Tampa Bay GradesBy Luke Easterling Dec 7, 2015
Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports Quarterback: A+What more could Bucs fans ask from their rookie signal-caller? Jameis Winston avoided costly mistakes all game long, taking what the defense gave him and making big throws down the field. He then willed the team to victory in the final minutes with a ridiculous 3rd-and-long scramble before firing the game-winning touchdown to seal the comeback win.Running Backs: BDoug Martin tallied 100 total yards and a touchdown on 26 touches, as he continues to nip at Adrian Peterson's heels for the NFL rushing title. A late fumble that led to Atlanta's only touchdown marred his overall performance, but he was still the driving force behind the offense, as he has been all year. Charles Sims continues to be the perfect change-of-pace back, notching 77 total yards on just nine touches.Wide Receivers: BMike Evans tipped a catchable pass into the arms of an Atlanta defender, setting up the Falcons for a go-ahead field goal just before the half. But the second-year pro overcame his miscues, catching five passes for 61 yards, including a fantastic sliding grab for the game-winning touchdown. Vincent Jackson was extremely productive, averaging 29 yards per catch on his three receptions.Tight Ends: CAfter a lengthy absence due to a shoulder injury, Austin Seferian-Jenkins caught three passes for 31 yards in his return but dropped a touchdown pass that would have made a huge difference in the complexion of the game. Cameron Brate added two catches for 12 yards. It was an adequate performance from this unit, but that dropped scoring chance hurts.Offensive Line: B+This group has quietly been a huge reason for Tampa Bay's success on offense this year, and Sunday's performance was no different. The Bucs racked up 166 yards on the ground while allowing just one sack. Costly penalties in key situations are the only thing keeping this unit from getting an A this week.Defensive Line: AEven without its two best players in Gerald McCoy and Jacquies Smith, this unit turned in a fantastic performance against both the run and pass. William Gholston bagged two of Tampa Bay's three sacks, while Devonta Freeman was held to just 47 yards rushing. This group did just enough to keep Matt Ryan and the Falcons offense from getting into a rhythm for most of the afternoon.Linebackers: AThe Bucs have two of the most athletic playmakers at linebacker in the entire league, and they proved it on Sunday with an impressive performance. Lavonte David led the team with 11 tackles and snatched the game-sealing interception, while rookie Kwon Alexander tallied 10 tackles of his own, along with a sack, a forced fumble and a pass break-up.Secondary: BThe Tampa 2 defense is all about bending but not breaking, and this group executed that quite well for most of the afternoon. They gave up plenty of yards in front of them but didn't allow Julio Jones to get behind them for any huge plays, only giving up a short touchdown pass due to poor alignment/play-calling. Overall, a solid outing from this unit.Special Teams: ANo missed kicks from Connor Barth, some decent yardage in the return game from Bobby Rainey and Donteea Dye and keeping Devin Hester from being a factor at all? That all adds up to a fantastic grade for Tampa Bay's special teams. 
Coaching: BThe penalties are still an issue—the Bucs were flagged eight times for 53 yards—but otherwise, this was a solid afternoon for Tampa Bay's coaching staff. Lovie Smith did a great job of dialing up blitzes on passing downs, knowing he was missing his two best pressure generators up front, and it allowed the defense to still be effective.link
