1. Kwon Alexander is exceeding expectations.
After a standout performance in last weekend's game against the Vikings, Alexander was promoted from the second-team to a starter at middle linebacker. Alexander appeared with the ones during the Bucs' first practice of the week, and after the second, Head Coach Lovie Smith announced that he would be taking over the spot permanently, if there is such a thing, and that Bruce Carter, who had previously worked with the first-team, would compete with Danny Lansanah for the strong side outside linebacker spot. During a press conference, Gerald McCoy said he hadn't seen a linebacker run like Alexander since Lavonte David arrived in Tampa.
2. Don't underestimate Louis Murphy.
Murphy served as the Bucs' No. 3 receiver in 2014 and, despite missing more than half of training camp with an ankle injury, seems poised to retain that spot this season. Murphy participated in just one practice prior to last weekend's game, but went on to lead the team in receptions and receiving yards. He carried that momentum into practice and doesn't appear to have missed a beat.
3. Ali Marpet gets better every day.
Since moving from Division 3 to the NFL, Marpet has adjusted well, to say the least. He's worked with the starters at right guard and put together his best week of practice this past week. His progress is apparent when comparing his one-on-one drills against McCoy on the first day of practice to those during this past week. When the Bucs reported for camp, McCoy would get past Marpet before the rookie could get his hands on him. This past week, Marpet won a few reps.
HIGHLIGHT: WINSTON TO MYERS
*4. Sterling Moore is making his case to be the nickel corner. *
Moore was used primarily as a slot corner in Dallas last season, but played on the outside with the Bucs up until this week. The result was a terrific week of practice, including an outing on Wednesday in which he recorded two interceptions. Moore didn't play in the slot at all against Minnesota, so it will be interesting to see if he's used primarily there or on the outside when the Bucs take on Cincinnati.
5. Patrick Murray has a leg made out of steel.
Murray missed a 42-yarder in the Bucs' first preseason game, which is uncharacteristic for a player who missed just four field goals a year ago. He rebounded on Thursday, booting a monster, 57-yarder to cap off the first-team's two-minute drill.
