Tampa Bay fell to 3-4 on the season after coming up short in Cincinnati, 37-34 – losing on a last-second field goal. Below is PewterReport.com’s list of most impressive players from the loss.
Take a look and see if you agree, then add your thoughts in the comment section.
ROOSTER’S PEWTER PLAYER OF THE WEEK
WR Mike Evans
Another monster game from Mike Evans on Sunday against the Bengals, where he nabbed six receptions for 179 yards and a 72-yard touchdown. Evans overmatched the Bengals secondary all day long and could have done even more damage had Jameis Winston been more accurate. Evans did have one second half drop, and probably could have helped out Winston a little on the first interception of the game as it appeared he got turned around late and made a half-hearted effort to get his hands up. Still, Evans dominated like the $82.5 million receiver that he is.
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QB Ryan Fitzpatrick
The FitzMagic was back in the second half on Sunday when the grizzled veteran came in for a disappointing Jameis Winston late in the third quarter and engineered a comeback to tie the game at 34-34 late in the fourth. Fitzpatrick was never rattled, was cool and was poised in the pocket despite pressure from the Bengals’ front four. Fitzpatrick finished 11-of-15 passing for 194 yards and two touchdowns, but just as impressive – no interceptions. If Fitzpatrick isn’t under center next Sunday against the Panthers, the entire Bucs organization deserves to be fired.
DE Jason Pierre-Paul
Despite not having much help from his other defensive line teammates when it came to pressuring Andy Dalton, Pierre-Paul was able to collect two more sacks, and he now has eight on the year, including at least one sack in the last six games, which ties a franchise record. An impressive feat considering he is really the only true pass rusher the team has healthy currently. Pierre-Paul added three tackles to his season total as well on Sunday.
TE O.J. Howard
Howard is on the brink of becoming a household name, as he has made a huge leap from his rookie season that was pretty good on its own. On Sunday, Howard had 68 yards on four receptions, including the game-tying touchdown late in the fourth quarter, and also had a key block on Peyton Barber’s touchdown run. The selection of Howard might go down as nearly as good as the one of drafting of Evans in the first round if he keeps progressing.
RB Peyton Barber
For a guy who was banged up last week, Barber showed no ill effects of any injury, and ran as hard as we have seen him run during his career in Tampa Bay. Barber finished the game with 85 yards on 19 carries (4.5 avg.) and one touchdown run.