Buccaneers Defeated 19-0 by Jaguars in Preseason Finale

Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels began slipping into Tampa Bay’s quarterback race with two late-preseason wins, but his chances to earn the backup job behind Baker Mayfield took a hit after a 19-0 loss to Jacksonville in the finale, when the offense stalled and he failed to generate points. Daniels completed 8 of 15 passes for 57 yards, rushed four times for 9 yards, and lost a fumble, with several drops by receivers and limited big plays hindering the offense. He had previously shown promise in the first two exhibitions, leading comebacks against the Jets and Chiefs and finishing those games with solid passing and rushing totals, which had elevated expectations for the competition with Jake Browning and Connor Bazelak. In the preseason finale, Daniels started the third quarter but produced only one drive longer than 17 yards, and Tampa Bay punted on six of its first seven possessions, while Jacksonville’s defense and special teams contributed to the shutout. Jacksonville’s pass rush and late scores from Carter Bradley and DeeJay Dallas helped seal the Jaguars’ victory, highlighting how inconsistent support from receivers and protection limited Daniels’ ability to capitalize. The result leaves the Buccaneers still weighing Daniels against Browning and Bazelak as they prepare for the regular season opener on Sept. 13.