Plenty Tough team composition decisions The Buccaneers have another game in store for them by Tuesday, Aug. 27 at 4 PM ET, at which point their current 90-man to 53-man roster will be officially decided.
Coach Todd Bowles knows there are a lot of tough moves to make, especially on the defensive line, which has some standout players with Ernest Brown IV and Luwal Uguak both making impressive plays in games.
But of them all, former XFL player CJ Brewer stood out the most, anchoring the team as the sixth defensive lineman.
Buccaneers DT CJ Brewer gave it his all, saying, “I’m happy to be in this position.”
Buccaneers DT CJ Brewer – Photo: Cliff Welch/PR
CJ Brewer has come quite a long way to make it to the NFL and put on a Buccaneers uniform. After going undrafted out of Coastal Carolina in 2022 and playing five seasons in college, Brewer joined the Bills. He joined the practice squad as a rookie and was promoted for two games. His only recorded stats were two total tackles in Week 2 of the 2022 season before being released by Buffalo in December of that year.
Brewer was selected by the Houston Roughnecks in the 10th round of the 2023 XFL Draft and played for the team for a short time before being released from his contract on May 15, 2023. That’s when the Buccaneers came calling and added him to their roster.
Again, it was primarily a year on the practice squad for him, but he believes all of that time helped him perform this preseason as he looks ahead to training camp and preseason in 2024.
“I’ve got a better understanding of the playbook and everything,” Brewer said about getting better each year after Friday night’s win over the Dolphins. “I’m just trying to have fun. It’s fun being around these guys every day. I’m just trying to get better.”
He’s getting better and it shows in the footage.
CJ Brewer (#95) took a double team, broke it up, and made the tackle. He was really impressive. He and Brown are the two guys competing for a spot on the IDL6 roster. They both performed well in both games, so it’s up to you to choose who to play. pic.twitter.com/68FSIoLVTm
— Joshua Queipo (@josh_queipo) August 19, 2024
Brewer played solidly throughout the preseason, consistently showing his ability to get into the backfield quickly and pressure the quarterback before making defensive tackles. He stopped running back Jeff Wilson for a four-yard loss in the first quarter against the Dolphins, then teamed up with linebacker Antonio Grier for another tackle for loss in the second. He also regularly blocked the run, delivered hits on the quarterback and deflected passes.
Such was the kind of performance that former Pewter reporter John Ledyard drew a heavy comparison during the game.
CJ Brewer looked like Chris Jones tonight (lol). Destroying the Dolphins OL.
— John Ledyard (@LedyardNFLDraft) August 24, 2024
It’s no exaggeration to say Brewer left it all on the field.
Buccaneers DT CJ Brewer – Photo: Cliff Welch/PR
“I just feel like I went out there and gave it my all,” Brewer said. “I’m just happy to be in this position and to be able to go out there and play for these guys. I thank God for giving me the strength to go out there and do my best.”
“It’s been fun, it’s been hard. I’ve just tried to come to work every day and play. Just do my role, do my job and control what I can control.”
Learning from veterans Will Gholston and Vita Via helped him make an NFL roster.
“They’re true veterans,” Brewer added. “Vita and Will, being around those guys, I learn something new every day. I listen to their thoughts and I try to keep that little chip in my pocket and remember them when I’m out there and use it to my advantage. Those two are known by everyone in the league. It’s a blessing to be in a room with them and learn from them.”
Brewer has done enough to make it a tough battle for the final defensive line spot on the 53-man roster. As it stands, Bear, Kalijah Kansey, Logan Hall and Greg Gaines are sure things, with the 33-year-old Gholston likely locking down the fifth spot unless Tampa Bay wants to rejuvenate its defensive tackles. The sixth and final spot could come down to a trio of Brewer, Ernest Brown IV and Luwal Uguak.
If he plays consistently, he’s worthy of the award, but head coach Todd Bowles acknowledges it’s not easy to make decisions based on each player’s performance.
“They played tough,” Bowles said of Brewer and Brown after the game. “They gave it their all. [training] “Camp. It’s going to be a tough decision and we’ll have to look at the video.”
CJ Brewer says he has ‘no regrets’ after fighting for Buccaneers roster spot
Buccaneers DT CJ Brewer – Photo Credit: USA Today
“No matter where you are, no matter where you start, there’s always going to be better days,” CJ Brewer said after the team’s third and final preseason game.
That’s why Brewer has stayed on track to stay in the league, and no matter what happens, he’s letting his play speak for itself.
“I have no regrets,” Brewer said. “I feel like I did my best. I did my part and I’m blessed to be in this position. I’ve just got to enjoy the process. I’ve got to let the guys up top do their jobs. I know they’re going to put the best team on this team. [53-man roster]”Just have fun and see how it all goes.”
CJ Brewer will soon find out if he’ll be selected to the Buccaneers’ 53-man roster when the season begins.
