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The Tampa Tribune, published 9 November 2015
Connor Barth has busy day with four field goals
Connor Barth had a busy day. He was 4-for-5 on field-goal attempts, making kicks of 25, 28, 21 and 53 yards, while going wide right on a 43-yard attempt, his first miss since rejoining the team. Barth has made at least three field goals in five consecutive regular-season games, the NFL’s longest streak since Jeff Reed accomplished the feat for the 2009-10 Steelers.
Still, he was the second-most newsworthy kicker in Sunday’s game. Giants kicker Josh Brown was 4-for-4, including field goals of 53 and 44 yards in the fourth quarter that allowed the Giants to pad their lead. Brown hasn’t missed an attempt all season, going 15-for-15.
“He’s having an amazing run,’’ Barth said. “We’re very good friends. We have the same agent, the same kicking coach. I just tried to do my job. On the one I missed, I didn’t hit it well at all. Sometimes, you miss.’’ Unless you are Josh Brown this season.
No excuses for Spence
Akeem Spence sat at his locker and stared straight ahead after the game, lamenting his critical lapse of focus in the late moments of Sunday’s game. After Eli Manning found Odell Beckham Jr. for 9 yards on third-and-6 from the Giants 24-yard line, Spence was penalized 15 yards for unnecessary roughness as New York crossed midfield with 3:21 remaining. The infraction came during a 10-play drive that consumed 4:34 and essentially sealed a 32-18 triumph.
“That penalty is all I can think about,’’ said Spence, who was met by Bucs head coach Lovie Smith near the sideline for an immediate rebuke. “Despite all the good things, I’ve got to be better than that for the team and knowing the situation — I’ve got to give us a chance.’’
The Bucs were penalized nine times for 79 yards, but it was Spence’s lack of discipline that proved most costly. “I’m going to take this one real heavy because I let the team down,’’ the third-year pro said. “They expect better from me and I can’t react in that situation. I’ve got to walk away. No matter what, just walk away.’’
True blue
It’s hard to specify how much blue — New York Giants blue — was present at Raymond James Stadium. More than half? That’s a good estimate, according to Giants defensive end George Selvie, the former University of South Florida player.
“Giants fans are everywhere, but this is one of the largest displays I’ve seen in a visiting stadium,’’ Selvie said. “It was impressive. We could hear the cheers. The players notice that stuff.’’
It was the second straight home game that visiting fans made a noticeable difference. The Jacksonville Jaguars brought a sizeable contingent on Oct. 11. And next week, the Dallas Cowboys are likely to have a sizeable fan presence at Raymond James. “Regardless of what’s going on in the stands, you’re focused on the field,’’ Bucs guard Logan Mankins said. “That’s the bottom line.’’
Move it on over
Evan Smith had been itching to return to Tampa Bay’s offensive line. On Sunday, he got his wish, but it wasn’t exactly what the veteran lineman had in mind. Smith started the first two games of the season at center before suffering an ankle injury at New Orleans. With Joe Hawley playing well in his place, Smith hadn’t taken a snap until rookie right guard Ali Marpet hobbled off with an ankle injury on the opening play of the second quarter.
“That’s the first time I played guard since 2011 with the Packers,’’ Smith said. “It just felt good to get back in. You want to be out there battling with the guys. It was a tough day, and we’ve got to find a way to finish drives, but for me it was just good to be back on the field for the first time since Week 2.’’
Marpet had his left ankle re-taped on the sideline with hopes of coming back in, but the second-round draft pick out of Hobart College never returned.
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