Bucs Nation - Bucs lose 24-10 in final preseason game to WashingtonA Tampa Bay Buccaneers Blog - Fire Those Cannons!https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48049/bucs-fave.png2014-08-29T11:44:13-04:00http://www.bucsnation.com/rss/stream/58417562014-08-29T11:44:13-04:002014-08-29T11:44:13-04:00PFF Game Grades for Week 4
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SpfIol3ePF7uy9Liz851QWDX50Y=/0x0:3990x2660/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/37641730/20140828_ads_mb2_174.JPG.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>David Manning-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Pro Football Focus has put out their grades for the final week of the preseason. How did players on the roster bubble fare in their final effort to make the team?</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> have already begun to release and waive players to reach the 53-man roster limit enforced on Saturday. They'll consider a player's body of work when deciding whether to keep him or not, and that includes Thursday night's loss to Washington.</p>
<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com%2Fdata%2Fgstats.php%3Ftab%3Dby_team%26season%3D2014%26teamid%3D30%26stats%3Do%26gameid%3D3066%26pre%3DPRE&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bucsnation.com%2F2014%2F8%2F29%2F6083023%2Fbuccaneers-game-grades-which-players-stood-out-in-the-final-preseason" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Pro Football Focus</a> has chimed in with their thoughts on how the Buccaneers backups performed in their final audition. Here are some of the highlights.</p>
<h4>The Offense</h4>
<p>If Jeff Demps was on the roster bubble, his performance on Thursday night did not help his cause. The running back earned the lowest grade on offense with a -3.7, mainly losing points as a runner. He wasn't very effective, and did fumble the ball, which work against him in his effort to show he can provide solid depth at the position.</p>
<p><span>Josh Allen</span> and <span>Jamon Meredith</span> also struggled, with the former allowing tow sacks, a hit and a hurry according to PFF. The latter didn't perform well as a run blocker, earning a -2.9 grade in only 18 snaps.</p>
<p><span>Kevin Pamphile</span> and <span>Rishaw Johnson</span>, on the other hand, had the best grades on offense, with Pamphile keeping a clean sheet as a pass protector and Johnson doing well in the run game.</p>
<h4>The Defense</h4>
<p><span>Gerald McCoy</span> didn't play on Thursday night, but the Bucs still got dominant performances from their defensive tackles. <span>Matthew Masifilo</span> posted a McCoy-esque 4.5 grade, playing well against the run and pass. <span>Akeem Spence</span> turned in a solid night of work as well, especially against the run.</p>
<p><span>Keith Tandy</span> stood out on tape against the run, and his PFF grade confirmed his activity in stopping Washington rushers. He did struggle in pass defense, however, and is still likely on the roster bubble.</p>
<p>Ka'Lial Glaud, who has already reportedly been released, earned the lowest grade on defense. <span>Steven Means</span> and the already released <span>Kip Edwards</span> also posted low grades for the defense.</p>
https://www.bucsnation.com/2014/8/29/6083023/buccaneers-game-grades-which-players-stood-out-in-the-final-preseasonLeo Howell2014-08-29T10:19:19-04:002014-08-29T10:19:19-04:00What do snap counts say about position battles?
