Tag: Bucs

Fantasy football owners sulked on Twitter after Jameis Winston’s bad day

See how fantasy footballs owners reacted to Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston’s poor outing against the Houston Texans in Week 16.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers saw their winning-streak end yesterday at the hands of the Houston Texans, 23-20.

The Buccaneers were in it until the very end, despite four interceptions from quarterback Jameis Winston and a fumble by running back Ronald Jones. The first of Winston’s interceptions was taken to the house for a score and the second ended up as a field goal for Houston, meaning Tampa Bay was in an early 10-0 hole.

But, it wasn’t just Bucs fans who were lamenting the poor play of Winston yesterday. Those who were playing in their fantasy league championships had a lot to say to about Winston, too.

Take a look.

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Why the Bucs should try and sign Marcus Mariota to backup Jameis Winston in 2020

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have decided to bring back QB Jameis Winston in 2020, but they should add depth to their backup position, too.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will end their season next Sunday when they host the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. With a win, the Bucs would finish the year 8-8, the thought of which seemed absurd just over a month ago when the team was 3-7.

The story throughout the season was the uncertain future of quarterback Jameis Winston in Tampa Bay. The former number one pick had failed to live up to expectations and had not guided the Bucs to a postseason appearance in any of his four prior seasons.

Despite missing out on the playoffs for the 12th-straight year, the Bucs felt confident enough in Winston’s growth under first-year head coach Bruce Arians to commit to him in 2020.

But, Tampa Bay is unlikely to offer Winston a long-term deal, instead hoping to see improvement on the near 30 interceptions he’s thrown this year. And, had backup Blaine Gabbert not been on IR all season with a shoulder injury, there’s a good chance he could’ve seen some action this season.

Tampa Bay could very well try and bring Gabbert back next season to backup Winston, but, if they’re smart, they’ll try and make a run at current Titans backup and former starter Marcus Mariota.

Mariota, who was drafted one spot behind Winston in the 2015 NFL Draft, was benched earlier this season by the Titans after a slow start. Backup Ryan Tannehill assumed the starting gig and now has the Titans fighting for a playoff spot. Mariota, like Winston, was on the final year of his deal and will become an unrestricted free agent in 2020.

While he will certainly command a lot of attention on the open market, it could be a beneficial marriage for both parties if he joined the Bucs. Not only would Mariota get to learn from the quarterback guru himself, Bruce Arians — who has Jameis Winston on the verge of a 5,000-yard passing season — but, given how often Winston turns the ball over, Mariota could get a shot to start at some point next year. He’s still a young quarterback, too, so, if Tampa Bay liked what they saw they could turn the keys over to him after next year and part ways with Winston.

Again, it’s a long-shot for sure, but it would give the Bucs depth at the quarterback position, which was something they sorely lacked this year because of Gabbert’s injury.

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Instant Analysis: Winston’s four interceptions the difference in loss to Texans

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers saw their four game winning-streak come to an end Saturday as they fell 23-20 to the Houston Texans.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers saw their four-game winning-streak come to a screeching halt today against the Houston Texans, falling to the now-AFC South Champions 23-20.

The Bucs got off to a rough start again, courtesy of quarterback Jameis Winston, who had two interceptions on the team’s first two drives, putting Tampa Bay in an early 10-0 hole. While the Bucs’ defense did a great job containing Deshaun Watson, it wasn’t enough to overcome the mistakes of the Bucs offense.

With that, here are some initial thoughts on today’s loss.

Winston continues to befuddle

While he may be dealing with a thumb injury, Winston’s interception problem isn’t something new. What’s most concerning is that he tends to have a knack for turning the ball over almost immediately in a game. The Bucs constantly seem to be playing from behind because of their quarterback. Granted, Winston can put up huge numbers, and his 335 yards today gives him 4,908 on the season. But, what good are big numbers if you’re going to turn the ball over so much? The team has decided to bring Winston back in 2020, but you can be sure they’ll find a backup quarterback capable of pushing Winston. (As I said the other day, Winston can thank Blaine Gabbert’s injury for his return to the Bucs.)

