Overview
- Daniels took over in the second half of the Buccaneers’ 16-15 preseason win over the Chiefs on Saturday and completed 9-of-14 passes for 71 yards with a touchdown while directing three scoring drives that produced the comeback.
- He built on a similar outing a week earlier against the Jets when he completed 10-of-15 for 111 yards and led two second-half touchdown drives, giving coaches back-to-back reasons to evaluate him closely.
- Baker Mayfield’s appearance in the Chiefs game was brief and cautious because Tampa Bay was without three offensive tackles due to injury, a condition that limited starter snaps and increased the value of Daniels’ chances.
- Special teams swung the game when Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker made a 69-yard field goal in the first half but later missed an extra point and a potential game-winning 43-yard attempt, making Daniels’ late drives decisive.
- With NFL roster cutdowns approaching, Daniels’ consecutive performances raise a clear roster question for the Bucs about who will back up Mayfield and leave open possible second-order effects on practice-squad decisions and team depth.