The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have completed two weeks of training camp. They have had some upsides and some downsides. However, the Bucs’ have more upsides than downs. The offense has made some moves with a new offensive coordinator, Liam Coen. Coach Coen wants to implement more of the running game and more movement before snaps. On the defensive side, the Bucs have a few spots to fill, and the players they have planned to take those spots are doing pretty well in training camp. Let me break it down like a shotgun for you.
One thing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers don’t have to worry about that they did last year is the quarterback position. Last year at training camp, quarterback Baker Mayfield competed for the starting spot with Kyle Trask after displaying what he can do in tough situations and getting the Bucs’ to the playoffs last season. Buccaneers are comfortable with Baker Mayfield running the ship of the offense. Mayfield and the Bucs agreed to a contract over 100 million for the next three years back in July. Mayfield feels he has found a home with the Buccaneers after bouncing around the league after he departed from the Cleveland Browns. So, what other positives does the offense have going for itself?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rich Run Game
Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a new duo of running backs to torment the league. Bucs’ running back Rachaad White had a good season last year where he scrimmaged for over 1500 yards. White was ten yards short of breaking over 1000 yards last year. The Bucs picked up Bucky Irving from Oregon in the draft this year. Both running backs are very elusive in making defenders miss, and they are explosive enough to break down the field when they have an opportunity. Buc’s offensive coordinator, Liam Coen, has been working on options for running backs to get to the inside or outside of the defense. During camp, the offense has had some gains with the screen game. Both White and Irving have gained positive yardage doing those plays.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made some improvements to the offensive line. Recently, the Bucs resigned Left Tackle Tristan Wirfs, making him the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. A five-year contract extension for 140 million with 88 million guaranteed was agreed upon. The Buccaneers signed two guards during the offseason, Sua Opeta, who was released from the Philadelphia Eagles, and Ben Bredson, an unrestricted free agent. Both were battling for the starting guard position until Opeta tore his ACL in practice last week Tuesday. The ex-Philly o-line man is now placed on IR and will miss the entire upcoming season. I did say there were some upsides and downsides. Bredson looks to have the opportunity to start at guard, barring injury himself. Knock on wood.
Buccaneers Defensive Pride
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a few ankle injuries to their defense, the heart of the defense, Yaya Diaby, and newcomer safety Tykee Smith. On Thursday, Diaby was carted off the practice field. After the X-ray results, it turned out to be a high ankle sprain. Buccaneers breathe a sigh of relief dodging something that could have been much worse. On Saturday, Tykke Smith sat out with what Head Coach Todd Bowles called a tweaked ankle. Since the start of training camp, Smith has been one of the highlights of the defensive back squad. The third-round pick is competing for a slot position but is training for the free and strong safety positions. He has made a strong impact on the coaching staff with his playmaking ability and high IQ.
Another defensive back who is making some noise is Zyon McCollum. He is excited to take his new role as the starting defensive back on the outside. He has set a big goal for himself and wants to have 6 interceptions this season. McCollum started nine games last season for the Bucs during times when defensive back Calton Davis II and Jamel Dean were injured. McCollum wants to turn deflections into interceptions and wants to have a big year this season.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a preseason open game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday. Giving a chance for players to display their talents to make the main roster. How will their new talent shine on Thursday? I’ll be watching closely to see who will make an impact on the offense and defensive side.
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