Jason Pierre-Paul shines

Pierre-Paul had three of the team’s five sacks today on Watson, who was held to just 184 yards passing with zero touchdowns and a pick. For JPP, it was the third three-sack game of his career, and the first since Week 6 of the 2017 season when he was with the New York Giants. Tampa Bay’s defense has been coming on strong in the second half of the year, and Pierre-Paul has been a big reason why. JPP is set to become a free agent at the end of the year, so these could very well be the last few games he plays for the Bucs. Nice to see he’s giving it his all.

Missed opportunities

The Bucs turned the ball over five times today (four interceptions by Winston and a lost fumble by running back Peyton Barer), yet still only lost by three points. For once, their defense was carrying this team, holding the Texans in check. But, Tampa Bay’s offense, which was playing with a depleted receiving corps, was unable to capitalize. In the end, the absence of playmakers coupled with the injury to Winston was just too much for Tampa Bay to overcome. Yet, despite all their mistakes, they still had a chance to win it in the end. And, as tough as the loss may be, that says a lot about this team and their ability to compete.

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Texans vs. Buccaneers: Time, TV and how to watch online

Find out how you can watch and listen to all of Week 16’s action between the Houston Texans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

There are only two games left in the regular season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and, fortunately, both those contests will be at home.

Tampa Bay had one of the toughest schedules at the beginning of the year, playing five-straight games on the road, which included trips to Los Angeles, New Orleans, London, Tennessee and Seattle.

The Bucs went just 1-4 on that stretch, but they’ve gone 5-1 since returning home in Week 10. At 7-7, they have a chance to finish with their first winning record since 2016 if they can win out. They’ll be put to the test in Week 16 when the Houston Texans come to town. The Texans are looking to clinch a postseason berth still, while the Bucs will look to play spoiler down their top two receivers in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.

Find out how you can watch and listen to all of Week 16’s action.

Game information:

Houston Texans @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Kickoff: Saturday, December 21, at 1:00 p.m. E.T.

Venue: Raymond James Stadium

Network: NFL Network

How to Listen:

98ROCK (97.9 – Tampa)

The Boot (103.9 FM – Brooksville)

ESPN SW Florida (99.3 FM – Ft. Myers/Naples/Punta Gorda)

Citrus (95.3 FM – Homosassa)

WLKF (96.7 FM and 1430 AM – Lakeland)

WYGM (740 AM/ 96.9 FM – Orlando and Melbourne)

ESPN Tallahassee (97.9 FM – Tallahassee)

En Español

WTMP-FM 96.1, 101.9 and WMGG-AM 1470 (Tampa)

WIXC – AM 1060 (Melbourne/Orlando)

Satellite Radio

Sirius/XM Channel 88

Stream

You can stream the game live on Fubo TV. (Start your free trial).

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Field Yates thinks Shaq Barrett’s Pro Bowl selection is a surprise, but that’s a good thing

See why NFL analyst Field Yates thinks Shaquil Barrett’s Pro Bowl selection is a big surprise. Hint: it’s a good thing.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may not be heading to the postseason, but at 7-7 and riding a four-game winning-streak the Bucs can actually look forward to what the future holds for them, which is something they haven’t been able to say in years past with much confidence.

The Bucs have shown tremendous growth this season under first-year head coach Bruce Arians, and, not surprisingly, three of his players have been selected to the 2020 Pro Bowl.

As ESPN analysts went through the roster shortly after its release, they wrote about what surprised them the most. Field Yates said Barrett’s selection was a surprise, but it’s not a shot at the Pro Bowl linebacker in anyway.

Here’s what Yates said:

“That Buccaneers outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett made it, and it was well-deserved. The surprise traces back to this offseason, as Barrett signed a one-year deal worth up to $5 million. He’s now the NFL’s leader in sacks (16.5) and a Pro Bowler. What a tremendous job by Barrett and outstanding signing by general manager Jason Licht.”

I doubt you’ll find many willing to argue that Barrett’s signing wasn’t the best move of the offseason. He’s more than exceeded his contract and has earned a big pay day when he becomes a free agent.

