Preseason game number 1 in the books for the Buccaneers. Cincinnati left their home field victorious 23-12 with a balanced offensive attack which really exposed some areas of improvement for the Bucs.
KNEE JERK REACTIONS
The defensive line wasn’t nearly as stout as expected. The starting line up consisting of William Gholston, Gerald McCoy, Chris Baker and Robert Ayers Jr. was OK. Not great. But just ok. Once the second quarter started, a consistent rotation on the line was part of defensive unit that surrendered 140 rushing yards to the opponent. Now, lets not jump that gun. This was preseasons game #1. Most of the performance was to be expected. If anything, we would have liked to see a more physical group up front.
The secondary had their moments of flash, also dash. Vernon Hargreaves was able to get his hands on the ball a few times. One was a beautiful interception as the defense was backed up at their own goal line and the Hargreaves INT kept points off the board. Javien Elliot had a few nice plays on way to solidifing the nickel position. Outside of that, no one in the secondary stood out. The starting safeties didn’t stay on the field long enough for a true evaluation and the back ups didn’t do much.
Kwon Alexander led the line backer unit and defense with 5 total tackles…A line backer unit which played particularly well. But to be expected. Even though the stats will not back up the following statement, LB Riley Bullough played well running with the third unit. Rookie LB Kendell Beckwith showed flashes of greatness ending the game with 5 total tackles, 3 solo.
WR Freddie Martino had a rough night. Dropped a number of passes which will not go over well for a player trying to make the roster littered with talented receivers.
Roberto Aguayo was 1/2 on field goals for 20 yards and 0/1 on extra points. This ultimately led to the Bucs waiving him Saturday morning following the game. On the flip side Punter Brian Anger was great: 4 punts, averaged 45.5 and a long of 57 yards.
POST GAME NOTES
– QB Jameis Winston went 9-of-13 (69.2 pct.) for 99 yards
– WR Mike Evans led the team in receptions (four) and receiving yards (58)
– DE Sterling Bailey and LB Kendell Beckwith each recorded a sack. It is the first career preseason sack for each of them
UP NEXT
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (0-1) AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (1-0)
THURSDAY, AUGUST 17, 8:00 P.M. ET
EVERBANK FIELD (64,428)
NETWORK TELEVISION: ESPN
This marks the third time in four years these teams have played each other in the preseason, after a stretch of nine consecutive years of doing so (2002-10). The Jaguars hold an all-time lead of 7-4 in the preseason, with Tampa Bay winning the most recent contest between the two clubs, 27-21, last season in Jacksonville.