Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Reactions to preseason game 2

Ogunbowale to make roster?

While it seemed as though the running back hierarchy was starting to come together, Dare Ogunbowale has decided to make the most of his chances in the preseason and plays like a real contender for third down running back duties. Andre Ellington is familiar with Bruce Arians’ system and has more experience in the league, but as far as the eye test goes last night the better back was clearly Ogunbowale.

More from The Pewter Plank

• Devin White posts cryptic message to Lavonte David on Twitter
• ESPN predicts surprising outcome to Devin White trade saga
• Updated Buccaneers depth chart after signing two players from rookie minicamp
• Todd Bowles sends clear message about Baker Mayfield’s role with Bucs
• The Athletic is wrong about Bucs one ‘must-watch’ game in 2023

Last night was for the most part the Dare Ogunbowale show on offense until Tanner Hudson, who will be discussed next, reignited his spark with quarterback Ryan Griffin and took the game into his own hands. Ogunbowale led the Buccaneer running backs with 34 yards on the ground over 13 carries. While 2.6 yards per car is far from impressive, part of this can be attributed to some questionable play calls by offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich that hurt Dare’s stats and left many fans in Raymond James booing.

Where Ogunbowale truly shined was catching the football. Dare looked confident as a check down option and was also deadly off of screen passes. Ogunbowale finished second for the Buccaneers in receptions with 54 yards on 3 catches, but he would have led the team had a 40 yard gain off another screen not been called back due to a flag. Since the Buccaneers are in desperate need of a consistent pass catcher, nights like last almost assuredly solidly Dare as the 4th string running back with the ability to still challenge for the third spot or to step up if their is an injury.