Mayfield and Winston Struggling, Buccaneers Beat Browns 13-12

Tampa Bay Buccaneers have defeated Cleveland Browns with 13-12, after one very interesting match at the Raymond James Stadium.

The Buccaneers had a strong finish against the Browns and managed to win the game in the last seconds. It was the rookie kicker Matt Gay who brought the triumph for the Bucs with a 21-yard field goal, exactly 15 seconds before the end.

Still, the way the game started indicated that visitors might reach an easy win down at Florida. They’ve kept Tampa Bay scoreless at the halftime and had a 9-0 lead. During that time, the Browns played with Baker Mayfield and several other starters on the field. Among them weren’t Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry.

But even that didn’t bring any touchdowns for Cleveland, who struggled offensively even with Mayfield on the pitch. The no.1 pick from 2018 draft had 10 completions in 26 tries, for just 72 yards. He had one interception too, and was sacked once.

Following the match, Mayfield wasn’t happy at all.

“I’m not happy with some of my throws, but we’ll see… It didn’t matter who is in there, it’s like I say we have to be able to click whoever is in there.”

He expressed his frustration over the bad performance.

“I’m pretty frustrated right now. It just that genuine connection I normally have, it’s the frustrating part.”

On the other side, his colleague, Jameis Winston, was in the same situation. The no.1 pick from 2015, couldn’t get into his rhythm and was sacked five times tonight. Winston, who is trying to prove that he is an elite QB and that he has what it takes to lead the Bucs, took a lot of beating. Eventually, he finished the night with just 9 completions from 19 attempts and 88 yards. There were no TDs or interceptions, but still, his game was far away from the needed level.

The only touchdown pass in this event was delivered by Ryan Griffin, Winston’s second replacement, who connected with Jordan Leggett for 20-yards in the third period.

All 12 points for the Browns were delivered by Austin Seibert, the rookie from Oklahoma. The 22-year old had the longest one of 54 yards. However, it was Gay who was the main kicker of the night, by executing in the decisive moments.

Austin Seibert’s right down the middle to give the Browns a 3-0 lead. pic.twitter.com/PWBdWTKEFf

— Everything Cleveland (@everythingcle_) August 24, 2019

We need to say that Tampa looked better in general, and that their offense had more yards and plays in this event. At the end of the game, the hosts collected 265 yards compared to 141 of the Browns, 195-108 passing, and 70-33 by rushing.

Yet their main problem is still the same. Winston. The Bucs are always struggling with him. Truth to be told, tonight’s beating wasn’t solely his fault, because the offensive line did a pretty bad job. Five sacks in one preseason match are way too much, and instead of spearing his health and keeping him fresh for Week 1, Bucs now have to see are there any consequences for their starting QB.

Up next both teams are finishing their preseason activities next Thursday. Tampa Bay goes to Dallas to meet with the Cowboys, while Browns have an interesting clash at home with the Detroit Lions.

Cleveland opens the regular part of the season at home, versus the Titans, while Bucs host the San Francisco 49ers.