2017 Buccaneers Preseason: Week 2 grades vs Jacksonville Jaguars
This may be the area of the Buccaneers most fans are the most excited about.
Adding DeSean Jackson to the mix via free-agency was an amazing addition. Getting OJ Howard in the NFL Draft was about as close to a miracle as you’re going to get at the selection meeting. Finally, adding Chris Godwin in the third was just gravy.
For the first time in a long time, there’s legitimate depth across the field, and the expectation is Jameis Winston will use these powers for the good. Good for us anyway.
Mainstay Mike Evans and Winston didn’t connect once on the team’s touchdown drive. This didn’t stop the star receiving from hauling in five passes for 57-yards and leading all Tampa receivers against the Jaguars.
We’re not seeing as many double teams on the fourth-year receiver, and there aren’t nearly as many defenders hitting him after the catch. Both point to a big year for Evans.
Jackson only caught two passes in his one and only half of work, but he also took an end around sweep for 15-yards. It’s the first time we saw Tampa’s offense really use Jackson diverse skill set, and I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t one of the most exciting 15-yards I’ve seen in a while.
Must Read: Fitzpatrick Proving Us Right
Godwin, Howard, Cameron Brate, Bernard Reedy, Doug Martin, and Alan Cross all turned in two-catch days as well.
The Penn State rookie topped them all with 30-yards, but fellow rookie Howard wasn’t completely outdone with his 28-yards including a seam route which put the Buccaneers in first-and-goal early in the game.
None of them have caught a touchdown yet, and for now, this is ok.
In game three, we’ll look to see one or more of these Bucs in the endzone against the Cleveland Browns.
Until then, it was a solid outing for a group looking more and more reliable every week.