The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were victorious over the Kansas City Chiefs, 16-15 at home and move to 2-0 on the 2026 preseason.
TOP PERFORMERS 🏈
Buccaneers:
- Passing: QB Jalon Daniels - 9/14 for 71 yards & 1 TD
- Rushing: RB Sean Tucker - 5 att. for 23 yards & 1 TD
- Receiving: WR Dean Patterson IV - 6 rec. for 56 yards
- Defense: OLB Anthony Nelson - 2 tackles, 1.5 sacks
Chiefs:
- Passing: QB Garrett Nussmeier - 9/17 for 74 yards
- Rushing: RB Emari Demercado - 7 att. for 25 yards & 1 TD
- Receiving: WR Jalen Royals - 6 rec. for 51 yards
- Defense: DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah - 2 tackles, 1.0 sack
Baker Mayfield started the game at quarterback and got two drives under his belt before Jake Browning took the reins. Browning finished nine-for-12 and 84 yards while picking up 14 yards on the ground. The offense was unable to score in the first half, but that changed in the second. Undrafted rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels continued his hot preseason by orchestrating three-scoring drives, all on the other side of halftime. Daniels finished the game with 71 passing yards, 19 rushing yards and a passing touchdown. Tight end Ko Kieft and running back Sean Tucker found the end zone, while Dean Patterson IV and Kam Johnson led the game with 56 receiving yards.
Anthony Nelson made his presence known in the first half with 1.5 sacks, including a strip sack on Chiefs quarterback Justin Fields. The Bucs were able to provide ample pressure throughout the game with outside linebacker Mohamed Kamara standing out on the defensive line. The play of the game came in the fourth quarter when the Bucs were down 15-10. Cornerback Roman Parodie took advantage of a bobbled ball in the air, intercepting it and putting the offense in a prime position to take the lead.
The Chiefs won the toss and elected to start with the ball. The Bucs starters took care of business on defense, inducing two three-and-outs to start the game. Mayfield started the contest, completing two out of four passes for 10 yards in his two drives. Meanwhile, Bucky Irving rushed for 14 yards on three attempts. Browning entered the game for Mayfield for his first preseason action. Nelson was able to strip sack Fields near the end of the first quarter.
During their first drive in the second quarter, Kansas City's offense became the first to cross midfield all game. Fields was able to progress the ball into the red zone before Kamara and Nelson combined for a massive 20-yard sack on third down, forcing the Chiefs to kick a 45-yard field goal to go up 3-0. Bucs running back Josh Williams entered the game and picked up a couple nice gains through the air, including a 16-yard screen pass. Tampa Bay was held scoreless while the Chiefs kicked two more long field goals to go up 9-0 at the half.
The Bucs found the end zone on their second drive of the second half. Daniels went five-for-five on the drive with 39 passing yards, 10 rushing yards and a touchdown pass to tight end Ko Kieft to cap it off. During the offensive possession, Patterson came down with a beautiful 24-yard, toe-tap reception, showcasing his body control on the highlight play. The Chiefs responded quickly with a touchdown of their own after a pass interference call catapulted them into the red zone. Rookie running back Emmett Johnson made the score 15-7 on a one-yard rushing touchdown.
The fourth quarter started with a Tampa Bay field goal after Daniels led a drive to Kansas City's 28-yard line, inching the score closer, 15-10. Cornerback Roman Parodie came up with a big interception on the other side of the ball, where the Bucs capitalized, capturing their first lead of the game after a one-yard rushing touchdown from Sean Tucker. The Bucs defense held strong the following during a Kansas City drive that ended in a missed 43-yard field goal late in the fourth quarter. Tampa Bay was able to salt away the final three minutes and end the game, 16-15 in their favor.
What is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' preseason record?
2-0
Who scored touchdowns for the Buccaneers vs. the Chiefs in Preseason Week 2
TE Ko Kieft and RB Sean Tucker scored touchdowns against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Who was a standout on offense?
QB Jalon Daniels led three-scoring drives on offense in the second half.
Who was a standout on defense?
OLB Anthony Nelson & CB Roman Parodie made big plays for the defense. Nelson totaled 1.5 sacks and Parodie came up with a clutch fourth-quarter interception.
Who do the Buccaneers play next?
They play the Jacksonville Jaguars on Friday, August 28th at 7:30 p.m. ET for a Preseason Week 3 matchup at Everbank Stadium.
