Depite success against Watt, Bucs go 1 for 12 on third down
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) gets a pass off in front of the rush of Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) By Ira Kaufman | Tribune Staff Published: September 27, 2015HOUSTON — On a day the Bucs managed to neutralize a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Tampa Bay’s offensive linemen sported few post-game smiles.In Sunday’s 19-9 loss to the Texans, the Bucs averaged only 2.9 yards on 20 rushing plays and converted just one of 12 third-down plays. The good news was rookie QB Jameis Winston was not sacked in 36 pass attempts as DE J.J. Watt was limited to five tackles.“When you can’t move the ball, it’s frustrating,’’ C Joe Hawley, who started in place of injured Evan Smith (ankle). “When you can’t extend drives on third down, it’s real frustrating. I thought our line battled against a good group, but we have to play better. Our defense kept us in this game for sure.’’The Bucs maintained possession for only 23:44 and managed only 56 snaps, 30 fewer than Houston.With Watt lining up virtually everywhere but cornerback, he was credited with three hits on Winston, but saw his streak of seven consecutive games with at least one sack come to an end.Rookie LT Donovan Smith enjoyed his duel against Watt, who finished second to Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers in last year’s league MVP voting.“Man, J.J. Watt’s a good player,’’ Smith said, finally exhaling. “Going three-and-out all the time isn’t fun, but it’s football. I just wish we could have done better on third down.’’Watt was elated with a win after Houston’s 0-2 start.“They tried to run the ball on us early,’’ said Watt, who rarely faced only one blocker. “You could tell they focused on getting the ball out of Winston’s hands real quick. They protected him a lot, and that worked at times. But we came out of here with a win and that’s all that matters.’’Yellow feverSafety D.J. Swearinger made six stops against the Texans, but a crucial holding penalty cost the Bucs a chance to start a drive at the Houston 45, with momentum.“It was a big play, without a doubt,’’ said Swearinger, whose penalty nullified a sack-fumble by McCoy that was recovered by DE Jacquies Smith. “I can’t be holding on that play and I can’t tug on a guy’s jersey. We had chances to make plays all day ...and we didn’t get the job done.’’Swearinger’s gaffe was one of 10 penalties for 84 yards assessed against the Bucs, who entered the game with an NFC-high 23 penalties.“Those penalties are big,’’ said Bucs CB Johnthan Banks, who did not return after suffering a first-quarter knee injury. “I’m fine. My toe got stuck in the ground and I tried to pivot. I think it was the turf.’’Sunday’s matchup marked the first game at NRG Stadium since AstroTurf was installed last week.
