⏰ 5PM Pregame | 🏈 7:30 Kickoff
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers head to Jacksonville Friday night for their preseason finale against the Jaguars—and while the final score won't mean much once the real season begins, this game could mean a lot to players fighting for roster spots and a Tampa Bay team looking to clean up some issues before Week 1.
The Bucs enter the game 2-0 in the preseason, but their recent joint practices with Jacksonville provided a much-needed reality check. Jacksonville's defensive front created problems for Tampa Bay's offense, and the Bucs struggled at times to sustain drives and consistently win at the line of scrimmage.
That's what makes Friday night interesting.
This isn't about going undefeated in August. It's about how Tampa Bay responds.
Jalon Daniels: The Biggest Name to Watch
Perhaps the most intriguing player on the field will be rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels.
The former Kansas star has quickly become one of the most interesting stories of Tampa Bay's preseason. Against Kansas City, Daniels led three second-half scoring drives, including a touchdown pass to Ko Kieft and a rushing touchdown during Tampa's comeback victory.
Now he gets another opportunity to show the coaching staff that he's more than just a developmental project.
Daniels has demonstrated mobility, poise and the ability to make plays when things break down. Another strong performance could make the Bucs' quarterback decision even more interesting heading into roster cuts.
Ted Hurst Could Be Making a Name for Himself
Rookie wide receiver Ted Hurst is another player worth watching.
Hurst reportedly made a major impression during Tampa Bay's joint practice with Jacksonville. Now he gets the opportunity to show that wasn't simply one good day against the Jaguars.
For a young receiver trying to make an NFL roster, it's about more than catching passes. Can he consistently separate? Can he make contested catches? Can he contribute on special teams?
A strong Friday night could go a long way toward answering those questions.
Josiah Trotter and the Young Defense
Linebacker Josiah Trotter is another rookie who has generated attention during training camp.
The second-round pick brings athleticism and speed to Tampa Bay's defense, and Friday's game gives him another opportunity to show how quickly he's adapting to the NFL.
With rookie linebacker Rueben Bain Jr. dealing with an AC sprain suffered during the Jacksonville practices, Trotter and the rest of Tampa's young defensive players could have an even bigger spotlight on them.
The good news on Bain is that he's expected to be ready for the regular season, making it smart for Tampa to avoid taking unnecessary chances with its first-round pick.
The Biggest Thing Tampa Needs to Fix
The biggest concern heading into Friday isn't necessarily scoring points.
It's execution.
The Bucs need cleaner communication along the offensive line, better consistency in the running game and fewer mistakes that put the offense behind the chains.
Tampa doesn't need to suddenly become a run-heavy offense, but it does need to be able to run the football when opponents know it's coming.
That would make life much easier for Baker Mayfield and the passing game.
And then there's the defensive side.
Tampa needs its pass rush to create pressure without having to send blitzers from everywhere. If the Bucs can consistently generate pressure with their front four, Todd Bowles' defense becomes much more difficult to attack.
There's Also a Familiar Face on the Other Sideline
Adding another layer to Friday night's game is Jaguars head coach Liam Coen, Tampa Bay's offensive coordinator last season.
Coen knows Tampa's personnel and tendencies. Tampa knows Coen.
After spending two days practicing against each other, both coaching staffs have already gotten a pretty good look at what the other side can do.
That could make Friday's game a fascinating final test.
The Bottom Line
They need to leave Jacksonville feeling like they cleaned up the things that bothered them during the joint practices.
For the rookies, it's about making an impression.
For players on the roster bubble, it could be their biggest night of the summer.
And for Todd Bowles, it's one final opportunity to evaluate his roster before the games start counting.