TAMPA, FL – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have ratcheted up the intensity at their 10th preseason practice with live drills. With Sunday being their 6th practice in 7 days, many of them in full pads, the Bucs still showed energy in this practice in the Florida heat.
Assistant Head Coach/ Run Game Coordinator Harold Goodwin chose today to start live drills in the practice, hyping up the players for some live action before their day off on Monday. Goodwin ran Sunday’s practice to give Head Coach Todd Bowles a day off.
The players were given a heads up that the drills were coming and they proved to be ready for it.
“Oh for sure, for sure,” said safety Mike Edwards. “It started out in the first period, actually, with the one-on-ones, the competition drill. People were getting rowdy and stuff like that, so I kind of think that set it off. But when we had a live period I think that’s what set it off, definitely.”
There was a whole lot of smack talk, especially from the defensive side, as the pads cracked together on each challenge, and Coach Goodwin was down for it.
“I just think a lot of people are talking crap, which makes practice fun,” said Goodwin. “It will be good to get Miami in here in the next couple days. But that’s training camp. There’s always going to be a squabble here or there but that’s just part of it. As long as we don’t take it too far and make it personal, we’re fine.”
Rookie tight end Cade Otton caught a touchdown pass on a play-action play, as well as a nice leaping catch on the seam, as he and Tom Brady work on their chemistry.
With the absence of Cameron Brate (veteran day), Chris Godwin during the team period (still recovering from ACL and MCL tear) and Mike Evans (tweaked hamstring), Otton received additional reps split out wide and in the slot.
He probably gained some trust points from Tom on his play today.
Rookie running back Rachaad White continued tie make noise as he scored twice during there goal line drills. He’s gained the coaches attention with his shiftiness and quick acceleration, and ability to make smart decisions.
“He’s going to be a good football player,” Goodwin stated. “He can protect the quarterback, he can run the ball, he can find the smallest creases to get into. He’s smart, he pays attention to detail, so I look forward to seeing what he can do once we get to real ball…He’s doing good.”
The Bucs are off on Monday and will welcome the Miami Dolphins to practice with this week before their pre-season debut on Saturday August 13th at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa at 7:30 pm.
