Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Reactions to preseason game 2

Buccaneers are deep at linebacker

The defense for the Bucs likely looked very different last night from what it will look like when all of the starters return from their various injuries. While this hurts the team now, it does allow the backups at some positions to get valuable playing time against starters from other teams and become better prepared for the regular season.

Linebackers Deone Bucannon, Shaquil Barrett, Kevin Minter, and Devante Bond looked very good in last night’s game. While a mix of pass rushers and coverage backers, these four showed that they can still keep control over opposing offenses even if the starters are not in. It has been preached all offseason that the Buccaneers will rely on their depth under Todd Bowles and last night showed that there is hope in the backups, especially at linebacker.

Shaquil Barrett seemed to be in the backfield on every snap and while he only had one sack, he was very close to several more. The level of penetration forced the stronger blockers to take on Barrett which freed up other players to abuse their matchups. Deone Bucannon showed why many people believed that he was a capable starter from before the draft and was all over the field and was even in the backfield for a sack. Minter and Bond were able to provide leadership over the middle of the field with their experience and provided support in coverage and rushing the passer.