|
|
 |
The Tampa Tribune, published 2 November 2015
Cameron Brate has bounced around the NFC South this season, and he made himself right at home Sunday at the Georgia Dome.
The former Harvard standout caught two passes for 48 yards in the second quarter, including a 20-yard grab over the middle for his first NFL touchdown. In his second stint with Tampa Bay, Brate also caught a 28-yard pass from quarterback Jameis Winston to set up a Connor Barth field goal.
“When I lined up before the touchdown catch, I knew there was a pretty good chance I was going to get the ball,’’ said Brate, who played in four games with the Bucs in 2014. “We saw on film that their safety wasn’t in the middle of the field. We ran that play earlier in the game, but unfortunately there was pressure. It was a good feeling to contribute to this win.’’
Brate, 24, was on Tampa Bay’s practice squad for this year’s season opener before New Orleans claimed him. On Sept. 23, the Bucs plucked Brate back off the practice squad of the Saints. Brate celebrated his initial touchdown reception in dynamic fashion as Tampa Bay grabbed a 13-3 halftime lead. “I almost hurt myself with that spike,’’ he said.
Staying hungry
The Falcons entered the game with the NFL’s No. 2 rushing defense, but the Bucs found enough holes to keep Atlanta’s defense honest, finishing with a 117-101 advantage in rushing yards.
The Bucs continued to show enviable offensive balance, with 32 rushing plays and 31 passes. Tampa Bay averaged 30 points in its past three games heading into Sunday’s home matchup against the Giants. “That was so much fun,’’ rookie guard Ali Marpet said. “That’s the most fun I’ve had in a long time. I like playing football and I like winning.’’
Doug Martin’s 100-yard streak was snapped at three games, but he gained 71 yards in 23 carries, including a critical 10-yard gain running behind Marpet during overtime.
“Everybody was tired ... you could see it,’’ Martin said. “We found ourselves in overtime, and maybe we shouldn’t have been there, but then we had to get over the hump. We responded with an excellent drive. We didn’t get seven points, but we got three and then our defense stepped up.’’
|
|
|
| |
| |
|