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Bucs-Packers: Instant analysis from Tampa Bay's 26-20 overtime loss

 
The Green Bay Packers' Aaron Jones leaps in the end zone for a touchdown during overtime. [AP photo]
The Green Bay Packers' Aaron Jones leaps in the end zone for a touchdown during overtime. [AP photo]
Published Dec. 18, 2017

Here's the Times coverage team's instant analysis from the Bucs' 26-20 loss to the Packers Sunday in Green Bay:

OVER AND OUT

Martin Fennelly, @mjfennelly: Jameis Winston, TD throws, goofy fumble, the whole deal. At least he didn't get hurt — we think. His team won time of possession and yards and first downs — everything but the scoreboard against the Aaron Rodgers-less Packers, against a QB who couldn't begin to beat them with his arm. How weak is that? This might have been the Bucs' best chance to win a game the rest of the way. Darkness looms.

(UNDER) SEIGE THE (WHOLE) DAY

Rick Stroud, @NFLStroud: Winston was welcomed back to the lineup and probably remembered why he left. He was sacked seven times. A patchwork offensive line missing two starters and down to its third center didn't help. The Packers club record is eight sacks. Credit Winston for hanging in there and he got help from Peyton Barber, who rushed for 102 yards. But it was a blocked punt and Winston's fumble that was returned for a TD that was the difference.

IT'S HOCKEY SEASON

Thomas Bassinger, @tometrics: You look at the box score and wonder how the Bucs didn't win. Two reasons: 1.) While the game went to overtime, Tampa Bay lost it early. In the second quarter, the Packers blocked a punt and returned a Winston fumble for a touchdown. Those plays led to 14 of their 26 points. 2.) The Bucs allowed a season-high 199 rushing yards, including a game-winning 20-yard touchdown. Quarterback Brett Hundley had only 18 more passing yards than rushing yards (84-66). Tampa Bay's headed for its sixth last-place finish in seven seasons. Oh, well. At least the Lightning is good.

LOSING FOOTBALL

Ernest Hooper, @hoop4you: The Bucs learned again that winning in the NFL requires more than outgaining your opponent, having the better quarterback and getting a breakout game from Peyton Barber. Winston can throw five picks against Louisville, but he can't make a costly turnover in Green Bay. The team must score touchdowns instead of field goals and it can't negate potential game-winning drives with costly penalties. The Bucs are desperate for victory but keep finding ways to lose because they have a narrow margin for error and they don't understand how to close out games.

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