View photos from the Buccaneers' 2018 Training Camp practice Wednesday at One Buccaneer Place.
-Yesterday, the linebackers especially focused on punching the ball out through various individual drills and in various team drills as well. That work paid off today for rookie Jack Cichu who stripped the ball after receiver Erv Philips made a long catch and was making his way upfield. Cichy came in and stripped the ball out of his hands, causing the ball to roll forward where cornerback Amari Coleman was able to fall beat Philips to the ball to make the recovery.
-As rookie running back Ronald Jones II works on developing in the passing game and adjusting to the speed of the NFL run game, he's also been getting his share of work on special teams. He was in today as a lead blocker for the punt returner. It may be contradictory to what you would think given that Jones is a running back. You'd think he'd be the returner, but Jones plays much bigger than he seems and can use his size to instead make way for a returner pretty effectively.
-Four of the Bucs' six top tackles weren't practicing on Wednesday. Plus, left guard Ali Marpet was held out after he exited practice a little early yesterday with what seems to be a minor injury. Therefore, the offensive line was pieced together a little differently. Center Ryan Jensen held down the middle but had second-year offensive lineman Mike Liedtke at left tackle and thid-year player Adam Gettis at left guard. On the right side it was rookies Brad Seaton at right tackle and third-round draft pick Alex Cappa at right guard. Veteran Demar Dotson took some snaps at right tackle as well but he's still been limited in practice. Thankfully, no injuries on the line seem to be long-term at this time and the Bucs could still have their originally starting five up front for Week One.
-The defense came up with multiple turnovers including the aforementioned strip by Cichy. There were also a couple interceptions to be had. One came as linebacker Lavonte David, dropping into coverage on the weak side held off the running back and got underneath him. He cut in front of him and nabbed the pick, Safety Keith Tandy was another one to come up with an interception today. He's again had a great camp and seems to be making plays every day.
-Wide receiver Chris Godwin had another monster day. I still haven't seen him drop an uncontested ball. I've seen him make some ridiculous contested catches, too. It's funny to think we weren't sure if he would lock up the fourth receiver spot at the start of camp… l o l
