Day three of camp was open to the public as the Buccaneers put on pads for the first time. Here are some quick highlights of the day.
Despite the lightning delay, the Buccaneers got in their full day of practice that included shoulder pads, 7-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills. As you’d expect, the players were a little overzealous as they got to wear those pads for the first time. Now, there still isn’t supposed to be any contact since it was just shoulder pads and helmets rather than full pads, but that didn’t stop some players from laying down some vicious hits;
Video: Wow, Bucs rookie LB Cassanova McKinzy hits Austin Seferian-Jenkins after throw. pic.twitter.com/awYx0XT7MW
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) July 30, 2016
Video: Still not in full pads but Bucs safety Major Wright gets in a hit on TE Brandon Myers. He was OK. #Bucs pic.twitter.com/4xVzJ95jwB
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) July 30, 2016
Coach Koetter was none too happy about Major Wright‘s blast on tight end Brandon Myers,
#Bucs coach Dirk Koetter not happy with undisciplined play during first team period. Called it "ugly.' Said players will "hear about it."
— Roy Cummings (@RCummingsFHCN) July 30, 2016
Kenny Bell, who was a standout in the first two days, seemed to be repeating his performance from last year.
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Once the pads went on, he had trouble catching the ball which is not only not a good sign for him come game days but it may be an issue when it comes to roster cuts. Koetter told 620 WDAE radio not to read too much into it;
"“Kenny had a great first couple days and wasn’t so great today. Donteea Dye had a bad day yesterday but a great day today. You can’t judge off one day.”"
It also appears the Buccaneers spent their free agent money wisely when it comes to cornerback Brent Grimes, who had yet another interception today.
Video: Another interception for Bucs' Brent Grimes, after Winston pass gets ripped by Kenny Bell. #Bucs pic.twitter.com/aIVcZe3Eke
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) July 30, 2016
As we discussed earlier this morning, the Jameis Winston/Mike Evans chemistry is one of the biggest necessities of this team. Evans had zero drops today according to J.P. Peterson who was broadcasting live from camp today and he and Winston seemed to be clicking again.
Dirk Koetter, when speaking with WDAE, said one of the biggest problems was the mental mistakes, but those appear to be improving among last year’s players;
"“Most of the mental mistakes have been from the rookies. Even though they were at OTAs, the game is still moving fast for them. Caleb Benenoch was a guy we drafted and have high expectations for. He missed OTAs because he was finishing school at UCLA, he made some of those mistakes.”"
Next: Buccaneers Season Preview: Week 10
Bucs practice is from 8:45 to 10:45 tomorrow and will be open to the public yet again. This time the Bucs will wear full gear rather than just shoulder pads, helmet, and shorts.