Anemic Offense And Lack Of Run Defense Spoils Preseason Finale As Bucs Look Forward To September 11th
Offense
Not much to talk about until the later parts of the game. Mike Glennon started the game for the Buccaneers and had a night to forget. He logged five pass attempts before being replaced by Ryan Griffin for the remainder of the game, completing only one of them for a negative yard. With many teams having reasons to tune in and watch Glennon play, he did nothing to help his draft stock in this contest.
Ryan Griffin was a mediocre at best. There were times he stared down his receiver, there were times he was inaccurate, and there were times he made nice passes. His first throw of the game was intercepted. He threw the ball and eye-popping 38 times as the Bucs were holding an open audition for the final two wide receiver spots on the team. Griffin finished with 190 yards to go with a touchdown and an interception.
The final wide receiver battle took a turn when favorite Kenny Bell left the contest after making his only catch with a concussion. Based on the severity of the concussion, Bell’s status could be in jeopardy for opening day, although he did walk off under his own power, an encouraging sign.
Bernard Reedy and Freddie Martino seemed to emerge as favorites, although both did see troubles. Reedy caught three passes for 19 yards and a touchdown, but also muffed a punt. Martino caught 6 passes for 65 yards, but he dropped a touchdown pass that hit him in the chest. Reedy is shorter than Martino, but has the benefit of being a kick returner. Will be a tough decision for the Bucs.
Defense
The defense in this game was a mixed bag. The pass defense overall was good although they did allow a touchdown in the 3rd quarter. Redskins quarterback Nate Sudfeld played the entire game and only threw the ball 18 times completing eight of them, one for a touchdown. Worth noting is Vernon Hargreaves III did not play in the game while Alterraun Verner did. Does this mean Hargreaves won the starting job?
The run defense in this game was atrocious. Rookie running back from Florida Mack Brown ran the ball 19 times for 149 yards and a touchdown. Rob Kelly, also a rookie, ran the ball 16 times for 99 yards. The defense did little to stop the running game and the Washington running game was the reason for their victory.
Positives
There are two brightspots that stuck out in this game. Roberto Aguayo was shining for the second straight contest kicking two field goals including a 50 yarder. With the rain falling all night, and the ball undoubtedly being heavier than normal, this was an impressive feat. After struggling for two weeks, Aguayo seems to have shook the cobwebs and is ready to start the season. Also there were only five penalties against the Bucs, a pace they need to maintain to be successful.
