Everything you need to know about the joint practices between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tennessee Titans.
Over the past few years, joint practices have become known for their viral fight videos. While the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tennessee Titans didn’t create a firestorm on Twitter with a scuffle, there was plenty to take away from two full days of work.
For the majority of the two days, the attention revolved around the Buccaneers wideouts and their battle with the Titans secondary.
Mike Evans went viral on the first day of practice with a nasty move against Malcolm Butler.
Mike Evans with a NASTY move on Malcolm Butler pic.twitter.com/UvbheukNN8
— Evan Winter (@evan_AtoZ) August 15, 2018
Alongside Evans, Chris Godwin created some buzz with big catches when lined up against talented corners Adoree Jackson and Logan Ryan.
All reports indicate the Bucs receiving corps performed well against the Titans. However, Jackson seemed to cause problems for Tampa Bay. The USC product had a handful of impressive pass break-ups.
Jason Pierre-Paul was up to the task
Jason Pierre-Paul might be in for a massive year. Pierre-Paul has received a fresh start with Tampa Bay and has put together a strong camp thus far.
.@UDWJPP out here signing folks up for skating classes. ⛸#GoBucs https://t.co/2rg7mfN0cB
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) August 15, 2018
“JPP” was put to the test against Titans tackles Taylor Lewan and Jack Conklin. On a few reps, Pierre-Paul got the best of Lewan.
The veteran pass rusher could be the key towards turning the defense around. The Bucs were last in the NFL with just 22 sacks in 2017. The addition of Pierre-Paul brings a premier sack artist to the defensive line. It’s a great sign to see him play well against some of the best tackles in the league.
Rookie running backs head in different directions
As Shaun Wilson impressed in joint practice, Ronald Jones took a step back. According to PewterReport.com, Jones muffed two handoffs. While it isn’t a significant concern, seeing Jones struggle in practice is concerning.
Another observation from your friendly driver of the Shaun Wilson Bandwagon: the rookie RB is getting a look as a punt gunner today, and his speed in that role is readily apparent.
— Scott Smith (@ScottSBucs) August 15, 2018
Wilson showed some positive signs on special teams and in pass protection. If Wilson wants to make the team, he needs to excel in both of those departments.
For most rookies, training camp is a series of ups and downs. Jones could light the field on fire Saturday night and tear up practice next week, and no one would be shocked. Hopefully, he can bounce back; while Wilson can continue to ride his momentum into his preseason debut.
Bucs provide hints in their two-minute drill offense
Now in a 2-minute drill, Bucs 1 offense vs. Titans 1 defense. Ryan Fitzpatrick gets Bucs into FG range with completions to Humphries, Howard, Godwin (twice) and Martino. Catanzaro makes the FG.
— Scott Smith (@ScottSBucs) August 16, 2018
One of the critical drills during the joint practices was the two-minute drill. It offers a good test for Ryan Fitzpatrick as he has to lead the offense in a pressure-packed simulation.
From just the above tweet, it looks like the Bucs can run a successful two-minute drill. They have plenty of weapons and Fitzpatrick can move through his reads and have confidence in every target.
Another small note, DeSean Jackson was on the sideline for many of these drills. His limited skill set doesn’t provide a challenge for most defensive backs. Especially when the quarterback will only take a shot down the field once or twice in a crucial drive.