Often times in the NFL, teams will hold joint practices during training camp to provide players with fresh competition. It gives coaches a different look they can use to continue to evaluate players as they try to wittle the team to 53 players.
However, it's been 10 years since the Buccaneers practiced in a joint practice, although they announced on Twitter today that particular streak would come to an end in August. The New England Patriots will be in Tampa Bay for their August 24 preseason game against the Buccaneers and have instead decided to organize a joint practice with the team on August 22-23.
Per the Buccaneers official Twitter account, this is the first time Tampa Bay has had a joint training camp with another team since they met the Miami Dolphins in Orlando in 2001 for some practices. The Buccaneers are already excited about the potential for these practices:
The Bucs-Patriots practices will be great opp. for some 1-on-1 work. Think Vincent Jackson vs. D. McCourty, or Vince Wilfork vs. Carl Nicks.
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@TBBuccaneers) July 20, 2012
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