No preseason games brings up concerns of Week 1 readiness for the Bucs

When the NFL and NFLPA agreed to wipe out the preseason during COVID-19 protocol discussions, many wondered how the regular season would hold up.

For now, the season has a green light. However, it brings up concerns about how ready the Buccaneers will really be for their season opener in New Orleans on September 13 against the Saints. Factor in how the league had no offseason conditioning programs then it’ll be really interesting how newcomers like Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, and the rookies like rookie right tackle Tristan Wirfs would all come together.

Pewter Report’s Scott Reynolds asks 20 critical questions heading into training camp in his latest column. One of those is about Tampa Bay’s readiness as they will be immediately preparing for Week 1 without a preseason.

6. Will Tampa Bay Be Ready For New Orleans Without A Preseason?

No. The Bucs’ 2020 season opener at New Orleans just got more difficult due to the league’s cancellation of the preseason on the heels of all offseason workouts being canceled in the spring due to COVID-19 concerns.

Reynolds brings up critical points like how tackling will be a question mark as well as Wirfs facing off against veteran defensive end Cam Jordan. Legitimate concerns, no doubt.

But on the flip side, we have to raise the same question for the other 31 teams in the league. Will the Saints be ready for the Bucs come Week 1? Every team was in the same boat as the Buccaneers were this offseason. And frankly, we may not really know who is in fact ready for the season until teams have a few games under their belts.