The Tampa Bay Buccaneers wrapped up their preseason schedule with a 23–19 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Buffalo. The Bucs finish the preseason at 2–1, but Saturday’s result was less about the win-loss column and more about solidifying depth, evaluating battles at key positions, and answering a few lingering questions before Week 1.
Kyle Trask Makes Case for QB2
With Baker Mayfield resting, Kyle Trask got the starting nod and delivered a composed, efficient performance. He went 13-of-17 for 93 yards and a touchdown, directing the offense with poise in what may have been his final audition to lock up the No. 2 quarterback role. Trask’s timing and ball placement were consistent, and he showed good command of the offense. It remains to be seen how the coaching staff will weigh this against Teddy Bridgewater’s experience, but Trask did everything he could to keep himself in the conversation.
Tez Johnson’s Breakout
Rookie wide receiver Tez Johnson was the standout offensive player for Tampa Bay. Targeted eight times, he caught all eight passes for 58 yards and a touchdown. His quickness and ability to create separation were evident, and his 1-yard score in the second quarter was capped off with a showy backflip celebration. With Chris Godwin Jr still not fully cleared and Jalen McMillan sidelined with a neck injury, Johnson is making a strong case for a role in the receiver rotation when the regular season begins.
Special Teams
The Bucs’ return game, long a point of concern, showed signs of life on Saturday night. Rookie return man Josh Williams racked up 108 yards on three kick returns, including a 42-yarder. Kameron Johnson added a 57-yard return of his own. It was the most explosive showing from the return unit all summer and will make cuts all the more difficult as the Bucs try and reignite their special teams unit.
Defensive Breakdown Against a Backup
The Bucs’ defense didn’t do itself many favors. Buffalo started backup quarterback Shane Buechele, and he responded by going 25-of-30 for 278 yards and a touchdown, slicing through Tampa Bay’s secondary with little resistance.
Tampa failed to generate a turnover and struggled to get off the field on third downs. While many defensive starters didn’t play, the coaching staff likely expected more from the second and third units. Depth in the defensive backfield remains an open question heading into the season.
Shilo Sanders Ejected
The low point of the night came in the second quarter, when rookie safety Shilo Sanders was ejected for throwing a punch at Bills tight end Zach Davidson. This may have sealed his fate. In a close competition, safety, discipline, and composure are critical, and Sanders failed on both fronts.