Monster Final 16 Minutes For Sean Murphy-Bunting
January 3rd, 2021
Joe might have to toss the nickname Sean “Burn Me” Bunting and transform that to Sean “Big-Play” Bunting.
What a final 16 minutes it was today for the Buccaneers’ second-year cornerback, who has had his share of struggles this season. He’s also had injuries, apparently worse than what has been made public.
With the Bucs leading 23-17 today against the Falcons in a gotta-win game, Atlanta had 3rd-and-goal at the Bucs’ 3 yard line with seconds remaining in the third quarter. A pass then came to veteran receiver Laquon Treadwell, and Murphy-Bunting was all over him for a clean and key pass breakup. That pushed the Falcons to kick a field goal and close the Bucs’ lead to three points.
Two Falcons drives later, Murphy-Bunting channeled Kwon Alexander’s eye-popping 2015 strip of Julio Jones in Atlanta. Falcons receiver Calvin Ridley caught a pass over the middle and Murphy-Bunting ripped it out of his hands and recovered the fumble. The Bucs scored three plays later and the game was in the bag.
Joe is sure Bucco Bruce Arians gave the young man a game ball.
Maybe today was a sign that Murphy-Bunting is getting healthier?
It’s definitely a sign he’ll be playing with a ton of confidence in Saturday’s playoff game, and that could prove critical as Carlton Davis remains injured.
Yeah, Murphy-Bunting couldn’t shed a block and gave up the sideline on Falcons running back Brian Hill’s 62-yard scamper, but he more than made up for it.
January 3rd, 2021 at 10:21 pm
I’m excited that I’ll never see joe write the den of depression again!!! Go Bucs!!! It’s so great to have a ticket.
January 3rd, 2021 at 10:23 pm
I’m still not sold on this secondary. If I was Licht, I’d be eyeing a veteran this offseason.
January 3rd, 2021 at 10:28 pm
Im sorry but I feel the secondary is our weak spot.
January 3rd, 2021 at 10:29 pm
SMB has been playing better, timing is everything.
January 3rd, 2021 at 10:43 pm
Just keep showing up when it counts.
January 3rd, 2021 at 10:48 pm
I’m still not sold on the secondary especially with SMB n JDean. I still believe they are our weakest link, a big liability in the playoffs. SMB had an ok game but I think it was a fluke. Mark my word, teams are going to aggressively target him n JDean in the playoffs. JDean has size n speed but continue to play passive, confused, is a poor tackler n lacks aggressiveness.
January 3rd, 2021 at 10:56 pm
Washington is winning yet they are not good
January 3rd, 2021 at 11:05 pm
Eagles went into a give-up slide and put in the 3rd string QB…
January 3rd, 2021 at 11:23 pm
Doug Peterson sucks as a human being for benching Hurts to make sure Philly loses. This is a joke to not even try. We better destroy Washington. They aren’t good. Nearly got beat by a team trying to lose
January 3rd, 2021 at 11:25 pm
The Bucs did this in 2014, but it was for the top pick, wasn’t in prime time and no one else was hanging on our winning and losing for their playoff spot.
Then again if the Bucs had a chance to lose, which would knock the Saints out the playoffs, in a 5-11 year, sure, I’d be rooting for the tank.
January 3rd, 2021 at 11:27 pm
Bucs OLine need to keep Brady upright next week vs Washington DLine.
January 3rd, 2021 at 11:27 pm
I really wish the Cowboys didn’t get screwed out of the W earlier today, because watching them go nuts tonight would have been such incredible fun.
January 3rd, 2021 at 11:37 pm
Redskins it is. Cool. Saints play da bears. Maybe they’ll lose to them.
January 3rd, 2021 at 11:46 pm
maybe this will get his swag and confidence back…
but his play is gonna have to match it…
get on your game young man…the playoffs are here
January 4th, 2021 at 1:55 am
Brady will probably eat a couple versus Chase Young. Hope it goes ok
January 4th, 2021 at 4:17 am
Players mature and figure it out at their own pace.
Ronde wasn’t a hit right out of the box but when he figured it out he was gold.
I certainly don’t mean to compare SMB to a Buc legend, one game does not a legend make. But we MIGHT be seeing a turn in SMB’s career.
January 4th, 2021 at 5:22 am
So tired of watching SMB run with receivers step for step except giving them a 5 yard cushion for easy completions. I think the Bucs secondary did not have a single pass knocked down until SMBs touchdown saving play deep into the 4th qtr. he gets some props for a few great plays late in the game that we’re huge but his poor coverage earlier in the game was part of the reason the Falcons were still in the game in the first place. If my recollection is correct Atl never had to punt the entire game. Having said all that, 11-5 is crazy! Happy to be in the playoffs, and hopefully our Offense can keep up their fantastic play!
January 4th, 2021 at 5:38 am
Maybe this will give SMB a boost in his confidence.