Buccaneers at Jaguars: Preview, where to watch and listen

One week after a 23-12 loss to the Bengals, the Buccaneers will continue their preseason on Thursday against the Jacksonville Jaguars at 8 p.m. Here, we preview the game and tell you where you can watch and listen to it.

Things have continued to be busy for the Buccaneers ever since the final whistle blew in their preseason opener last Friday night. On Saturday morning, the team cut ties with kicker Roberto Aguayo. From there, it was all about preparation for the next preseason game against the Jaguars in Jacksonville. Following a couple of joint practices that featured multiple scuffles, the two teams will meet in game action on Thursday night for the second straight preseason.

Related Story: Buccaneers Release Kicker Roberto Aguayo

Of course, watching the progress of the first-team units will be the focus for the early part of the matchup. Jameis Winston looked good in limited action last week, connecting frequently with an already-in-midseason-form Mike Evans. The offensive line was solid, even without Ali Marpet. But this week, will we see Winston connect more with veteran DeSean Jackson? What about rookie tight end O.J. Howard, who only got one target last week? Plus, what’s next in the backfield after a fairly quiet night from the running backs in Cincinnati? There may not be any open spots on the starting offense, but tracking the group’s progress from week-to-week remains intriguing.

The same goes for the starting defense, which got pushed around a bit last week before Vernon Hargreaves bailed them out with a leaping interception at the goal line. Can the Bucs get a heavier pass rush going this week? With Devante Bond sidelined, we can expect to see more of rookie Kendell Beckwith this week. The former LSU Tiger struggled in his debut last week, while fellow rookie Justin Evans also had some problems in the secondary. Whether or not the two can bounce back quickly will be something to watch for as well. Keeping up with the secondary will also be interesting, as Ryan Smith, Robert McClain and Javien Elliott all look to solidify the team’s depth at the position.

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As far as position battles go, there is still a lot to decide. On the offensive side of things, the fifth wide receiver spot is still up for grabs. No one really managed to stick out last week, so Thursday night could be a crucial night for the competition. The backfield’s pecking order still needs to be figured out as well, especially with Doug Martin set to serve the rest of his suspension once the regular season gets underway. The backup quarterback battle looks a lot different this week. Ryan Griffin left last week’s game with a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder. That would presumably leave the job to Ryan Fitzpatrick, but will undrafted free agent Sefo Liufau get any meaningful looks?

One of the biggest training camp battles got a lot less interesting when the Bucs released Aguayo last weekend. Veteran Nick Folk now has a clear shot at the job, but the recently-signed Zach Hocker should also get some reps. The kick return job is still there for the taking as well. Josh Huff‘s 37-yard return last week was promising, but in order to win the job, someone needs to show that they can have sustained success.

The last meeting between the Bucs and Jaguars was in week two of last year’s preseason. Tampa Bay won 27-21 after Jacksonville quarterback Blake Bortles tossed two early touchdown passes.

Where to Watch

The Bucs and Jaguars are meeting on national television, as ESPN will carry the game. Play-by-play man Sean McDonough will be joined in the booth by former Buccaneer head coach Jon Gruden. Lisa Salters will have reports from the sideline. NFL Network will show replays on Friday at 4 a.m. and 1 p.m., then Saturday at 7 a.m.

Where to Listen

The Buccaneers’ flagship station, 97.9 FM, will have the game in the Tampa Bay area. The usual team of Gene Deckerhoff, former Buc Dave Moore and T.J. Rives will have all the action from Jacksonville. For more radio options around the state of Florida, check here. Fans can also hear the broadcast on buccaneers.com or the Buccaneers mobile app.

Satellite radio subscribers can listen to the Tampa Bay broadcast on XM Internet 829. The Jacksonville broadcast will be on XM 226.

Next: Buccaneers: Hard Knocks Recap (Episode Two)

For in-game and postgame coverage of Thursday night’s matchup, follow @ThePewterPlank on Twitter.