clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Buccaneers vs. Jaguars preseason: Four players to watch on Tampa Bay's offense

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers play the Jacksonville Jaguars tonight, during week two of the 2016 NFL preseason. Their first game was a pretty resounding success in terms of quality of play from individual players, but was still a disappointing loss overall. That matters a lot less in the preseason, though, and the game also gave us a better view of who will and who won't make the roster.

Today, we'll see more of the Bucs players. So here are four of them to watch when the Bucs have the ball.

QB Jameis Winston

This is the guy Bucs fans will be watching every game, so it hardly has to be mentioned. Still, though, this'll be an interesting test for Winston. The Jaguars defense was pretty much terrible last season, but they do have quite a lot of talent, especially along the defensive line. More importantly, though, Winston will have to show a little improvement over last week. His mechanics look good, as does his footwork, but he made a few ill-advised throws and it'd be nice if he could leave those out of his game this week.

G Kevin Pamphile

With J.R. Sweezy likely headed to the PUP list, Pamphile is set to start at left guard for the first five games of the season. He's looked good at that position so far, although there was one play where he got beat in pass protection last week, but he hasn't had to start an extended period of time. We'll get a better indication of whether he's ready to take over in this game.

TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins

Seferian-Jenkins has been the big mystery of this offseason. He's been demoted to the second-string offense, but there's one upside: he's been standing out repeatedly in practice since the last preseason game. Touchdown catch after touchdown catch should get him some extra playing time this week. And if he stands out, he may get some extra regular season practice time as well.

WR Russell Shepard

Kenny Bell has been a disappointment, but Russell Shepard has been a standout. If he can make a few more big grabs in this game, he could threaten Adam Humphries' third receiver spot. Another player to watch here is Donteea Dye, the second-year undrafted free agent who got a lot of playing time last year but didn't actually do anything with it. The Bucs like him, though, and he's been showing up more in training camp this year. Add a few preseason catches, and he should make the Bucs' roster.