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/C3KG7fo2NGk3NuXRmF6XN5H6X4o=/0x40:4000x2707/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/37636408/454313548.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Cliff McBride</figcaption>
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<p>The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' snap counts tell us a little something about position battles, but not that much.</p> <p>In yesterday's game, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gave a lot of playing time to a lot of people who won't be on the roster by Sunday. And most of the players who will be on the roster didn't see the field at all, or only for a handful of snaps.</p>
<p>I'm not sure what we can tell from these statistics, given that most of these players are backups anyway. The few players who are likely to see time with the first team only got a handful of snaps. But the special teams participation may be most important.</p>
<p>Russell Shepard, Ka'Lial Glaud, Larry English, Steven Means and Nate Askew stand out in terms of special teams snaps. Of those players, Means is the only one who's almost certain to make the roster. Askew is a good practice squad candidate, while Glaud probably loses out to Danny Lansanah at linebacker. Larry English' place on the roster is still uncertain, but his ability to play on special teams can only help him.</p>
<p>What interests me is that center Josh Allen, tackle Kevin Pamphile and cornerback Marc Antony played the entire game, with Anthony mostly playing safety. It seems unlikely Allen and Anthony even make the roster, but Pamphile has a shot -- if only because he has the advantage of being a draft pick.</p>
<p> </p>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="576">
<colgroup>
<col span="9" width="64"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" width="64">Player</td>
<td width="64"><br></td>
<td colspan="2" width="128">OFF snaps</td>
<td colspan="2" width="128">DEF snaps</td>
<td width="64">ST snaps</td>
<td width="64"><br></td>
<td width="64"><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">K Pamphile</td>
<td>T</td>
<td align="right">50</td>
<td align="right">100%</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">8%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">J Allen</td>
<td>C</td>
<td align="right">50</td>
<td align="right">100%</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">8%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">C Brate</td>
<td>TE</td>
<td align="right">46</td>
<td align="right">92%</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">6</td>
<td align="right">25%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">R Johnson</td>
<td>G</td>
<td align="right">42</td>
<td align="right">84%</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">8%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">M Kafka</td>
<td>QB</td>
<td align="right">42</td>
<td align="right">84%</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">J Demps</td>
<td>RB</td>
<td align="right">41</td>
<td align="right">82%</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">8%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">C Owusu</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td align="right">34</td>
<td align="right">68%</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">E Coughman</td>
<td>T</td>
<td align="right">32</td>
<td align="right">64%</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">8%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">K Edwards</td>
<td>G</td>
<td align="right">28</td>
<td align="right">56%</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">8%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">R Herron</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td align="right">27</td>
<td align="right">54%</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">8%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">L Pryor</td>
<td>FB</td>
<td align="right">22</td>
<td align="right">44%</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">8</td>
<td align="right">33%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">L Murphy</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td align="right">22</td>
<td align="right">44%</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">7</td>
<td align="right">29%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">S Patton</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td align="right">21</td>
<td align="right">42%</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">21%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">J Meredith</td>
<td>T</td>
<td align="right">18</td>
<td align="right">36%</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">R Shepard</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td align="right">15</td>
<td align="right">30%</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">15</td>
<td align="right">62%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">L Stocker</td>
<td>TE</td>
