One of the biggest stats that stood out from the Buccaneers’ 35-22 win over the Atlanta Falcons last week was the big zero next to sacks given up. The offensive line played arguably their best game of the season, keeping quarterback Jameis Winston upright and allowing him to carve up the Falcons defense following his two first-quarter interceptions.
This week’s game, however, presents a tougher challenge for the Bucs’ line as the Jacksonville Jaguars’ defense currently ranks tied for seventh in the league with 34 sacks.
And, even though Winston didn’t take a sack against Atlanta, he still entered Week 13 as the most-sacked quarterback in the NFL (36). Fortunately, he now sits in second after Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan upped his season total to 38 following a nine-sack game against the New Orleans Saints on Thanksgiving night.
Protecting Winston has always been an issue for this line, but if they want to win back-to-back games for the first time all season, they’ll need another top-notch performance to stop guys like Calais Campbell and Josh Allen. It’ll be the key to walking away with another win.
Easier said than done, of course. But, as Winston showed last week, if given time, he can make some big plays.
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