Winston, defense lead Buccaneers over Seahawks 14-5

Russell Wilson threw no touchdowns, two interceptions, was sacked six times, and the Seattle did not convert on third down until 2:11 left in the fourth quarter.

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) – A grieving Alterraun Verner never seriously considered staying home. The Buccaneers won the last time these teams played in Tampa, 38-15 on December 26, 2010. That being said, the Bucs are a talented team who can beat anybody when they are on top of their game. And with Jude Adjei-Barimah, the Bucs’ primary nickel corner, sidelined, Verner was called upon more often that he has been all season.

There was no historical precedent for how Seattle would play Sunday-it marked the first time since drafting him in 2010 that the Seahawks were without safety Earl Thomas. “That’s all that really matters right now”.

The Positives: You saw signs of quarterback Jameis Winston’s leadership during his rookie campaign.

The Bucs played strong football the final three quarters in that one and the defense was good enough to help get the win. On his second TD pass, Sherman appeared to complain to officials that the 6-foot-5, 231-pound receiver was holding him by the jersey while creating separation to make the catch in the end zone. They covered Wilson’s receivers and took the ball away three times. A win, paired with an Atlanta loss, would leave the Bucs tied atop the NFC South. “Russell is a true professional, and he does his job the right way”. “I said ‘When you have a family member down, what are you supposed to do?” The Chiefs allow 18.7 points per game and the Broncos allow 18.9, therefore a low-scoring affair is expected.

After practice Friday, Thomas was downgraded from doubtful to out of the game, ending his streak of 106 consecutive starts – a club record for a defender – because of a hamstring strained in Sunday’s win over Philadelphia. Long-time backup and special teams ace Steven Terrell played well after Thomas was hurt against the Eagles, and Kelcie McCray can play both safety spots. Winston was on fire to start the game, easily escaping pressure and making great play after great play.

A week after leading the Bucs to a road win over Kansas City, Winston delivered another stellar performance. “This is what I do best”.

“We were just talking about, sometimes you have to have a little bit of struggle to overcome”, Wilson said. “With the transition into the National Football League, you try not to put an excuse on anything”. You’ve just got to get through it. People can say, ‘Was it this? The second – over cornerback Richard Sherman – dumped the Seahawks into an early 14-0 hole.

“When you watch Seattle on film, that’s who we want to be”, Koetter said.

Wright had a standout game, with two tackles for losses and eight stops in all.