DevinCulp

Aug 29

Daniels was the only Bucs quarterback not named Baker Mayfield to take reps in 7-on-7 work against the Jaguars during Wednesday’s joint

practice. The undrafted rookie out of Kansas has been impressive while rallying the Bucs to come-from-behind preseason wins over the Jets and Chiefs the past two weeks. Does it mean head coach Todd Bowles plans to make Daniels the No. 2 quarterback behind Mayfield when the Bucs kick off the regular season? Not necessarily. But it’s clear the Bucs are at least considering it, and Friday’s preseason finale may go a long way toward deciding their path. It’s important to note that Daniels’ performance wasn’t very good Wednesday. He had rookie tight end Bauer Sharp open in the end zone but hesitated and had the pass batted down. Tight end Devin Culp came open, and a late Daniels throw was intercepted. But Daniels’ game is more similar to Mayfield’s. Both are listed at 6-foot-1, can throw off platform and make plays with their legs. “Obviously, you guys have seen Jalon make a lot of splash plays,” Mayfield said. “So for him, just the growing aspect of the quarterback game. This system is pretty tough to get down. A lot of verbiage, so he’s made tremendous strides in that. I’m proud of him in that regard.” The problem is there’s probably too much good film on Daniels in a QB-needy league to attempt to successfully sneak him through waivers. As recently as 2021 and ’22, the Bucs carried three quarterbacks on the roster.

Matt Matera·Aug 15

All eyes were on Daniels when he got all of the offensive snaps in the second half. He orchestrated an 80-yard touchdown drive the first time he took the field in the game. He made smart throws and even had a big third down completion to Garrett Greene to move the sticks. His mobility was on display as he avoided some tackles and scrambled for a first down earlier in the drive, too. Following a quick second drive at their own goal line, Daniels threaded the needle great when they had the ball next. He fit a perfect pass in a tight window to tight end Devin Culp for a first down. Then, he found Bauer Sharp on a fourth and five to keep the drive going and get into scoring range and eventually punching in a rushing touchdown of his own. All eyes were on Daniels when he got all of the offensive snaps in the second half. He orchestrated an 80-yard touchdown drive the first time he took the field in the game. He made smart throws and even had a big third down completion to Garrett Greene to move the sticks. His mobility was on display as he avoided some tackles and scrambled for a first down earlier in the drive, too. Following a quick second drive at their own goal line, Daniels threaded the needle great when they had the ball next. He fit a perfect pass in a tight window to tight end Devin Culp for a first down. Then, he found Bauer Sharp on a fourth and five to keep the drive going and get into scoring range and eventually punching in a rushing touchdown of his own.