Buccaneers HC rips Shilo Sanders for 'inexcusable' behavior

Shilo Sanders did make an impression on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers coaching staff during the team's final preseason game. It just wasn't the one he needed to make while competing for a 53-man roster spot.

Sanders was ejected from the game in the second quarter when he became upset with Buffalo Bills tight end Zach Davidson continuing to block him when the play was well over. Sanders threw a punch at Davidson and was removed from the game. 

The unnecessary roughness penalty called against the rookie safety put the ball at the Buccaneers' 11-yard line. The Bills scored a touchdown on the next play.

Following the Buccaneers' 23-19 loss to the Bills, Tampa Bay head coach Todd Bowles called Sanders' punch "inexcusable."

"You can't throw punches in this league," Bowles said, via Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' website. "That's inexcusable. They're going to get you every time. Gotta grow from that."

Sanders was already having a rough night before throwing the punch. He was called for a pass interference penalty on a drive that would end in a Buffalo touchdown. 

Sanders finished with more penalties (two) against him than tackles (one) in the game. He completed his preseason with four total tackles.

Before the game, Bowles said that Sanders, Kaevon Merriweather and Rashad Wisdom were competing for the No. 4 safety spot on the 53-man roster. Sanders hurt his chances of making the team by throwing the punch. 

The 25-year-old rookie is still adjusting to the league. While it was a bad moment for Sanders, Bowles believes the young player can use it as a learning experience before the games count in September. The practice squad might be the best fit for Sanders until he matures more during his time in the league.