Ryan Fitzpatrick – Noteworthy
QB Ryan Fitzpatrick is the first quarterback in NFL history with 400-plus passing yards in three consecutive games. Unfortunately for him and the Buccaneers (2-1), three costly first-half interceptions proved too much to overcome, as the Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1-1) hung on for a 30-27 victory on Monday night at Raymond James Stadium.
The 35-year-old Fitzpatrick, who threw for 819 yards and eight touchdowns in the first two games this season, went 30-for-50 for 411 yards with three touchdowns, leading his team back with 17 fourth-quarter points to make it close in the end.
“I’m happy with the way the first two games went, I’m not happy with the way I turned the ball over today,” Fitzpatrick said.
Fitzpatrick threw fourth-quarter touchdowns to Chris Godwin and Mike Evans to bring the Bucs within three just less than six minutes remaining, but that was as close as the home side could get.
Fitzpatrick threw interceptions on three consecutive pass attempts in the second quarter, which proved too much to overcome, however. The Steelers’ defense forced four turnovers.
“Tough spot to turn it over four times, and really three interceptions can’t have them,” Fitzpatrick said. “Hard to win a game that way. We obviously dug ourselves a pretty big hole there.”