<td align="right">15</td>
<td align="right">30%</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">21%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">A Miller</td>
<td>G</td>
<td align="right">14</td>
<td align="right">28%</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">8%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">M Glennon</td>
<td>QB</td>
<td align="right">8</td>
<td align="right">16%</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">4%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">P Omameh</td>
<td>G</td>
<td align="right">8</td>
<td align="right">16%</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">O Cousins</td>
<td>G</td>
<td align="right">8</td>
<td align="right">16%</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">B Rainey</td>
<td>RB</td>
<td align="right">7</td>
<td align="right">14%</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">7</td>
<td align="right">29%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">M Anthony</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">68</td>
<td align="right">100%</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">12%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">K Glaud</td>
<td>LB</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">60</td>
<td align="right">88%</td>
<td align="right">14</td>
<td align="right">58%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">D Lansanah</td>
<td>LB</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">59</td>
<td align="right">87%</td>
<td align="right">6</td>
<td align="right">25%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Q Pointer</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">58</td>
<td align="right">85%</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">17%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">R Talley</td>
<td>DE</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">55</td>
<td align="right">81%</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">21%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">D Fletcher</td>
<td>LB</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">54</td>
<td align="right">79%</td>
<td align="right">10</td>
<td align="right">42%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">M Masifilo</td>
<td>DT</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">52</td>
<td align="right">76%</td>
<td align="right">10</td>
<td align="right">42%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">A Gaitor</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">46</td>
<td align="right">68%</td>
<td align="right">11</td>
<td align="right">46%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">A Spence</td>
<td>DT</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">41</td>
<td align="right">60%</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">21%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">S Solomon</td>
<td>DE</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">40</td>
<td align="right">59%</td>
<td align="right">8</td>
<td align="right">33%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">L English</td>
<td>DE</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">39</td>
<td align="right">57%</td>
<td align="right">19</td>
<td align="right">79%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">K Tandy</td>
<td>SS</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">37</td>
<td align="right">54%</td>
<td align="right">11</td>
<td align="right">46%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">K Lewis</td>
<td>DB</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">35</td>
<td align="right">51%</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">12%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">S Means</td>
<td>DE</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">30</td>
<td align="right">44%</td>
<td align="right">15</td>
<td align="right">62%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">K Edwards</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">28</td>
<td align="right">41%</td>
<td align="right">12</td>
<td align="right">50%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">N Askew</td>
<td>LB</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">23</td>
<td align="right">34%</td>
<td align="right">16</td>
<td align="right">67%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">T Fatinikun</td>
<td>DE</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">15</td>
<td align="right">22%</td>
<td align="right">11</td>
<td align="right">46%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">J Casillas</td>
<td>LB</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">8</td>
<td align="right">12%</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">4%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">L Johnson</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">10</td>
<td align="right">42%</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">M Koenen</td>
<td>P</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">9</td>
