The Jameis Winston era in Tampa Bay got off to a slow start. While there were a few bright spots, Winston struggled overall in his NFL debut. Tonight, Jameis has the opportunity to improve on his performance in front of the bright lights of Monday Night Football. The Tampa Bay Bucs take on the Cincinnati Bengals in both teams second preseason game.
Winston certainly has the receivers around him to succeed. Veteran Vincent Jackson and second-year player Mike Evans offer explosiveness at the wide receiver position. Additionally, tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins enters his second NFL season. At times, the Bucs resemble a basketball team with all three aforementioned receivers offering big, physical targets for rookie Jameis Winston to connect with.
The Cincinnati Bengals have more of a veteran core. Quarterback Andy Dalton and wide receiver AJ Green lead their offensive attack. The Bengals also have two solid running backs in Jeremy Hill and Giovani Bernard. They made the playoffs last season on a 10-5-1 record. Cincinnati drafted offensive linemen with their first two draft selections over the offseason. They also brought back defensive end Michael Johnson who was cut after one season with the Bucs. The Bengals hope the moves will assist them in getting further in the playoffs.
Here are all the details on tonight’s preseason game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cincinnati Bengals:
The Basics
Who:
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
When:
Monday, August 23, 8 PM EST
Channel:
ESPN
Where:
Raymond James Stadium; Tampa, Florida
Line:
(Line is according to OddsShark and subject to change)
Cincinnati Bengals +2.5
Tampa Bay Buccaneers -2.5
Last Meeting:
The Bengals defeated the Bucs last season 14-13 late in November. Cincinnati won despite Dalton’s three interceptions.
Cincinnati Bengals Preview
The Cincinnati Bengals are coming off a 23-10 win against the New York Giants. Dalton was 3 for 3 and lead the offense to a touchdown on his only drive of the game. The first team offense saw limited action and should get a more extended look against the Bucs.
The Bengals hope they can finally take the leap and go deep into the playoff for the 2015 season. The were defeated last season in the Wild Card round by the Indianapolis Colts 26-10.
Tampa Bay Bucs Preview
The Tampa Bay Bucs lost to the Minnesota Vikings in their first preseason game 26-16. Winston went 9-for-19 for 131 yards and one interception. Winston’s debut had mixed results that was partly due to being under constant pressure by the defense.
It will be interesting to see how Jameis looks during his second NFL game. If his time at Florida State is any indication, the bright lights of Monday Night Football might help his play.