The treacherous wait is finally over. The NFL preseason kicks off in full swing this week and, finally, the good people of Tampa Bay can relax. Football is back! In just five short days, your Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be flying out to Pittsburgh, PA for a Friday night showdown on national television. This will be a huge test to determine just how much better the team is overall.
Who Can Handle Pressure?
The Pittsburgh Steelers versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A great game to start the season if you ask me. If players can perform admirably under the spotlight of the national media, then perhaps the buzz of a victory will follow them on their flight back home. Now, before you all attack me over how long the starters will be in (for me personally, I believe one-to-two series tops), it needs to be known that preseason games go a long way to proving how deep of a team you are.
Can your second or even third-string guys pick up the slack when their names are called? Which of those players will be vying for more playing time after an elite performance? Who will be able to excel under the pressure of a harsh road game at Heinz Field? All of these questions can be answered during these next four exhibition games.
What To Look For
– Tampa Bay O-line vs Pittsburgh’s Defense
– Will Ronald Jones finally shake off the preseason rust?
– Is Alex Cappa a legitimate starting right guard?
– Which rookie defensive back will step up?
– What will Ndamakung Suh and Vita Vea look like playing alongside each other?
– Who takes a lead in the race for the fourth wide receiver spot?
Overview
With new players at nearly every position on the team, it will be exciting to see what Bruce Arians can put out on the field in terms of a great football product. I realize that preseason is exactly that. Preseason. But with so many new coaches, players and schemes it looks like everyone from the Glazer family all the way down will have their eyes on Pittsburgh Friday night.
