Football fans love to look back at big games and check how each player performed. One matchup that got a lot of attention was the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Tennessee Titans. This game took place on August 9, 2025, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. It was the first preseason game of the year for both teams, and a large crowd of 60,488 fans came out to watch.
The final score was Tampa Bay 29, Tennessee 7. But a score alone does not tell the whole story. If you want to know how the game really went, you need to look at the player stats. In this article, we will break down how each key player performed, what the numbers mean, and why Tampa Bay ended up winning so clearly.
Game Overview
From the very start, Tampa Bay controlled the game. The Buccaneers built a 10-0 lead in the first quarter alone. During that stretch, Tampa Bay ran 22 plays while Tennessee could barely get going. By the end of the game, the difference in team stats was easy to see:
- Total yards: Tampa Bay 348, Tennessee 201
- First downs: Tampa Bay 20, Tennessee 11
- Turnovers: Tampa Bay 1, Tennessee 3
- Time of possession: Tampa Bay 34:59, Tennessee 25:01
These numbers show that Tampa Bay did almost everything better. They moved the ball more, held onto the ball longer, and made fewer mistakes. Tennessee’s three turnovers gave Tampa Bay extra chances to score, and the Buccaneers made the most of them.
Quarterback Stats: Trask vs Ward
The quarterback matchup was one of the most watched parts of this game, mainly because rookie Cam Ward was making his first NFL appearance.
Kyle Trask (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) Trask had a strong and steady night. He completed 12 of his 16 passes for 129 yards. He did not throw any touchdowns, but he also did not throw any interceptions. What stood out most was how well he moved the offense. He made smart choices, converted third downs, and kept the drives alive. His performance was not flashy, but it was efficient and controlled, which is exactly what a team wants from its quarterback in a preseason game.
Cam Ward (Tennessee Titans) Cam Ward was the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, so many fans were excited to see his first game. He played two series and completed 5 of 8 passes for 67 yards. He posted a passer rating of 89.1, which was actually the best rating among all Tennessee quarterbacks that night. His second series was Tennessee’s only scoring drive of the game, an 11-play march covering 65 yards. Ward also did not throw an interception and was not sacked, which is a good sign for a young quarterback in his debut. After his two series, head coach Brian Callahan decided to stick to the game plan and pulled Ward from the game.
While Ward’s numbers looked solid for his limited playing time, the Titans’ offense struggled badly once he left the field. The other Tennessee quarterbacks who followed him were intercepted, and the offense could not find any rhythm.
Running Back Stats: Tampa Bay Takes Charge
Running the ball was where Tampa Bay truly separated itself from Tennessee.
Owen Wright (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) Wright had a big game on the ground, rushing for 87 yards and scoring one touchdown. His runs helped Tampa Bay control the clock and wear down the Titans’ defense.
Sean Tucker (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) Tucker also had a good night, adding 50 yards and a touchdown of his own. Between Wright and Tucker, Tampa Bay’s running backs gave the offense a strong one-two punch.
Overall, the Buccaneers ran the ball 41 times for 178 yards. This kind of ball control let them manage the clock and keep pressure on the Titans’ defense throughout the game.
Tony Pollard (Tennessee Titans) On the Titans’ side, veteran running back Tony Pollard scored their only touchdown of the game, a 1-yard rush that capped off Ward’s scoring drive. Outside of that one score, though, Tennessee’s running game did not have much success moving the ball consistently.
Injuries That Affected Both Teams
Injuries played a part in this game as well, and they are worth mentioning since they affected how each team performed.
For Tampa Bay, running back Rachaad White and wide receiver Dennis Houston both left the game early in the first quarter with groin injuries and did not return. Losing two players that early can change how a team’s offense is planned, so it says a lot about Tampa Bay’s depth that they still put up 348 total yards.
For Tennessee, nose tackle T’Vondre Sweat did not play at all because he had his tonsils removed before the game. Inside linebacker Anfernee Orji also missed the game after hurting his knee during a joint practice a few days earlier. Missing key defensive players like these likely made it harder for the Titans to slow down Tampa Bay’s offense.
Why Tampa Bay Won This Game
When you put all the stats together, it becomes clear why Tampa Bay won so easily. They had:
- A steady quarterback in Kyle Trask who avoided mistakes.
- Two running backs who found the end zone and moved the chains.
- Better ball control, holding the ball for almost 35 minutes.
- Fewer turnovers than their opponent.
- A defense that forced three turnovers, including a pick-six from Rilee Parodie.
Tennessee, on the other hand, showed some good signs from Cam Ward, but the rest of the team struggled to keep up. Turnovers and missing defensive starters made it hard for the Titans to stay in the game.
What This Game Means Going Forward
Since this was a preseason game, the result does not count toward the regular season standings. However, preseason games still matter for coaches and fans. They help teams see which players are ready for the season and which ones need more work.
For Tampa Bay, this game showed that their backup and depth players, like Trask, Wright, and Tucker, can step up and perform well. For Tennessee, the biggest positive was Cam Ward’s debut. Even though the team lost, Ward looked calm, avoided turnovers, and led the offense’s only scoring drive. That is a good sign for a rookie quarterback making his first NFL start.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Buccaneers vs Titans preseason game in 2025?
Tampa Bay won the game 29-7. The game was played on August 9, 2025, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
How did Cam Ward perform in his first NFL game?
Cam Ward completed 5 of his 8 passes for 67 yards and posted a passer rating of 89.1. He led Tennessee’s only touchdown drive of the game, an 11-play drive that ended with a short touchdown run by Tony Pollard. He was not sacked and did not throw an interception during his time on the field.
Who were the top performers for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in this game?
Quarterback Kyle Trask had a solid game, completing 12 of 16 passes for 129 yards. Running backs Owen Wright and Sean Tucker both scored touchdowns, rushing for 87 yards and 50 yards, respectively. Tampa Bay’s defense also stood out, forcing three turnovers, including an interception returned for a touchdown.
