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Game-By-Game Predictions for the 2026 Buccaneers SeasonSeason predictions are a funny thing. They're built on how health...
09/03/2026

Game-By-Game Predictions for the 2026 Buccaneers Season

Season predictions are a funny thing. They're built on how healthy teams look heading into Week 1, what you know about the opponents on your schedule, and what your gut tells you after watching a full offseason of football. But everything can change in an instant. Teams ride waves. You catch some opponents at their peak and others at their lowest. Last year I predicted a 10-7 season with a 4-2 start. We were headed exactly that direction — until the wheels flew off. Here's hoping for a smoother ride in 2026.

WEEK 1 — Bucs at Bengals

I've always believe in Todd Bowles on opening week. The Bucs are 3-0 in season openers under his leadership, and he is at his absolute best when given an entire offseason to craft a defensive game plan. It doesn't hurt that as good as the Bucs tend to be in openers, the Bengals are historically bad. Cincinnati has gone just 1-6 in season openers under Zac Taylor. But I’m not sure that trends holds up this year.

The Bucs defense will be tested by Joe Burrow and his talented skill players, but this is a favorable matchup for Tampa Bay's front four. The Bengals' offensive line is not special, which should allow Rueben Bain Jr. and company to get after Burrow without requiring Todd Bowles to overcommit to the blitz. Hopefully he lets the front four work and keeps the back seven in multiple coverage looks.

On offense, the Bucs will need to mix things up early. I'm eager to see how Zac Robinson's wide zone scheme translates in a real game. Will it open up enough space to run consistently? Or will we find ourselves in a parade of third-and-sevens? Either way, I'd love to see Baker throw on first down early and keep Cincinnati's defense off balance.

Prediction: Loss (Bucs 19, Bengals 27)

WEEK 2 — Browns at Bucs

This should be a hot afternoon at Raymond James Stadium, and hopefully the Bucs take full advantage of it by jumping out to an early lead. The Browns offense is a mess, and Tampa Bay's defense should be able to contain Deshaun Watson and a Cleveland offense that has very little to threaten you with. If they can't, we have bigger problems than this one game.

I expect the Bucs offense to come out noticeably sharper in game two. Baker finds his rhythm early with short, efficient completions. Rueben Bain Jr. records his first NFL sack. Calijah Kancey adds one of his own. And Alex Anzalone and Antoine Winfield Jr. combine on a sack that had the coaching staff drawing it up all week. Good day to be a Buc.

Prediction: Win (Browns 13, Bucs 30)

WEEK 3 — Vikings at Bucs

The Vikings represent a genuine coaching challenge for Bowles, though he did get the best of Kevin O'Connell in their only meeting back in 2023. Kyler Murray is never an easy out. His ability to extend plays and create with his legs puts enormous pressure on a defense's assignment discipline, and missed assignments in the secondary could mean wide open receivers in a hurry.

Defensively, Brian Flores gives offenses nightmares as a coordinator. The Bucs absolutely cannot afford to get into third-and-long situations against his scheme. Stay ahead of the chains. Control the tempo. Even with those challenges, I think Baker and company have enough to pull this one out at home.

Prediction: Win (Vikings 23, Bucs 27)

WEEK 4 — Packers at Bucs

It's genuinely hard to know what to expect from this Packers team between injuries and suspensions that will keep key players out early. But Matt LaFleur remains one of the sharpest offensive minds in football, and his run-heavy scheme presents an interesting matchup against a Tampa Bay defense built to stop the run. The key is keeping Jordan Love from getting hot. He is as streaky as any quarterback in the league.

This feels like one of those quietly frustrating games where Baker throws two unexplainable interceptions that put the team in a hole they can't quite climb out of. We make it interesting late but ultimately come up short.

Prediction: Loss (Packers 27, Bucs 17)

Record after Week 4: 2-2

WEEK 5 — Bucs at Cowboys (Thursday Night Football)

Dak Prescott is a stat accumulator and receivers like CeeDee Lamb give Todd Bowles' defenses real problems. Dallas has also added some meaningful pieces to their defense this offseason. This is an important game for both teams as they meet with identical .500 records under the Thursday night lights.

