3 takeaways from Day 13 of Buccaneers training camp: Mayfield and Evans connect

It’s Day 13 of Buccaneers training camp, with the Bucs getting one more practice in Tampa Bay before they head to Pittsburgh in anticipation of joint practice with the Steelers. Today was an offense-heavy day with Mike Evans cooking and the red zone squad firing, and Teddy Bridgewater even got to get some team reps for the first time this camp.

BucsGameday was live on site for Day 13 before the team heads on the road — here are our three biggest takeaways from the day:

Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans cook

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) talks to wide receiver Mike Evans (13). | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans had an excellent connection on Monday. The three completed multiple passes, finding the seam in the defense, but there was one in particular that went for a big gain — Evans slipped behind the defense and somehow got entirely free, and Mayfield threw the easy layup to the wide-open Evans.

Mayfield and Evans didn’t get to work last Saturday during the team’s preseason game — that might change this upcoming Saturday when the Bucs play the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Teddy Bridgewater takes first Buccaneers reps

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (16) warms up before a preseason game against the Tennessee Titans. | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Teddy Bridgewater took his first reps in team drills today, learning enough of the playbook to be able to do so. They weren’t extensive, with a lot of the work coming on short screens and quick-release plays, but it’s encouraging to see him start to get some reps in the system.

Bridgewater could be an option in this upcoming preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, per Todd Bowles — and if he isn’t quite ready, he should get the lion’s share of reps in Week 3’s preseason game against the Buffalo Bills.

Offense dominates in red zone

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (9) participates in training camp. | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The offense was firing during the team’s red zone period today. Emeka Egbuka and Devin Culp caught touchdown passes during the period, and rookie Josh Williams, who returned today after a period of injury, had a nice run to the left pylon that likely would have resulted in a touchdown during game time.

The best play from the defense that period came from linebacker Chris Grier Jr., who had a PBU to deny what would have been Devin Culp’s second touchdown that period. It was an offensive day overall on Monday, but there were a few plays like that one that showed the defense can still keep pace.

Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2025 season.

Follow BucsGameday on Twitter and Facebook

More Tampa Bay Buccaneers News

• Bucs Super Bowl champion Rob Gronkowski makes big career move

• Buccaneers' Mike Evans lands high on 2025 NFL Top 100

• NFL analyst, former Buccaneers QB has high praise for rookie Emeka Egbuka

• Titans' first-overall draft pick Cam Ward gives huge praise to Buccaneers defense