NFL Power Rankings, Week 1: Carson Wentz lights up the world

24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Jameis Winston was able to salvage Sundays game against the Atlanta Falcons with an impressive four touchdowns. Wide receiver Mike Evans finally learned how to catch, as he pulled in nearly 100 receiving yards on five catches.

Tampa Bay had just one turnover, an interception early in the game from Winston. All of the receivers were able to keep the ball in their own hands, while fighting off the horrendous Falcons defense.

The Buccaneers defense on the other hand showed signs of life, in particularly Kwon Alexander. The sophomore linebacker had an impressive team-high 17 tackles, two of which were for a loss, and a sack in his box score. Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy also raked in some numbers, sacking Matt Ryan twice.

McCoy finished second in Pro Football Focus’s rankings among defensive linemen. His pass rush finished just as high, falling only behind New York Jet Leonard Williams.

First round pick Vernon Hargreaves had some rookie mistakes, blowing the coverage on Mohammed Sanu’s 59-yard catch. The former Gator Hargreaves would make up for the miscue with a big play late in the game to stop the Atlanta offense.

And easing the minds of Buccaneers fans was second round pick Roberto Aguayo, a kicker from Florida State. After struggling in the preseason, Aguayo hit all five of his kicks, including a 43-yard field goal in the first quarter.

Next week Jameis and the Tampa Bay offense have to deal with the Arizona Cardinals defense, hardly an easy task. Football Outsiders ranked the Arizona Cardinals defense the third best in the NFL, and the Cardinals are returning the majority of their starters.

Next: Los Angeles Rams