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The Tampa Bay Bucs lost their first game of the 2021 season at Los Angeles against a strong Rams team, 34-24.The loss snaps Tampa Bay’s 10-game winning streak, and also the nine-game streak of scoring 30 points or more.
Here are the most disappointing Bucs players from Sunday’s game in L.A.
CB Jamel Dean
Dean dropped a sure-fire interception on Stafford’s fifth pass attempt when a pass deflected off Cooper Kupp’s hands in the first quarter. The third-year cornerback didn’t play long enough to make up for his early mistake. Dean suffered a knee injury in the first quarter and did not return. His injury, combined with Sean Murphy-Bunting’s elbow injury, could prompt Bucs general manager Jason Licht to sign another cornerback or two – perhaps veteran Richard Sherman – this week.
TE Rob Gronkowski
Gronkowski dropped a big potential reception on third-and-5 at the Rams 20-yard line. Gronkowski also drew an illegal formation penalty in the second quarter, setting up a first-and-15 situation. The big tight end made up for it with a first down catch, his first of the game, later in the drive.
Right before halftime, Gronkowski got flagged for an offensive pass interference penalty that negated a 20-yard catch-and-run by Chris Godwin near midfield. It was a questionable call for sure, but it still counted and stymied a potential scoring drive for Tampa Bay. Gronkowski’s rough first half continued as he gave up a sack-fumble to Aaron Donald with 16 seconds left before halftime. In the second half, the veteran misplayed two throws that could have been huge plays. Gronkowski got hurt in the third quarter and finished with four catches for 55 yards.
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