Not only is this a preseason for the players, it’s also a preseason for the Bucks coaches.
A total of 27 rookies appeared in NFL uniforms for the first time on Friday in the Bucks’ 27-17 preseason opener loss to the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers. Tampa Bay’s new offensive coordinator, Dave Canales, was also in his first game and had a blast.
After 13 years as wide receiver coach, quarterback coach and passing game coordinator in Seattle, Canales was hired by Bucks head coach Todd Bowles to replace Byron Leftwich as Tampa Bay’s new playcaller. I had no role experience. Both in college and in the NFL.
After engaging in plenty of live “call-it” periods during the Bucks’ OTAs, minicamps, and three-week training camps, Canales finally walked out of the press box, put on his headset, grabbed his playsheet, and played. got the chance to call. The sidelines of an NFL game.
Bucks OC Dave Canales – Photo Credit: Cliff Welch/PR
“It was very exciting and what I was most looking forward to was who was going to play,” Canales said. “I expected who would get the first touchdown, [rookie wide receiver] tray [Palmer] That won. It was really comfortable. 13 years he in one place who could he keep learning from 4 coordinators so i really felt it all – i felt all the people i learned . I could feel their support and the way they set things up and communicated through the headset. ”
Canales spent more than a decade in Seattle, assisting play calls for Jeremy Bates, Darrell Bevel, Brian Schottenheimer and Shane Waldron. “empty eyes” From the press box, he relayed important information to the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator. Now it was his turn to get the information that led to 322 yards and 17 points from a Backs team that had only four starters in the offense against the Steelers.
“The staff were great and made me feel at ease,” Canales said. “Personnel [groupings]Jeff Castor, Jordan Somerville and Joe Gilbert spoke to me from upstairs. David Lai He talked to me during the series. They kept me informed and I really felt covered. It felt great. Now just putting away the penalties and everything else would really give us something. ”
Bucks head coach Todd Bowles was impressed with Canales’ play-calling debut.
“I think he did a good job with playcalling,” Bowles said. “There were some things I wanted to work on and I felt like I had accomplished them. [having] what you are trying to do. Once the season starts, it’s time to really call the game. I think he did a good job with each quarterback and played to their strengths, so I thought that was a good thing. ”
Dave Canales looking forward to doing it again against the Jets
If there’s one downside to Friday’s loss, it’s that the Bucks were flagged 12 times for 127 yards, including 10 offensive penalties. The three penalties nullified a 44-yard rushing yard that would have allowed Tampa Bay to get 110 rushing yards that night instead of the 66 the team had gained.
Bucks OC Dave Canales and QB Baker Mayfield – Photo Credit: Cliff Welch/PR
The coach always talks about the preparation process and building during the week of practice. But after speaking with Canales on Monday, it was clear he was already looking forward to his second call-play opportunity against the Jets in New York on Saturday night.
“Oh, sure,” said Canales. “For me, it’s the excitement of getting a new opponent and seeing a defense I haven’t practiced with before, so I’m really looking forward to Jets Week and I’m looking forward to getting ready for that game. It’s a lot of fun. is.”
Canales and the Bucks face the Jets on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. ET, but before that, the teams will practice together on Wednesday and then practice separately on Thursday. The Bucks will hold a walkthrough at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey before Saturday’s preseason game.
