The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will take the field Saturday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers in their second preseason matchup of 2025. While the regular season remains a few weeks away, this game presents a crucial opportunity for the Bucs’ defense, both veterans and newcomers, to sharpen their execution and prove they’re ready for another playoff-caliber campaign. With the Steelers expected to rest most of their starters, including Aaron Rodgers, T.J. Watt, and DK Metcalf, Tampa’s defense won’t face Pittsburgh’s full firepower.
But don’t be fooled, this is still a meaningful test, especially for players fighting for roster spots and depth chart roles. Here are three key areas to watch for the Buccaneers’ defense in Saturday’s game:
Establish Depth in the Front Seven
The Bucs return several core pieces from last year’s front seven, including Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey. But the preseason isn’t about the known commodities; it’s about finding reliable backups and breakout candidates.
Young players like Chris Braswell and Elijah Roberts will be under the microscope. Braswell, a second-round pick, has shown early flashes of speed off the edge, and a productive performance could strengthen his case for meaningful snaps once the regular season begins. The Steelers’ second-team offensive line is far from dominant, giving Tampa Bay’s young pass rushers a chance to feast. Also worth watching: who emerges behind Vea and Logan Hall on the interior. Players like Greg Gaines and Mike Greene are battling for rotation roles, and the Bucs need someone who can anchor the middle when Vea comes off the field.
Communication and Cohesion in the Secondary
While Tampa’s secondary has experience, several positions are still fluid. Rookie Jacob Parrish has been rotated in with the first team and could push for a bigger role with another solid outing. Communication breakdowns plagued the unit at times last season, particularly in zone coverage. This preseason game is a controlled environment to clean that up.
The Steelers won’t have DK Metcalf on the field, but Pittsburgh’s younger receivers are shifty and fast, ideal opponents to test the Bucs’ ability to limit yards after the catch and keep plays in front of them.
Third Down and Red Zone Execution
It may be a preseason game, but the Bucs need to show discipline and situational sharpness, especially on third downs and in the red zone. Tampa ranked in the bottom half of the league last season in third-down defense, and head coach Todd Bowles has emphasized the importance of tightening things up this year. Against a Steelers offense likely led by Mason Rudolph and backup running backs, the Buccaneers’ defense must avoid giving up extended drives. Look for Bowles to test different blitz packages and defensive looks, particularly in short-yardage scenarios, to see how younger players respond under pressure.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Keys for the Buccaneers’ defense against the Steelers offense
Reporting by Ashlie Abrahams, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
