Bucs vs. Bengals: Most Impressive Players In Week 15
In a result that all but one Pewter Reporter predicted, the Bucs lost to the Bengals in in an epic second-half meltdown on Sunday evening. After the collapse in the third and fourth quarters, there weren’t many players who had positive performances. But here were the few most impressive players of Week 15:
Davis had a tall task matching up against Ja’Marr Chase for the majority of the game. But he showed up consistently, making every catch a contested ball. Chase was targeted 13 times but only had seven catches for 60 yards and a touchdown. The majority of Chase’s production came when Davis wasn’t in coverage on him, though. Davis was physical at the catch point and limited separation in what was easily his best game of the season.
Davis also had a critical play to start the game when he was able to intercept Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow off of a Keanu Neal tipped pass. That set the tone for the Bucs defense in what was a phenomenal first half.
WR Chris Godwin
Godwin was the engine that kept the Bucs offense going, catching all eight of his targets for 83 yards and a touchdown late in the first half. Godwin came through with short, contested catches that converted multiple first downs and set up both of the Bucs’ touchdown drives. The touchdown was a fun play where Godwin was able to corral a screen pass and work into the end zone while avoiding multiple Cincinnati defenders.
Evans was able to take advantage of a matchup against rookie Cam Taylor-Britt and produced one of his best games all year. Making several catches off of play-action, Evans was able to catch a couple of chunk throws, including a 24-yarder down to the Bengals’ 9-yard line that set up an eventual touchdown. The Bucs’ all-time leader in most offensive categories also had a 33-yard catch-and-run negated by an illegal block by fellow receiver Chris Godwin.
Evans was also able to draw a defensive pass interference late in the 2nd half to help try and keep the Bucs hopes alive, if only for a single play. For the game, Evans caught five of his 10 targets for 83 yards, inching closer and closer to breaking 1,000 receiving yards for the ninth straight season.
WR Russell Gage
Gage had a coming out party of sorts in the losing effort. Finally looking healthy, Gage was targeted 12 times, catching eight of the targets for 59 yards and two scores. He was able to create separation, secure most of the catchable balls that went his way and convert for the two scores.
Gage’s yards per reception was low, as it has been all year, but some of that was due to him securing both of his touchdowns in short-yardage situations. The former Atlanta Falcon is proving to have a role in the Bucs offense as a reliable underneath option. If he can continue to stay healthy, he may be a building block for a hopefully re-tooled offense in 2023.
