TAMPA, FLA (WFLA) Less than 24 hours after a 40-7 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach, Dirk Koetter, sat down with News Channel 8’s Dan Lucas. ‘Koetter’s Korner’ covered a day where the Bucs committed five turnovers and suffered key injuries that will affect both the offense and defense in coming weeks.
Quarterback Jameis Winston threw four interceptions on Sunday and lost a fumble caused by a bump with teammate Charles Sims. Koetter thought the protection for Winston was good, for much of the day, despite Winston taking hits in the latter stages of the 4th quarter. But the Bucs could not cash in on opportunities provided by the Cardinals pass rush, open spaces down field to complete big passes.
Four players left the game with injuries, headlined by running back, Doug Martin (hamstring), and defensive end, Robert Ayers Jr. (ankle). Both players are not only starters but integral in the schemes for both Koetter and defensive coordinator, Mike Smith. Koetter found a small silver lining in the recent loss in depth to the Bucs defensive line, noting the play of rookies DaVonte Lambert and Noah Spence. Spence recorded his first career NFL quarterback sack in the 3rd quarter.
After two away games to begin the season, the Bucs prepare for their home opener, this Sunday, against the Los Angeles Rams. Koetter hopes Bucs fans will regain the excitement from one week ago, making Raymond James Stadium a diffiucult venue for the Rams, who travel across the country for their 2nd road game of the season.