Jalon Daniels will receive another opportunity to compete for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ backup quarterback role in the team’s preseason finale Friday. The undrafted rookie has received significant playing time this preseason, including second-half appearances against the Jets and Chiefs. Head coach Todd Bowles said he wants to see Daniels demonstrate command of the offense.
Daniels continues quarterback evaluation
Daniels engineered three consecutive scoring drives against the Chiefs, with two ending in touchdowns. His performance earned him another chance to compete for the backup role as Tampa Bay closes its preseason schedule. Bowles said he wants to see Daniels operate the offense under control and make the expected decisions from the pocket.
“Just running the offense,” stated Bowles. “Controlling the offense like he has, just playing under control in the pocket, checking into the right play and making the normal plays.”
Tampa Bay increases wide zone usage
Tampa Bay has increased its use of wide zone runs under offensive coordinator Zac Robinson. The system is designed to stretch defenses horizontally and create opportunities for play-action, bootlegs and run-pass options. The Buccaneers are continuing to develop the approach as the offense takes on a reconfigured identity.
Buccaneers build physical defensive line
The Buccaneers emphasized physicality during the offseason with the additions of Alex Anzalone, Rueben Bain Jr., Josiah Trotter, A’Shawn Robinson and Rakeem Nuñez Roches. Tampa Bay’s defensive line has performed strongly in one-on-one pass-rush drills during training camp. Wirfs described the retooled group as a “mean front.”
Wirfs referenced Bain and Yaya Diaby on the edges, along with Calijah Kancey and Nuñez-Roches, while discussing the unit’s makeup. He said the group has been tough to watch and compete against. Wirfs also said he believes the defensive line can be a problem this year.
“They are tough,” described Wirfs. “It is fine to watch and fun to compete against. I think we are going to be a problem this year but it is nice to be that kind of asshole mentality with Nacho (Nuñez-Roches) coming back and of course adding A’Shawn – I do not have to block him twice a year anymore, that’s always a fun matchup – but you have Bain and Yaya [Diaby] on the edges but I think [Calijah] Kancey is back too so to me, it is a mean front. I know they are excited for a big year coming and I think we all are too. I think they are going to do great things.”
Source: Original report