The Tampa Bay Buccaneers suffered a 20-7 defeat to the Jacksonville Jaguars in their second preseason game, bringing their record to 1-1 for the year.
The game exposed several areas that need improvement as the team prepares for the regular season.
Here’s a closer look at some of the key takeaways from the Bucs’ performance in Jacksonville.
The Buccaneers’ offensive line depth was a major issue in this matchup. With the starting lineup yet to take the field this preseason, backup linemen like Brandon Walton and Lorenz Metz struggled significantly. Their inability to protect the quarterback led to John Wolford taking a hard hit to the ribs and eventually leaving the game, bringing Kyle Trask back in. This performance highlights the need for Tampa Bay to consider investing more draft capital into bolstering the offensive line.
Tampa Bay’s struggles on third downs were evident on both sides of the ball. The defense allowed Jacksonville to convert 53% of their third downs, including a demoralizing touchdown on a 3rd-and-17 play. On offense, the Buccaneers faced 11 third downs but only managed to convert two. This lack of efficiency is a serious concern, and the team will need to address it before the regular season begins.