Buccaneers: Which Players Will You Be Watching?

Which Buccaneers’ players are you looking forward to watching in the game against the Eagles? We discuss ours here.

Thursday night at 7 PM is almost here. Buccaneers’ football is nearing by the minute. We finally get to see Jameis Winston and the high-powered Bucs’ offense on display, and we get to take our first look at the new look defense. Can they finally get to the passer? Can they cover a wide receiver? Can the offense pick up where they left off? Which newbies are going to make a name for themselves? It’s our first chance to start answering these and more questions.

So who are you most excited about watching?

More from The Pewter Plank

The Pewter Plank staff went “roundtable” to talk about the player we are most interested in watching during the battle against the Eagles:

Bailey Adams

When the Bucs selected Austin Seferian-Jenkins in the second round of the 2014 draft, it looked like a pick with a lot of upside. After two injury-ridden seasons, the 6-foot-5 tight end has just 42 receptions, 559 yards and six touchdowns in his career. This offseason wasn’t kind to him, as he was kicked out of a mini-camp practice before going on a Twitter tirade against fans. Then, just six practices into training camp, Dirk Koetter named Cameron Brate the starting tight end.

So why am I looking forward to watching ASJ on Thursday night? I’m interested to see how he responds to adversity. He just needs to put his head down and keep working on getting better, just like he said he would after Brate was named the starter. He’ll get time with the twos, which should give him a good chance to showcase his talent. His average of 13.3 yards per catch in his career is a flash of the big-play ability that he possesses, which could be huge for Tampa Bay. If he can show maturity and perseverance this preseason, he’ll find his name back in the mix for more playing time when the regular season rolls around.

Zach Sauers

The player I’m looking forward to see playing the most would be my man Dan Vitale. My first article ever on the Pewter Plank was written on none other than the superback himself. Vitale was a player I watched throughout the past 4 years, and someone I took a liking to. Because my article was focused on the Bucs drafting him, once it actually happened I was stunned. Beginners luck I guess. Vitale is someone who can play both tight end and fullback so I’m excited to see how exactly the Bucs will use him in the first preseason game. I’m so excited to see him play I even have tickets to watch it in person right behind the Bucs’ bench.

Jun 14, 2016; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Johnthan Banks (27) defends wide receiver Donteea Dye (17) during mini camp at One Buccaneer Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

James Yarcho

It’s no secret that Johnthan Banks is in danger of losing his spot on the team. Between Brent Grimes being signed, Vernon Hargreaves III being drafted, and the elevated level of play by Alterraun Verner during training camp, Banks is in serious trouble.

Banks has largely underwhelmed coaches, fans, and media during camp and rather than looking like a guy playing for his life, he’s continuing to get burnt by the likes of Evan Spencer and Donteea Dye while working with the second and third units.

Banks better impress on Thursday night in Philadelphia. Otherwise, he may have dug himself a hole he’s not getting out of anytime soon.

David Harrison

Noah Spence has the potential to trigger a dramatic shift in the Bucs’ defensive efficiency. Since the beginning of camp, Spence has been demonstrating the skill that had so many high on him when played at the Ohio State University, and rekindled his upward swing beginning at the Senior Bowl.

Brian DeFeo

Who I am most excited to see in Week 1 of the preseason is Roberto Aguayo.

The Bucs invested a second round pick into a kicker which hasn’t been done in franchise history and highest drafted kicker since Mike Nugent in 2005. It’s obvious to put pressure on high picks like Jameis Winston but guys at his position are born for the spotlight, kickers are not. The pressure will be on him and he will be ridiculed by fans and the media if he were to miss multiple or even one makeable kick.

Jason Licht probably has the most riding on him. He is the general manager, he picks the players, he takes the credit, he takes the heat. If Roberto doesn’t last in the league Licht will be out of a job sooner than later. Roberto was picked because in the second round because he was the most accurate kicker in NCAA history. He would have been even more accurate if he played with the NFL hash-marks. If he performs anything like he did in college, he could have a career like Adam Vinatieri or Stephen Gostkowski. Interestingly enough both players were on the Patriots with Jason Licht.

Alan Schechter

A strong pass rush can change a game with one play. A timely sack can put an offense on its heels, end a drive and change the momentum of a game. A late sack can end a game. All the more reason that I am looking forward to seeing Noah Spence in an NFL uniform for the first time. All accounts have indicated that he is turning heads in training camp, and if he can make plays during games, the Bucs will get much needed influx of energy.

The Bucs have had difficulty getting to the passer. Gerald McCoy has been a one-man band for a while. Spence is a guy that has the potential to take this defense to new heights, and it starts on Thursday night in Philadelphia.

Next: Five Players to Watch in the Preseason Opener

Who are you looking forward to seeing? Comment below…

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Pewter Plank Roundtable: Buccaneers’ Players Most Excited About Watching

By Alan Schechter | Aug 11, 2016