<td align="right">38%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">A DePaola</td>
<td>LS</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">8</td>
<td align="right">33%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">P Murray</td>
<td>K</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">12%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
https://www.bucsnation.com/2014/8/29/6082643/what-do-the-buccaneers-snap-counts-say-about-position-battlesSander Philipse2014-08-28T22:18:42-04:002014-08-28T22:18:42-04:00Bucs lose final preseason game
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WWHdK6s_DZ6PxuPBP-_JWcMcB5E=/0x0:3990x2660/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/37614632/20140828_ads_sv7_166.JPG.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lose their final preseason game 24-10 to Washington in a dull affair. But the game still told us plenty of things about the Bucs' final roster cutdown. </p> <p>In what has to be the most boring football game I have ever watched, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost to Washington,24-10. The Bucs' offense was a disaster, while their defense was..yeah, pretty disastrous too.</p>
<p>It was a fourth preseason game, so the starters didn't get on the field for either team, and the Bucs even pulled most of their top backups after just one drive. So it's hardly a surprise they looked bad. Jeff Demps was asked to carry the running game all by himself for basically the entire game, and that didn't go all that well. Mike Kafka isn't a good quarterback either, surprisingly. And the defense struggled against Washington's backups throughout the game, though the Bucs did have a lot of injuries on defense.</p>
<p>That all led to some ugly plays, but none as ugly as an 80-yard Lache Seastrunk catch and run in the third quarter, where no one on the Bucs' defense seemed to want to touch him. Or more charitably, Seastrunk outran everyone's tackling angles. Solomon Patton put up the Bucs' only touchdown of the day, on a sideline pass from Mike Kafka, who struggled for most of the game.</p>
<p>But the final score isn't really what matters: the position battles are the core of the preseason. So let's get to our observations on those.</p>
<h3>Rishaw Johnson probably won't start at right guard</h3>
<p>We had some hope that Rishaw Johson would look good and grab hold of the starting right guard spot. The Bucs traded for the guard last week, and this was his first game action. Unfortunately, he gave up a sack on his first pass protection rep. He didn't look particularly bad the rest of the game, but he looked nowhere near good enough to really grab hold of a starting job.</p>
<p>Reinforcing that is the fact that Patrick Omameh got one series, and then didn't play again the rest of the game. That's exactly what happened with every starter who did get reps, and every solidly-entrenched backup. Which means we're almost certainly going to see Omameh start at least the regular season opener.</p>
<h3>Louis Murphy injured</h3>
<p>Only one significant injury in the game, but it was a nasty one: Louis Murphy was held up in the air, suplexed to the ground and then hit while on the ground. Egregious play, and he injured his back on those hits. Murphy was the team's most productive backup receiver this preseason and looked like he could very well be a contributor this offseason, especially with Chris Owusu and Robert Herron both struggling to put up catches during the preseason. Murphy didn't return to the game, which is not goo, but Jason Licht did say that x-rays came back negative and they're hopeful he'll be okay.</p>
<h3>Robert Herron is explosive, but raw<br>
</h3>
<p>Rookie receiver Robert Herron has struggled to put up production in the preseason and had an uneven training camp, but there's no denying that he has speed and could be an explosive weapon, if the Bucs find a way to use him properly, and he improves his hands. One play epitomized his preseason so far: he ran by the Washington defenders, got open by a couple of yards -- and then made a poor adjustment to a tough ball, and failed to make the catch.</p>
<p>If he improves on the details, Herron could be a pretty good player down the line. But he's a little too raw to play a large role immediately.</p>
<h3>Ronald Talley looks good</h3>
<p>Ronald Talley had a good show as a backup three-technique behind Matthew Masifilo, getting into the backfield repeatedly. The veteran defensive lineman primarily played in 3-4 schemes in the past, but seems like a good fit in Tampa. It's not clear whether he will actually make the roster given that he's behind Masifilo, but his performance won't hurt his chances.</p>
<h3>Patrick Murray can kick</h3>
<p>Patrick Murray didn't get many opportunities to beat out Connor Barth, but he did get one -- and he took full advantage of it, nailing a 35-yard field goal and then booting a kickoff out of the endzone. Murray has basically been flawless in preseason, and he costs less than one-sixth of Connor Barth's salary. I don't know whether the Bucs plan to move on from Barth, but Murray has done everything he can to help them do it.</p>
