As you all may know, NFL Preseason Week 3 is the last time we'll see starters until the start of the regular season, and the game that shows how the season may look for teams. Starters typically play into the 3rd quarter in this game. The Buccaneers certainly showed out in their final tuneup game, which has me hopeful for the upcoming season.
Though the final score was 33-30 in favor of the Lions, I was very impressed when the starters were on the field.
Starting out in typical Florida fashion, the game was delayed 59 minutes due to lightning in the area. The rain continued throughout the game, but it didn't seem to effect the Bucs.
Here's how the Bucs fared on the three phases of the game.
Offense
Ryan Fitzpatrick started the game to prep him for the first three games of the season, due to Jameis Winston's suspension. Three starting offensive lineman were out due to injuries; Ali Marpet, Donovan Smith, and Caleb Benenoch.
The Bucs rushing attack in the first half was a sight to see. Peyton Barber was gaining 4, 5, and 6 yard chunks throughout the opening half against a tough Matt Patricia defense and had a great 14 yard touchdown run in the first drive, breaking a tackle at the line of scrimmage. Fitzpatrick was throwing perfectly in the rain and the receivers were doing a great job getting open.
Ronald Jones II has been getting some criticism about his pass catching abilities, but he had an excellent catch down the sidelines in man coverage. Though give credit to Fitzpatrick for placing the ball perfectly in his hands.
Jameis entered the game to start the second quarter for the Bucs and made some smart plays. Running the ball himself on third down to pick up the first, checking down to his running back, and a nice throw to Chris Godwin for a TD. Winston had a 2 minute drive going at the end of the half, but a very questionable pass interference call on OJ Howard negated a big catch and run. Then, Freddie Martino dropped an easy catch on third down that would've moved the chains.
Once the starters left the game in the second half however, the offense somewhat stalled. Ryan Griffin did lead the Bucs to 10 points, with Martino making up for an early drop by making a very tough catch in the end zone and driving down the field for a field goal. Griffin was on the money, the run game wasn't. Austin Allen came in for the 4th quarter with the Bucs leading, but couldn't get points to extend that lead, which proved costly.
Defense
The defense in the first half was pretty meh, but effective. Matt Stafford was able to drive down the field, but would end up stalling in the red zone and settling for field goals.
Stafford was able to find a wide open receiver on their opening drive due to miscommunication or plain busted coverage by the Bucs. Stafford then had an impressive drive that started from their own 2 yard line, thanks to a pass interference penalty by Jordan Whitehead. But Whitehead almost (should've) had a forced fumble that was upheld by review that could've ended the Lions' drive.
The Bucs defense was doing so well, in fact, that the Lions had their starters on the field to start the second half. It seemed like Patricia wasn't too happy with them.
But again, the second half Bucs stalled and allowed the Lions to overcome a 20-6 halftime deficit.
Backup quarterbacks Matt Cassel and Jake Rudock were both able to slice up the Bucs defense and score touchdowns to take the lead, and ultimately win the game. The Bucs 3rd and 4th stringers on defense looked tired throughout the 4th quarter which allowed said slicing by the Lions.
Special Teams
Really only two plays on special teams are noteworthy for this game. Bucs' Adam Humphries returned a 62 yard field goal attempt 109 yards for a touchdown to end the first half. Imagine Auburn vs Alabama, its exactly like that. The other play was the Lions' Brandon Powell returning a punt 80 yards for a TD.
Shaun Wilson was impressive for the Bucs on kick returns, returning 5 kicks for 133 yards. Something the Bucs haven't had in a long time.
When it was starters vs starters
The Bucs easily would have won had it been a real game. Offense and defense looked in peak form, And minus a few drops by receivers, Winston and Fitzpatrick were perfect. Offense moved the ball very well and the defense was able to hold on in the red zone, though I would prefer they don't make it that far.
Overall, I was very impressed by the Buccaneers. If this game truly is a glimpse of what the regular season holds, be on the lookout for Bucs to make a playoff push this year.
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