The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost to the visiting Buffalo Bills, 23-19, in the preseason finale. Kyle Trask started the game at quarterback and completed 13 of 17 attempts for 93 yards (108.2 rating) and a touchdown to Tez Johnson in the first half. Connor Bazelak took over in the second half and finished 12 of 19 for 107 yards and a touchdown (95.7 rating). The highlight of the game for Tampa Bay was special teams. The Bucs had several explosive kickoff returns, including two by Josh Williams (longest 42 yards) and a 57-yarder by Kameron Johnson. Chase McLaughlin hit field goals from 35 and 50 yards in Preseason Week Three.
The Buccaneers' offense stalled in the first quarter with the team's first points coming early in the second frame off the leg of Chase McLaughlin. Following an 11-play drive, featuring shifty Tez Johnson moves, McLaughlin drilled a 35-yard field goal to make it a 7-3 game. Late in the second quarter, Josh Williams brought the Bucs to midfield with a 42-yard return. He was pushed out of bounds at the 49 and Tampa Bay took advantage of positive field position with a one-yard Johnson touchdown. He capped off the 51-yard drive with a contorted leaping grab in the end zone to trim the deficit, 14-10. To end the second quarter, Tyler Bass made a 37-yard field goal to give the Bills a 17-10 lead at the half.
In the third quarter after Jose Ramirez sacked Shane Buechele, which forced a Tyler Bass 37-yard field goal, Kam Johnson returned the kickoff 57 yards to the Buffalo 38-yard line, providing the Bucs' offense with an advantage. Tampa Bay was unable to cash in with a touchdown and settled for a McLaughlin 50-yard field goal. Just under the two-minute mark, Bazelak connected with Garrett Greene in the back corner of the end zone on a one-yard touchdown. The two-point attempt failed and the score remained, 23-19.
TOP PERFORMERS 🏈
Buccaneers:
- Passing: QB Kyle Trask: 12/19 for 107 yards - 1 TD
- Rushing: RB Josh Williams: 8 rushes for 28 yards
- Receiving: WR Tez Johnson: 8 catches for 58 yards - 1 TD
- Defense: OLB Jose Ramirez: 4 total tackles - 1.0 sack
Bills:
- Passing: QB Shane Buechele: 25/30 for 278 yards - 1 TD
- Rushing: RB Elijah Young: 16 rushes for 53 yards
- Receiving: WR Kristian Wilkerson: 5 catches for 46 yards
- Defense: DT Deone Walker: 4 total tackles - 0.5 sack
