Tampa Bay Shocks Pittsburgh: 3 Thing We Learned

After a humiliating loss, 56-14 to the Atlanta Falcons, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers came into Pittsburgh looking to regain some dignity while trying to knock off the 2-1 Steelers. The Buccaneers took a 27-24 lead with seven seconds left in the game and did hold on to beat the Steelers. Now it’s time to look at three things learned from this game.

Mike Glennon has to be Tampa Bay’s Quarterback Going Forward

Anyone who has read any of my work lately or heard me on Monday Morning Huddle knows how I feel about the quarterback situation in Tampa Bay. Although Mike Glennon did not have the most spectacular game in the world, he did lead Tampa Bay to the win. After taking advantage of an early Pittsburgh turnover to score the first points of the game, a touchdown, Tampa Bay would only score ten total first half points while having a total of 64 yards of offense. However, Glennon and Tampa Bay looked much better in the second half with Glennon passing for 214 yards, and the touchdown that would give Tampa Bay the lead. On the season Glennon has 423 passing yards, three touchdowns, one interception that was not his fault, no fumbles and the team’s only win. Compare that to McCown who this season has 420 passing yards, two touchdowns, four interceptions, two fumbles and no wins.

Both Teams Need to Work on Penalties

The Pittsburgh Steelers had 13 penalties, most of which were of the 15-yard variety and some of which were for taunting and unsportsman-like conduct, which cost the team 125 yards. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers did not fare much better having nine penalties for which cost the team 50 yards. Three of Tampa Bay’s penalties were delay of game penalties due to miscommunication on the offensive line and the center’s inability to snap the ball in time. Both teams have to become more disciplined moving forward.

Pittsburgh Needs to Protect their Quarterback

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger took some punishing blows during the loss to Tampa Bay and looked like he may have injured himself at one point in the game. The Steelers offensive line did a better job in the second half but in the first half Roethlisberger was sacked five times for a total loss of 26 yards.

Other Notes:

Glennon threw an interception in the third quarter which was the result of an injury to rookie wide receiver Mike Evans. The injury was said to be a groin injury and looks to be nothing serious although Evans did not play in the fourth quarter.

Next on the schedule for Tampa Bay is a game with division foe the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans. Next on the schedule for Pittsburgh is a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Jacksonville.