I have a feeling the Bucs finally show up for a Thursday Night Football game and Baker absolutely bakes. Too bad Dak bakes right back. The scoreboard will struggle to keep up with both offenses. Baker throws three touchdowns, Godwin, Hurst, and Gainwell. Dak throws three of his own to Lamb twice and George Pickens, then runs one in late for the difference.

Prediction: Loss (Bucs 30, Cowboys 34)

WEEK 6 — Steelers at Bucs

I'm genuinely not sure what to make of the Mike McCarthy era in Pittsburgh. I get the feeling the game has passed him by a bit. That said, they still have T.J. Watt and Aaron Rodgers, two players capable of changing a game completely on their own.

This is essentially a must-win for the Bucs. A 2-4 start would be a very uncomfortable place to be in the NFC South. T.J. Watt gives our offensive line fits all afternoon, but Baker makes enough plays with his legs to keep points on the board. And Jacob Parrish puts the game away with a late interception of Rodgers.

Prediction: Win (Steelers 16, Bucs 20)

WEEK 7 — Bucs at Panthers

Carolina will be coming off a two-game losing streak with a tough schedule looming. The Bucs smell blood and play accordingly. Baker bounces back with two touchdown passes and a rushing score. Rueben Bain Jr. has the first two-sack game of his NFL career. This is the kind of winnable road game the Bucs need to capitalize on.

Prediction: Win (Bucs 27, Panthers 16)

WEEK 8 — Falcons at Bucs

The Bucs haven't forgotten last season's Thursday night debacle against Atlanta, the third-and-28, the fourth-and-14. None of it. Tua is back under center for the Falcons, and the Bucs' defensive line lights him up. Five sacks on the night, Diaby, Bain, Walker, Kancey, and Tykee Smith. Bucky Irving runs for over 100 yards. Cade Otton catches two touchdowns. The Bucs rattle off their first three-game winning streak of the season.

Prediction: Win (Falcons 10, Bucs 24)

Record after Week 8: 5-3

WEEK 9 — Bucs at Bears (Sunday Night Football)

The stage is set for the Bucs to carry real momentum into their bye week. Instead, Caleb Williams celebrates on the Sunday Night Football stage, throwing for over 300 yards and three touchdowns. The Bucs defense looks like it's playing with ten players at times, the middle of the field wide open all evening. A missed opportunity heading into the bye.

Prediction: Loss (Bucs 17, Bears 28)

WEEK 10 — BYE WEEK

WEEK 11 — Bucs at Lions

Coming out of the bye, the Bucs look like their heads are still on vacation. Jared Goff carves up the middle of Tampa Bay's defense all afternoon. Amon-Ra St. Brown catches two touchdown passes. Gibbs takes a screen pass 45 yards to the house. The Bucs offense never gets going in Detroit, and a promising second half of the season gets off to the worst possible start.

Prediction: Loss (Bucs 12, Lions 30)

WEEK 12 — Panthers at Bucs

After last season's slip-up against Carolina, the Bucs won't look past them twice. Kenny Gainwell scores twice — one rushing, one receiving — and the defense puts constant pressure on Bryce Young from start to finish, nearly eliminating the Panthers from playoff contention in the process.

Prediction: Win (Panthers 10, Bucs 23)

WEEK 13 — Chargers at Bucs

On paper this is a favorable matchup. The Chargers love to lean on their run game, and the Bucs are built to stop the run first. But Jim Harbaugh won't play into our hands. He'll let Justin Herbert throw early and often, catching the Bucs' defense out of position on early downs. The Chargers are fighting for a playoff spot of their own and bring a desperate edge to Raymond James.

Prediction: Loss (Chargers 27, Bucs 16)

Record after Week 13: 6-6

WEEK 14 — Ravens at Bucs

Lamar Jackson is one of those players and systems that Todd Bowles has never figured out. Two years ago, Ravens receivers were running so wide open downfield it looked like a walk-through against air. I'm not expecting much different, because stopping Baltimore is purely a schematic challenge. Overplaying one phase inevitably opens up another for big plays.

Tampa Bay slows the Ravens' run game for much of the first half, but Baltimore inevitably breaks two long touchdown runs and continues finding receivers open over the middle with systematic defensive breakdowns.

