Buccaneers preseason opener generates hope

It was an uplifting start for the Buccaneers 2018 season, excitement has returned to One Buc Place.

Football is back and optimism is in the air after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers successful preseason opener.

It didn’t matter if it was in the preseason and the game had no impact on the standings. The Tampa Bay offense lit up the scoreboard and the 2018 rookie class put on a show.

For the first time in almost a year, the Bucs were mentioned in a positive light. No predictions about the team drafting a new quarterback next season or finishing 1-15.

Last August, Tampa Bay was an offseason darling. Tampa Bay was ready to become the kings of the NFC South and return to prominence for the first time since their Super Bowl run. Sadly, they returned to the cellar and weren’t heard from all season.

Then, news of Jameis Winston‘s suspension hit and all hope was lost. Without Winston under center, the Bucs would face three of the best teams in the league; staring a 0-3 start right in the face.

All of the negativity was swept under the rug as the Bucs took the field. It may only be preseason but to see the pewter and red uniforms on the gridiron washed away all of the skepticism.

The Buccaneers offense shined. And not just Ryan Fitzpatrick and the first team, Winston was also on the money in the preseason opener.

While the defense wasn’t able to completely shut down the Dolphins, a trio of rookie defensive backs stood out. Carlton Davis proved he can start and M.J. Stewart and Jordan Whitehead made multiple impact plays.

Let’s make it very clear, one preseason game doesn’t mean the Bucs are going to win double-digit games. It has just changed the outlook for a fan base which hasn’t seen much positivity in the past six months.

However, the game was everything Bucs fans wanted to see. Every question about the team was answered in their first preseason contest. A fluid offense was on display and the helpless Bucs defense from 2017 looks to be a thing of the past.

Of course, week 1 may come around and the Buccaneers fan base might be brought back down to Earth. For now, the preseason will bring hope.