Early turnovers doom Jameis Winston, Buccaneers in loss to Texans

The Buccaneers have lost their first game in five weeks to the Houston Texans, as they were unable to overcome two early interceptions by Jameis Winston.

Falling behind 10-0 is not an ideal way to start a game, but that is how the Tampa Bay Buccaneers handicapped today’s 23-20 loss to the Houston Texans after a pick-six on the first throw of the game by Jameis Winston. He then went on to throw another interception just two plays later that led to a Houston field goal.

This young Buccaneers’ defense did the best they could given the circumstances they were placed in. In fact, they surrendered only 13 points the remainder of the game after seven were scored on the offense, then the Texans took over already in field goal range on the second pick.

Jamel Dean and Sean Murphy-Bunting continue to show development throughout their rookie seasons, Murphy-Bunting tallied a strip sack on Deshaun Watson, and Dean recorded another interception on the season. If these two youngsters can remain healthy, then the Bucs may have a foundation for a defense for years to come.

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Jason Pierre-Paul tallied three sacks on the day, while Carl Nassib recorded another as well. Lavonte David, a Pro Bowl snub once again, forced yet another turnover for the pewter and red defense. This unit has turned a corner over the past few weeks, and they came ready to play once again today.

Jameis Winston finished the game with four interceptions, one touchdown, and 335 yards passing; he completed just over 50 percent of his passes. It looks like Winston will be back with the Buccaneers in 2020, but they need him to cut down on the interceptions; he has a chance to be the only player in NFL history to record 30 touchdowns and 30 interceptions in a single season.

On the ground, the Bucs were able to get Ronald Jones rolling, finishing with 77 yards and a score; he busted off an elusive and electric 49 yard run in the first half of this matchup. Peyton Barber had a first half fumble, and did not see much playing time after that; he finished the game with 13 yards on five carries.

With both Mike Evans and Chris Godwin out, Breshad Perriman and Justin Watson answered the bell. Perriman finished with 102 yards receiving on seven catches, while Watson recorded five cates for 43 yards and a touchdown.

The Bucs will wrap up their season next week against the Atlanta Falcons, a team they have already defeated once this year. Can the Buccaneers finish the year with a .500 record, or will they end it on a two game skid?