Bucs Top Jags In NFL Preseason Nailbiter
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers managed to escape with a win at Jacksonville on Saturday night, but by the narrowest of margins. The Jags gave up the opportunity to tie the game after a last minute touchdown, and decided to go for a 2 point conversion and the win. The attempt failed, and the Bucs survived to win by a 24-23 final score. The victory evened Tampa’s NFL preseason mark at 1-1, while Jacksonville slumped to 0-2.
A quarterback battle may be brewing in Tampa, as starter Byron Leftwich was outplayed by backup Luke McCown. Leftwich moved the team into Jacksonville territory on three occasions, but came away with only a field goal. He was upbeat as he evaluated his play after the game:
“We did some good things. I didn’t play great, but I played OK. We wanted to look better. We wanted to understand situations better.”
Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris had little comment on his QBs play, but indicated that he’d look to name a starter later this week:
“Everything plays a big part of this decision — OTAs, mini-camp, the games. These games count for a little bit more. We’ll evaluate the leadership and everything about the QB play. I can’t ask for a better competition and can’t ask for a better group and can’t ask for better results. Got to make the decision now.”
A bright spot for the Jaguars was the play of wide receiver Troy Williamson. Williamson was a disappointment after he was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings out of the University of South Carolina, but has given the Jags a much needed deep threat. Williamson caught two deep passes from QB David Gararrd and finished with 147 yards. He caught four passes for 74 yards in Jacksonvilles opening game of the preseason. After the game, he said that hes just trying to work hard:
“I am just out there working I’m doing more and more stuff to get my confidence back up. I feel good and comfortable with the offense.”
Tampa Bay will host Miami next Thursday night, while Jacksonville will look to get their first win of the NFL preseason as they travel to Philadelphia. The Jaguars will kick off the NFL regular season on Sunday, September 13th as they play the Colts in Indianapolis. The Bucs will start off their campaign hosting the Dallas Cowboys.
Ross Everett is a freelance sports writer and noted authority on baseball betting. His writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sports news and sportsbook directory sites. He lives in Las Vegas with three Jack Russell Terriers and an emu. He is currently working on an autobiography of former energy secretary Donald Hodell.
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