Prediction: Loss (Bucs 17, Ravens 38)

WEEK 15 — Saints at Bucs

Many analysts believe the Saints could make a division run this year. I'm not one of them. How many times have we seen a team end a season on an upswing with a young quarterback who does just enough, only for everything to fall apart when expectations actually arrive? I see a quarterback who overachieved when asked to do very little. Now he'll be expected to lead. That's a different job entirely.

The Bucs finally dominate the Saints at home. Three sacks. Two interceptions, including Zyon McCollum's first pick of the season.

Prediction: Win (Saints 6, Bucs 23)

WEEK 16 — Bucs at Falcons

Thanks to the Panthers faltering early and the Saints not meeting expectations, this one could decide the NFC South. Yes, sadly it may once again come down to an eight or nine-win division champion.

After a quarterback carousel in Atlanta, Michael Penix finds himself back in the starting seat. Too bad the Bucs are ready for him. Bain dominates with two sacks and relentless pressure. Kancey and Vea each add one of their own. The offense does just enough to get the job done.

Prediction: Win (Bucs 20, Falcons 13)

WEEK 17 — Rams at Bucs

Even with a chance to lock up the division championship at home, the Bucs continue their baffling inability to solve Sean McVay. His offense glides down the field with ease during the first half for three touchdowns and a field goal, then takes the foot off the gas in the second half for a win that was never seriously threatened. Same story, different year.

Prediction: Loss (Rams 34, Bucs 15)

Record after Week 17: 8-8

WEEK 18 — Bucs at Saints

Even after losing to the Rams, the Bucs have backed into the NFC South championship and hold all tiebreaker scenarios regardless of what the Saints do. Because of this, the Bucs rest their starters, hand the ball to the backups, and wave goodbye to any chance of a perfect division sweep.

Prediction: Loss (Bucs 7, Saints 23)

FINAL RECORD: 8-9

NFC South Champions. Yes, you read that correctly. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers again win the NFC South division title with a losing record. Whether that's a celebration or an indictment of the entire division is a conversation for another day. Either way, the Bucs are in the playoffs. And in January, anything can happen.

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Breaking Down Every Key Decision of the 53 Man RosterThe dust has settled. The cuts have been made. Here's the the bigge...
09/01/2026

Breaking Down Every Key Decision of the 53 Man Roster

The dust has settled. The cuts have been made. Here's the the biggest decisions behind the make up of the roster.

JALON DANIELS WINS THE BACKUP JOB

The biggest story of cutdown day. Jake Browning has been released. The veteran signed in the spring to be Baker Mayfield's trusted backup and came in as the overwhelming favorite to make this roster as the number two.

And then an undrafted kid from Kansas walked into training camp and simply outplayed him.

Jalon Daniels engineered five scoring drives across three preseason games, orchestrated two come-from-behind wins, and won over a coaching staff that didn't know his name when camp opened. Releasing a proven veteran in favor of a player who had never taken an NFL snap before this preseason is a bold decision. But Daniels earned it every single day. Welcome to Tampa Bay, for real this time.

TUCKER OVER WILLIAMS: TOUGER DECISION THAN YOU THINK

This one stings a little, at least from my perspective. Josh Williams looked noticeably more explosive, more decisive, and more physical than Sean Tucker on virtually every carry throughout the preseason. His 12-yard touchdown run against the Jets, his burst through gaps, his acceleration after contact — all of it pointed to a player who deserved this spot.

Tucker survived, and I understand why the coaching staff kept him. He's reliable, catches the ball out of the backfield, and doesn't make big mistakes. But he doesn't do anything great either. He's exactly average, which is probably the most frustrating thing you can say about a player competing for a roster spot. If Tucker struggles early in the regular season, don't be surprised to see Williams surface quickly on the practice squad. This decision may not be final.

CHRIS BRASWELL: THIS ONE SHOULDN’T BE A SURPRISE TO ANYONE

I said it when the Buccaneers selected Braswell in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft and I'll say it again now: that was a reach. THE Bucs needed to draft an edge and they didn’t take one in the first round. Too bad edge wasn’t a depth position in 2024. Two years later, he's been waived before ever carving out a meaningful role. When a second-round pick can't beat out undrafted free agents for a roster spot, that is the definition of a failed draft pick. It hurts to say, but it's the truth.

