The Buccaneers picked up their first win of the 2015 preseason on Monday night, defeating the Bengals, 25-11, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
The defense scored twice in what was an impressive performance by the collective group. Alterraun Verner intercepted Andy Dalton in the first half and returned it 24 yards for a score before Danny Lansanah recorded a safety at the start of the fourth quarter. The Bucs picked off Dalton twice and also recovered a fumble.
"We break our huddles all the time in team meetings with a, 'Ready, score!," Verner said. "So I just tried my best to get in the end zone. I hadn't done that yet as a Tampa Bay Buccaneer. Regardless if it's preseason or not, it is good to get in there and celebrate with my teammates. Hopefully it's a recurring thing this year."
The Bucs' defense was also able to get to the quarterback, sacking Dalton three times in the first half. George Johnson recorded one and a half of those three and finished tied for the team-lead in tackles with four.
"When they first brought me in, they said that they hadn't had a double-digit sack guy since Simeon Rice," Johnson said. "Seeing Simeon today (during pregame) gave me even more burn and inspiration. I wanted to prove that I can be a double-digit sack guy. The reason they brought me here is to get sacks, so that's what I'm going to do."
Jameis Winston scored his second touchdown in as many preseason games, rushing for a one-yard score on the Bucs' first drive. He played a quarter-and-a-half, completing eight of 13 passes for 90 yards. He had help from the running game, particularly Doug Martin, who ripped off 59 yards on six carries.
Mike Glennon came in for Winston midway through the second quarter and handled the play-calling duties until the fourth quarter. He completed 10 of 15 passes for 121 yards and a touchdown.
Adam Humphries led the team in receptions with three while Russell Shepard led the team in receiving yards with 44.
Something worth noting - no NFL regular season game has ever ended with a score of 25-11. The Buccaneers will take the field again on Saturday when the team hosts the Cleveland Browns.
