PRO FOOTBALL

Last One In The Books For Bucs

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Tampa, August 30, 2018 – That’s it. The Preseason is in the books. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers conclude the 2018 practice season at 2-2 losing the home game 25-10 to the Jacksonville Jaguars and will start the regular season in New Orleans on September 9th.

The two deep rotation sat this one out. Instead, team sprints were assigned for those not participating prior to the game starting. Get some cardio in and burn a few calories since game action would not be in the cards for them.

For the others, it was an opportunity to hog as many reps as possible, get as much film as possible in an effort to impress the coaching staff to make the 53 man roster or the practice team. The resume builder will also be good incase cuts are not in their favor, they will have film to promote to other professional teams.

FOWLER’S RETURN
Tampa Bay’s own Dante Fowler of the Jacksonville Jaguars made his return to the Tampa Bay area tonight. A Lakewood high school alum and University of Florida standout…Fowler has only had about eight total practices this offseason and is suspended for Week 1 of the regular season, so clearly the Jaguars feel it’s important for him to get plenty of reps on Thursday so he can be ready to go for Week 2 against the New England Patriots. Fowler’s night ended with 2 solo tackles, one blasting through the line nearly tackling Bucs RB Ronald Jones in the end zone resulting in a loss of 5 yards.

 

BUCS RUSHING ROUGH
At the end of the first half the Jaguars out rushed the Bucs by 22 yards. Subtract the 21 yard reverse by Bucs WR Bobo Wilson and that left the Bucs with 12 first half rushing yards by three different running backs…primary job to acquire “rushing yards.”

Ronald Jones struggled once again. Looked very uncomfortable in the backfield, struggling to create plays and slow to the holes. Coming into the contest Jones was averaging 1 yard per carry on 18 attempts. He would finish the game with 4 rushing yards on 10 attempts.

 

GREEDY REEDY
Bernard Reedy made the most of the final tune up game hoping to claim a roster spot. The veteran WR was targeted 5 times in the first half, caught all 5 passes and led the team in receiving yards (56) through two quarters.

GREAT GRIFFIN
Ryan Griffin started the game at quarterback for the Buccaneers stating his case for Preseason MVP. Solid performance overall. Looked in command of the offense and quite comfortable. Griffin’s night ended at the half completing 17 of 27 passes for 151 yards, 1 TD pass to rookie Justin Watson and 0 INTs.

 

For the most part Griffin threw the ball on time, sat confident in the pocket and delivered catchable footballs. A few throws sailed on him. Passes a NFL QB should be able to make with consistency. But overall the night was pretty good. Targeted 10 different receivers connecting with 8 of them and orchestrated both of the Bucs scoring drives.