CADEN FORDHAM: I LOVED THIS DECISION

The feel-good story of cutdown day. Undrafted free agent linebacker Caden Fordham out of NC State has made this 53-man roster, and honestly it felt inevitable from the moment I watched him in the preseason opener against the Jets. Assignment-sound, instinctive, and comfortable in space from the very first rep — Fordham looked like he belonged every time he was on the field. While Nick Jackson looked out of place the earlier he played, Fordham looked more confident the earlier he played. That's the hallmark of a player who belongs. You earned this, Caden.

THE BIGGEST CONCERN: OFFENSIVE LINE DEPTH

The starting five of Wirfs, Bredeson, Barton, Mauch, and Goedeke is legitimately one of the better units in the NFL when healthy. But we saw throughout this entire preseason what this offense looks like without Tristan Wirfs, and it wasn't pretty. Jake Browning was pressured on 58% of his dropbacks and sacked three times against the Chiefs. The backup offensive line was described as "veritable turnstiles" and nearly got Browning killed on multiple occasions.

The depth behind the starting five is Dan Feeney, Luke Haggard, Ben Chukwuma, Justin Skule, and rookie Billy Schrauth, who is already dealing with a knee injury. That is a group that has struggled badly whenever called upon this preseason. If Wirfs or any other starter goes down during the regular season, this offense is going to look very different very quickly. It is the most significant vulnerability on this entire 53-man roster and the one that concerns me most heading into September 13.

The roster is set. The season is 12 days away. Time to find out what this team is made of when the games count for real. GO BUCS!

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BUCCANEER’S 53-MAN ROSTER CUTS The Buccaneers Trim to 53: Who's In, Who's Out, and What It All MeansThe preseason is ove...
08/30/2026

BUCCANEER’S 53-MAN ROSTER CUTS

The Buccaneers Trim to 53: Who's In, Who's Out, and What It All Means

The preseason is over. The roster is being finalized. And by 6:00 p.m. today, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers must trim from 90 players to the 53 that will make the trip to Cincinnati for the September 13 regular season opener against the Bengals. Here is your complete BuccaneerBlitz guide to every cut and what it means for this team heading into 2026.

QUARTERBACK: JALON DANIELS WINS THE BACKUP JOB

The most stunning development of the entire cutdown process is official. Jake Browning has been released. The veteran quarterback signed a one-year deal in March to be Baker Mayfield's experienced backup, but undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels simply played his way into the job with back-to-back spectacular second-half performances in the preseason. Browning is a veteran and does not need to clear waivers, meaning he can sign with any team he chooses. He was a class act throughout his time in Tampa and we wish him nothing but the best.

Connor Bazelak was also waived, having played only four snaps across the final two preseason games as the focus shifted entirely to Daniels. The Buccaneers are heading into 2026 with Baker Mayfield and Jalon Daniels as their two quarterbacks. Bold. Exciting. And a genuine statement of confidence in one of the most compelling undrafted free agent stories in recent memory.

RUNNING BACK: THE TUCKER VS. WILLIAMS DECISION LOOMS

Barika Kpeenu, the late camp addition who totaled just 11 yards in the preseason finale, was the very first cut of the entire process. That leaves the running back room at four: Bucky Irving, Kenny Gainwell, Sean Tucker, and Josh Williams. With Williams looking noticeably more explosive than Tucker throughout the preseason, this final decision will be one of the most fascinating the front office makes before the 6:00 p.m. deadline.

WIDE RECEIVER: PATTERSON AND RIVERS HIT WAIVERS, BUT DON'T PANIC

Two of the preseason's most impressive depth receivers, Dean Patterson and Eric Rivers, both products of Georgia Tech, have been waived. Before anyone panics, both are expected to return on the practice squad if they clear waivers. Patterson in particular had an outstanding preseason and would be a significant loss if another team claims him. Both should land back in Tampa, but it is worth monitoring closely over the next 24 hours.

TIGHT END: CULP AND FLETCHER GONE, SHARP SURVIVES

Second-year tight end Devin Culp and undrafted rookie Kenny Fletcher Jr. have both been waived. Culp showed flashes under Liam Coen in 2024 but could not recapture that form this summer. Fletcher was a numbers casualty with Cade Otton, Payne Durham, Ko Kieft, and Bauer Sharp all ahead of him. Sharp, the promising rookie from LSU who struggled with drops in camp, survives to fight another day.

