Tampa Bay made it two in a row with their 28-11 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, putting them at 5-7 on the year.
Below is our weekly Most Impressive list of players who stood out on Sunday.
LB Devin White
Several questioned the Bucs decision to make White the No. 5 overall pick in last April’s draft, with the need for a pass rusher, like Kentucky’s Josh Allen still on the board. And while Allen is having a tremendous season for the Jaguars, White is holding his own as well. The last two games in particular have shown glimpses of why the Bucs decided to take White.
White tied for the team lead in tackles for Tampa Bay, notching seven takedowns, but more impressively recorded his first career interception and also scored his first NFL touchdown on a scoop and score following a Shaq Barrett sack. White added one tackle for loss and two pass breakups on the afternoon.
OLB Shaq Barrett and Bucs Defense
Barrett continues to be one of the best free agent signings in team history after another multi-sack game on Sunday against the Jaguars. Barrett’s first sack of Nick Foles forced a fumble that was picked up by linebacker Devin White who returned it for a score. Barrett’s two sacks now gives him 14.5 on the season.
Overall the Bucs pass rush was outstanding, as was the run defense that limited Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette to just 39 yards on 13 carries. Vita Vea had a big hand in stoping the Jags running game, while also providing pressure on the Jacksonville quarterbacks.
TE O.J. Howard
Howard’s demise has been greatly exaggerated. Well at least for one week anyway. Howard had a season-high five receptions for 61 yards, and played the way the fans and organization have been waiting for all season long. Howard’s five catches was tied for the team lead.
WR Breshad Perriman
Like Howard, Perriman has been a source on contention for fans all year long, rarely making an impact. On Sunday he tied Howard with five receptions but accounted for 87 yards to lead the team. Perriman had a terrific first half catch for a first down that was initially ruled incomplete but was overturned by replay.
RB Peyton Barber
Barber’s state line may not be pretty – 17 carries for 44 yards – but he was able to punch the ball in twice for touchdowns, and despite only averaging 2.6 yards per carry, he kept the Jaguars defense honest and helped open up some things in the passing game. Ronald Jones started the game but was relatively ineffective gaining just eight yards on six carries before giving way to Barber.
Honorable Mention: QB Jameis Winston (268 yards, no interceptions), P Bradley Pinion (48.3 avg.), CBs Sean Murphy-Bunting (one INT), OLB Carl Nassib (sack, forced fumble)