On Sunday, the Buccaneers fell, 19-9, to the Houston Texans in Week 3 of the 2015 regular season. It was Jameis Winston's third career start under center. The Bucs struggled, particularly on third down and with penalties, but the team didn't give up a single sack to J.J. Watt and company, something Winston found solace in after the loss.
"It was a promising loss," Winston said. "I know it's ironic, but it was a very promising loss. We haven't had a game where I didn't get sacked yet and we line up against the best defensive line in the NFL and we do a great job. I just have to help them out on those third downs. I have to come through."
Winston finished the day with a career-high 261 passing yards, completing 17 of 36 passes. The Texans moved Watt, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, all over the line, from the right to the left to the interior as well as on the edge.
Despite Houston's efforts, Watt was unable to get to the quarterback and finished the day with a +0 pass-rushing grade, per Pro Football Focus.
No Texans defender graded out positively rushing the passer, per PFF, while four of the Bucs' five starting offensive linemen received a positive grade in pass protection. The Bucs' top performer, Ali Marpet, was rated as the league's No. 2 guard in pass protection during Week 3.
"I believe we got better as a team," Winston said. "I believe I got better. Like I say, I hate to keep saying it, but it's a promising loss. We got some good things out of it. Offensive line, thank god for them. Amazing day. Two rookies. J.J. Watt playing everywhere. He lined up on Ali (Marpet) one play, then he lined up on Donovan (Smith) the next play. So to be able to protect me the way they did is very promising."
The Bucs will watch Sunday's film on Monday afternoon before their day off on Tuesday. The team will reconvene on Wednesday to begin preparing for their second divisional game against the Panthers on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium.