OFFENSIVE LINE: FOERNER, KLEIN, AND HUTMACHER ALL OUT

Three offensive linemen bit the dust. Marshall Foerner, who signed a futures deal in January, was waived as Benjamin Chukwuma and Justin Skule hold the backup tackle spots. Sixth-round 2024 pick Elijah Klein, who played both guard and tackle positions, was also waived after failing to stand out in a competition that now feels settled with the starting five of Wirfs, Bredeson, Barton, Mauch, and Goedeke all healthy. Nash Hutmacher, a defensive tackle converted to guard this spring, was waived but is a strong practice squad candidate as he continues to develop at his new position.

DEFENSIVE LINE: SHAW, GREEN, AND JONES ALL GONE

Travis Shaw, the UDFA from Texas who was picked up mid-camp, has been waived. Undrafted rookie Josiah Green, who actually recorded a sack in the preseason, was also released but is a strong practice squad candidate given what he showed. Jayson Jones, who spent most of last season on injured reserve, was also waived and could return to the practice squad as someone already familiar with Todd Bowles' scheme.

LINEBACKER: SIGNIFICANT TURNOVER AT THE POSITION

The linebacker room saw dramatic change on cutdown day. John Bullock, who made the 53-man roster as an undrafted rookie last year, has been waived. Nick Jackson, another returning linebacker, was also released. Both join a wave of inside linebacker turnover that reflects the significant investment the Buccaneers made this offseason in Alex Anzalone, Josiah Trotter, and Caden Fordham. The Bullock and Jackson releases are not surprises given the competition, but they represent the end of an era for two players who gave everything they had for this organization.

Chris Braswell, the Buccaneers' 2024 second-round pick, is also among the cuts per ESPN's initial reporting, a significant development for a player the team invested significant draft capital in just two years ago.

DEFENSIVE BACK: WISDOM WAIVED, HAYES OUT, GARNES AND WILLIAMS SURVIVE

Rashad Wisdom, who actually delivered the Buccaneers' second interception in the preseason opener against the Jets, was waived and is expected to return to the practice squad. Cornerback Josh Hayes, a 2023 sixth-round draft pick, is also out, with the addition of special teams Pro Bowler Miles Killebrew following new special teams coordinator Danny Smith from Pittsburgh giving the Bucs experienced depth in the secondary. Importantly, undrafted rookie cornerbacks Ayden Garnes and Damarion Williams both survive, a strong endorsement from the coaching staff for two young corners who showed genuine playmaking ability throughout the preseason.

SPECIALISTS: POTTER OUT, DALY GONE, DECKERS HOLDS ON

Kicker B.T. Potter, who went a perfect 4 for 4 on field goal attempts throughout the preseason, was waived. It was never really a competition with Chase McLaughlin entrenched as one of the most accurate kickers in the NFL, but Potter made the most of every opportunity and should find a home elsewhere in the league quickly.

Long snapper Scott Daly was released after competing with incumbent Evan Deckers for the job throughout camp. The Bucs stuck with Deckers, who returns for another season as Tampa Bay's long snapper.

The 53-man roster is set. The regular season is 13 days away. The journey to Cincinnati begins now. GO BUCS!

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The Buccaneers couldn't get out of Jacksonville fast enough. And honestly? Neither could I.After two days of joint pract...
08/29/2026

The Buccaneers couldn't get out of Jacksonville fast enough. And honestly? Neither could I.

After two days of joint practices that left Baker Mayfield publicly admitting the Jaguars out-physicaled his team, Friday night's preseason finale was supposed to be a chance to respond. To show some fight. To close out the preseason with at least a shred of competitive dignity before the real thing begins in 16 days.

Instead? Nineteen to nothing. Eighty-seven total yards. A 61-yard field goal. A 63-yard punt return for a touchdown. A Buccaneers offense that looked completely lost from the opening drive to the final whistle.

Yes, this is preseason. Yes, the starters didn't play. I know all of that. But preseason isn't supposed to look like that. Even with backups. Even with bubble players. You should still see a team playing with some fight, some ex*****on, some competitive pride. You should see a coaching staff that has installed something their depth players can run with confidence. You should see, at minimum, some hope.

