12 Winners, 4 Losers From Bucs' Win Over Chiefs: Edge Rushers Show Out

Things started slowly for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as they trotted out their starters for the first time this preseason against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Fortunately, everything turned around after the slow start for Tampa Bay, as it would go on to defeat the Chiefs 16-15 in come-from-behind fashion.

While some nitpicking moments and some players could have done better, most of the team played well, and we have identified those winners and losers from the Bucs' victory.

Winners

Jalon Daniels

Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Jalon Daniel — Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jalon Daniels (10) Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

First on the list of winners is backup undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels. Daniels strung together yet another solid performance against the Chiefs, completing 64% of his passes for 71 yards and a touchdown while also adding another 19 yards on the ground.

The rookie has shown poise, confidence, and energy through his first two NFL games and looks to be pushing Jake Browning for the backup job behind Baker Mayfield. If Daniels hadn't been in the game, it's unlikely the Bucs' offense would have seen much success on the night.

Edge Rushers/Outside Linebackers

The Bucs' pass rush was on full display in this game after revamping the entire defensive line this offseason.

Anthony Nelson came away with 1.5 sacks, including a strip sack, with Mo Kamara also notching half a sack on three pressures.

Three of the Bucs' top edge rushers didn't get home but created pressures as well in limited time. Yaya Diaby looked strong, coming away with a pressure. David Walker also showed up late in the first half, getting three pressures in the final drive before halftime. But the highlight came from rookie Rueben Bain Jr., who showed his strength on his pressure with a nasty hump move.

Rueben Bain Jr. pic.twitter.com/DeGhkcMTs2
— Football Performances (@NFLPerformances) August 22, 2026

Riley Dixon

Punter Riley Dixon had a rough 2025 season, and things didn't look to have improved through the Bucs' first preseason game.

However, Dixon bounced back in a big way against the Chiefs. He averaged 47 yards on five punts, with two downed inside the 20-yard line, including one that was downed at the 10.

Caden Fordham

Linebacker Caden Fordham saw lots of action against the Chiefs and once again had a good showing when on the field.

The stats aren't going to knock you off your rocker, but Fordham was constantly around the ball, playing well in coverage as well as coming in second on the team in tackles with seven, six of which were solo and included a tackle for loss.

He is making a strong case to make the Bucs' practice squad or roster.

Ko Kieft

Tampa Bay Buccaneers TE Ko Kief — Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Ko Kieft (41) Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The tight ends weren't all that heavily involved in the game, but Ko Kieft was the bright spot from the unit.

Kieft came away with two catches for just four yards, but secured the game-winning score from Jalon Daniels.

Kieft isn't known for his catching ability, but he was able to snag the throw in a tight window for the score. He also continued to show why he is a special-teams ace, consistently being one of the first down the field and coming away with a tackle as well.

Keionte Scott

The secondary as a whole did fairly well on the night, but early in the game, rookie Keionte Scott's talents were on full display.

The box score won't reflect how well he played, but Scott was seen all over the field and made a couple of big-time tackles that show that he is ready for a large role on this team. He's a very physical player, and that was seen on Saturday night.

Kameron Johnson & Dean Patterson

The Buccaneers' wide receiver unit is one of the deepest in the league, and there are a handful of players likely vying for a final roster spot.

Two of those guys, Kameron Johnson and Dean Patterson, both had great outings against the Chiefs.

Johnson was heavily involved on offense and special teams, catching four passes for 56 yards, taking a kickoff 28 yards and returning two punts for 24 yards total.

Patterson matched Johnson offensively, catching six passes for 56 yards, which was highlighted by a spectacular toe-tap grab on the sidelines.

Look at that toe tap catch by Dean Patterson IV 🔥

Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/Bl2sBGi0Bm
— NFL (@NFL) August 23, 2026

Losers

Jake Browning

Jake Browning didn't see any playing time in the Bucs' first preseason game, so we wanted to get a good look at him in his first action. Things didn't quite go well.

With his offensive line and running backs missing blocks, Browning took three sacks on the night, two of which saw him get absolutely lit up.

While the blocking wasn't up to par, Browning also looked to hold on to the ball too long at times. It wasn't the best outing from Browning as he looks to fend off Jalon Daniels from taking the QB2 spot. He finished the night 8/11 for 84 yards.

Sean Tucker

Sean Tucker led the team in rushing with 23 yards and a touchdown on five carries. However, Josh Williams got snaps before him in the game, which could be something to monitor moving forward.

Despite Tucker being efficient, the same things that have kept him from becoming a well-rounded back bit him again in this one as he missed a free blitzer that led to a huge sack on Jake Browning.

Ted Hurst

Ted Hurst has been making noise through training camp and almost had his first NFL touchdown last week against the Jets.

Things couldn't have gone any different for the young athletic rookie against the Chiefs.

Hurst was targeted just once in the matchup, but failed to come down with a reception. He wasn't involved in the offense for much of the game, which likely stemmed from a boneheaded mistake early in the game where he smacked fellow rookie Mansoor Delane in the back of the head for a 15-yard penalty.

Ted Hurst got a 15-yard penalty for slapping Mansoor Delane

(via @TheRealKrock_)pic.twitter.com/MXvVNaZcLM
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) August 23, 2026

Marshall Foerner

Last on the losers list but perhaps the biggest loser on the night is third-string right tackle Marshall Foerner.

Foerner got the start in place of Luke Goedeke, but he was absolutely abysmal during his time on the field.

Penalties and missed assignments were glaring, and much of the pressure on Jake Browning came from that side of the line.

Foerner would go on to be replaced by guard Elijah Klein at halftime, ending his night. With this type of showing, it would be hard to imagine that he will be on the team much longer.

Sign up to our free newsletter and follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram for the latest news.

Add us as a preferred source on Google