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NFL Schedule Stunning Twist: Buccaneers’ 2-1 Preseason Ends with 23-19 Loss
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Buccaneers’ Preseason Finale Offers Hope Despite Loss to Bills
In a game that featured none of the starters for either team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers closed their 2025 preseason with a hard-fought 23-19 loss to the Buffalo Bills at Raymond James Stadium. While the result prevented a perfect preseason, finishing 2-1 provides a solid foundation as the team now turns its full attention to the grueling regular-season NFL schedule.
The contest was a battle of back-end roster players and reserves, a common theme in the final preseason week. With the two teams set to meet again in November due to the NFL schedule, both coaching staffs, including Bucs’ Head Coach Todd Bowles, employed vanilla game plans to avoid showing their hand.
Despite the simplified approach, several young Buccaneers made powerful statements in their final audition for a roster spot. Rookie wide receiver Tez Johnson was the standout performer, catching eight passes for 58 yards and a spectacular touchdown celebration that included a running backflip.
“He really improved from last week to this week understanding the little things,” said Coach Bowles. “He made some plays. He played fast. He played like he knew what he was doing.”
The special teams units also delivered an electrifying performance. The Bucs’ return game was dominant, averaging 38.0 yards on five kickoff returns. Rookie Josh Williams had returns of 42 and 39 yards, while Kam Johnson ripped off a 57-yard return that set up a score. This explosive phase of the game could be a critical weapon when navigating the tough 2025 NFL schedule.
Quarterbacks Kyle Trask and Connor Bazelak managed the game efficiently, combining to complete 25 of 36 passes for 200 yards, two touchdowns, zero interceptions, and a 101.6 passer rating. Bowles specifically praised Bazelak’s composure in running the two-minute offense for the game’s final touchdown, a beautiful toe-tapping catch by rookie receiver Garrett Greene.
The defense, which had forced six turnovers in the first two games, failed to create a takeaway but saw impactful plays from individuals like defensive lineman Elijah Roberts, who recorded a sack.
The loss, while disappointing, allows the Buccaneers’ coaching staff to make final evaluations before roster cuts. The strong showings from rookies and reserves provide valuable depth, which is essential to survive the marathon of the NFL schedule. The team’s focus now shifts entirely to Week 1 of the regular season, where every play counts in the standings.