Bucs fans get what they want: Tampa Bay Buccaneers look good in win

So far this preseason reminds of  Tony Dungy era preseasons. There must be something to the formula, because the Bucs would always lose and look below average in the first two games, but look improved in the 3rd game. Of course we know how the regular seasons went.

Bucs players have reiterated Lovie Smith’s desire to have players just come out and show coaches what they have in preseason week 1, then the goal is to improve each week. Without a doubt many areas of the Bucs were improved in week 3.

Defense has not looked bad in weeks 1 and 2, but other than Gerald McCoy, the defense has just been….there. Against the Buffalo Bills, the defense came ready to play. Turnovers were caused, and the defense scored, something the Bucs always did under Tony Dungy, and look to be ready to keep up with under Lovie.

Offensive Line gave QB Josh McCown time to throw for the most part, and opened up a few running lanes for running back Doug Martin who on some  runs shined for the first time since his injury last season. But for the most part, It was only an improvement, which is a good sign. Guard play is still the key suspect.

Wide Receivers showed their advantage with height and wing span, Mike Evans scored his first TD in a Bucs uniform, and somewhat cleared his name in the Bar Fight TMZ incident. (See Below)

With the release of Eric Page, the Bucs have made a big change in special teams, going with new returner Solomon Patton. Will there be more changes? Kicker Patrick Murray can both punt and kick, and the Bucs spend 5 million dollars a year on their two kickers. I’m not sure if the Bucs are ready to move on from their established special teams Aces, but if Murray’s leg is as good as advertised, the practice squad could be in his future as the team my want to make a move next year, with a full season of watching Murray work.

Defensive Lineman Da’Quan Bowers as so far survived first round of cuts, but without getting on the field he is allowing himself to fall behind. Lovie Smith has said he likes what he has seen from Bowers, but also admitted every time you give another player time at your position, your taking a risk. This regime owes Bowers nothing.

It’s interesting to note that Jonathan Casillias was left behind for disciplinary reasons, but equally worth noting that his replacement, Danny Lansanah, preformed well in his stead with 5 tackles and a tackle for a loss. Expect Lansanah to make the 53 man roster as the Bucs didn’t miss a beat.

Oniel Cousins and Patrick Omameh had better moments and plays Saturday, but over all are still a liability on this team. The Bucs have scouts at every NFL Game and you can bet the mortgage that one or two guards will be picked up, maybe as soon as this weeks cuts, but more likely after the final roster cut downs.

Player of the game goes to the Defensive Line for its pressure and playmaking ability. DE Larry English sacked E.J. Manuel twice, and fellow DE Michael Johnson shook off a few critics with his performance by forcing a fumble, two tackles and half a sack. Then there’s the big fellow; Clinton McDonald, who had 5 sacks in the first half and a 17 yard fumble recovery as a reward for his alert play. He was a presence in the middle of the line for Tampa Bay, it’s no wonder the Bucs are the top rush defense in the NFL so far.