D3rd and 14 at LA 23
(6:48 - 2nd) (Shotgun) J.Winston pass short right to C.Brate to LA 3 for 20 yards (T.Hill, M.Barron)^^^
This drive ends in a TD making the score 20-10 Bucs.
3rd and 14 at TB 40
(14:21 - 4th) (Shotgun) J.Winston pass deep right to M.Evans to LA 43 for 17 yards (C.Davis)^^^
This drive ends with the Quinn strip sack, Westbrooks fumble return TD after TB had gotten to the Rams 13.
3rd and 20 at TB 32
(3:37 - 4th) (Shotgun) J.Winston pass short left to A.Humphries to LA 39 for 29 yards (T.McDonald)^^^
This one is egregious. This drive ends in a TD bringing TB within 37-32 when a stop here (and on the 4th down play that would have followed) essentially ends the game.
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I'm not a thrower of things or a screamer at the TV, I usually keep my emotions in check, but the above plays make my blood boil. Without reviewing each play on film, my sense watching the game is that Williams outsmarts himself on some of these calls, or gets way too conservative. Either way, to be an elite defense (and for the sake of my blood pressure), you can't give up these conversions. To me, it is in these situations where you really have to bear down. Giving them up is like a freebie for the opponent, and it is demoralizing for the defense. I may be stating the obvious here, and nitpicking an otherwise acceptable performance, but it is one of the take aways that bears mentioning.
