For the first time since January, the Buccaneers took to the field.
There were many new faces on view in their first preseason game against the Tennessee Titans.
We also saw some faces not often seen around the Tampa Bay squad.
Signs of promise on offense
Kyle Trask, who has just 11 attempts and 28 yards in his entire Buccaneers career, led the Bucs for the majority of the game.
Trask was relatively solid in the passing department. He completed 75% of his attempts for 129 yards although he was also sacked once.
It was the rushers who did most of the heaving lifting, with fan favourite Sean Tucker rushing for 50 yards and a touchdown. New signing Owen Wright also had a good game, with 87 rushing yards and a touchdown of his own.
However, a familiar face – Rachaad White – was forced off with a groin injury after posting 28 yards.
In terms of receiving, Ryan Miller, who had a great breakout season last year, had a solid game. His six catches for 66 yards included a beautiful 21-yard reception.
New lad Emeka Egbuka also had a great start, featuring a 21-yard leaping catch and came very close to hauling in a difficult pass for a touchdown but came just short.
Defense contain the Titans
The Bucs’ defence did well to contain the Titans and the number one overall draft pick, Cameron Ward. Ward did not last for long, completing five of eight passes for 67 yards before being pulled from the game.
Ward made the most of Tampa’s young guys being confused with the coverage, finding Calvin Ridley wide open for a 27-yard gain.
In general though, the Bucs’ defense did well to contain the Titans and forced an impressive eight turnovers. They included three interceptions, one of which was a Pick-Six by Roman Parodie.
This shows a great improvement on a big issue from the past season, where the Bucs were not forcing enough turnovers.
However, safety Shilo Sanders – brother of Shedeur – needs to complete more than one tackle to impress his father Deion. The Hall of Famer apparently refused the gift of a debut jersey from his son. Tough love!
Chase is on the case
Kicker Chase McLaughlin was accurate as ever, knocking in his only extra point and both field goal attempts, including one from 45 yards out.
Rookie Ryan Coe was less accurate, making a 36-yard field goal but missing one of his two extra points, preventing the Bucs from breaking 30 points.
But overall, it was a great performance by Tampa, who come away with an impressive 29-7 win.
Tampa Bay will now travel to Pittsburgh for their second preseason game, taking on the Steelers on Sunday 17 August.
