The Buccaneers snapped a tight preseason opener into a win over the Steelers, riding a wave of efficient plays from their QB room and sharp moments from a handful of youngsters to push for roster spots. Teddy Bridgewater stepped into a reliable No. 2 role, orchestrating two crisp scoring drives and showing veteran poise. Rookie Jacob Parrish teased with decisive ball skills, while Emeka Egbuka flashed with his first NFL TD. Zyon McCollum grabbed an INT and looked more confident in coverage, Kindle Vildor anchored the secondary with a pick and key breakups. On the flip side, Jamel Dean had a rough sequence, Charlie Heck struggled in protection, and Kyle Trask’s 3-for-10 night fed HC questions about the QB2 competition. The game underscored depth chart conversations in a crowded roster battle, while Baker Mayfield stood behind Bridgewater as the veteran engine for the offense.

For fantasy bettors, Bridgewater’s solid efficiency bodes well for a reliable late-round QB2, especially given Mayfield’s starter role. Parrish’s special-teams/coverage flashes could translate into regular defensive depth looks, while McCollum and Vildor offer intriguing rotational upside in a secondary that’ll lean on playmakers this season. Egbuka’s polish and a continued uptick in McCollum’s reads signal growing day-one contribution potential. Trask and Heck remain on a tight leash, with Trask needing a cleaner outing to defend a potential QB2 chase. Overall, the Bucs showcased a path to flexibility in August, with several players stepping into fantasy-friendly roles.