What a difference a week makes. After being embarrassed on national television the previous week, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers set out for redemption and came away with a victory.
Redemption
In Tom Brady fashion, he did what he's done throughout his career after a loss--he won and won his huge fashion. After posting zero touchdowns and 3 interceptions, he flipped the script going for 341 yards, 3 touchdowns, and zero interceptions.
Not all of it was Brady though, as this week there was a run game--OHH WAS THERE A RUNNING GAME!!
Run RoJo Run
After totaling only 5 rush attempts in Week 10 against the Saints, Bruce Arians and Byron Leftwich ensured there was a rushing attacking, mustering 210 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns on 37 attempts. The big story in the rushing game was the record-setting play by Ronald Jones II
With the issues RoJo had in Week 10 and early on in Sunday's game, losing a fumble early in the first quarter which led to a Panthers touchdown, Arians and Leftwich showed their confidence in the third-year back and it paid off when Rojo broke off for a 98-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter.
Jones joins Tony Dorsett, Derrick Henry, and Ahman Green as the only backs to have a rushing touchdown of 98-yards or more
Defense Stands Tall
It wasn't all just offense on Sunday as even the defense came away with a better showing compared to the previous week allowing on 187 total yards and was able to force a turnover.
Pressure was improved as well as JPP and Sack Barrett were both able to bring down Bridgewater. Kevin Minter had a sack earlier in the game taken away on a very questionable "Roughing the Paskser" call early in the game.
Pierre-Paul is also credited with the defense's only turnover when he intercepted a Bridgewater pass in the third-quarter. And let's not forget WR Justin Watson getting in on the sacks as he read a fake punt correctly. *Note: Watson had the same amount of sacks as the entire Panthers defense*
That offensive line though
Last week, saying the offensive line struggled would be an understatement to say the least. This week though, they added AQ Shipley at center and slid "Big Red" Ryan Jensen over to guard, as Marpet missed a second game while in concussion protocol, and it worked.
Granted yes, Donovan Smith still gave up his usual sack, but overall the mixture helped the offense gain 544 total yards on 77-plays, with 9 out of 10 drives leading to scores. Overall, I'd say this game was what Bucs fans have been accustomed to seeing this season.
Other Notable Stats:
Mike Evans: 6-77-1
Chris Godwin: 6-92-0
Antonio Brown: 7-69-0
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