The Tampa Bay Buccaneers played their last preseason game at Raymond James Field in Tampa Bay. It was the first time the starters for the offense and defense would take the field before the start of the season. The offense has been executing a new scheme led by offensive coordinator Liam Coen. He intends to improve the Buccaneers’ run game, which was last in the league last season.
There were two plans for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers coming into the game on Friday. One was for the coaching staff and the offense to see how the starting offense would look in live action. The second was to see the continuation of potential from players who have shined throughout training camp and the first two preseason games.
Smooth Run From Bucs Offense
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ starting offense hit the field in fashion and left that way. Baker Mayfield, the Bucs’ quarterback, led the offense 70 yards for a touchdown on the opening drive against the Miami Dolphins’ second-string defense.
Rachaad White, the Buccaneers’ third-year running back, ran for 16 yards on four carries, ending the 70-yard drive with a touchdown. The Buccaneers’ starting offense only faced one-third down during the opening drive. White was given the first three snaps of the game on the opening drive, totaling 12 yards.
Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense felt the team needed an excellent, fast start. Mayfield credited the offense line with playing intelligently and physically on the opening drive. Mayfield went three for three, totaling 54 yards.
One of the highlights of the drive was the pass from Mayfield to rookie receiver Jalen McMillian, who caught the ball on the sideline for 28 yards. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback had this to say, according to Scott Smith,
Young Receivers Still Shining
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will decide next Tuesday, August 27th, whether to have a five- or six-receiver squad going into the season. This decision will be challenging for the Bucs’ coaching staff because they can’t keep everyone. Three wide receivers have been making much noise throughout training camp and preseason.
Kameron Johnson, Cody Thompson, and Ryan Miller have been making plays and impressing the Bucs organization. Kameron Johnson was undrafted from Barton College and displayed his skills during the game. Johnson caught three passes for 12 yards, carried the ball twice for 13 yards, and was present for special teams. Mayfield called Johnson a stud during Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp.
Cody Thompson has been the most productive receiver in the preseason games. Thompson had eight catches for 92 yards and a touchdown in the first two preseason games. Against the Dolphins, Thompson had seven receptions for 45 yards. Ryan Miller had a ten-yard touchdown against the Dolphins, his only catch for the game. In the two previous Tampa Bay Buccaneers games, Miller has caught four passes for 46 yards. Coach Todd Bowles had this to say when asked about the young receivers making the roster; according to the Bucs website,
Still, some decisions to be made. We got a good look at Kam last night for the first time – he did some really good things running and catching the football. Cody has been consistent all preseason [and] Miller has shown some things, as well. Those three guys…we’ve really got some decisions to make there.
Cut Down From 91 to 53
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers must reduce their roster to 53 by next Tuesday. We will all have to wait to see who makes the entire roster; the Bucs have talented players who could contribute to the team.
Keeping them is another concept, but the Buccaneers’ starting offense looked good with their additions, and they look ready for the start of the season. We will have to see how it all unfolds. The Bucs’ 24-14 win against the Dolphins should give the coaching staff enough to decide on the best personnel moves for the team. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers open their season at home against the Washington Commanders on September 8th.
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