Bucs impressive in work with the Titans
The Buccaners wrapped up their 2-day workouts with the Tennessee Titans today and will have a simple walk through in preparation for the second pre-season game on Saturday.
A couple of things that really stood out to me. These WR’s have the potential to be really good. Time after time on Wednesday the Bucs receivers got behind the Titan DB’s to make the catch.
The Titan DB’s are not exactly chopped liver. They were Ranked No. 30 and 25 the last two season, but the Titans have upgraded significantly this season with the signing of All-Pro Malcolm Butler from the Patriots along with Logan Ryan. Tennessee also returns last years No. 1 selection Adoree Jackson. That is a nice trio to start with in your defensive backfield.
To be fair the Titan DB’s rebounded nicely and had a much better day today against the Bucs offense as they appeared more aggressive and ready to compete today. They even had a couple of interceptions.
I have stated previously stated that this receiving corp of the Bucs is going to be one to be reckoned with. Everyone is back from last years team and Chris Godwin and OJ Howard should take that next leap in their development from their rookie year to year 2.
Godwin is already having an outstanding camp and should unseat DeSean Jackson as the starting WR opposite Mike Evans. Add in Adam Humphries, and either Bobo Wilson or Freddie Martino, and this group has the making of a special Receiving corp.
Shaun Wilson continues to impress. If he is returning kicks, or is the gunner on the coverage team, Wilson is using his speed to make plays and causing the coaches to pay attention. I think Wilson has a real good chance of making this team as the main return guy.
Should Wilson make the team, I think Bernard Reedy‘s spot is in danger. Reedy made the team last year based on his ability to play special teams, not so much for his contribution to the WR position. The Bucs have too many other talented receivers fighting to make this team, so I think Reedy is out.
The leadership of Jason Pierre-Paul has been better than we thought. From giving 110 % on the practice field, to leading in the classroom, JPP has exceeded expectations for the Bucs so far.
JPP worked against one of the better offensive tackles in the game in Taylor Lewan the last two days and won the one on one battles time after time in their individual battles. As I have stated in prior columns, this Bucs DL is going to be a force to be reckoned with this season.
On Saturday, look for Ryan Fitzpatrick to get more playing time and play into the second quarter. With Fitzpatrick starting the first three games of the season, he will the majority of the work with the starters.
Jameis Winston should play well into the third quarter, with Ryan Griffen looking to build on his solid performance from game 1.
Here are my list of three players that need to have a better showing.
Ronald Jones. 8 carries for 9 yards isn’t going to cut it. I expected better from Jones as a high second round pick and I think Jones will accept the challenge to be better this week. Peyton Barber remains the starter at RB.
MJ Stewart and Carlton Davis. They both had nice debut’s in the game against Miami. The more experience they can get the better prepared they will be for the regular season. I think this injury to Vernon Hargreaves will open the door for Stewart or Davis to start at the corner position.
It was going to be close anyways, but this injury just seals the deal for one of these rookies to start.
Chandler Catanzaro. I am tired of warching the Bucs K missing EXP’s and FG’s. The kicker is being paid to put the ball between the uprights. Please, can we at least go through a game where all kicks are made? This is becoming ridiculous at this point. Catanzaro is the guy and he has to get it together.
-Today the Bucs waived former draft pick Stevie Tu’ikolovatu. Stevie T Missed all of last season with a knee injury. DT Drew Iddings takes his place.
