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BY IRA KAUFMAN
Did David Tepper toss a drink toward Antoine Winfield Jr. on Sunday?
He should have.
With an incredible hustle play in a season full of ’em, Winfield took center stage at the game’s biggest moment in a 9-0 victory that clinched a third consecutive division title for the Buccaneers.
D.J. Chark was on his way to the end zone early in the second quarter when Tampa Bay’s snubbed Pro Bowl safety swooped in and caused a fumble at the 1-yard line. The ensuing touchback preserved a 3-0 lead and the offensively-challenged Panthers never recovered en route to their second straight shutout loss.
It was a sensational effort by a sensational player, similar to the fumble Winfield forced against Atlanta QB Desmond Ridder at the 1-yard line back in October.
There isn’t much to talk about on the offensive side, except to say Baker Mayfield struggled with his accuracy and rhythm while his pass protection was no bargain.
Still, the Bucs did just enough to advance to face the fading Eagles.
Carolina simply didn’t have enough playmakers as Tampa Bay registered its first shutout since a 21-0 triumph at San Francisco in 2010. (more…)