Here's what makes it particularly unsettling. Think back to the 2024 preseason under Liam Coen as offensive coordinator. The space being created in both the run and passing game was visible to the naked eye. Routes were designed to get receivers open. Running backs were hitting lanes the scheme was generating. And it didn't matter who was playing — first team, second team, third team — everyone understood what they were running. That's the hallmark of a truly well-installed system.

I don't have that feeling right now. Not even close.

Through a full month of training camp and three preseason games, I genuinely do not know what to expect from this offense in Week 1. I don't know what Zac Robinson's scheme looks like at its best against a prepared NFL defense. I don't know if the run game has a clear vision or if the passing scheme has structure that holds up when games get tight. And if the Bucs fall behind early in Cincinnati against Joe Burrow? That is not a comfortable scenario to imagine right now.

To be fair… Baker didn't throw a pass in Jacksonville. Bucky Irving, Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, and Tez Johnson were all out. Tristan Wirfs was being managed. When that starting unit is healthy and together, this offense has real weapons and a proven quarterback. That matters.

But after four weeks of looking for clarity, I'm leaving the preseason with more questions than answers.

The one silver lining? We're done with Jacksonville. The bus has left. The plane has landed back in Tampa. And in 15 days, the games count. Here's hoping that once the lights come on for real, this offense remembers how to play football.

Because right now, I'm not sure it does.

Thanks to Bucs for the picture.

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PRESEASON WEEK 3 FINAL RECAP Jaguars 19, Buccaneers 0 We’ll keep it real with you this morning. Last night's preseason f...
08/29/2026

PRESEASON WEEK 3 FINAL RECAP

Jaguars 19, Buccaneers 0

We’ll keep it real with you this morning. Last night's preseason finale in Jacksonville was ugly. A 19-0 shutout loss. Just 87 total yards of offense. A 63-yard punt return touchdown and a 61-yard field goal from the Jaguars that made it feel even worse. But before anyone panics, let's put this in proper perspective and break down what actually happened at EverBank Stadium. Here's your complete BuccaneerBlitz Preseason Week 3 recap!

FINAL SCORE: JAGUARS 19, BUCCANEERS 0 | BUCS FINISH PRESEASON 2-1

THE BIG PICTURE: CONTEXT MATTERS

Before anything else, here is the most important thing to understand about last night's loss. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers rested virtually every starter of consequence. Baker Mayfield, Bucky Irving, Vita Vea, Antoine Winfield Jr., Tykee Smith, Tristan Wirfs, Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, and the rest of the established veterans did not play a single snap. Rueben Bain Jr. was held out with his AC joint sprain. Jalen McMillan, Tez Johnson, and Zyon McCollum were all out with injuries.

This was a game played almost entirely by depth players and bubble players auditioning for their NFL lives. The final score is irrelevant. The performances of the individuals fighting for roster spots are what matters. Keep that framing in mind for everything that follows.

OFFENSE: 87 TOTAL YARDS AND A SHUTOUT

There is no gentle way to say it. The Buccaneers' offense was completely unable to generate any consistent production Friday night, finishing with just 87 total yards and going scoreless for the entire game. Third down was a disaster, drives stalled repeatedly, and the backup offensive line continued to struggle protecting the quarterback in a way that has been a recurring theme throughout the preseason.

Jake Browning started and played into the second half but could not get much going behind a porous offensive line. The same pass protection issues that plagued him against the Chiefs were on display again Friday night in Jacksonville. Browning's limitations when the pocket collapses are becoming an increasingly clear concern. He finished the night without any particularly memorable positive moments, which was not what the coaching staff needed to see in his final preseason audition.

Jalon Daniels came in and provided a brief flash of the mobility and decision-making that has made him the feel-good story of this entire preseason, but even he couldn't generate points against a Jaguars defense that was flying around and playing with genuine physicality. The Bucs simply could not sustain drives, convert on third down, or find the end zone at any point in the game.

One name worth watching on the offensive side was Dean Patterson, who continued to make plays when the ball came his way. His consistent hands and reliable route-running throughout this preseason have made the strongest possible case for a roster spot. If there is one bubble offensive player who helped himself last night despite the overall offensive failure, it was Patterson.

