Chris Godwin Jr. is healthier, Ted Hurst III continues to impress and Tampa Bay prepares to test its revamped roster against New York
TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles says the combination of veteran and rookie additions has brought a noticeable change in leadership, attitude and toughness to the team as Tampa Bay prepares for joint practices with the New York Jets.
Following Sunday’s training camp practice, Bowles praised the impact of the Buccaneers’ offseason additions and said the difference has been significant.
“It’s huge. I mean, it’s night and day with the veterans that came in and with the rookies that have come in, just from a leadership standpoint, an attitude standpoint, a mentality and study habits,” Bowles said.
Bowles specifically mentioned Kenny Gainwell, Alex Anzalone, A’Shawn Robinson, Josiah Trotter, Rueben Bain Jr. and Rakeem Nuñez-Roches among players helping shape the team’s mentality.
“It’s been a breath of fresh air to see, and everybody gravitates toward them,” Bowles said.
Bowles: Chris Godwin Jr. ‘Peaking at the Right Time’
One of the more encouraging developments for Tampa Bay has been the condition of veteran wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr.
Bowles said Godwin enters this stage of camp healthier than he has been in recent years.
“I think he’s healthier right now,” Bowles said. “Years past he’s been hurt the last two [training camps], but he’s a lot healthier right now.”
Bowles praised Godwin’s mental sharpness, toughness and leadership while emphasizing that the veteran remains an important playmaker in both the passing and blocking games.
“I think right now he’s peaking at the right time,” Bowles said.
Ted Hurst III Making His Case
Wide receiver Ted Hurst III also drew attention during Sunday’s practice, particularly for his ability to make contested catches.
“He can go up and get the ball,” Bowles said. “You see it on his college tape as well, and those are good things to see.”
Hurst said he is trying to establish that ability as a defining part of his game.
“[I’m] just trying to be myself and exploit and show that that’s my game, going up, attacking the ball,” Hurst said.
Cornerback Jacob Parrish also singled out Hurst when asked which receivers have challenged him during camp.
“I’ll say Ted Hurst [III] — he had a very good catch on me today, actually,” Parrish said. “He’s a rookie, very tall, good at running, very fast.”
Hurst said his first NFL training camp has reinforced how much attention to detail is required at the professional level.
“These are the best athletes in the world and everything’s detailed,” Hurst said.
Buccaneers Defense Showing New Energy
Parrish said Tampa Bay’s defensive additions have brought a different attitude to the unit.
“I would say it’s just the energy and the guys we brought in,” Parrish said. “They got an edge to them.”
Bowles also praised Parrish’s development, describing him as one of Tampa Bay’s best coverage defenders alongside Zyon McCollum.
“He’s very quick,” Bowles said. “He’s right up there with Zyon as one of our best cover guys, and he can play inside as well, so that makes him very versatile.”
Bowles said Parrish’s improved understanding of the defensive scheme has allowed him to rely on more than his athletic ability entering his second season.
Josiah Trotter Brings Old-School Physicality
Bowles offered a colorful assessment of linebacker Josiah Trotter when asked what distinguishes him from other linebackers he has coached.
“He’s almost like a new-school linebacker in an old-school body,” Bowles said.
The coach said Trotter combines size and athleticism with an aggressive downhill playing style.
“He really knows how to play the game, and he really plays with intent to do serious harm,” Bowles said.
Parrish similarly praised Trotter’s intensity while discussing Tampa Bay’s young defensive players.
Rueben Bain Jr. Impresses Nuñez-Roches
Veteran defensive lineman Rakeem Nuñez-Roches, back with Tampa Bay after spending time with the New York Giants, said he has been impressed with rookie outside linebacker Rueben Bain Jr.’s approach.
“Rueben is impressive,” Nuñez-Roches said. “Just to see him with his poise, the way that he stacks his rushes, his approach to the game, even just the way he watches his film on the sideline in between plays.”
Nuñez-Roches said Bain actively seeks advice on ways to improve between plays.
“I can’t wait to see what he does this season,” Nuñez-Roches said.
Ayden Garnes Continues Development
Bowles also highlighted cornerback Ayden Garnes as a young player showing significant improvement since offseason workouts.
Bowles said Garnes appears to have developed a better understanding of Tampa Bay’s defensive scheme, allowing him to play faster and more consistently.
Hurst also praised Garnes’ preparation and film study.
“Every time I walk around, I see him looking at film or I just see him studying this game and taking it to the field,” Hurst said. “He’s definitely a great competitor.”
Buccaneers Turn Attention to Jets
Tampa Bay’s next test comes against unfamiliar competition as the Buccaneers prepare for joint practices with the New York Jets in New Jersey.
Bowles said practicing against another organization provides an opportunity to evaluate whether Tampa Bay’s players can execute their assignments against a different system.
“Here, it can get a little mundane when you go against the same guy every day,” Bowles said.
The joint practices will also give Tampa Bay coaches an opportunity to evaluate players such as David Walker against outside competition.
Bowles emphasized that the objective is productive football work — not fighting.
“That’s not what we’re going up there for,” Bowles said. “We’re going up there to practice and get better.”
With Tampa Bay moving deeper into its preseason preparations, Bowles said Sunday’s practice provided another sign that the offense and defense are beginning to operate more cohesively.
“We’re functioning better as a unit,” Bowles said, “so that’s the overall picture for both sides of the football going into next week.”
