The Tampa Bay Buccaneers wrapped up their preseason with a final **tune-up loss** against the Buffalo Bills, a 23-19 defeat at Raymond James Stadium. While the 2-1 preseason record is now in the books, the game provided valuable insights into the team’s depth and areas needing refinement before the regular season kicks off. With none of Tampa Bay’s starters seeing action and Teddy Bridgewater sidelined by illness, the game served as a proving ground for backup players vying for roster spots, giving coaches a final look before making crucial decisions, according to Buccaneers.com.
Quarterback Performances Under Scrutiny
With Bridgewater unexpectedly unavailable, the spotlight intensified on quarterbacks Kyle Trask and Connor Bazelak. Both quarterbacks had the opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities, leading the offense throughout the entirety of the game. The performances of the quarterbacks offered a glimpse into the immediate future and the long-term outlook of the quarterback position for the Buccaneers.
Kyle Trask’s Steady Presence
Kyle Trask showcased a composed performance, completing 13 of 17 passes for 93 yards and a touchdown. His efficiency in short to medium routes was evident, and he managed the offense with a veteran-like calm. While not spectacular, his performance was solid and demonstrated growth in decision-making, a critical aspect for a backup quarterback. According to Pewter Report, Trask’s accuracy and command of the huddle were noticeable improvements from previous outings.
Connor Bazelak’s Late-Game Poise
Connor Bazelak also had a noteworthy performance, completing 12 of 19 passes for 107 yards and a touchdown. Notably, Coach Todd Bowles specifically praised Bazelak’s execution of the two-minute drill at the game’s end, highlighting his ability to perform under pressure. This ability to manage the clock and make quick decisions in critical situations is a valuable asset for any quarterback, especially in late-game scenarios, noted VAVEL.com.
Offensive Standouts Emerge
Beyond the quarterback play, several offensive players seized the opportunity to shine, showcasing their potential to contribute during the regular season. A mix of rookies and seasoned players made their mark, offering glimpses of what the offense might look like with its depth players.
Tez Johnson’s Impactful Debut
Rookie wide receiver Tez Johnson emerged as a significant offensive weapon, catching eight passes for 58 yards and a touchdown. His ability to gain yards after the catch was particularly impressive, demonstrating his elusiveness and potential to be a playmaker. Johnson’s performance suggests he could carve out a role for himself on the active roster, providing a spark in the passing game, according to Athlon Sports.
Special Teams Spark
The Buccaneers’ return game showcased significant improvement, averaging 38.0 yards on five kickoff returns. Josh Williams and Kameron Johnson both had notable long returns, injecting energy into the team and providing excellent field position. A strong return game can be a game-changer, and these performances suggest the Bucs have the potential to excel in this area. According to Buccaneers.com, the emphasis on special teams during training camp is paying dividends.
Defensive Concerns and Silver Linings
While the offense had its moments, the defense faced challenges against the Bills, particularly in containing quarterback Shane Buechele. However, there were also some positive developments, particularly from the rookie class.
Struggles Against the Pass
The Buccaneers’ defense struggled to contain Bills quarterback Shane Buechele, who completed 25 of 30 passes for 278 yards and a touchdown. The inability to generate pressure and the lapses in coverage were concerning, highlighting areas that need immediate attention before the regular season. After securing six interceptions in their first two preseason games, the defense failed to record a takeaway in this final contest, a stark contrast that underscores the need for greater consistency. Pewter Report noted that the defense seemed to struggle with Buechele’s quick release and accuracy.
Elijah Roberts’ First Sack
Rookie defensive tackle Elijah Roberts provided a bright spot, registering his first sack. This play demonstrated his potential to disrupt the offensive line and generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Roberts’ development will be crucial for the Buccaneers’ defensive line depth, and his performance in this game offers encouragement for the future. Athlon Sports highlighted Roberts as a player to watch as the season progresses.
Game Flow and Strategic Considerations
The Bills established an early lead and maintained it throughout the game, despite a late comeback attempt by the Buccaneers in the fourth quarter. Both teams employed relatively simple game plans, focusing on evaluating their reserve players rather than revealing their strategic intentions for the regular season. Given that the Buccaneers and Bills are scheduled to face each other in November, both coaching staffs likely wanted to avoid showing too much of their hand during this preseason encounter.
Conclusion
The Buccaneers’ preseason finale, despite the loss, provided valuable insights into the team’s strengths and weaknesses. Quarterback performances offered clarity on backup options, offensive players showcased potential, and defensive challenges highlighted areas needing improvement. As the regular season approaches, the coaching staff will undoubtedly use these observations to fine-tune their strategies and solidify the roster, aiming for a strong start. The “tune-up loss” serves as a final learning opportunity before the games truly count.
