It wasn’t a good night for the Bucs’ backups as Tampa Bay fell to the Tennessee Titans, 34-3. Between penalties, miscommunication and near turnovers, the offense never got going. Failure to get the running game on track, drops by the receivers and tight ends and two interceptions from rookie quarterback Kyle Trask were a key reason for the lack of success on offense.

The defense wasn’t much better. With missed tackles, blown coverages and costly penalties, the Bucs backups let the Titans have their way with them moving the ball down the field at will.

There were a few bright spots, specifically on defense. Defensive lineman Pat O’Connor turned his play up a notch raking up a sack and two tackles for a loss while delivering constant pressure. A week after first-round pick Joe Tryon-Shoyinka got his sack negated because of an egregious flag, he registered a sack that counted on Saturday night, as well as a tackle for loss.

Tight end Tanner Hudson once again led the team in yards with six catches for 74 yards, while linebacker Grant Stuard and safety Javon Hagan tied for the team lead in tackles.

The drops that have plagued the Bucs all camp continued to show up against the Titans Saturday night. Several drops by tight end O.J. Howard killed drives before they could even get going. Rookie receivers Jaelon Darden and T.J. Simmons had two drops that could have sustained drives. Ball security will continue to be a big focus when the coaches watch the tape. The team had six total fumbles in the game. While the Bucs only lost one and one came on a center-quarterback exchange it’s an area they need to clean up.

With Tom Brady out, Blaine Gabbert got start and the first three series at quarterback. Gabbert hooked up with Tyler Johnson for 15- yard conversion to keep the initial drive going. Yet a drop by Howard on a beautifully placed ball by Gabbert forced a punt.

The next series was a three-and-out. No gain on a run by Ke’Shawn Vaughn, a drop by Darden and sack on Gabbert led to another punt. The defense did its job to force the Titans to punt, it was another quick series for the offense. It included a fumbled snap, drop by Howard, and a turnover on downs to end Gabbert’s night. On a short field the Titans scored their first touchdown on the night.

Ryan Griffin was next in at quarterback and that’s when it really started to go down hill for the Bucs. A quick three-and-out led to three points on the next possession for the Titans making it a 10-point game.  The Bucs would finally get some points on the board with a 49-yard field goal by Ryan Succop. Tampa Bay would close out the half with some good defense, holding the Titans to a 58-yard field goal attempt and Tennessee led 13-3 halftime.

The second half was Kyle Trask’s time to shine and it wasn’t pretty. Two interceptions, multiple dropped balls, it was a difficult night for the rookie quarterback. The Bucs’ third-string defense had a tough time, as well giving up 14 points over the final two quarters.

Tennessee’s defense would score on a fumble recovery for a touchdown in the third quarter with defensive back Brien Boddy-Calhoun returning a Hudson fumble 42 yards for the TD to make the score 20-3. Instant replay ruled that Hudson was fumbling the ball before he hit the ground on his 26-yard catch on a pass from Trask. But the call was questionable as it seemed like Hudson was down by contact.

Tackling is still an issue for Tampa Bay, as was the team’s pathetic showing in the running game. The Bucs finished with only 17 rushing yards on 15 carries. They’ll have a tough week of practice to fix these problems before their next game against the Houston Texans next Saturday when the starters are expected to play through the first half.