’Noles in the NFL: Week 16

Jameis Winston

It was announced before the game that the Buccaneers were expected to bring Winston back in 2020, and while Saturday’s game was ugly, that is unlikely to change:

On Saturday Winston struggled mightily with both his Pro Bowl wide receivers, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, out with injury. Winston threw four interceptions, including two on Tampa Bay’s first two offensive possessions—one being a pick six, and the other a pick six that was ultimately called back.

Winston currently has 4,908 yards on the season and is almost certain to surpass 5,000 yards through the air by a healthy margin. The former no. 1 overall draft pick has 31 touchdowns to 28 interceptions, but is confident that he will learn to limit turnovers and reach his full potential:

Jalen Ramsey

In a tough matchup with playoff implications against the 49ers Ramsey recorded his first interception as a Ram and also showed Tevin Coleman what it’s like to be on the other end of a stiff arm:

Ramsey finished with 4 solo tackles, 2 passes defended, and the interception. However, it wasn’t enough as Los Angeles lost by a field goal, eliminating them from playoff contention.

It’s not all bad news for Ramsey, though. He was named a Pro Bowler for a third straight year:

Rodney Hudson

The league’s best center was named to yet another Pro Bowl:

Plus, for the first time in a long time, Hudson’s Raiders have a plausible path to the playoffs:

Brian Burns

Burns had hit a lull after a fast start to his rookie year, which was largely due to limited snaps on defense. However, today the first round edge rusher got back on track recording a sack on Colts QB Jacoby Brissett:

Burns’ final statline included 3 solo tackles with a sack and a QB hit.

Devonta Freeman

Before the first quarter was even halfway finished Freeman had a rushing and a receiving score to his name:

It’s been a bit of a roller coaster year for Freeman who has dealt with injuries, but today he helped in all facets of the offense. He finished with 13 carries for 53 yards and added 74 yards through the air on 9 catches and showed everyone that he’s still got it:

Trey Marshall

Sunday afternoon was not only Marshall’s first NFL start, but a breakout game for the safety, who led the team with 9 tackles (5 solo).

Marshall talked about the start following Denver’s win calling it “the most fun in the world.”

Josh Sweat

In a must-win game for Philadelphia, Sweat was stellar and helped put the Eagles in the driver’s seat of the NFC East. Sweat had 2 solo tackles, both of which went for a loss, including a huge sack on third down:

Nigel Bradham

Bradham also had a nice day for the Philly defense, contributing 5 tackles (2 solo) and a TFL. He also had something to say to Dallas QB Dak Prescott as he headed into the locker room:

Derwin James

Led the Chargers defense in tackles with 8 (5 solo) and a picture perfect TFL:

Dalvin Cook

The Vikings don’t play until Monday night, but they will be without their PRO BOWL running back as they attempt to preserve Cook’s health for the playoffs:

Other Notable Statlines

Patrick Robinson, New Orleans Saints: Robinson’s name hasn’t made this piece too often this year, but the Super Bowl Champion had a nice game on Sunday, recording 6 solo tackles, a TFL, and a pass defended.

P.J. Williams, New Orleans Saints: Recorded 2 tackles (1 solo).

Chris Thompson, Washington Redskins: Had 34 yards on 8 attempts and another 14 yards on 4 receptions.

Dustin Hopkins, Washington Redskins: Hopkins didn’t attempt a field goal, but made all 5 of his extra points.

Javien Elliot, Carolina Panthers: Elliot saw plenty of snaps at nickel corner and recorded 4 tackles (3 solo) throughout the game.

Lamarcus Joyner, Oakland Raiders: Recorded 2 tackles ( 1 solo).