Bucs-Browns preview.
The third pre-season game is here and the Bucs will take on the up and coming Cleveland Browns on Saturday night at Raymond James Stadium.
The injury bug has made a visit to the Bucs lately as Gerald McCoy will be sidelined with a groin problem. McCoy has said that if this was a regular season game he would play, but why take the chance of risking further injury in a meaningless pre-season game?
Offensive lineman Demar Dotson is out as well with a groin injury. Again, if this was a regular season game, we are told Dotson would play.
The Browns bring a 2-0 record to Tampa and will start rookie Deshon Kizer over the veteran Brock Osweiler. The Browns defense has been re-vamped under new DC Greg Williams and the first string defense has yet to gIve up a touchdown in the pre-season.
The Browns also have a dynamic rookie Jabrill Peppers who will play safety for the Browns, but has been exciting as a return man so far in the pre-season.
The Bucs offense will try to continue that fast start and put the defense on their heels. The first string offense has been excellant so far with a nice blend of running/passing and Jameis Winston completing 71% of his passes. Winston has also done a good job of going through his reads and getting the ball to a number of different receivers.
This will be the last chance for RB Doug martin to get some work in before he begins serving his 3 game suspension. The starters should play into the third quarter this game, while the fourth pre-season game next week will be a showcase for the second and third-steamers so Martin will sit that one out.
One battle to watch is the one for the fifth WR position between Bernard Reedy, Josh Huff and Freddie Martino. All three should get an opportunity in the second half, and should see extended time against the Redskins on August 31.
Defensively, Brent Grimes should be back and see his first action of the pre-season. This will be his first action since cutting his shin in practice earlier this month. Look for Ryan Smith to get extended playing time once the first string is done for the night. Robert McClain and Javien Elliott should also see some playing as all three battle for the backup spots to Vernon Hargraves and Brent Grimes.
At LB, I would like to see Kendall Beckwith continue to improve. Beckwith has improved with every game this pre-season.
And finally, lets have a game where every extra-point is made and every FG is made. No more excuses, no more mis-handled snaps. Nick Folk has got to get the job done. Coach Koetter has done everything except kick the ball himself to take the pressure of Folk. Nothing has worked so far. Let's hope this is the game where it all comes together for Nick Folk.
