On Thursday, the Bucs were in their fancy new indoor practice facility to simulate some in-game scenarios.
To start the practice off we saw quarterback Jameis Winston and running back Ronald Jones take on the first-team defense with the second-team offense. The defense got the better of them and held them to a 3-and-out.
But, when the first-team offense got in there against the second-team defense, it didn’t take long for them to strike.
On the second play from scrimmage, #Bucs first-team offense scores from long range with a deep pass from QB Ryan Fitzpatrick to WR Mike Evans: pic.twitter.com/oZpjgfaqXI
— PewterReport (@PewterReport) August 2, 2018
The bomb of a pass shown above was the second play from scrimmage for the first team offense.
That wasn’t the first time this camp that quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and wide receiver Mike Evans have connected on a deep pass, and we don’t think it will be the last. Expect those two to keep taking their shots down the field as often as they can.
But outside of that pass and catch the Bucs first and second team offenses really struggled on Thursday. There were a handful of turnovers in the red zone drill, and the offense just couldn’t seem to find the space they needed to get six points in between the 20’s. This was a big problem for the Bucs offense last year and there weren’t many encouraging signs of improvement on Thursday.
In some depth chart news, we’re getting a clearer picture of what the first team offensive line is looking like, as well as some of the special teams units.
Caleb Benenoch is the starting right guard for the first team.
— PewterReport (@PewterReport) August 2, 2018
#Bucs punt return depth chart (in order): WR Adam Humphries, WR DeSean Jackson, WR Bernard Reedy
— PewterReport (@PewterReport) August 2, 2018
After getting thrown out of Sunday’s practice for getting into a bit of a tussle, offensive lineman Caleb Benenoch has emerged as the go-to starting right guard so far in training camp. Rookie offensive lineman Alex Cappa started for a few days in his place, but according to what we saw today Benencoh is still the starter.
On special teams, wide receiver Adam Humphries was still the starting punt returner, but wide receiver DeSean Jackson was the primary back up. It seems like the team really is considering Jackson as a punt return option this year.
K Chandler Catanzaro from 54 yards
Buckets pic.twitter.com/oW23AiE6wf
— PewterReport (@PewterReport) August 2, 2018
On a final note, kicker Chandler Catanzaro had another good day at camp by nailing 54-yard field goal and later a 42-yard field goal.
A sigh of relief for Bucs fans everywhere.