Barrett took to Instagram to post this message shortly after he was selected to the Pro Bowl.

Congrats to all three players!

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2020 NFL Pro Bowl: See which Bucs should be selected

Find out which Tampa Bay Buccaneers players should expect to find a spot on the Pro Bowl roster.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may not be going to the postseason, but they still have a lot of pride on the line these last two games.

The Bucs are riding a four-game winning-streak thanks to Sunday’s big 38-17 win over the Detroit Lions in which quarterback Jameis Winston became the first player in NFL history to throw for 450 yards in back-to-back weeks. Winston is on pace to surpass 5,000 passing yards this season, which would make him just the eighth quarterback in NFL history to accomplish that feat.

Unfortunately, Winston also leads the league in interceptions with 24, so as strong as he’s been the past few weeks, a Pro Bowl selection might not be in the cards for the quarterback when the rosters are announced tonight.

So, which Buccaneers should expect to find themselves playing in the NFL’s All-Star game? These four seem like the strongest candidates.

Godwin and Evans have both had outstanding years, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards each. While a Pro Bowl Selection definitely seems in the cards for the pair, they’ve both suffered hamstring injuries the past two weeks that will likely keep them out for the remainder of the season. Not sure if they or the team would want them playing in the Pro Bowl.

Barrett seems like a virtual lock to get selected. The first-year Buccaneer has already tied Warren Sapp for the Bucs’ single-season sack record with 16.5, which also leads the NFL.

With guys like this on the roster, the Bucs are legitimate postseason contenders heading into 2020, assuming they retain Barrett.

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4 reasons to get excited for Saturday NFL football

NFL Saturday football returns in Week 16 with Texans-Bucs, Bills-Patriots, and Niners-Rams

It’s finally here! Saturday NFL football comes back into our lives for one weekend in Week 16. It’s a shame it’s only happening once. The NFL should play Saturday football when Army-Navy is the only college game on the slate. Give the service academies a content window with no opposition, but there’s time to play an early or late game with the Arny-Navy battle sandwiched in between. Much like an NFL team, we deal with what the schedule gives us, so here’s why these Saturday games should be fun.

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Field Yates says the Bucs are the best fit for Jameis Winston in 2020

See why ESPN’s Field Yates believes the Buccaneers will ultimately bring quarterback Jameis Winston back for at least one more year.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are riding a three-game winning-streak after Sunday’s comeback win over the Indianapolis Colts.

Tampa Bay has averaged 33.7 points per game in those wins, but, as usual, things aren’t always as they appear. Despite the big win over the Colts, the Bucs had to play catch-up most of the game thanks to early interceptions by Jameis Winston, who had his first pass attempt of the game picked off and then another taken back 80 yards for a pick-six before halftime.

Winston finished the game with four passing touchdowns, one rushing touchdown and three interceptions, bringing his league-leading total to 23. Fans have been wondering all season long whether the Bucs would bring the former number one pick back after this season. Some will say enough is enough and it’s time to move on, while others feel Winston is still the best option for a Bucs team looking to win now.

And, according to ESPN’s Field Yates, when it comes to the best team fits for 2020 free agents, Tampa Bay still remains the best place for Winston.

Here’s what Yates had to say:

“My own evaluation of Winston is that he is not a starting quarterback whom I’d feel comfortable relying upon for a full 16-game season because of his carelessness with the football. But after evaluating the Buccaneers’ ability to acquire a new signal-caller, seeing their recent comments on Winston and understanding their overall commitment to him over the past five seasons, I’d expect he will be back — with the franchise tag in play.”

It’s no secret that the Bucs brought in head coach and quarterback whisperer Bruce Arians to try and save Winston’s career. It’s certainly been an up-and-down season for the Winston as he adjusts to Arians’ offense. But, as former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer proved, things get better after Year 1 under Arians.

Tampa Bay is hoping the same will be true for Winston, should he return.