DEFENSE: BETTER THAN THE SCORE SUGGESTS, BUT NOT WITHOUT CONCERNS

The Buccaneers' backup defense actually competed reasonably well for stretches of the game, which is encouraging given how young and inexperienced the personnel on the field was at any given moment.

But Jacksonville got on the board first when kicker Cam Little drilled a jaw-dropping 61-yard field goal to give the Jaguars a 3-0 lead in the second quarter. That was a gut-punch moment and a clear reminder of the special teams issues that have plagued this team throughout the preseason. A 61-yard field goal should not be a comfortable attempt for any kicker. The Bucs put Little in position to attempt it and he made it look easy.

The game's most spectacular play came in the fourth quarter when undrafted Jaguars rookie wide receiver Michael Wortham returned a punt 63 yards for a touchdown, giving Jacksonville their final margin of victory and putting an exclamation point on what was a dominant night for Jacksonville's special teams unit. A 63-yard punt return touchdown is a fundamental breakdown in coverage. Danny Smith's special teams unit has now given up an interception return for a touchdown, surrendered a 69-yard field goal, and now a 63-yard punt return for a score across three preseason games. That is a troubling pattern that must be addressed before September 13.

Undrafted Jaguars rookie defensive end Bryan Thomas Jr. was the best player on the field Friday night, recording 2.5 sacks, four quarterback hits, and a near strip-sack that was ruled incomplete. The fact that an undrafted rookie was able to consistently get home against the Bucs' backup offensive line is concerning, even accounting for the fact that the starters were not playing.

INDIVIDUAL STANDOUTS FOR THE BUCS

Despite the ugly scoreline, several players used Friday night's stage to make a case for themselves.

Caden Fordham, LB: The undrafted free agent out of NC State once again looked like the most assignment-sound linebacker on the field when he was in the game. His instincts, his comfort in space, and his ability to process what's in front of him quickly stood out on a night when the defense around him was inconsistent. Fordham has done everything asked of him this preseason and then some. He has made this 53-man roster, and it wouldn't be a surprise if the coaching staff found a way to get him onto it.

Dean Patterson, WR: Consistent hands. Good route running. Made plays when targeted. Patterson has been one of the most reliable depth weapons on this entire roster throughout the preseason and last night was no exception. His case for a roster spot is as strong as it's been at any point this summer.

Josh Williams, RB: Williams continued to look more explosive and decisive than Sean Tucker in limited opportunities. With the 53-man cutdown deadline Tuesday, this backfield competition is now fully in the hands of the coaching staff and front office. Williams has done his job. The decision is theirs.

SPECIAL TEAMS: THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

We cannot move past this without saying it directly. Through three preseason games under new special teams coordinator Danny Smith, the Buccaneers' special teams unit has been the single most consistent problem on this roster. Now a 63-yard punt return for a touchdown against the Jaguars. These are not random flukes. This is a pattern. Coverage lanes are breaking down. Contain responsibilities are not being met. And the level of discipline and ex*****on that Danny Smith was brought in specifically to install is not yet showing up on the field in a consistent way.

The regular season opener is 16 days away. This has to be fixed. Now.

WHAT LAST NIGHT TELLS US HEADING INTO THE REGULAR SEASON

Preseason is over. Here's the honest state of the union heading into 53-man cuts on Tuesday:

The starters on both sides of the ball are healthy, rested, and ready. Baker Mayfield didn't throw a single pass last night. Vita Vea, Antoine Winfield Jr., Tykee Smith, Bucky Irving, and the rest of the core are fully prepared for Cincinnati on September 13. None of that changes based on what happened in Jacksonville Friday night.

The offensive line depth without Tristan Wirfs is a genuine vulnerability. The special teams unit needs significant improvement. And the backup quarterback competition between Jake Browning and the electric Jalon Daniels is one of the most fascinating roster decisions Jason Licht and Todd Bowles face before Tuesday's cutdown deadline.

But the starters are good. The defensive front is scary. The receiving corps is deep and talented. And Baker Mayfield is locked in for what he knows will be the most important season of his career.

One bad preseason finale doesn't change any of that.

WHAT'S NEXT

The preseason is over, Bucs Nation. The real season is 15 days away. Stay locked to BuccaneerBlitz for full 53-man roster cutdown coverage, practice squad signings, and everything leading into the Cincinnati opener!

Thank you to the Bucs for the picture.

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