Keys for the Buccaneers' offense against the Titans defense

As Tampa Bay prepares to host Tennessee in Week 1 of the 2025 preseason, all eyes will be on the offensive unit, but not the starters. With those players likely sitting out, this is a game built for evaluation. Below are three offensive keys that matter most as rookies and backups get their shot under the Friday night lights.

Timing and flow in Kyle Trask’s QB reps

Kyle Trask, the Buccaneers’ presumed QB2, gets the first serious live look of camp, especially with Baker Mayfield potentially sidelined for most or all of the game. Beyond pure stats, the coaching staff will be focused on whether Trask executes snap counts cleanly, rolls out of structure when under duress, and maintains timing over the middle and in red-zone windows. Offensive Coordinator Josh Grizzard continues to layer in pre-snap shifts and motion to create defensive misdirection, tools that require precise quarterback cadence and chemistry with targets like tight ends Cade Otton and Devin Culp. Trask’s ability to sell play-action and execute timing routes will dictate how quickly he climbs the QB depth chart.

Quick passing game and timing routes with young receivers

Tampa Bay’s offense is built on timing and precision, much like it was in 2024, when the Bucs ranked top-five in third-down conversion rate and red-zone touchdown efficiency. With Mike Evans likely resting and Chris Godwin Jr still rehabbing his ankle, preseason reps go to young receivers such as Emeka Egbuka, Tez Johnson, and returning secondary target Jalen McMillan. Their ability to run clean drag concepts, slants, and shallow crossers will be a key indicator of whether the timing-based offense holds up when its stars are absent. Grizzard’s offense thrives off precision, with short shots setting up deeper options, so timing concepts must hit early and often.

Establishing rhythm through the pre-snap run-pass balance

Even in preseason, establishing rhythm between the run game and quick passing shapes offensive confidence. In 2024, Tampa Bay boasted one of the league’s best rushing units, anchored by Bucky Irving’s dynamic rookie year and strong play-action success rates. In this game, backs like Sean Tucker and young depth players like newly signed Owen Wright will be on display behind the young offensive line. Opening with run-action sets a staple of Grizzard’s design that will be pivotal in setting up underneath throws to wide receivers and tight ends. Timing in motion, zone-read counters, and jet-wrap misdirection will allow backups to demonstrate vision and poise in space even without starters rolling.

This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Keys for the Bucs' offense against the Titans defense