BUCS HOLD ON TO NIP JAGS

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers managed to escape with a win at Jacksonville on Saturday night, but by the narrowest of margins.  The Jags gave up the opportunity to tie the game after a last minute touchdown, and decided to go for a 2 point conversion and the win.  The attempt failed, and the Bucs survived to win by a 24-23 final score.  The victory evened Tampa’s NFL preseason mark at 1-1, while Jacksonville slumped to 0-2.

NFL preseason bettors who took Tampa Bay as +3 road underdogs cashed their tickets with the outright victory.  The Bucs evened their NFL preseason ATS mark at 1-1, while Jacksonville dropped to 0-1-1.  The 47 combined points sailed OVER the posted total of 34, giving Tampa Bay their second OVER in two games.  The Jaguars evened their O/U record for the preseason at 1-1.

A quarterback battle may be brewing in Tampa, as starter Byron Leftwich was outplayed by backup Luke McCown.  Leftwich moved the team into Jacksonville territory on three occasions, but came away with only a field goal.  He finished with 63 yards on 6 of 12 passing and gave his thoughts on his performance after the game:

"We did some good things. I didn't play great, but I played OK. We wanted to look better. We wanted to understand situations better."

McCown was 6 of 9 for 51 yards, but cashed in two touchdown passes.  Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris had little comment on his QBs play, but indicated that he’d look to name a starter later this week:

"Everything plays a big part of this decision -- OTAs, mini-camp, the games. These games count for a little bit more. We'll evaluate the leadership and everything about the QB play. I can't ask for a better competition and can't ask for a better group and can't ask for better results. Got to make the decision now."

A bright spot for the Jaguars was the play of wide receiver Troy Williamson.  Williamson was a disappointment after he was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings out of the University of South Carolina, but has given the Jags a much needed deep threat.  Williamson caught two deep passes from QB David Gararrd and finished with 147 yards.  He caught four passes for 74 yards in Jacksonville’s opening game of the preseason.  After the game, he said that he’s just trying to work hard:

"I am just out there working I'm doing more and more stuff to get my confidence back up. I feel good and comfortable with the offense."

Tampa Bay will host Miami next Thursday night, while Jacksonville will look to get their first win of the NFL preseason as they travel to Philadelphia.  The Jaguars will kick off the NFL regular season on Sunday, September 13th as they play the Colts in Indianapolis.  The Bucs will start off their campaign hosting the Dallas Cowboys.