Sunday, 3 a.m.
It wasn't pretty. It wasn't dominating. Heck, it didn't even count.
But now that the Bucs 17-14 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers is complete, the debate over just what it all meant may ensue.
For instance, what did you make of the defense? They had four sacks and three interceptions. On the other hand, the tackling was poor and Pittsburgh dominated much of the second half.
And Tez Johnson? How about Tez? He had a 31-yard punt return that promised success down the road. And he made a mental gaffe (trying to catch a bounding punt) that had some fans wishing to send him down the road.
That's why it's preseason, of course. The Bucs’ offense struggled for mosts of the night. The running game never could find its rhythm. The Steelers' backup quarterbacks hit 17 of 29 passes.
Then there was the struggle for backup quarterback. Teddy Bridgewater started and threw two touchdown passes. Kyle Trask then came in and wobbled, hitting just three of 10 passes for 19 yards.
The running game? It was a rumor. (Twenty-four carries, 41 yards). Bucky Irving carried eight times for 12 yards. Sean Tucker carried four times for six yards.
All of that said, the Bucs won. They're 2-0 on the preseason. So far, they've shown promise in the secondary and sparkle among the receivers. The offensive line has been disappointing, and the team might want to take out insurance on quarterback Baker Mayfield.
So how should the Bucs check their boxes?
Quarterback: Bridgewater did well considering how little practice he has had. He hit Irving with a 15-yard scoring pass and Emeka Egbuka for a five yard touchdown.
Running back: Irving didn't do much running, but he caught the scoring pass.
Offensive line: Boy, do they miss Tristan Wirfs.
Receivers: Fifteen Bucs caught passes. Sterling Sheppard's three catches for 47 yards was the highlight.
Kicker: Chase McLaughlin hit a 42-yard field goal as time expired after Antonio Grier returned an interception 36 yards. Punter Riley Dixon averaged 50 yards a punt and kicked two inside the 20.
The Bucs conclude their preseason schedule at home Saturday night against Buffalo at 7:30 p.m.