Through the Spy Glass: Preseason Week 2

After two days of joint practices with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Miami Dolphins, the two teams will square off. On Friday night for their second preseason game, the Buccaneers take on that other Florida team. In this edition of “Through the Spy Glass”, we will break down four key components for the Buccaneers in week two.

Xavien Howard vs Mike Evans/Chris Godwin

We all know what Mike Evans can do at this point in his career, and chances are Xavien Howard lines up against him one on one. If it goes anything like joint practice, it will probably be something like this.

Jameis Winston to Mike Evans with Xavien Howard in coverage. pic.twitter.com/RvBHMlxTdF

— PewterReport (@PewterReport) August 13, 2019

What I really want to see is how Chris Godwin can handle an elite NFL cornerback. This is a possible scenario if the Dolphins decide to bracket a safety towards Mike Evans, and put Howard on Godwin. Godwin is set to have a breakout year in Bruce Arians offense, I want to see more plays like this on Friday.

Chris Godwin vs. Xavien Howard

✅ Godwin pic.twitter.com/5WkwxW5VS7

— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) August 13, 2019

Noah Spence vs Laremy Tunsil

The highest-drafted offensive lineman for the Dolphins since Jake Long, Laremy Tunsil has quickly become a solid left tackle. Noah Spence had a fantastic game last Friday against a depleted Pittsburgh Steelers line. So I want to see if Spence can continue his improved play against a player that is a true NFL starter.

It has been noted that Spence has lined up on both the left and right side during practice, but it is the right side where he feels more comfortable. Above all, Spence excelled at creating pressure but failed to sack on the quarterback on multiple occasions Friday night. Spence needs to continue to get pressure against talent on the other side of the ball while finishing plays and bringing down the quarterback.

Can Justin Watson Bounce Back

A player that has been hyped all offseason, Justin Watson sure fell short against the Steelers. Watson dropped multiple passes, one a should-be touchdown, and only recorded four catches for 37 yards.

Watson will likely play with the second-string offense, and against the second-string defense, which will give him ample opportunity to show the coaches that last week was a fluke. If we get a repeat from week one, Watson could be a surprise cut in late August, lets hope that isn’t the case.

I expect a big bounce-back game for Watson.

First Team Offense

Last weeks picture-perfect opening drive was capped off by a Chris Godwin 11 yard touchdown. I want to see if the offense can repeat against a Dolphins defense that nobody is losing sleepover.

Now, does one drive mean anything in terms of regular-season predictors? Subsequently no, but if the team struggled against preseason defenses projected to be the bottom half of the league. Then I would start to worry. This offense should be explosive under Bruce Arians, I expect the same against the Dolphins on Friday.

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