<h3>Jeff Demps may have made the roster</h3>
<p>Jeff Demps got a lot of play this game. A lot. I mean, they basically ran him into the ground, play after play after play. Not that they had a backup running back behind him to give other carries too, but still. He held up reasonably well behind a bad offensive line and got some chances as a kick returner too. We even got some glimpses of those explosive plays he's capable of in the third quarter. He looked tough as an inside runner, and speedy in the open field. He did fumble the ball once, but he probably did enough to make the roster.</p>
<h3>Danny Lansanah was all over the field</h3>
<p>Don't be surprised if Danny Lansanah gets significant playing time during the regular season. He's been all over the field in all four preseason games, and has looked pretty good throughout. He managed several tackles for loss today, and tipped a pass in the air for a crucial endzone interception. This probably isn't good enough to earn a starting job, but the team may find some ways to get him and his explosive athleticism on the field in specialized packages.</p>
<h3>Cuts coming</h3>
<p>The Bucs have to cut down to a 53-man roster by Saturday, 4:00 p.m. ET. They'll get started on that process tomorrow after reviewing today's film. We'll cover all of that for you.</p>
https://www.bucsnation.com/2014/8/28/6080629/washington-vs-buccaneers-final-score-tampa-bay-loses-24-10Sander Philipse2014-08-28T20:16:00-04:002014-08-28T20:16:00-04:00Second quarter open thread
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<figcaption>Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>This game is boring. I mean, fourth-quarter preseason games are always a little stale. But this is just mind-numbingly dull.</p>
<p>To make matters worse, the Bucs pulled their starters before the game even started, then pulled a bunch of their second-string players after just one drive. Yes, we're now watching four quarters of third- and fourth-string players. Now that's a bit of a disaster.</p>
<p>Still, I'm sure the Bucs want to win. And Washington probably does too, right? Right?</p>
<p>Anyway, offense is completely absent on the Bucs' side. At least Colt McCoy led Washington into field goal range so something happened. And then they sacked Mike Kafka and recovered the ball at the goal-line. So. There's that.</p>
<p>Ah well. Here's your second quarter open thread. Enjoy!</p>
<p>Jeff Demps may have won his way on the roster</p>
https://www.bucsnation.com/2014/8/28/6080637/washington-vs-buccaneers-score-update-scoreless-tie-after-one-quarterSander Philipse2014-08-28T19:08:38-04:002014-08-28T19:08:38-04:00Jenkins, James, others all out
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<figcaption>David Manning-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have to be without a long list of players in tonight's game. </p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> are sitting nearly all of their starters today, as is Washington. That's standard procedure for the fourth preseason game, when it's all about those at the bottom of the roster trying to make the team. Pay special attention to special teams plays, where most of those guys will have to earn a living.</p>
<p>The Bucs also have to deal with a slew of injuries, as <span>Mike James</span>, <span>Mike Jenkins</span>, <span>Rashaan Melvin</span> and <span>Bradley McDougald</span> are all out for tonight's game, <a href="https://twitter.com/PewterReport/status/505128059410718721">per Pewter Report</a>. Given the lineups, I assume <span>Da'Quan Bowers</span> and <span>William Gholston</span> are both still out as well. That leads us to the following, highly underwhelming starting lineups.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p>Here are the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bucs?src=hash">#Bucs</a>' projected starters against the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Redskins?src=hash">#Redskins</a>. <a href="http://t.co/PydN05VXIY">pic.twitter.com/PydN05VXIY</a></p>
— Gil Arcia (@GilArciaTBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/GilArciaTBC/statuses/505120925168451584">August 28, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
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<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>A few weird things here. First, <span>Anthony Gaitor</span>, the massively undersized cornerback, is now lined up at strong safety. That's because both <span>Major Wright</span> and Bradley McDougald are out with injuries. <span>Akeem Spence</span> being in there shows you that he's decisively lost the battle for a starting spot with Clinton McDonald. Patrick Omameh is the only regular starter to be in that lineup, assuming he even hangs on to his job tonight. <span>Oniel Cousins</span> has started the first three preseason games, but <span>Logan Mankins</span> is going to take over for him.</p>
