. Matt Gay hits it home again with another extra point.
Pittsburgh backup quarterback Mason Rudolph seems to have little chemistry with his offense as he throws the ball away several times in the quarter to avoid sacks from the threatening Tampa Bay defense. Pittsburgh running back Benny Snell goes backwards twice in successive plays as the Steelers continue to falter. A field goal by Boswell marks the Steelers only three points of the quarter.
Prior to the end of the quarter, the Bucs take advantage of a 15 yard defensive penalty by the Steelers to take them down to the 35 yard line. A four yard rush by Ronald Jones and two incomplete passes by Gabbert leads the Bucs to try for a field goal. Matt Gay hits another three points to end the quarter.
Buccaneers 20 – Steelers 10
Fourth Quarter
The Buccaneers are in a strong position entering the final quarter. Blaine Gabbert is still on the field for Tampa Bay, as is Mason Rudolph for the Steelers. Both teams seem to be tiring as several series of play lead to defensive stops.
The Steelers make it to the Bucs’ four yard line in the middle of the quarter, but the Tampa defense stays strong. After constant goal-line pressure on Mason Rudolph, Chris Boswell scores three points to take the scoring gap to just one touchdown.
With two minutes to go the Rudolph fails to connect with a pass, putting the Buccaneers in control at the Pittsburgh 29 yard line. A pass to Anthony Johnson and one to Justin Watson takes the Bucs to the six yard line before Gabbert hits Watson for a touchdown. The reliable Matt Gay hits the extra point.
As Pittsburgh begin to attack, Mason Rudolph throws an interception to Buccaneers corner Ryan Smith, effectively ending the game for Pittsburgh. Three kneel downs from Gabbert ends the game and the Buccaneers leave Pittsburgh victorious.
Final Score – Buccaneers 27 – Steelers 13
Next. 6 players redeeming themselves at Buccaneers training camp. dark
A great showing by the new-look Buccaneers who go 1-0 in the preseason. Jameis Winston gets a 66 percent completion rate and a 147.9 quarterback rating in his quarter of play, to Blaine Gabbert’s 37 percent completion and a rating of 65.6.
Next week the Buccaneers take on the Miami Dolphins back home at Raymond James Stadium.