Gameday Tampa Bay!
August 24th, 2018
Preseason Game 3
Lions at Bucs
Kickoff: 8 p.m.
TV: WTSP-TV, Channel 10. (Game will rebroadcast on NFL Network Wednesday at 10 a.m.) All NFL preseason games are available via NFL Game Pass.)
Radio: Buccaneers Radio Network (WXTB-FM 97.9 in the Tampa-St.Petersburg region; 97.9 FM ESPN Radio in Tallahassee).
Weather: It could be worse. Per AccuWeather.com, tailgaters will party under cloudy skies in the mid-80s but the temperature should cool off quickly with an expected temperature of 81 at kickoff. Thunderstorms are expected in the second half with a temperature of 78 near game’s end.
Odds: Per FootballLocks.com, Bucs -3.
Outlook: The third game of the preseason is known as the “dress rehearsal” for the season. Expect the “ones” to play through the first half and perhaps into the third quarter. Some things Joe will look for:
Left tackle: Joe is convinced the Bucs will add an offensive lineman in the very near future in the wake of left tackle Donovan Smith getting hurt. Mike Liedtke, from the football powerhouse of the Midwest known as Illinois State, is technically next man up since Leonard Wester is shelved with an injury. If Liedtke can dominate, there could be a chance the Bucs may not pull off an acquisition.
Right guard: The late comedian Henny Youngman’s famous one-liner comes to mind when thinking of this position. “Take my wife — please!” Will someone win this damn job? The Bucs have all but handed the job to Caleb Benenoch and he hasn’t won the job. Rookie Alex Cappa is still in the mix. It troubles Joe that this job is still an open battle in late-August.
Justin Watson: The rookie from Penn demonstrated why the Bucs are in love with him when he made a beautiful catch for a touchdown at Tennesee. If he has another strong outing, it reinforces Joe’s thought that the Bucs, deep at wide receiver, could pull off a trade for an offensive lineman.
The rookie corners: Carlton Davis and M.J. Stewart have been solid if not good for rookies. Both are dinged up, however. Bucs need these guys to get reps because just around the corner are standing Drew Brees, Carson Wentz and Ben Roethlisberger. The thought of Ryan Smith starting the regular season at corner facing those three quarterbacks has an air raid siren roaring through Joe’s head.
Ronald Jones: Can we get one decent run from the guy? (Yes, Joe knows Jones had one.) The second-round pick currently has a league-worst for rookies-11 yards on 12 carries. Would be nice to see one run from the guy in preseason to justify his draft level.
And more to look for here, as Joe wrote earlier.
August 24th, 2018 at 3:08 pm
This is the Nationally Televised game on CBS this week. I get to actually see it live here in Denver. Let Jones carry the ball a bunch with the first team. Have yet to see a decent hole for this kid.
August 24th, 2018 at 3:14 pm
Tampa………..!
……………Bay!
August 24th, 2018 at 3:20 pm
oh, there’s an article under that beautiful pic……
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!…#PRESSURESONTHECOACHES!!!!…GO BUCS!!!
August 24th, 2018 at 3:23 pm
yeah joe im with you….i want to see the same thing…..
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!…#PRESSURESONTHECOACHES!!!!…GO BUCS!!!
August 24th, 2018 at 3:30 pm
Will be at the game tonight, hoping to see Rojo bust out a few big runs to get him some much needed mojo.
August 24th, 2018 at 3:33 pm
Cutie!
Go Bucs!!!
August 24th, 2018 at 3:33 pm
Along with our MNF, Playoff Games & SB…..this will be our only nationally telecast game tonight.
August 24th, 2018 at 3:46 pm
Like the way you think Tbbf
August 24th, 2018 at 3:49 pm
“If Klueless is calling the plays bet Detroit in the first half”
Kobe Faker
August 24th, 2018 at 3:53 pm
In case you are in Brazil and wondering, you can watch the game at ESPN (cable channel in Brazil)
Go Bucs!!!
