Preseason Week 3 Showdown: Bucs vs. Bills – A Disappointment for Fans?

The Buccaneers wrapped up their 2025 preseason with a narrow loss to the Buffalo Bills, finishing 23-19 at home. The game had its fair share of messy plays, particularly from backup players competing for a roster spot. Let’s highlight some of the standout disappointments.

Shilo Sanders

Shilo Sanders struggled from the beginning. In the first quarter, he got a penalty for pass interference and missed several tackles. Matters worsened when he was ejected for a punch thrown at Bills tight end Zach Davidson. This not only ended his night early but also left the already thin safety position even more vulnerable. This ejection significantly impacted his chances of making the final 53-man roster.

Missed Tackles

The slick field, thanks to the earlier rain, contributed to a series of missed tackles for the Bucs. Notably, inside linebacker Nick Jackson and outside linebacker Markees Watts let a play slip through their fingers, allowing Buffalo’s Frank Gore Jr. a significant gain. Tackles that could have prevented Buffalo from scoring turned into costly errors. These mistakes carried through to the second half, allowing Buffalo to extend their lead.

Kameron Johnson’s Reception Struggles

Kameron Johnson had a challenging game in his 2025 debut. In crucial moments, he dropped two catchable passes, including one that would have secured a first down. Despite these struggles, he shined in the return game, showing he can still contribute. His performance there might keep him in contention for a spot on the team.

Pass Coverage Meltdowns

The Bucs’ pass coverage faced issues as well. They had two opportunities to stop Buffalo on third downs but were penalized instead. These flags extended drives and led to additional points for the Bills. Despite a close call where they forced a fumble, another penalty negated the play, showcasing how critical errors can derail a team’s momentum.

Punt Coverage Woes

Riley Dixon, the punter, had limited opportunities with just two punts. Early on, he sent one too far, resulting in a touchback. In the second instance, even with a better kick, the coverage team failed to down the ball close to the end zone, giving away valuable yardage.

Emerging Competition

In a crowded receiver group, Trey Palmer also made his preseason debut. While he showed promise with a third-down reception, he, too, dropped a key pass. Palmer, alongside Johnson, finds himself in a fierce competition as other receivers are racking up impressive performances.

Final Thoughts

The Bucs have a lot to reflect on as they head into the regular season. With several players faltering at critical moments, they’ll need to sharpen their skills. Emphasizing good tackling and better hands will be crucial for their success. Preseason serves as a reminder that each player’s role can change in the blink of an eye. With a few adjustments, the Buccaneers can turn these lessons into victories when it counts.

For further insights on the Bucs’ performance and roster changes, you can check out ESPN.

Source link