Week two of the 2019 preseason is in the books for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as they rallied to beat the Miami Dolphins on a late field goal from rookie Matt Gay. Here are the winners and losers from the game.
Winners
Dare Ogunbowale
Picking back up right where he left off last week. Dare Ogunbowale finished the game with 13 carries for 34 yards and 3 catches for 54 yards with another 45-yard reception called back (on an awful call).
The third-year veteran also shined again in pass protection. Something head coach Bruce Arians has clearly noticed. Here he is when asked about Ogunbowale’s chances of landing the third-down back role:
“Really strong. He’s probably our second-best pass protector … he has made a real strong case.”
Tanner Hudson
Another week, another stellar performance from Tanner Hudson. The former undrafted free agent from Southern Arkansas secured six of his seven targets for 93 yards and the Buccaneers only touchdown. Notably, he was the go-to receiver for Ryan Griffin on the game’s final drive with two key catches, the second for 27 yards on a corner route that set up Matt Gay’s game-winning field goal. Hudson has made this team as Cameron Brate’s understudy. Mark it in ink.
Sean Murphy-Bunting
Sean Murphy-Bunting has a nice bounceback game after a rough outing last week. The second-rounder again saw the majority of his snaps at nickel corner. He got home for a sack on his only blitz of the game and was active and physical in run support and was only targeted once for nine yards. Friday’s performance likely restored Murphy-Bunting as the frontrunner in the battle for a first-team defensive slot.
Jamel Dean
Jamel Dean made his much anticipated preseason debut Friday night and did not disappoint (mostly). Dean stumbled out of the gate a bit dropping what likely would’ve been a pick-six, but he made up for it late with a fourth-quarter interception in the end zone that kept the game tied and ultimately allowed Tamp Bay to secure the victory. The 2019 third-rounder was targeted six times on the night allowing only two receptions for 32 yards. Heck of a debut.
The Reserve Front Seven
There were just too many strong outings to choose just one. Shaquil Barrett had a monster game with a sack, five pressures and two run-stops on just 20 snaps. Davante Bond pitched in another sack and battled down a bubble screen. Kevin Minter was all over the field. Corey Nelson, Beau Allen, Farrington Huguenin, and Terry Beckner Jr. also had strong performances. Fans should feel far more comfortable with Tampa’s front seven depth today than they did yesterday.
Losers
Andre Ellington
Andre Ellington has done himself no favors this far over two preseason games. His inexcusable fumble and struggles in pass protection once again have landed him on this week’s loser list. Ogunbowale has the third-down job in his pocket. The question is can Ellington hold off rookie Bruce Anderson for the fourth and final running back spot? It’s an open question right now and a fair one.
Bobo Wilson
Bobo Wilson struggled with consistency again this week securing only two of his seven targets on the night. For every positive play, there seems to be a negative right behind it. He got loose for a big gainer then promptly dropped an out while sliding towards the sideline. Wilson had a huge opportunity to distinguish himself with the injury to Scotty Miller but has failed to take advantage of it. His chances to make this team feel tenuous at best.
Justin Watson
While he hasn’t produced the outright negative plays Wilson has, Justin Watson has also failed to make a statement with his playing time. Both games have been littered with almost catches. Plays that would have been tough to make, but needed to be made. His roster spot is likely safe as the team loves his fit for the new offensive system and his athleticism. However, he hasn’t been able to push for playing time with the starters as many anticipated.
Darian Stewart
By now you have probably seen the #FitzTruckStick, but if not here you go. As if that weren’t enough Stewart also jumped out of the hole on a 35-yard run by Miami late in the third quarter. He also added a missed tackle for good measure. Rough night for the veteran at a crowded hybrid-moneybacker position.
The Offensive Line
If there is one position group to be nervous about, it is the offensive line. The Buccaneers allowed 19 pressures and four sacks as a team against the Dolphins and failed to generate push in the running game all night. In their defense, it was raining sideways to begin the game so conditions were sloppy. However, this was still a very concerning performance. If it does not get better up front, this will be the team’s undoing.
2 Responses