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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers went head-to-head with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday during a joint practice that provided plenty of wins and losses for both sides.
Four of the Bucs' best moments were actually delivered by second-year starting right guard Cody Mauch, rookie third-round receiver Jalen McMillan, third-year defensive back Zyon McCollum, third-year wideout Cody Thompson, and rookie UDFA Kameron Johnson.
So, in no particular order, let's check them out.
1. Cody Mauch absolutely walls off six-time Pro Bowler Calais Campbell
Campbell made quite a few plays on the day, the most exciting of all coming the form of batting Baker Mayfield's pass down at the line of scrimmage during goal line work.
But there was one rep where he didn't jack squat and the lack of production, or reason for absolutely zero production, came at the hands of Mauch.
There isn't any available video for this rep, as filming wasn't allowed at this point, but Mauch absolutely manhandled Campbell at the line of scrimmage. Let's not forget Campbell is one of the biggest dudes in the league, at 6-foot-8, 307-pounds, per the Dolphins' website . Mauch kept Campbell in check and didn't allow any kind of forward movement, at all.
"He’s a competitor," Bucs head coach Todd Bowles said of Mauch after practice. "He’s been developing the entire spring this offseason and most of the summer. The fact that we don’t call his name much and he’s not getting moved back in the backfield and he can be aggressive in run blocks and understands the game a lot more – as far as passing off stunts – says a lot more about his development, not really so much as him standing up Calais."
That rep was exactly what the Bucs need from Mauch, who looks like he's ready to take a step forward in 2024.
2. WR Jalen McMillan continues to prove he's a weapon
During the filming period of practice, McMillan made a sensational play as he caught a deep pass over his shoulder and ran in the rest of the way for a touchdown. It would've easily have made the team's highlight reel for the season if it happened during a real game.
It's important to remember that McMillan is a rookie and that he's not guaranteed to be this effective in 2024. But at the same time, the thought of him and Mike Evans with Chris Godwin inside, in 11 personnel, seems like a lethal trio, right now. Oh, and don't forget Trey Palmer at WR4, either.
3. Zyon McCollum picks off Tua Tagovailoa
Another young player that the Bucs really need to step up in 2024 is McCollum, who has had a very good summer.
That continued on Thursday, when he picked off Tagovailoa. He also broke up a pass in the end zone, but obviously the interception is the story, here.
Again, this was during the portion that could not be filmed and unfortunately, I was watching the offense when the play happened. But anytime a player gets the best of one of the NFL's best quarterbacks, it needs to be mentioned. Especially when placing McCollum in the context we've placed him in: a young player looking to make his mark by having a breakout season.
“He’s had a good camp. He’s playing the way he plays – it doesn’t matter who is out there," said Bowles. "He’s got a job to do and he comes to work every day with a professional attitude."
Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle did not participate in practice, but that doesn't mean McCollum wouldn't have made the play, anyway, since it was Tagolaivoa throwing the ball. Still, it's important context to include and I'd be remiss to exclude it.
4. The plan for Kameron Johnson is pretty clear and it's an exciting one
One of the biggest questions heading into Friday night's game against the Dolphins is what Johnson does/looks like on the field, as it's NFL debut. Johnson has been nursing an early camp injury and has yet to play in a game.
On Wednesday, we got to potentially see what that might look like. The Bucs used him on jet sweeps, end-arounds, and as a typical receiver. He had one excellent catch where he climbed the ladder to make the play over a Dolphins cornerback and held onto the ball as he spun around to the ground:
It's not just the catch that makes this play so good. Johnson's move off the line is a killer that instantly grants him separation/inside leverage and allows him to be in position to make the play.
The coaching staff loves this kid and it's easy to see why. We'll see how everything holds up, but it'll be a surprise if he doesn't make a big play in the preseason finale.
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