Tampa Bay’s rush defense had been somewhat quiet lately, particularly during the preseason opener against Cincinnati, where they managed just one quarterback hit and zero sacks. However, Saturday night’s game against the Jaguars was a different story, with outside linebacker Jose Ramirez leading the charge.
Ramirez’s Breakout Performance
Jose Ramirez, a sixth-round pick from Eastern Michigan, delivered an impressive performance with three sacks in the Bucs’ 20-7 loss to the Jaguars. His standout effort was part of a larger defensive resurgence that saw the Bucs tally five sacks in total—a significant improvement from their Week 1 performance against the Bengals.
Ramirez has been stepping up during practice, especially with injuries sidelining starters like Yaya Diaby and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka. Diaby led the Bucs with 7.5 sacks as a rookie last season, while Tryon-Shoyinka has struggled to surpass five sacks in a season. For Ramirez to earn more consistent playing time, head coach Todd Bowles emphasized that he’ll need to improve his run defense alongside his pass-rushing abilities.
Reunited as Rivals
Saturday’s game also featured a reunion of sorts, as Kyle Trask and Mac Jones faced off once again. The last time they met was in the 2020 SEC Championship Game, where Alabama narrowly defeated Florida 52-46. Fast forward to the NFL, and both quarterbacks have been fighting to find their footing. In this matchup, Jones had the upper hand, completing 16 of 23 passes for 210 yards and two touchdowns, while Trask finished with 12 of 19 passes for 108 yards and a touchdown.
Third-Down Challenges Persist
One of the most concerning aspects of the Bucs’ performance was their ongoing struggle on third down, an issue that plagued them last season. The Jaguars were able to convert 5-of-8 third-down situations in the first half, allowing them to control the pace of the game and keep the Bucs’ defense on the field longer than desired.
Conclusion
While the Bucs ultimately fell to the Jaguars, the game showcased some promising developments, particularly on the defensive side. Players like Jose Ramirez are stepping up, and as the team continues to iron out its weaknesses—especially on third down—there’s plenty of potential for an exciting season ahead.
FAQs
- Who stood out for the Bucs in the game against the Jaguars?
Jose Ramirez, a former sixth-round pick, made a significant impact with three sacks, showcasing his potential as a pass rusher. - How did Kyle Trask and Mac Jones perform in their matchup?
Mac Jones outperformed Kyle Trask, completing more passes and throwing for more yards and touchdowns. - What area of the game do the Bucs need to improve on?
The Bucs struggled on third down, allowing the Jaguars to convert crucial situations and maintain control of the game. Improving third-down defense will be key moving forward.
