TAMPA, Fla. – After his worst game since he started playing football, Bucs cornerback Carlton Davis III stood before reporters in the locker room and fessed up to giving up the go-ahead touchdown in a loss to the Texans.
“The play, everything was wrong,” Davis said. “I don’t have an explanation, honestly. I’ve just got to own up to it.”
Therein lies the problem with the Bucs, especially on defense. Not only have the Bucs lost four games in a row, but for what was supposed to be the strength of this team, the defense, giving up 470 passing yards and 39 points to a rookie quarterback in CJ Stroud and the Texans is what’s so baffling.
Listen: Bucs Radio Sideline Reporter TJ Rives and Rock’s Bucs QB rankings
“This game in particular, it really fell apart,” Bucs head coach Todd Bowles said. “Especially in the second half, I think once the first play happened big play to Noah (Brown), I think it kind of derailed a little bit. Then the calls we’ve been running since we’ve been here, everybody knows them; we’ve been through the situation a thousand times.”
Davis didn’t want to make any excuses and elected to talk to the media after watching the tape of the Texans game. He says he’s moved on, and this defense is now getting ready to take on the Tennessee Titans.
“It’s the brutal truth of playing (cornerback) – whenever you’re not on point, it’s for the whole world to see,” Davis said. “I take it with pride, and I love what I do. I’m going to get better, and I’ve moved on past it.”
Stroud set an NFL rookie passing record with 470 yards and five touchdowns, including the game-winner to Tank Dell with just six seconds left in the game.
Tampa Bay gets ready to host the Tennessee Titans Sunday, and once again, the Bucs defense will be facing a rookie quarterback in Will Levis.
For Davis, he seems to have flushed this poor performance out of his mind.
“It’s not my first rodeo,” Davis said. “I know how to come back from this. My confidence won’t be damaged.”
Android Users, Click To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Signup for our free newsletter.
We can’t do this without your help; visit our GiveSendGo page and donate any dollar amount; every penny helps