<p>Another interesting point is that <span>Chris Owusu</span> is starting. He and <span>Robert Herron</span> both got playing time as a third receiver with the Bucs first-string offense last week. It may be that Owusu's starting because he can play on the outside and Robert Herron can't.</p>
https://www.bucsnation.com/2014/8/28/6080559/buccaneers-washington-injuries-preseason-starting-lineupsSander Philipse2014-08-28T18:27:36-04:002014-08-28T18:27:36-04:00First quarter open thread
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<figcaption>Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> face Washington today, in what should be a pretty competitive game, because all these backups are going to be fighting for their jobs. If you want to know which players you should be watching, check out our <a href="http://www.bucsnation.com/2014/8/27/6074393/key-position-battles-for-the-buccaneers-against-washington">list of five crucial position battles</a>. There are also <a href="http://www.bucsnation.com/2014/8/28/6077801/washington-vs-buccaneers-fantasy-football-implications">some fantasy football implications</a> that will come out of this game. If you're wondering where to watch the game, <a href="http://www.bucsnation.com/2014/8/28/6066667/washington-vs-buccaneers-preseason-2014-game-time-tv-schedule-online">we've got you covered here</a>.</p>
<p>We know <span>Logan Mankins</span> won't play, and neither will most of the starters on either side of the ball. In fact, the only starters to play will be <span>Patrick Omameh</span> and Oniel Cousins. This will be a case of backups showing what they can do, and possibly making the roster or the practice squad. Some may even push for some playing time, especially at the all-important right-guard position.</p>
<p>Here's your open thread for the first quarter! Go Bucs!</p>
https://www.bucsnation.com/2014/8/28/6080363/washington-vs-buccaneers-first-quarter-open-threadSander Philipse2014-08-28T13:27:45-04:002014-08-28T13:27:45-04:00Fantasy football implications in tonight's game
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/q3OpJfwWVXA9Fv1xr8PUzJ1M1sM=/0x80:4000x2747/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/37590152/20131215_jla_sv7_177.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>What does tonight's game of backups between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington mean for your fantasy football team? Anything you should look out for?</p> <p> </p>
<h3>
<span>Robert Herron</span> (#14) vs <span>Chris Owusu</span> (#80)</h3>
<p>Neither of these players is going to be a viable fantasy option going forward -- until <span>Vincent Jackson</span> or <span>Mike Evans</span> goes down. Then they'll suddenly be useful. The question is which one of those two will be a useful replacement? Or will <span>Louis Murphy</span> suddenly find his way onto the field?</p>
<p>Herron hasn't gotten on the field much this preseason. He got a number of snaps with the starting offense last game, but so did Owusu, and neither player was productive. Herron's more explosive and a good fit for this scheme, but he has looked a little lost throughout the preseason: running poor routes, dropping passes in training camp, stumbling out of breaks. He looks frenetic, which is not good. He'll have to acclimate to the higher tempo in the NFL, and right now I'm skeptical that he can do it.</p>
<p>But Owusu didn't get much play with the first team last game, either. He does look better than he did in the past: fast, under control, no drops. He looks like a contributor, but he hasn't been used that way. In fact, the Bucs seem to run an offense focused on the tight ends and even fullback over the slot receiver. Still, Owusu is probably better suited to stepping onto the lineup to replace either Jackson or Evans.</p>
<h3>
<span>Austin Seferian-Jenkins</span> (#87)</h3>
<p>Seferian-Jenkins looks like the Bucs' starting tight end. He needs to get better as a blocker, but the Bucs are happy with his contirbutions and he's getting on the field. A lot. Throughout all preseason games. We're not entirely certain he'll play tonight, but some production in the passing game will be very good for him. And with <span>Tim Wright</span> out, he has a solid chance to turn into a solid number two/flex tight end in fantasy.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/a/nfl-preview-2014"><img style="width: 100%;" alt="SB Nation 2014 College Football Guide" src="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/675026/sbn_2014_nfl_banner.0.png"></a></p>
<h3>
<span>Mike Glennon</span> (#8)</h3>
<p>Not because Mike Glennon is going to start ahead of <span>Josh McCown</span>: he's not. But if McCown goes down, Glennon may immediately turn into an okay starter in fantasy. He's not actually better than McCown, so far, but with the weapons the Bucs have he has a shot to be a productive QB2.</p>
<h3>
<span>Jeff Demps</span> (#32)</h3>
