Not a lot didn’t go the Tampa Bay Buccaneers way
The Titans and Buccaneers finally get to play football after practicing together this week. Reports from practice was the Buccaneer receivers dominated, and it showed in tonight’s game. Early this preseason, this team looks to be a pass first, second, and third minded offense, while Peyton Barber was able to have a second solid week including an 18 yard run, it was clear this team is about letting their very capable stable of receivers make plays.
The Offense starts with mixed results behind Fitzpatrick
The second preseason game got started with the Buccaneers Dare Ogunbowale taking the opening kick off to the Bucs 22 yard line. Ryan Fitzpatrick led the starting offense into the first drive which netted only two yards and a punt. The Second possession showed more promise following a quick Tennessee possession the Bucs took over on their own 25 yard line and drove down to hit a 30 yard kick to take the 3-0 lead.
The Defense gives up a big play, but has a solid first half
The Buccaneers defense got off to a good start while allowing a first down on the first drive they were able to hold the Titans to six total plays and force a punt. The second drive the Titans came out with the mind-set of quick plays and screens, and it worked as it only took the Titans six plays to and less than two minutes to go 75 yards for the score, capped by a 47 yard wide receiver screen. The next four drives for the Titans led to no points and a turnover on a great strip by rookie corner MJ Stewart.
Another fumble caused by M.J. Stewart, Lavonte jumps on it!#GoBucs | #TBvsTEN pic.twitter.com/sjKKV5Xvma
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) August 19, 2018
The offense gets going behind Winston
As the game shifts to the second quarter the Buccaneers looked to Winston to take the reigns of the offense. Jameis starts with a six play 50 yard drive that ended with a 44 yard field goal, the big play of the drive was a sideline throw by Winston to the outside shoulder of Mike Evans for 38 yards. Jameis then capped a seven play 91 yard drive with a very Jameis scramble and heave that was brought in by Chris Godwin for the touchdown.
Is that Chris Godwin’s music?! Winston escapes the pressure and connects with Godwin for 6.#GoBucs | #TBvsTEN pic.twitter.com/m1fGJz3b98
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) August 19, 2018
Winston was able to connect on a 54 yard bomb to DeSean Jackson to get the drive going. The Bucs were afforded a chance at a two minute drive to end the half after the fumble recovery by Lavonte David with 91 seconds left in the half. The Buccaneers would turn the chance into points with a perfect pass dropped between the safety and corner where Justin Watson was able to toe tap while falling out of bounds for the touchdown.
What a TD grab! Jameis throws the perfect pass to Justin Watson for his first NFL TD#GoBucs | #TBvsTEN pic.twitter.com/MtdcrufGJh
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) August 19, 2018
The Defense closes out the Second half
The second half started it looked like the team from Tennessee was going to get back into the game after their first drive went right down the field in 3:38 for a quick touchdown. That was the end of the scoring for the Titans on the night. The Tampa Bay defense showed off their linebacker depth and what is shaping up to be a deep defensive line. The secondary was missing Vernon Hargreaves and Carlton Davis for tonight’s game, and rookie Jordan Whitehead left early with a shoulder injury. MJ Stewart who had a very nice game one was also a key piece during tonight’s game. Stewart has been a stand out since the start of camp and if the preseason is any indication he will be pushing for playing time this season.
The Buccaneers shine in Nashville and run away with the win
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers went into Nashville and sent the Titans home singing on old school country song. If the Bucs can continue to develop the chemistry across the defensive line it looks like the secondary is going to be improved and this team could make some real noise. The key to the success of this team is going to be getting out to a lead and making teams have to pass to play catch up, in both preseason games the run defense had gap issues and game up yards in the run game. That was the only part of the game that could get some criticism tonight on their way to a 30-14 victory over the Titans.
