It’s time for another round of “Performance Preview,” in which Staff Writer/Reporter Brianna Dix and I make our picks to click for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ next game. This is more than just a brief bit of game analysis, it’s a competition. That’s right: We’re keeping score
The rules are simple: Bri and I each pick one Buccaneers player on Friday and explain why we think they are poised for a big game. We can’t duplicate picks so order may matter, and this week it’s my turn to go first. Since neither of us would be impartial enough to do the judging after the game, we’ve asked Team Reporter Casey Phillips to step in as the guest judge each week.
The Bucs’ lopsided loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 12 honestly made it tough to pick a Performance Preview winner, especially since neither of us chose Tez Johnson, who scored the team’s only touchdown, or Yaya Diaby, who had the lone sack. Bri made a risky pick with Sterling Shepard, and this time it didn’t pay off even though Shepard has had a very good season. I went a little off the wall, too, picking left tackle Tristan Wirfs and knowing full well he wouldn’t have any statistics of his own to impress our judge. However, that strategy might have actually paid off.
This is how our venerable Judge saw it:
“On a tough night offensively, you guys both picked offensive players so either choice feels like a bit of stretch. Sterling Shepard had three catches for 12 yards. But at least the run game went for 123 yards and Rachaad White averaged over five yards a carry for a second straight week. So I’ll go with Tristan and his role in contributing to the run game, which was one of the brighter spots in that game.”
That’s the second straight week in which I’ve won but also felt like I was being told, “Oh, bless your heart.” Still counts though. Here’s our updated Performance Preview Scoreboard:
We’re all knotted up with six games to go. Can Bri get back on track after her own three-game losing streak? If that means the Bucs break their streak, I would be fine with it. However, I’m going first with…