The Buccaneers were blanked 19-0 by the Jaguars, finishing the exhibition schedule 2-1. Neither team played its starters, so the final score isn't something to panic over—but for players fighting for roster spots, it was a rough night to make an impression.
The biggest concern was the offense. Rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels got the start, after an impressive second half against Kansas City the previous week, but he couldn't duplicate that performance. Jacksonville's defense consistently pressured him, and Tampa Bay struggled to generate anything resembling a sustained offensive attack. The Bucs finished with only 87 total yards and were shut out.
Jacksonville's defense recorded five sacks, making life miserable for Tampa Bay's quarterbacks and preventing the Bucs from finding any rhythm. It was particularly disappointing after Daniels had shown some exciting playmaking ability against the Chiefs.
Jacksonville's big plays
The Jaguars slowly built their lead before taking control in the second half.
Kicker Cam Little drilled a 61-yard field goal, then quarterback Carter Bradley connected with running back DeeJay Dallas for a touchdown. Bradley also ran for the two-point conversion.
The knockout blow came in the fourth quarter when rookie Michael Wortham ripped off a 63-yard punt return for a touchdown, putting Jacksonville firmly in command.
What does it mean for US?
The good news: the starters weren't playing. Baker Mayfield and most of Tampa Bay's established veterans were watching from the sidelines. This was primarily an evaluation game for the guys trying to make the roster.
And that's where the game becomes more interesting.
The Bucs now have some difficult decisions to make at backup quarterback, receiver, running back, cornerback and special teams. Daniels had helped himself considerably against Kansas City, but Friday's performance certainly didn't strengthen his case for the No. 2 job.
The bigger takeaway may actually be the offensive line and overall depth. Jacksonville's reserves were able to dominate Tampa Bay's backups at the line of scrimmage, and the Bucs couldn't find an answer.
The Big Picture
I wouldn't read too much into 19-0.
This was preseason football, both teams were evaluating the bottom half of their rosters, and Tampa Bay had already shown flashes of what its offense can do earlier in the preseason.
But if you're Todd Bowles, the game still gives you plenty to chew on.
Tampa Bay looked good enough to win its first two preseason games. It looked completely out of answers Friday night.
That's exactly why preseason exists.
Now comes the important part: cutting the roster, establishing the depth chart and figuring out which of these young players actually belong on the 53-man roster.
The preseason is over. The real Bucs season begins September 13th in Cincy.