Buccaneers overcome deficit in Win over Indianapolis; continues 3-game win streak

On Sunday, December 8th, 2019, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Indianapolis Colts in a high scoring thriller resulting in a final score of 38-35 Buccaneers. Bucs were favored by -3.0 to win this game especially considering the home field advantage and the recent game success from the past 2 weeks beating Atlanta and Jacksonville. The opening quarter started rather rough for Tampa after giving up an interception to star linebacker Darius Leonard within the first minute of regulation then a 46-yard receiving touchdown to Marcus Johnson with a made extra point followed by a 50-yard field goal from Colts Kicker, Chase McLaughlin. The following drive Running Back Dare Ogunbowale fumbles the ball in Buccaneer territory to be recovered by Indianapolis. Bucs down 10-0 early in the first quarter when offensive momentum begins to pick up after a 1-yard rushing touchdown by Quarterback Jameis Winston and a made extra point by rookie kicker Matt Gay, bringing Tampa right back into the ball game with a score of 10-7. Shortly after, the Bucs are able to make a huge stop defensively giving the ball back to Tampa’s very dangerous offense. After this complete change of events, QB Jameis Winston is able to find a wide open Mike Evans as he takes it in for a 61-yard touchdown not before having an injury to his hamstring which would result in him being ruled OUT for the remainder of the game. Extra point is good by Matt Gay. Second quarter officially underway the Buccaneers maintain the lead at 14-10. Colts are able to drive the ball eventually leading to a 2-yard touchdown run by former USF running back Marlon Mack who is rather familiar to scoring touchdowns in Raymond James. Extra point is good by McLaughlin bringing the score to 17-14 Colts. Bucs get the ball back and are able to drive the ball down the field when a bad pass from Jameis Winston results in not only another interception for Darius Leonard but also an 80-yard return for the score along with a made extra point giving the Colts a hefty lead of 24-14. Tampa, however, is able to return the favor by driving the field and finding an open Cameron Brate in the Endzone. Extra point is made making the score 24-21. Indianapolis Kicker, Chase McLaughlin able to make a last minute 19-yard field goal resulting in a score of 27-21 at the half. As the third quarter begins, the Colts look to extend an already significant lead as Jacoby Brissett completes a 12-yard touchdown pass to Zach Pascal. Indianapolis attempts the 2-point conversion and gets it with a 2-yard pass from Jacoby Brissett to Zach Pascal yet again. Score 35-21 Colts. Bucs find hope as Winston and his offense are able to drive the ball down the field eventually to find Justin Watson for his first career touchdown. Watson being in for the currently injured Mike Evans. Matt Gay extra point is successful. Fourth quarter comes by and Bucs are still down by 7 point in a 35-28 game. Tampa drives the field only to find Matt Gay saving the day yet again with a 44-yard missile field goal bringing the score within reach. Buccaneers defense makes a crucial stop giving the ball back to Jameis Winston and Tampa’s offense as they are able to find open men downfield as they inch toward Indianapolis territory. Tampa finds themselves in the redzone on a 1st and 10 after converting a 4th down attempt. Jameis drops back, looks for an open man, throws it, TOUCHDOWN to Breshad Perriman with just under 4 minutes in the game. Extra point is made and Tampa finds themselves their 3rd consecutive win. Tampa’s record improves to 6-7, however, are officially eliminated from playoff contention after the Minnesota Vikings won their game leaving no mathematical way the Bucs can make the playoffs. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will play the 3-9-1 Detroit Lions Week 15 on Sunday, December 15th, 2019 at 1:00 pm. Go Bucs!