[TAMPA — The NFL preseason is often a time of caution for teams as they look to protect their key players from injuries before the regular season begins. This approach was evident in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ final preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday.
Bucs head coach Todd Bowles understands the importance of keeping the starters safe during these exhibition games. With only three preseason matchups, teams are reluctant to risk their star players in unnecessary situations. The risk of a catastrophic injury outweighs any benefits that may come from a few extra game reps.
Even a quarterback competition between Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask failed to captivate the attention of fans for an extended period. Mayfield, who is expected to be the Bucs’ starter, was quickly sidelined after the first game and named the starter just two days later.
Furthermore, the strategies employed by teams during preseason games are intentionally basic and straightforward. The lack of complexity and excitement in these matchups is due to teams intentionally keeping their playbooks vanilla. This approach minimizes the chances of revealing their true tactics before the regular season kicks off.
One of the primary reasons for this cautious approach is the risk of injuries. Bowles explained that the lack of mandatory offseason workouts prevents players from being in top football shape when training camp begins. Conditioning is crucial to prevent injuries and the demands of football cannot be replicated in other forms of training, such as Pilates or track workouts. As a result, players are more susceptible to muscle strains or pulls during the early stages of training camp.
In an attempt to address this issue, Bowles and his coaching staff implemented a modified training schedule. They analyzed the data and found that a significant number of injuries occurred towards the end of the practice cycle. To combat this, the coaching staff decided to give players a day off after every four days of practice. This adjustment helped keep the players fresher and better prepared to handle the physical demands of the sport.
The NFL’s shift to a three-game preseason schedule two years ago also impacted the approach to player usage. In the past, starters would gradually increase their playing time throughout the preseason, culminating in significant playing time in the third game. This allowed players to acclimate to the tempo of a real game and adjust to halftime protocols. However, with only three games, coaches have had to adapt their plans.
For the Bucs, Bowles has decided to play his starters for only the first half against the Ravens. This limited playing time provides them with some game experience while minimizing the risk of injuries. The focus is now on helping the newcomers and younger players get up to speed. With a significant influx of new talent on the team, it is crucial to develop their skills early on, so they can seamlessly step in if the starters become unavailable due to injuries.
While some may criticize the lack of excitement or star power in preseason games, it is essential to recognize the bigger picture. Coaches and teams are prioritizing the long-term success and health of their key players. They are also focused on building depth and preparing the younger players to contribute when their time comes. Although preseason games may not be as thrilling as regular-season matchups, they serve a critical purpose in shaping the team for the challenges ahead.
As the regular season approaches, Bucs fans can rest assured that their team is taking the necessary precautions to ensure a successful and injury-free campaign. The coaching staff’s meticulous planning and focus on player development will undoubtedly pay dividends when it truly matters. So while preseason football may not capture the same level of excitement, it remains an integral part of the NFL’s preparation process.]
