Updated

Updated · Buccaneers.com · Aug 21

Buccaneers Host Chiefs in Aug. 22 Preseason Game as Starters Set for 7:30 p.m. ET

Updated

Updated · Buccaneers.com · Aug 21

Buccaneers Host Chiefs in Aug. 22 Preseason Game as Starters Set for 7:30 p.m. ET

Q: Can Baker Mayfield's offense outshine Patrick Mahomes in this highly anticipated preseason Super Bowl LV rematch?

Yes, but only in a limited preseason sense. Tampa Bay appears to have a real chance to look sharper offensively than Kansas City on Saturday because the Buccaneers have said their starters will play, while preseason usage for Patrick Mahomes and other Chiefs starters is typically brief and carefully managed. That matters more than the Super Bowl LV storyline. In August, the team that gives its first unit more snaps often has the better statistical night. Baker Mayfield’s offense also enters with some useful momentum. The Buccaneers are coming off a 24-16 preseason-opening win over the Jets, and camp coverage has pointed to added competition and depth around the offense, including rookie tight end Bauer Sharp earning extra first-team work. Tampa Bay is clearly using this game as a more serious evaluation and preparation spot. Still, “outshine” needs context. Mahomes does not need many snaps to create highlights, and Kansas City’s offense can look explosive even in short bursts. If he plays a series or two and scores efficiently, the Chiefs’ first unit could still leave the stronger impression even if Mayfield logs more total production. The better read is that Tampa Bay has the advantage to post the fuller offensive performance because its starters are expected to play and the game is at Raymond James Stadium. But if the question is which quarterback is more likely to deliver the most eye-catching moment, Mahomes always remains a threat to do that quickly.

3 articles · Updated · Buccaneers.com · Aug 21

Saturday’s Week 2 preseason matchup at Raymond James Stadium starts at 7:30 p.m. ET, with Tampa Bay expected to play its starters against Kansas City.
Kansas City is making its first preseason trip to Tampa since 2010, reviving an exhibition series the Buccaneers lead 5-1 over six meetings.
Raymond James also carries recent regular-season history: the Chiefs’ only visit since Super Bowl LV was a 41-31 win in Week 4 of the 2022 season.
WFLA will televise the game locally, while NFL+, Buccaneers.com, the Bucs app and team radio affiliates will carry the preseason broadcast.