The Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Here are Tampa Bays positional grades from the Week 14 game:
Quarterback: A-
Tom Brady thrived against a stout Bills defense that allows the fewest passing yards per attempt in the NFL this season. Brady completed 67% of his passes for 363 yards and 2 touchdowns. The seven-time champion completed 83% of his passes under 10 yards, utilizing his quick throwing release against Buffalo’s blitz. Brady was elusive when avoiding Buffalo’s blitzing defensive backs, rushing for two key first downs and a touchdown.
Running Backs: A
Bruising ball-carrier Leonard Fournette broke loose for a 47-yard touchdown, giving the Buccaneers their first score. Fournette performed well in all three facets of his responsibilities, rushing, pass-blocking and receiving. Fournette averaged 5.7 yards per carry while finishing with 132 rushing yards. The LSU product assisted in the passing game by stopping blitzing defenders in their tracks, and even slipping out of the backfield for four receptions.
Wide Receivers/Tight End: A+
Receivers Chris Godwin and Mike Evans are continuing to solidify their status as the league’s most formidable receiving duo. Godwin hauled in 10 passes for 105 yards, while Evans had six receptions for 91 yards and a score. The pair’s constant threat to opposing defensive backs continues to leave the middle of the field open for tight end Rob Gronkowski. Gronkowski added five receptions for 62 yards, serving as a reliable quick target for Brady against the blitz.
Offensive Line: A+
Tampa Bay’s offensive line conducted a near-flawless performance after being hit with a variety of front-line defensive stunts. The team’s total rushing average was 4.7 yards a carry, a near first-down every two rushes. The line appeared to effortlessly communicate their assignments pre-snap and handled the influx of Bill’s defenders with ease.
Defensive Line/Linebackers (Front 7): B+
Tampa Bay’s defensive line wreaked havoc on Buffalo’s offensive line throughout Sunday’s contest. Totaling over 20 quarterback pressures, Bills quarterback Josh Allen was constantly in the face of pressure. While Allen’s elusiveness as a mobile quarterback prevented him from being hit often, he was sacked twice by Shaquil Barrett. Although Tampa’s linebackers fulfilled their responsibilities against the run, they struggled in pass coverage against Buffalo’s elusive slot receivers and tight-ends.
Defensive Backs: A-
With a little bit of help from their defensive line, Tampa Bay’s secondary stacked up well against a passing offense that many consider to be the league’s best. While Allen did not necessarily struggle to complete passes, the Buccaneers scheme often took his primary option away and forced him to check down to a secondary option.