Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels dazzles again, leading a thrilling comeback while an overlooked veteran and a rising pass rusher impress.
Two preseason games down. Only one to go.
The Tampa Buccaneers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 16-15 on Saturday night, earning their second straight comeback victory. With the regular season right around the corner, players who are fighting for roster spots or trying to earn significant playing time once the real games begin are running out of time to build their case.
Saturday's game against the Chiefs gave those players another opportunity to show what they can do, and it was also our first look at many of Tampa's starters this preseason.
Who stood out? And who missed out on their chance to make a good impression?
Here are my five biggest takeaways from The Bucs' win over the Chiefs:
1. How Was Jalon Daniels Not Drafted?
For the second straight game, undrafted rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels was the star for Tampa's offense. One week after breathing life into a dormant offense against the New York Jets, Daniels shined again against Kansas City, turning the 9-0 deficit he inherited into a 16-15 victory.
Though only a rookie, Daniels plays with the poise of a seasoned veteran and shows an excellent command of the offense.
How was Daniels not drafted? The 31 other NFL teams must be kicking themselves for letting a talent like Daniels pass them by. In the span of one week, Daniels has gone from QB4 and a roster longshot to an absolute lock to make the team and may even earn Tampa's QB2 job.
Just as it was amazing that Rueben Bain Jr. fell to the Bucs at Pick 15, it is unbelievable that no other team drafted Daniels. Kudos to Tampa for snatching him up after the draft.
2. Don't Forget About Anthony Nelson
With all of the additions the Bucs made to their defensive front seven this offseason, it may have been easy to write off or forget about Anthony Nelson. That would be a mistake, and he showed why on Saturday night.
He got to Chiefs QB Justin Fields for a strip-sack and then registered another half-sack in the first half. Both plays came on third down, which is the money down in the NFL.
Even with Tampa drafting Bain and linebacker Josiah Trotter in the first two rounds, signing Alex Anzalone and Al-Quadin Muhammad in free agency, and last year's fourth-round pick, David Walker, returning after missing his entire rookie year, Nelson is a valuable part of the pass-rushing rotation. The seven-year veteran is both durable and consistent and is showing he still deserves to be on this team.
3. David Walker Is For Real
Speaking of Walker, that kid is for real. He has been one of the stars of camp, recording a sack in each of the team's first nine practices.
Walker has been in the spotlight for weeks, impressing fans, coaches, and his teammates. He continued to impress against Kansas City. Though he didn't record a sack, Walker lived in the Chiefs' backfield, recording three pressures.
His return after missing all of 2025 can take Tampa's defense to a new level.
4. Pair Of WRs Make Statements
Wide receivers Kameron Johnson and Dean Patterson both made statements Saturday night. The pair tied for the team lead with 56 receiving yards. Johnson pulled in four catches, while Patterson had six.
Tampa's top five WRs are likely set with Emeka Egbuka, Chris Godwin Jr., Jalen McMillan, rookie Ted Hurst, and Tez Johnson. However, Kam Johnson has flashed some talent as a receiver and can be used as a returner. He has a great shot at making the team as WR6.
Patterson's chances of making the 53-man roster are not good, but his performance against the Chiefs could make him a priority signing to the practice squad.
5. Browning Losing Grip On QB2 Job?
When the Bucs signed Jake Browning, it seemed written in stone that he would be Baker Mayfield's primary backup. However, Daniels' meteoric rise and Browning's minor back injury have turned the QB2 competition into a real battle.
For his part, Browning handled the news about his job being in jeopardy exactly how one would expect and hope a professional would. He welcomed the competition, emphatically stating, "bring it."
While Browning played relatively well on Saturday, he couldn't lead the offense to any points. All three of Tampa's scoring drives came with Daniels taking the snaps.
Two standout performances from Daniels could be causing Browning to lose his grip on the QB2 job. He will have one more chance to separate himself from Daniels and cement his role as Mayfield's backup when the Bucs take on the Jacksonville Jaguars in their final preseason game next Friday at 7:30 PM.
