The Tampa Bay Buccaneers ended their preseason with a sour taste, as they lost to the AFC powerhouse Buffalo Bills 23-19.
That ended the Florida‘s team winning streak of two wins in a row against the Tennessee Titans 29-7 and versus the Pittsburgh Steelers 17-14.
Tampa Bay will have a change to even the series against the Bills, as both teams will face each other in November 16th at Highmark Stadium in New York. By that time of the regular season, the franchises will have a pretty good idea of how far they can go.
Buccaneers rookie performs a magical flip
Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Tez Johnson lit up the field against the Buffalo Bills, catching all eight of his targets for 58 yards and a touchdown, although it wasn’t enough for his team to get the win. The 5’10, 165 pounds wideout that played with the Oregon Ducks caused a buzz, without a doubt.
Late in the first half, Johnson hauled in a one-yard pass from backup quarterback Kyle Trask, then celebrated by launching into what might be one of the most flawless flips ever seen in the NFL. The crowd erupted as he stuck the landing with style.
With his speed, shiftiness, and yards-after-catch ability, Johnson provided a spark for the offense, proving he could become another valuable target in Tampa Bay‘s arsenal. His preseason heroics have already made him a fan favorite to watch this year.
Tampa Bay cuts a popular safety
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense did not tally a single takeaway after recording a league-lead six interceptions in the first two preseason games. Safety Kaevon Merriweather and cornerback Tre Avery tied for the team lead with six solo tackles (Avery seven combined).
Merriweather snagged a quarterback hit and rookie defensive lineman Elijah Roberts had a sack. Roberts pushed the guard backwards with power and quickly shed, firing through the A-gap for a takedown of Shane Buechele.
Undrafted rookie safety Shilo Sanders was ejected in the second quarter after an unnecessary roughness penalty. “You can’t throw punches in this league,” said head coach Todd Bowles of the Sanders‘ penalty and subsequent ejection. “That’s inexcusable. They’re going to get you every time. Gotta grow from that.”
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