Tampa Bay Buccaneers Preseason 2011: A Quick Look Back at Stomping of Chiefs

First and foremost, you have to take the preseason for what it is—preparation for opening day.

That being said, the first thing you'd notice about Friday night's 25-0 skunking of the Kansas City Chiefs is that Todd Haley simply did not have his team prepared to play as if it were a game.

One three-and-out by Matt Cassel and crew really gives you nothing to hang a hat on.

Putting that aside, here are a few observations, and let's reiterate that, observations, about the first live performance by the NFL's youngest team.

Raheem Morris slipped in his "youngry" buzz word in the Fox pre-kickoff sideline interview.

Michael Koenen quickly showed his value, didn't he? Anyone who is still complaining that the Bucs did not help themselves in outside free agency didn't watch his kickoffs.

Lo and behold, there was Mason Foster making his first big play as a Buccaneer with that fumble recovery on the second KC offensive series. Splash!

Quincy Black worked well into his role. He needs to be the leader of the linebacking corps. They've paid him like one, now it's his time.

Adrian Clayborn is game-day ready.

Dez Briscoe wants playing time.

Josh Freeman is game-day ready and he wasn't the least bit satisfied with his performance.

The offensive line is vastly improved.

Someone light a fire under Kyle Moore's butt. The absentee tight end apparently got the message when Clayborn and Da'Quan Bowers were drafted. Moore came up with not one, but two sacks.

Special teams played well.

The Bucs played very clean through most of the game, no penalties until late in the game by players who won't make the roster.

LeGarrette Blount is opening day ready.

Earnest Graham is opening day ready.

There is depth at running back, Kregg Lumpkin got a lot of work.

Running back Armando Allen has jets.

Josh Johnson looks so much better as a passer than he did this time last year. His numbers would have been even better had Preston Parker not made a big drop and Daniel Hardy not dropped a touchdown pass.

Arrelious Benn, Gerald McCoy, Kellen Winslow, Myron Lewis, Luke Stocker and Aqib Talib did not play.

Cody Grimm is game-day ready.

No rest for the weary.

The Buccaneers play early this week, Thursday night at home against New England.

And don't look for the P-men to come in unprepared like those sloppy Chiefs.

Real opponent, real coaching.