NFL Preseason Schedule 2014: Buccaneers Exhibition Games are Set

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a new coaching staff heading into 2014, which means they have even more to consider and evaluate during the preseason. And now that the schedule is out, we know who the Bucs will be facing during the four-game slate, and when we'll get our first glimpse at the team on the field.

Bucs will open 2014 preseason in Jacksonville, followed by Miami at home, at Buffalo, Washington at home. Specific dates/times come later.

— Scott Smith (@ScottSBucs) April 9, 2014

Starting with two games against teams in the state of Florida (and playing three total games in the Sunshine State) to kick off the preseason is nothing shocking for the Buccaneers, who often play games against the Jaguars and Dolphins during the exhibition season.

And much like last season, the Buccaneers will finish the preseason with a home game against the Washington Redskins.

But it's the third game, a road game against the Buffalo Bills, which will prove to be the most interesting. Much like last season, when the Buccaneers faced the New England Patriots with their former Buccaneers, it will be the Bills and former Buc Mike Williams who will challenge Lovie Smith and company during the preseason.

The preseason will give the coaches their final chance to evaluate the quarterback competition, as well as solidify rotations at hotly contested positions like left defensive end, SAM linebacker, tight end, and nickel corner.

But more importantly for the fans, it will give a first look at how the new uniforms look in action, and hope that real football is just weeks away. Now if only all these pesky weeks between now and then could go by a bit quicker...