Buccaneers Week 18 Top Performers at Atlanta Falcons

A successful report would’ve been good, however staying wholesome for the playoffs took clear precedence because the Buccaneers dropped their common season finale to the Atlanta Falcons, 30-17.

The primary half really seemed encouraging, as most wholesome starters performed and dominated usually seemed robust in opposition to a Falcons group with nothing to achieve apart from reps for his or her younger cornerstones.

Nonetheless, Tampa’s backups seemed utterly overwhelmed as they slowly trickled in and Atlanta pounded the bottom sport all through the second half. The second half was mainly a throwaway because the Bucs already flip their gaze towards a rematch with the Dallas Cowboys.

Nonetheless, we’ll give some fast shoutouts and get playoff prepared ourselves.

Offensive Prime Performer: WR Chris Godwin

It wasn’t at all times clean this 12 months as Godwin step by step regained his type after his ACL tear, however he stored his head excessive and met some notable statistical marks to complete the 12 months.

He grew to become solely the second Buccaneer to have a 100-catch season, as his 104 grabs fell simply shy of Keshawn Johnson’s 106-catch group report. He additionally eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards within the contest, which noticed him end with six receptions for 55 yards in a single half of motion.

Whereas the depth items largely disenchanted, Deven Thompkins made essentially the most of his restricted touches. The diminutive 5-foot-8 receiver flashed with a shifty 17-yard jet sweep and a 13-yard catch-and-run. Total, 5 touches for 42 whole yards is a pleasant little exhibiting, and it would show the group is wise to stay with him over Jaelon Darden.

On a last notice of private accolades, Tom Brady was type sufficient to get Kyle Rudolph his fiftieth profession landing. As usually uninvolved as he’s been, Ruldolph has put collectively a powerful profession and will obtain a tip of the cap.

Defensive Prime Performer: S Antoine Winfield, Jr.

One of many few starters to play many of the sport attributable to lack of secondary depth, Winfield performed along with his hair on hearth and seemed equipped for postseason motion.

He led each groups with 13 whole tackles, usually serving as the one factor between Atlanta operating again Tyler Allegeier and open turf. Seemingly wholesome once more, the group desperately wants Winfield as a stabilizing issue within the again finish.

Akiem Hicks seemed good once more, as he created robust push within the first quarter and even recorded his first sack of the 12 months. With him and hopefully Vita Vea again, the group will stand a a lot better likelihood in opposition to Dallas’s robust operating sport.

Particular Groups Prime Performer: P Jake Camarda

He was a lot busy once more Sunday, however Camarda once more answered the decision and kicked effectively. He landed two kicks contained in the 20, giving him 22 whole for the 12 months, and he might’ve had yet one more with higher protection.

A 50.6-yard common, together with a whopping 66-yarder, helped hold the sector place battle in Tampa’s favor regardless of the backup protection and offense doing completely nothing with that benefit. Camarda’s skills ought to are available in far more useful subsequent week.