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Streaking Buccaneers open as favorites on the road against the Lions in Week 15

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are riding a three-game winning-streak heading into Week 15’s matchup with the Detroit Lions.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are on a roll, riding a three-game winning-streak following Sunday’s 38-35 win over the Indianapolis Colts.

The Bucs are now 6-7, winners of four of their last five games, and look like that one team you don’t want to face in December. Tampa Bay has found their second wind after their brutal five-game stretch away from home earlier in the season, which saw them go just 1-4.

They’ll take to the road again in Week 15, traveling to Detroit this time to take on the lowly Lions (which sounds redundant), who have lost six-straight games and are playing an undrafted rookie quarterback in David Blough.

So, it should come as no real surprise that the Bucs are favored on the road to tame the Lions. But, what might be surprising is the current line. Tampa Bay is only favored by -3.5 right now, which seems a bit low considering how hot the Bucs have been and how bad Detroit has looked.

Betting on the Buccaneers has been a big issue this year for people, and this line might scare some people away. As for the over/under, it’s currently set at 47.5. I imagine sportsbooks are counting on Tampa Bay to put up the majority of points given their offensive firepower (even without Mike Evans who suffered a hamstring injury in Sunday’s win).

[Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.]

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Indianapolis Colts at Tampa Bay Buccaneers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Indianapolis Colts at Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 14 matchup, with NFL betting odds, picks and best bets

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The Indianapolis Colts (6-6) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-7) tussle at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. We analyze the Colts-Buccaneers sports betting odds and lines, with NFL betting picks and tips for the Week 14 matchup.

Colts at Buccaneers: Week 14 preview, betting trends and notes

Get some action on the game at BetMGM by placing a sports bet!

  • When these teams meet, you should recall a Monday night battle in 2003 when Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison erupted for a giant comeback from 35-14 down with about seven minutes remaining.
  • The Colts head into this one with a 6-2-1 ATS mark across the past nine road games.
  • The Buccaneers enter 2-6 ATS across the past eight games overall, and they’re 0-5 ATS in the previous five contests at home.
  • The under is 5-2 across Indy’s past seven on the road, while going 21-5 in the next 26 games following a double-digit loss at home.
  • The Over has cashed in nine of the past 10 for the Bucs, while going 4-0 in the previous four at the RayJay.
  • Indy ranks fourth in rushing yards (139.0 YPG), and they’re ninth in the NFL against the run (101.8 YPG).
  • Tampa ranks fifth in the NFL in total yards (380.4 YPG), fourth in passing yards (284.2 YPG) and fourth in points scored (28.3 PPG).
  • The Bucs are second in the NFL against the run (76.3 YPG), but they’re 31st against the pass (281.8 YPG) and 30th in points allowed (28.8 PPG).

Colts at Buccaneers: Key injuries

Colts: CB Kenny Moore II (ankle), WR T.Y. Hilton (calf) and PK Adam Vinatieri (knee) are listed as out. RB Marlon Mack (hand) is likely to make his return, while WR Parris Campbell (hand) might also play.

Buccaneers: LB Jason Pierre-Paul (knee) and DB M.J. Stewart (knee) are questionable.

Colts at Buccaneers: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 7:20 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Buccaneers 31, Colts 23

Moneyline (?)

The Buccaneers (-176) are a moderate favorite, but you’re better off playing the spread. If you like the Colts (+145), they’re a much better value on the ML.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the Bucs moneyline returns a $5.68 profit with a Tampa victory.

Against the Spread (?)

The BUCCANEERS (-3.5, +100) are laying three and the hook, and that’s always a worry for bettors. However, the way the Colts (+3.5, -121) looked last week with the Tennessee Titans marching the ball up and down the field, the Bucs look like a safe play at home.

Over/Under (?)

OVER 47.5 (-106) is a good play based upon Tampa’s struggles against the pass, and the solid passing on both sides. The Bucs held the Jacksonville Jaguars down last week, but posted plenty on offense. They won’t hold the Colts in check, as Indy is much more gifted, and they might get a big bump with Mack returning to the backfield, too.

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. Looking for more sports betting picks and tips? Visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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