Buccaneers’ Secondary: Shilo Sanders Leads Impressive Young Group Under Todd Bowles

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have started the preseason on a strong note, remaining undefeated. Although preseason wins don’t impact the regular season record, they still hold value in terms of building momentum and showcasing team progress.

Tampa Bay’s secondary has been a key factor in the team’s success, earning high praise from head coach Todd Bowles. The unit has shown impressive form, stepping up to make significant contributions. Bowles has been particularly impressed with the group’s performance, highlighting their ability to close out games and make plays on the ball.

Bowles Via the team’s website,

“I see us closing out games in preseason, and a lot of different people are playing, so that’s good to see. You want your main team, when you get to [the] 53 [-man roster], to have that same killer instinct.”

Bowles continued,

“It’s hard right now because they haven’t played the end of halves and end of games. But the younger guys have picked that up, finishing out games and closing them. Even if they make a mistake, they’re making it full speed, so that’s a start.”

With a competitive battle brewing for roster spots in the secondary, safeties and cornerbacks are vying for attention. Kaevon Merriweather, Rashad Wisdom, and Shilo Sanders have seized opportunities, delivering standout performances when starters rested or sidelined with injuries, showcasing their skills and making a strong case for their spot on the team.

“They played a lot. I’m not finished going through the tape yet, but Merriweather probably has the most experience since he was here last year and played the last half of the season. He knows both positions.”

Bowles continued,

“Wisdom was on the practice squad last year and actually played nickel [cornerback] in the second half because we were down corners. He did a heck of a job playing nickel, strong safety, and free safety from a knowledge standpoint. Shilo is very aggressive, very young, and very hungry. He can make plays in the box and run down to give us 100% on special teams. This last week is going to be very important for those guys to show up.”

While roster spots might be limited, these players understand the high stakes of the final week of training camp and preseason games – every snap counts.

Get ready for some exciting football action! The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are set to take on the Buffalo Bills this Saturday, August 23rd, at 7:30 p.m. EDT, right here at Raymond James Stadium.

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