Buccaneers Winners And Losers vs. Jaguars

In what started out as an incredibly ugly game, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had some players shine while others, well…didn’t.

In a 27-21 preseason victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have plenty to be happy about. On the flip side, there are some glaring concerns that need to be cleaned up in a real quick hurry. We are three weeks away from Kickoff Weekend when the Bucs travel to Atlanta to face the hated division rival Falcons.

Winners

Gerald McCoy

For all of you that love to bash on McCoy (and you know who you are), how’d that defensive line look with him out of the game tonight? One word – pathetic. There wasn’t even a sniff of pass rush until the third quarter when all the reserves were already in. No sign of either Spence, Ayers, Jack Smith…nothing. It was bad. So tell me again, how overrated is Gerald McCoy?

Vernon Hargreaves III

More from Bucs News

• Devin White posts cryptic message to Lavonte David on Twitter
• Updated Buccaneers depth chart after signing two players from rookie minicamp
• Todd Bowles sends clear message about Baker Mayfield’s role with Bucs
• The Athletic is wrong about Bucs one ‘must-watch’ game in 2023
• Todd Bowles admits he only looks at three things on Bucs schedule

Not one, but two interceptions in the first half for the rookie out of the University of Florida. Make no mistake, this kid is the real deal. Go ahead, call me out for saying the Bucs shouldn’t have drafted him. I was far more concerned with the pass rush. The selection of Spence in the second eased my displeasure of going corner round one, but I am so glad they got this kid. He’s got a nose for the ball, loves physicality, and is going to be a stud in this league.

Donteea Dye

Well, the opening kickoff sure looked a heck of a lot better than last week with Dye taking it over Bell. Dye also had one reception for 20 yards, but his play on special teams is what will make him indispensable. He appears better suited for the return game than anyone else on the roster and has the speed to make magic happen.

Austin Seferian-Jenkins

All this guy has done since arriving in Jacksonville is ball out. He finished Saturday night with three catches for 36 yards after having some dominant days in practice. I don’t think it will be too long before ASJ is a regular fixture with the first team offense.

Losers

Roberto Aguayo

Come on dude. Seriously? We let the first week slide. First kick, tons of pressure. Okay. But missing a 32-yarder on your first attempt Saturday, then missing your first attempt over 40 yards? No more passes. No more “it’s only preseason”. Aguayo finished 2/4 on field goals, hitting from 28 and 34 yards, and 3/3 on extra points. This kid has to get out of his own head. Stop putting pressure on yourself because of where you were drafted and just kick the freaking ball. Otherwise, you will become the bust you’re so afraid of becoming.

When Dirk Koetter addressed the media following the game, his message on Aguayo was very clear;

“We’ve got to make the damn field goal”

Pretty much says it all, doesn’t it?

Kenny Bell

Bell was brutal, again. It was unfortunate that he suffered a brutal hit the way he did, but this tweet by Pewter Report says it all;

On top of that, running back Storm Johnson had a nice run negated by Bell’s holding penalty. As sad as it is to say about a kid that seemed to have a lot of potential, I don’t see any way Kenny Bell makes this football team. There’s Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson, of course, followed by Adam Humphries, Russell Shepard, then it would appear Donteea Dye at number five. Even if the Bucs keep six receivers, it’s hard to fathom Bell beating out Johnathan Krause. His receiver play is awful, his special teams play is awful. He’s toast.

Jameis Winston

Okay, Winston isn’t in any danger here obviously. He was, however, one of the worst performers of the night. Outside of a nice touchdown catch to Evans on a fade, Winston was off all night long. Missing open receivers, throwing the ball short, forcing it in double and triple coverage. It was ugly. Need to clean those things up this week when the Browns come to town for practice and preseason game three.

Next: Bucs Beat Jags 27-21: Reaction And Analysis

So who were your winners and losers from game two? Sound off in the comments or let us know on Twitter and Facebook!