August 24th, 2018 at 4:09 pm
Just…no injuries to starters.
I really could care less about what happens in preseason from here on in regard to the starters. I would prefer they play backups only the next two games.
We are on the verge of a great season, assuming we can keep our guys healthy to actually start this season.
Wish it had been a defensive tackle who got injured… (not McCoy).
August 24th, 2018 at 4:14 pm
If we do good enough they will flex us into primetime games!!!
August 24th, 2018 at 4:23 pm
Buc Fan has always been more worried over “prime time slots” then play on the field!!!!!!!! The “real” fans could care less!!!!!! Give us a 16 games with 1 PM start!!!!!!!!!! But some are so concerned of prime time games, of Reality distraction TV shows coming to TAMPA!!!!!!!!!!! Play great on the field and everything will take care of it self!!!!!!!
#trust the coaches!!!!!! Fix the “real” problem, the roster!!!!!!!!!!
Go Bucs!!!!!!!!
August 24th, 2018 at 4:36 pm
Calimike Says:
August 24th, 2018 at 4:14 pm
If we do good enough they will flex us into primetime games!!!
Clearly you have not been paying attention for the last 2 decades. People rather watch pant dry than the horrendous product on prime time that the Glazer family has fielded for nearly 2 decades.
August 24th, 2018 at 4:38 pm
Tom Brady killing babies will do less damage to nfl brand than putting Buccaneers circus on prine time national television.
August 24th, 2018 at 4:39 pm
Bonzai
I’d like to correct you but I really COULDN’T care less, so I’ll let it slide.
Go Bucs!
August 24th, 2018 at 5:10 pm
@ EL REALISTO BUTTHEAD
If by Buc Fan you are talking about me……I challenge you to find any post where I was ever concerned about a prime time showing…..and if you are addressing me, you can do it properly…..TBBF or Tampabaybucfan.
If you weren’t talking to me….I’ve been wondering where you were….now I know….same Realist….but this time with a burrito up your a$$.
Pablo intends to have some fun with you….(no, not in that way)….but I’m sure you would prefer.
August 24th, 2018 at 5:13 pm
I hope Fitz shines today he kinda sucked last week.
August 24th, 2018 at 5:49 pm
I’m not sure what receiver outside of Evans, Djax, Godwin and Hump would have much trade value Joe. I think Watson definitely makes the team. Would have to package a wr and pick or another player to score a starting linemen imo. I’m guessing they wait for cuts and pick one up then.
August 24th, 2018 at 5:51 pm
Gotta see an improved pass rush. After all the great changes to the DL, we expect more. So far, it has been surprisingly weak. Let’s see it tonight!
August 24th, 2018 at 6:26 pm
I’m pissed it’s nationaly televised An I get Pats n panthers can’t wait for regular season idk what I’d do without Nfl ticket
August 24th, 2018 at 6:39 pm
Bucs running a Skelton crew on both sides of the ball tonight in the trenches. I hope Fitz makes it out alive.
August 24th, 2018 at 6:40 pm
And what is joe watching for most in this here game?
August 24th, 2018 at 6:43 pm
Buchead5588
I don’t know which market you are in but unless the CBS affiliate there is carrying the Pats or Panther games…..the Bucs/Lions will be telecast.
August 24th, 2018 at 6:55 pm
Bucs Not Dressing Tonight (8/24/18 vs. DET)
#21 S Justin Evans
#36 CB M.J. Stewart
Wow.. Inactives. SIX oline
#50 DT Vita Vea
#51 LB Kendell Beckwith
#61 T Leonard Wester
#64 OL Cole Boozer
#68 T Cole Gardner
#74 G Ali Marpet
#76 T Donovan Smith
#77 OL Caleb Benenoch
#91 DT Beau Allen
#98 DT Mitch Unrein
August 24th, 2018 at 7:18 pm
Thunderstorms are starting at the stadium right now.
August 24th, 2018 at 7:33 pm
Nice, let it comes a freaking monsoon.