The Tampa Bay Buccaneers opened their preseason in type, delivering a dominant 29-7 win over the Tennessee Titans. For a sport that noticed a lot of the starters take the evening off, Tampa Bay’s depth rose to the event. They made massive performs on either side of the ball and gave the teaching employees lots to consider. For these on the roster bubble, it was a golden alternative, and a number of other gamers seized it.
The Bucs’ 2025 preseason image
The Buccaneers opened their 2025 preseason in commanding style. With Baker Mayfield and most starters watching from the sidelines, Kyle Trask took the reins within the first half. He guided the offense with poise earlier than Connor Bazelak stepped in after halftime. A relentless run sport and three second-half interceptions by the protection ensured the victory.
Even with out their top-line expertise, the Bucs’ depth greater than held its personal towards a number of of Tennessee’s starters. Younger contributors shined. Within the fourth quarter, the undrafted rookie class slammed the door. They turned the opener into an encouraging glimpse of Tampa Bay’s future.
Right here we’ll attempt to have a look at and focus on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers roster hopefuls who improved inventory after sport vs. Titans.
1. CB Jacob Parrish: versatility and confidence in protection
Third-round decide Jacob Parrish wasted no time making his presence felt. Enjoying a number of spots throughout the secondary, Parrish was a steadying power for the Bucs’ protection towards Tennessee. He was focused typically. That was a pure consequence of being the rookie on the sphere. Nonetheless, he responded with poise, recording two cross breakups, probably the most by any Bucs rookie in a preseason sport since 2017.
Parrish wasn’t flawless; one miscue noticed him out of place on a protection project. Nonetheless, that second didn’t shake his confidence. He continued to problem receivers in man protection and disrupt passing lanes in zone. His willingness to combine it up bodily on the line of scrimmage stood out, and his anticipation on beneath routes regarded superior for a first-year participant.
For head coach Todd Bowles, Parrish’s means to deal with a number of roles is a precious asset. If he continues to construct on this efficiency, he may carve out significant snaps early within the common season.
2. RB Sean Tucker: seizing the second with Rachaad White sidelined
Sean Tucker’s evening started with alternative and ended with an announcement. When Rachaad White exited early with a groin damage, Tucker took over lead again duties and promptly put the sport out of attain. His 32-yard landing run within the second quarter was the knockout blow. Nonetheless, it was his consistency all through the sport that impressed most.
Tucker carried 13 occasions for 50 yards and a rating. He ran with fast, decisive cuts and completed runs by way of contact. He regarded explosive, very similar to he did late final season. Tucker additionally confirmed the endurance to observe blocks earlier than accelerating into open lanes. When known as upon once more within the second half to alleviate Owen Wright, Tucker stored the chains transferring and the Titans’ protection on its heels.
With White’s standing unsure, Tucker might discover himself in line for extra work over the subsequent few weeks. Even when the starter returns shortly, Tucker’s efficiency has probably solidified his position as a key rotational again. His readiness may very well be a difference-maker for Tampa Bay in 2025.
3. QB Kyle Trask: calming the competitors at QB2
Kyle Trask’s NFL journey has been something however simple. Drafted within the second spherical as a doable inheritor to Tom Brady, he’s spent a lot of his profession ready behind veterans and dealing in relative obscurity. Saturday evening, he reminded everybody why the Buccaneers have continued to spend money on his improvement.
Trask performed the whole first half. He accomplished 12 of 16 passes for 129 yards and led the offense to all 13 of its first-half factors. His command of the huddle was noticeable, and he made good choices underneath stress. He capped one drive with a well-placed landing cross. Maybe extra importantly, Trask stored the offense on schedule, transferring the ball methodically towards a Titans protection that featured a number of starters.
The Bucs introduced in Teddy Bridgewater this offseason. That prompted hypothesis that Trask may lose his maintain on the backup job. That discuss quieted considerably after Saturday’s displaying. Sure, he nonetheless has work to do. That mentioned, Trask regarded snug, assured, and in management — precisely what Tampa Bay wants from its QB2.
Constructing momentum towards the common season
Preseason is about analysis, and within the Buccaneers’ opener, the analysis was overwhelmingly optimistic for a number of younger gamers. Jacob Parrish confirmed the protection chops and flexibility that would earn him early taking part in time. Sean Tucker ran with objective, turning an damage to a starter into an audition for a much bigger position. Kyle Trask steadied the offense and quieted questions on his place within the quarterback pecking order.
The 29-7 win over Tennessee might not imply something within the standings, however for gamers combating for roster spots, it was a vital step ahead. Because the preseason continues, these performances can be scrutinized, constructed upon, and, if all goes to plan, carried into the common season.