<p>Jeff Demps actually needs to earn a roster spot at this point. He's gotten more carries than usual in the preseason because of injuries to <span>Mike James</span> and <span>Charles Sims</span>, but he hasn't shown the explosiveness the Bucs expect out of him. Now there's a decent chance the team's limiting his special plays to unveil them in the regular season, but he may need a good final game to even get on the field or the roster. <span>Solomon Patton</span> already has the kick and punt return jobs locked up, so Demps won't even be a factor on special teams.</p>
<p><i>Editor's Note: SB Nation's partner FanDuel is hosting a $100,000 Fantasy Football Contest for Week 1's NFL games. It's only $10 to join and first prize is $10,000. Starts Sunday, September 7th at 1pm ET. <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fanduel.com%2Fleague%2Fnfl-sunday-million%3Ft%3DSBN_NFLBUCS&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bucsnation.com%2F2014%2F8%2F28%2F6077801%2Fwashington-vs-buccaneers-fantasy-football-implications" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Here's the link</a>.</i></p>
https://www.bucsnation.com/2014/8/28/6077801/washington-vs-buccaneers-fantasy-football-implicationsSander Philipse2014-08-28T06:57:33-04:002014-08-28T06:57:33-04:00Nuts and bolts for Washington vs. Bucs
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<figcaption>Matt Stamey-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>The Tampa Bay Buccaneers play Washington in their final preseason game today. How can you watch the game? What are the key position battles? Are the starters playing? That and more!</p> <p>The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington face off for the fourth preseason game, the final opportunity for many players to earn a roster spot. Who will win and who will lose? That doesn't really matter, but this preseason game will give us a very good look the backups, and those performances will determine who will make the final roster, who they'll try to sign to the practice squad, and who's definitely out.</p>
<p>So how can you watch the game? What are the odds? Who should you be watching? Where can you find a stream? Here's everything you need to know!bcu</p>
<p><b>Game time: </b>Thursday, August 28, 7:30 p.m. ET</p>
<p><b>Location: </b>Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla.</p>
<p><b>Is it blacked out? </b>Nope, none of the Bucs' home games will be blacked out this season!</p>
<p><b>Announcers: </b><span>Chris Myers</span>, Ronde Barber (Bucs); Kenny Albert, Joe Theismann (Washington)</p>
<p><b>Radio: </b>620 WDAE or WFUS 103.5 FM (Bucs).</p>
<p><b>TV Channel: </b> WFLA (NBC/8 - Tampa), WFTV (ABC/9 - Orlando), WFTX (FOX/4 - Fort Myers), WTLH (FOX/49 - Tallahassee), WRC (NBC/4 - Washington), Comcast Sportsnet Mid-Atlantic, WNUV (CW/54 - Baltimore), WTKR (CBS/3 - Norfolk VA), WRLH (FOX/35 - Richmond VA), WSLS (NBC/10 - Roanoke VA), (<a href="http://506sports.com/">506Sports.com</a>)</p>
<p><b>Online streaming: </b> Verizon subscribers can watch games live with the <a href="http://www.nfl.com/mobile">NFL Mobile app</a>(subscription required). <a href="https://gamepass.nfl.com/nflgp/secure/packages?ttv=2">NFL Game Pass</a> offers live online broadcasts to users outside the USA. You can also purchase <a href="https://preseason.nfl.com/">NFL Preseason Live</a> for those outside of the broadcast area to stream the games online.</p>
<p><b>Will the starters play? </b>With a few unknown exceptions, the Bucs will rest their starters in tonight's game. The backups will get a chance to make the roster.</p>
<p><b>Who to watch? </b><a href="http://www.bucsnation.com/2014/8/27/6074393/key-position-battles-for-the-buccaneers-against-washington">Five position battles for a final roster spot</a></p>
<p><b>Odds: </b><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/odds">Bucs by 2.5</a></p>
<p><b>Prediction? </b>It's preseason, so who cares? Okay fine. <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Buccaneers</a> 21, Washington 14.</p>
<p><b>Enemy blog: </b><a href="http://www.hogshaven.com/">Hogs Haven</a> (<a href="http://www.twitter.com/hogshaven">@HogsHaven</a>)</p>
<p><b>Twitter: </b><a href="http://www.twitter.com/bucs_nation">@Bucs_Nation</a></p>
<p><b>Facebook: </b>Please like us. I mean <a href="http://www.facebook.com/bucsnation/">our Facebook page</a>, of course!</p>
<h4><a href="http://www.bucsnation.com/2014/4/23/5643228/tampa-bay-buccaneers-nfl-schedule-2014-dates-game-times-strength-of">Buccaneers regular season schedule 2014</a></h4>
<p><b>Week 1: </b>Panthers<a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/" class="sbn-auto-link"></a>,Sunday September 7, 4:25 p.m. ET</p>
<p><b>Week 2: </b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a>, Sunday September 14, 4:05 p.m. ET</p>
<p><b>Week 3: </b>at<b> </b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a>, Thursday September 18, 8:25 p.m. ET</p>
<p><b>Week 4: </b>at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a>, Sunday September 28, 1:00 p.m. ET</p>
https://www.bucsnation.com/2014/8/28/6066667/washington-vs-buccaneers-preseason-2014-game-time-tv-schedule-onlineSander Philipse