Now that the offseason practices have wrapped up, what can we glean from these workouts? I tend to avoid making sweeping conclusions based on isolated plays, but I do value consistent form in areas like footwork, hand placement, coverage, route running, and decision-making. One standout play doesn’t tell the full story.
Baker Mayfield
Baker remains, well, Baker. He’s a great leader—bold, a bit of a bully, and at times inaccurate. One positive is the offensive scheme, which has a distinct Liam Coen flavor compared to Josh Grizzard’s approach.
We’re seeing more short, quick passes and easy reads. As Tom Brady put it, a good coordinator sets up a quarterback with plenty of “easy layups.” Grizzard’s system didn’t provide that, impacting Baker’s performance.
In practice, Baker excelled at making quick decisions and delivering accurate short to intermediate passes. While he struggled with longer throws, that’s not new for him. Getting the ball out quickly and into a rhythm will be key for the Bucs’ offensive success this season.
Pass Rush
Rueben Bain Jr. showcases all the intangibles: motor, explosiveness, pad level, and toughness. Although these practices didn’t include padded hitting, you could still see what Bain brings to the table.
Reuben Bain, Jr. – Photo by buccaneers.com
The Bucs focused on four-man pressure, and Bowles will need to exercise patience this year. If he feels the need to constantly tinker with the defense, it could lead to difficulties throughout the season. Simplifying his approach and taking calculated risks will be essential. From what I’ve observed in practice, Bowles appears to be making an effort to do just that. However, old habits die hard; aside from the 2020 playoff run, he has struggled to rein in his blitzing tendencies. Here’s hoping he finds that balance this year.
Splash Plays
While splash plays in practice can energize the team and showcase potential, they don’t always indicate player development or readiness. Remember Sir Vocea Dennis’ first OTA practice? He had a pick-six, followed by another in training camp, which excited the media. But did that truly indicate he was ready to play?
Practice is practice. Offenses are experimenting, and quarterbacks are taking risks. An interception might just be a result of being in the right place at the right time, rather than a reflection of skill.
That said, interceptions can benefit the defense. Seeing players execute tight coverage and effectively pass off zones can lead to solid plays. However, this discipline might not always manifest as big plays in practice; over time, it will contribute to better performance.
Josh Hayes had a pick-six in minicamp this season, which is a positive for him, but I don’t see it as a game-changer. Coaches will review the practice film to understand if the offense was testing a new concept or if a receiver slipped on the route.
A single bad play can impact a player’s standing more significantly than a good one, especially if they allow a deep pass or give up a sack.
In short, I hope our front four can apply consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks this season. Our cornerback depth is lacking, and even our starters have their limitations. Jacob Parrish stands out as our best corner, whether inside or outside. Zion McCullom has been average at best, and Benjamin Morrison has struggled with injuries. As for Josh Hayes, I have my reservations.
On the flip side, Bowles’ defense doesn’t demand elite cornerback play; it requires disciplined execution. The focus should be on not getting beat deep and adhering to cover 3, 4, and quarters assignments. Bowles’ scheme can frustrate players like Carlton Davis—it prioritizes discipline over raw athleticism.
So, again, I hope our pass rush can deliver consistently this year, allowing the corners to avoid giving up long passes.
Receivers
The receiver group appears steady, but not exceptional. Chris Godwin looks healthier and will do what he does best: create separation on short to intermediate routes. However, age is starting to catch up with him.
Emeka Egbuka shows flashes of brilliance, but can he deliver for a full season? Jalen McMillan is impressively reliable, consistently getting open and catching everything thrown his way. I anticipate a solid year from him. Ted Baker has potential, but I’ll reserve judgment until I see him in actual NFL games. Tez Johnson is always exciting to watch with his quickness and explosiveness.
The Real Bullets
I can’t wait for training camp and the season to kick off. I’m particularly excited about the new defensive linemen and outside linebackers the team has brought in, but they don’t get showcased much during minicamp practices. That’s why my observations have focused primarily on the skill players. Bring on September!