The Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicked off their 2024 preseason with an impressive performance against the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday night. Despite missing their veteran starters, the Bucs showcased their rookie class and depth players in a hard-fought 17-14 victory.

One standout player for the Bucs was rookie running back Bucky Irving, who demonstrated his potential with six carries for 28 yards and a touchdown. Irving's ability to break tackles and find the end zone was a promising sign for Tampa Bay's struggling run game.

The receiving corps also made their mark in the game. Ryan Miller, Trey Palmer, Jalen McMillan, Rakim Jarrett, Raleigh Webb, Cody Thompson, and Tanner Knue all contributed crucial catches that helped move the Bucs' offense down the field. Their combined efforts resulted in 14 catches for 176 yards, showcasing the team's depth at the position.

On the defensive side of the ball, safety Kaevon Merriweather stood out with his impactful plays. Merriweather broke up a potential touchdown pass, pressured the quarterback, and made key tackles, keeping the Bengals' passing game in check for most of the night.

The offensive line also made significant contributions to the team's success, particularly rookies Graham Barton and Elijah Klein. Their strong blocking allowed the Bucs' run game to thrive, resulting in 96 yards and an impressive 6.0 yards per carry. The improved run game also helped in creating opportunities for the play-action passing game.

Running back Sean Tucker displayed his versatility with solid runs and a catch on a check-down pass. Tucker's explosive 26-yard run showcased his vision and burst, making him a strong contender for a spot on the final roster.

Defensive lineman JJ Russell had an exceptional performance, contributing to shutting down the Bengals' run game and making crucial tackles in open-field situations. His efforts in the game solidified his position in the battle for a linebacker spot on the roster.

In the secondary, cornerback Isaac Smith displayed excellent coverage skills and made a crucial interception late in the second quarter to halt the Bengals' offensive drive.

Although he entered the game late, running back Jefferson made a significant impact. His determination and effort led to a crucial touchdown run that secured the win for the Bucs in the closing minutes of the game.

Overall, the Bucs' preseason opener showcased the team's depth and potential contributions from their rookies and depth players. With promising performances on both sides of the ball, Tampa Bay fans can look forward to an exciting season ahead.