Bucs-Falcons Recap: Have a Day, Big Fella!

Big Plays, Bigger Guy

Two weeks ago, the Buccaneers used Vita Vea as a run blocker for Peyton Barber’s game-winning touchdown against the Cardinals. When the big guy trotted out there again today, the Falcons probably expected more of the same. Instead, they were on the wrong side of a new NFL record. Vea lined up in the backfield, and after the snap, he ran into the flat for an easy six points. At 347 pounds, Vita Vea became the heaviest player ever to score an offensive touchdown.

On the other side of the ball, Vea added two total tackles, a sack, and two passes defended, one of which was nearly picked off by Ndamukong Suh. Big-time players make big-time plays, but when you’re as big as Vita Vea, those plays are historically big.

Dominant D

The Buccaneers defense was phenomenal in Atlanta. In addition to Vita Vea’s big outing, Suh recovered a JPP-forced fumble for a touchdown of his own. Rookie linebacker Devin White recorded eight tackles with two sacks. Shaq Barrett had four tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble. Veteran Lavonte David had eight tackles, and one pass defended. Carlton Davis and Jamel led the secondary in passes defended with five each, while Jordan Whitehead led them in tackles with six. It almost felt as though the guys were looking to pad their stats at the end of the game. If they continue playing like this, they could be terrorizing the NFC South next season

Not Gay’s Day

After some solid outings, it looked like Matt Gay had found his rhythm and would be the Bucs’ solution to their kicking woes. Today put a bit of a damper on those hopes. Gay hit his only field goal attempt of 32 yards, but went an abysmal two of five on extra points; two were missed, one was blocked.

Jameis in Jeopardy?

Early in the game, Winston looked rough. He threw two picks before halftime to mark his hundredth career turnover. He has played 67 games. As the game progressed, Winston looked better. He finished with 313 yards on 18 of his 28 attempts and a trio of touchdown passes, including a career-long 71-yard toss to Chris Godwin.

The late play looked good, but Winston is consistently on thin ice. Arians has spoken out in his favor, but having multiple turnovers yet again isn’t good for a guy in a contract year. In the end, the Bucs get the win 35-22 over the Falcons.