Aging QBs Fitzpatrick, McCown proving worth to Bucs, Jets
Tampa, Fla. — Ryan Fitzpatrick and Josh McCown are survivors, aging quarterbacks who keep getting opportunities to prove their worth to NFL teams.
One of them has started 116 games over 13 seasons with seven teams, while the other has 69 career starts spread over 15 years with eight clubs.
Together, that’s 185 starts for nearly half the league, a number that will grow today when Fitzpatrick, one of just four players in league history to throw touchdown passes for seven franchises, makes his first start for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-6).
Interestingly, career start No. 117 comes against the New York Jets (45), his employer the past two seasons.
McCown, a little more than halfway through his first season with the Jets, JETS AT BUCCANEERS 1 p.m. Raymond James Stadium, CBS
also is facing one of his former teams.
Bucs coach Dirk Koetter, who recruited the 34-year-old Fitzpatrick to be Jameis Winston’s backup, marvels at the longevity of both quarterbacks.
“Those are both great examples. It shows you what a quarterback in the NFL is. There (are) 32 teams and you make up your own number where you think the number is of teams that like their starter, let alone like their backup,” Koetter said.
“Every year media (and) fans, they’ve always got their eye on the next five guys out of college or who is going to be a free agent because every team wants that guy and they’re searching,” Koetter added. “Well, there just isn’t that many of those guys. So guys that are smart, tough (and) can do it pretty
of their two regular-season games in Sweden. Mark Stone and Johnny Oduya also scored for Ottawa, which trailed 3-2 after two periods. Defenseman Erik Karlsson had two assists, giving the captain 17 points in 11 games this season. Oduya, a Stockholm native, drove a slap shot by Jonathan Bernier at 7:01 of the third, tying it at 3 and delighting the crowd of more than 13,000. Hoffman got the game-winning goal on a one-timer on a power play with 6:37 left. Alexander Kerfoot and Sven Andrighetto each had a goal and an assist for the Avalanche, who have dropped three in a row. Bernier finished with 36 saves. The two games in Stockholm were part of the 2017 NHL Global Series. It was the fifth time the NHL has played regular-season games in Europe, but the first since 2011. The Senators beat the Avalanche 4-3 in overtime in the opener on Friday.
Jason Zucker scored his sixth goal in three games and Devan Dubnyk made 32 saves for his second straight shutout, leading Minnesota to the victory. Zucker has scored Minnesota’s last six goals, extending his team record when he banked in a rebound off Brian Elliott 1:06 into the third period. (well) can make a great living.”
Fitzpatrick replaces the injured Winston (shoulder), ending the thirdyear pro’s streak of 40 consecutive starts to begin his career.
McCown, 38, actually played a major role in the Bucs positioning themselves to draft Winston No. 1 overall, going 1-10 as a starter in 2014 — his only season in Tampa Bay, which finished a league-worst 2-14.
It was a year McCown, who’s also played for the Cardinals, Lions, Raiders, Panthers, Bears and Browns, would just as soon forget.
“Well, that was a really rough year,” said McCown, who’s thrown for 1,980 yards and 13 touchdowns vs. seven interceptions this season.
“For me, it’ll be like just another trip. I’ve moved on past that at this point, and obviously I’ve done that with different stops and different
Dubnyk kept Minnesota in the game with several strong saves through two scoreless periods and then withstood Philadelphia’s late charge with an extra skater as the Wild finished a 2-2 trip. Elliott stopped 26 shots, and the Flyers were blanked for the fourth time this season.
Brandon Saad scored at 1:44 of overtime, and Chicago got a sorely needed victory on the road. Alex DeBrincat had two goals and Gustav Forsling also scored for Chicago, which trailed 3-1 after two. Anton Forsberg stopped 35 shots. The Blackhawks had dropped five of seven. Brock McGinn scored twice and Jeff Skinner also had a goal for Carolina. Scott Darling, who spent the previous three seasons with the Blackhawks, finished with 26 saves.
Max Pacioretty scored at 3:08 of overtime, sending Montreal to the win. Pacioretty broke in alone and beat Chad Johnson with a backhand shot. Andrew Shaw also scored for Montreal, and Charlie Lindgren made 34 saves to improve to 4-1-0. The Canadiens have won four of five to improve to 8-9-1. places in my career,” McCown added. “I’ve kind of had some practice at it, so it’ll just be another game.”
Fitzpatrick is taking the same approach.
He had the best season of his career two years ago, leading the Jets to 10 wins while throwing for a personal-best 31 TDs. New York entered 2016 with heightened expectations that Fitzpatrick and his teammates were unable to fulfill.
The quarterback contemplated retirement before getting a call from Koetter. He didn’t mind accepting a role behind a young quarterback with a promising future, and he’s had no regrets about staying in the game.
“I think it’s ironic that I move on to another team and the first start that I’m going to have is against the Jets, but I’m excited for the opportunity,” Fitzpatrick said. Ryan O’Reilly scored for Buffalo. The Sabres were coming off a 4-1 home loss to Florida on Friday night.
Jack Johnson scored in the ninth round of the shootout, lifting the Blue Jackets to the road win.
Columbus stopped a four-game losing streak and halted Detroit’s run of shootout victories at 12.
Artemi Panarin scored for the Blue Jackets in regulation, and Andreas Athanasiou replied for the Red Wings.
Cory Schneider made 32 saves to help New Jersey stop a four-game slide.
Damon Severson and Kyle Palmieri scored for the Devils (10-4-2).