Aug 28, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Keith Lewis (41) reacts after intercepting the ball during the first half against the Washington Redskins at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The next time the Tampa Bay Buccaneers take the field the result will matter.
The Bucs concluded their preseason schedule Thursday night with a 24-10 home loss to the Washington Redskins, leaving them with a 1-3 record in the preseason.
Solomon Patton had the only touchdown for Tampa Bay as he caught a 25-yard pass from Mike Kafka in the third quarter.
Washington had taken a 10-0 lead into half time before Patrick Murray got the Bucs on the board with a 35-yard field goal.
An 80-yard screen pass from Colt McCoy to Lache Seastrunk pushed Washington’s lead to 14 before Patton found the endzone after a couple of nice moves with 7:49 left in the third.
Silas Redd added a touchdown with just over four minutes left in the fourth to complete the scoring.
Mike Glennon played just one series for the Bucs and went 2-of-3 for 10 yards. Kafka played the rest of the game and went 7-of-14 for 86 yards and the touchdown but was repeatedly under pressure and was sacked four times.
Jeff Demps got the majority of the carries at running back as he had 59 yards on 20 carries. Bobby Rainey saw limited action.
Solomon ended the game with two catches for 34 yards and with his return game abilities, he’s almost guaranteed his roster spot.
Louis Murphy seemed to pull ahead in the race for the slot receiver postion with three catches for 33 yards but he left in the third quarter with an injured back and did not return.
Tampa Bay’s offense was poor all night long and they went 2-for-10 on third down. Michael Koenen punted six times at an average of 49.7 yards per punt.
The Bucs defense created two takeaways in the endzone as Keith Lewis, and then Nate Askew, had interceptions. Keith Tandy had a team high eight tackles while Danny Lansanah had five tackles, three of which were for loss.
The secondary was carved up though as McCoy threw for 321 yards. The Bucs also missed numerous tackles that cost them big chunks of yards and ultimately points.
One positive for the Bucs were their lack of penalties as they committed just two all game long.
Bucs starters sat this game out in preparation for next week’s season opener against Carolina.
The Bucs must get down to a 53-man roster by midday Saturday so make sure to check in tomorrow to see which players have made the final Tampa Bay Buccaneers roster.