Fitzpatrick to start at QB for Bucs
Ryan Fitzpatrick will replace Jameis Winston as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ starting quarterback against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.
Jameis Winston’s inability to cut down on turnovers has cost him his starting job with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Without speculating on what the move means for the young quarterback’s future with the team, coach Dirk Koetter said veteran backup Ryan Fitzpatrick will lead the NFL’s No. 1 ranked offense against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Winston was benched after throwing four interceptions during Sunday’s 37-34 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Koetter said starting Fitzpatrick gives the Bucs the best chance this week against the Panthers, adding the change is “just for right now.”
Winston entered the NFL as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 draft. He has 11 turnovers — 10 interceptions and one fumble — in four games since returning from serving a suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.
Cowboys fire OL coach
The Dallas Cowboys have fired offensive line coach Paul Alexander less than halfway into his first season with the team, marking the first time for coach Jason Garrett to make an in-season change to his coaching staff.
Alexander’s dismissal was announced Monday after the Cowboys (3-4) had their bye over the weekend. Alexander was an assistant coach with the Cincinnati Bengals for 23 years before he was hired by Garrett last offseason.
Former Cowboys offensive lineman Marc Colombo, who had served as assistant offensive line coach since 2016, will take over as offensive line coach.
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has already been sacked 23 times this season.
Patriots cruise to 25-6 win over Bills
Devin McCourty returned an interception 84 yards for a touchdown, and the New England Patriots’ defense smothered the Buffalo Bills’ anemic offense in a 25-6 win on Monday night in Orchard Park, New York.
James White scored on a 1-yard run, and the Patriots relied more on Stephen Gostkowski’s leg than on
Tom Brady’s arm for their fifth straight win, which improved their AFC Eastleading record to 6-2. Brady finished 29 of 45 for 324 yards, but was held without a touchdown pass for the first time this season.
Gostkowski hit four of five field-goal attempts, including two from 25 yards after New England drives stalled inside Buffalo’s 10.
McCourty sealed the win with 5:54 remaining by intercepting Derek Anderson’s pass over the middle intended for LeSean McCoy and taking it to the end zone.
Montgomery breaks silence after costly fumble
Ty Montgomery left Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Sunday after his crucial fumble during a kickoff return without talking to reporters.
The Green Bay Packers running back and kick returner broke his silence Monday and acknowledged what Packers coach Mike McCarthy suggested after the 29-27 loss to the Rams and again on Monday — that the return unit was told by coaches before the kick to take a touchback if the ball went into the end zone.
That would have given quarterback Aaron Rodgers the ball with 2:05 left.
Montgomery also said he’s unsure of his role on the team with fellow running backs Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams getting more snaps.