The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' first training camp practice in full pads came with another element to deal with: heavy rain.
Fox Sports' Greg Auman reported from practice that heavy rain was falling as the Buccaneers warmed up, giving Tampa Bay an opportunity to get some legitimate wet-weather work rather than heading inside, provided lightning didn't become an issue.
"If lightning isn't a factor, they'll stay out here to get some 'wet ball' work in," Auman wrote. "Will play in rain eventually so good to have a few days like this."
The conditions certainly fit the description. Around the time of practice, temperatures were sitting around 79 degrees with 87% humidity, complete cloud cover, and showers in the forecast. The combination of rain and Tampa's
usual summer humidity adds another challenge as the Buccaneers ramp up camp intensity.
Monday also marks the first time Tampa Bay has practiced in full pads this summer after working through the NFL's required acclimation period. That means the evaluation process can begin to look much more like actual football, particularly along the offensive and defensive lines where contact is essential.
Officials were also on the field for the first time during camp, adding another game-like element to the session.
Wet conditions aren't exactly something the Buccaneers can avoid during football season, especially in Florida. Instead of allowing the rain to disrupt the first padded practice, Tampa Bay has an opportunity to use it. Ball security, quarterback-center exchanges, catching and handling the football all become more difficult when it's wet, making Monday's conditions useful preparation for something the Bucs are likely to encounter again.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Bucs get first taste of full pads and wet-weather at training camp
