Buccaneers: Risers and fallers from the 13-3 loss to the Titans
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers put on a putrid performance in their 13-3 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Saturday night. And while it's only preseason, it's always tough to swallow a loss such as this. There was certainly more bad than good in this game, but, I was still able to find a few performances […]
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers put on a putrid performance in their 13-3 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Saturday night. And while it's only preseason, it's always tough to swallow a loss such as this.
There was certainly more bad than good in this game, but, I was still able to find a few performances that stood out in a good way. And, a bad way, of course.
Risers
LB Olakunle Fatukasi
If there's any obvious bright spot from this game, it's Fatukasi. The undrafted rookie turned in his best game of the preseason, recording nine tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2.0 TFLS, and two quarterback hits on the night. He also added an assist on a special teams tackle.
What really keyed Fatukasi's play was his impact on third down. He made a big stop on Malik Willis during the Titans' first drive and then his solo sack on the next drive forced the Titans into a 3rd and 9 they couldn't convert. He also was in on the third down sack that killed the Titans' first drive of the second half.
"He's smart and he's tough. He's a guy we're looking at," Bowles told reporters after the game. "I gotta see how he did on [special] teams. That's another battle spot we're looking at … He's made his presence known and he's made his presence felt. We just gotta look at the tape."
Fatukasi could easily force the Buccaneers to carry five ILBs into the season or he could take Grant Stuard's spot, who's been mostly hurt during camp.
CB Don Gardner
Gardner came up with the Buccaneers' only takeaway on the night. Splash plays certainly help bubble players make the final roster, but it's the mental understanding of the game that really helps the most.
Fortunately, Gardner was able to get the interception through his route recognition. He recognized Treylon Burks' go route and ran with him in stride before intercepting Logan Woodside's underthrown ball.
Now, it's time for Gardner to show progress with his mentals, make consistent tackles, and get another INT next week against the Colts. A strong showing in Indy could land him a roster spot.
WR Deven Thompkins
Thompkins had a solid week of practice and he made the most of his opportunities Saturday night. It's hard to find any offensive bright spots outside of him and Vaughn, but Thompkins is definitely worthy of a mention.
He tied for the team lead in receptions (2) and he led the team with 38 receiving yards. That included his 34-yard grab from Kyle Trask on the Buccaneers' first drive of the second half.
It's still anyone's fight for that final receiver spot, but right now, it's really hard to leave Thompkins out of the conversation.
Fallers
G Luke Goedeke
The Buccaneers started training camp with Aaron Stinnie as the starting left guard and then Nick Leverett took over a week or so into camp.
Many wondered why Goedeke, a second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, wasn't running with the 1s. For starters, he fits the bill when it comes to traits the Buccaneers are looking for in offensive lineman and secondly, the Buccaneers have never shied away from starting offensive lineman in their rookie year.
Regardless, fans found out why Goedeke was so far down the depth chart on Saturday night. He received the start and he was not good.
His worst sequence came during the Buccaneers' two drives before they ran out the clock going into halftime. On the first, Goedeke was flagged for holding and it wiped out a 16-yard run by rookie running back Rachaad White. Then, during the ensuing 2nd and 20, White fumbled while trying to get extra yards and the Titans recovered.
On the penultimate drive of the first half, Goedeke was flagged again for holding which kept the Buccaneers out of a very manageable 3rd and 1 in Titans territory. Then, on the very next play, he was part of a sack that created a 3rd and 17. Trask threw an interception and then the Titans scored a touchdown to take a 13-0 lead a few plays later.
It's clear Goedeke is not ready for NFL football at this point in his career.
WR Jaelon Darden
Darden couldn't get on the stat sheet Saturday night, despite receiving three targets. He also couldn't get anything going on his lone punt return and he returned one kickoff for 25-yards.
Darden has to show so some big-play ability at some point during the preseason. Outside the big punt return against the Chicago Bears in 2021, he hasn't done anything noteworthy.
With a deep receiver room and guys like Thompkins showing more and more progression, Darden has to start making plays.
You can check out Bowles' full presser below:
Featured image via Andrew Nelles-USA TODAY Sports
