Geno Smith led the New York Jets to a last-minute comeback in his NFL debut, defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 18-17.
Buccaneers vs. Jets 2013 game recap: Geno Smith debuts, leads Jets past Bucs, 18-17
The Geno Smith era is off to a nice start in New York. Smith led the Jets past the Bucs, 18-17.
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
The Buccaneers got off to a disastrous start. Josh Freeman took a bad snap at his own goal line and booted the ball out of the end zone for a safety. He later recovered and threw an 11-yard score to Mike Williams to give Tampa Bay the lead. The Bucs extended their lead to 14-5 with a Doug Martin run from 5 yards out.
Geno Smith's NFL debut was rocky, throwing a pick and losing a fumble on a sack. He ended the first half on a high note, though, taking advantage of a Freeman interception to hook up with Kellen Winslow to pull the Jets close. The Buccaneers led, 14-12, at halftime.
Both teams struggled to move the ball in the second half, with no scores in the third quarter. The Jets took a one-point lead with a Nick Folk field goal in the fourth, but the Buccaneers came back with a two-minute drill. Rian Lindell kicked a 37-yarder with 38 seconds left, leaving it up to the rookie Smith to mount a comeback.
Smith was helped out by a 15-yard penalty on a late hit out of bounds, putting the Jets on the 30-yard line with seven seconds left. It was one of the more boneheaded defensive plays of the week.
Folk hit the 48-yarder to seal the win, and coach Greg Schiano could only look on as his team wasted another potential victory.
BAHAHAHAHAHA pic.twitter.com/3dSLWsjDXC
— Mike Tunison (@xmasape) September 8, 2013
Fantasy studs and duds
Doug Martin rushed 24 times for 65 yards and a touchdown. Not the prettiest stat line, but fantasy owners will be happy with the score.
Injury report
No notable injuries were reported in this game.
Did they cover?
The Bucs entered the game as 4-point favorites. They obviously failed to cover.
What’s next?
New York at New England, Sept. 12, 8:25 p.m. ET
Tampa Bay vs. New Orleans, Sept. 15, 4:05 p.m. ET
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