The Buccaneers had a nightmare of a drive in the second quarter against the 49ers in Week 1. Down 3-2, it looked like they were going to take the lead on a nice play-action dump-off to Cameron Brate, who took it in for a touchdown. He slammed the ball in celebration, but it didn’t count. Holding on number 69 wiped it off the board. On the replay, the lineman had his man basically in a bear hug. Frustration started to build.
They got pushed back to second and 17, then almost threw a pick on a tipped pass. On third and long, it looked like a hopeless spot, but they somehow converted, getting all the way to the 2-yard line. Jameis Winston celebrated a little early, jogging to hand the ball to the ref like he’d scored himself. They set back up, and on second and goal, Winston hit Brate again for what seemed to be redemption. Another great catch, toe-tap, spike lined up — but another flag. Same guy. Another holding call on number 69 wiped out a second touchdown.
Things got worse. On third and goal, the Bucs tried to salvage something, but the pass was completed short and then stripped right out of the receiver’s hands. Turnover. Two touchdowns erased, one lost fumble, no points. Brutal sequence for Tampa Bay.