On Wednesday, the Buccaneers had their first joint practice with the Jaguars at the Miller Electric Practice Fields. Underneath the scorching Florida heat, the Bucs visited the Jaguars' training site for a preliminary scrimmage ahead of Preseason Week Two. Coaches on both sides had the opportunity to script scenarios to evaluate players under new challenges. Both teams taped the practice as usual for later evaluation; however, that footage is not shared with the rest of the NFL, meaning both teams could take a deeper dive into the playbook than they would normally do during a preseason matchup. On the fields, several players produced notable plays for the Bucs including Chris Godwin, Sean Tucker and rookie Chris Braswell.
Sean Tucker Perimeter Prowess
Sean Tucker, who signed with the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2023, was a standout in the team's first preseason game against the Bengals. In Cincinnati, Tucker led the Bucs with 68 yards on 10 attempts, including a 26-yarder, the longest run of the night out of a split-zone look. Against the Jaguars on Wednesday, Tucker continued the trend. In Tampa Bay's revitalized offense, there has been a larger emphasis placed on getting playmakers in space by stretching defenses laterally on outside zone, mid-zone and through misdirection and screens. Tucker became the catalyst in the Bucs' screen game in the joint practice, quickly getting to the edge and accelerating into top gear.
Chris Godwin is Mr. Consistent
Chris Godwin is old faithful for the Buccaneers, routinely blocking out defenders to make himself available to the quarterback. On Wednesday, Godwin had multiple contested grabs, including a chain-mover on an out-and-up down the right boundary. Entering Year Eight, Godwin has returned to his primary role in the slot after splitting time on the outside in 2023 in an interchangeable role. Whether blocking, creating off of jet sweeps or working the middle on crossers/slants, Godwin does it all effectively. He takes advantage of a less restricted release from the slot and against the Jaguars, he made several impactful catches throughout the morning.
Chris Braswell Sack
Against the Jaguars during a full-team period, rookie Chris Braswell got home for a "sack" (as designated by the on-field official blowing the play dead) on Trevor Lawrence. Following a quick get-off from a standup position off the left edge, Braswell utilized a long-arm maneuver to bypass the offensive tackle. He pushed him back into the quarterback for a sack, energizing the Bucs' defense. Braswell, a one-year starter at Alabama, played as an outside linebacker in Nick Saban's hybrid 3-4 scheme. He showcased his versatility, lining up in both a two and three-point stance. After making an impact on passing downs for the Tide in 2022, Braswell assumed Will Anderson Jr.'s role in 2023 and led the SEC in pressures (56). With a lethal speed-to-power conversion, he helped fortify the Bucs' frontline.
