The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had to put on a strong performance in their final preseason game against the Dolphins, and that’s exactly what they did.
The Bucs beat the Dolphins 24-14 on Friday to finish the preseason with a 2-1 record before the regular season begins. The starters played just one drive, but it was a nice one for the home crowd at Raymond James Stadium.
Tampa Bay’s offense couldn’t have started better. The Bucs took possession and ran a commanding attack down the field, using Rachaad White frequently in the running and passing game. Baker Mayfield hit Jalen McMillan on a deep ball and McMillan got into the field. Although he was challenged, the call stood. The Bucs capped the attack with a touchdown by Rachaad White and the kick was good, leading 7-0. The Miami Dolphins were unable to generate any offense throughout the quarter, even when the Bucs’ starters came onto the field after the offense. Kyle Trask’s offense also failed to get anything done.
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The Buccaneers didn’t let it stop in the second quarter. Kicker Chase McLaughlin kicked a 51-yard field goal, proving he can still be a consistent kicker. Then, with about seven minutes left in the second quarter, Trask threw a nice pass to wideout Ryan Miller, who used a play-action concept to increase the score to 17-0. The Dolphins struck back late in the half when QB Skylar Thompson found TE Hayden Rucci for a pass TD with 2:22 left. The half ended 17-7, with the Buccaneers up by 10 points.
The Dolphins struck first in the third quarter, and did so at the very end. With about 1:08 left, Skylar Thompson scored a touchdown on second down to wide receiver Kyric McGowan to make it 17-14. The Buccaneers were unable to score in the third quarter, but were on the rise at the end of the quarter.
The Buccaneers capitalized on that drive when Kyle Trask threw a touchdown pass to Tanner Knue, who scored a two-yard touchdown and extended Tampa Bay’s lead to 24-14. Miami couldn’t respond in time for the rest of the fourth quarter, and linebacker Antonio Grier even intercepted a pass from Skylar Thompson. And when the final whistle blew, Tampa Bay was on top, ending the preseason.
The Buccaneers now turn to the regular season, where they will face the Washington Commanders in Week 1 at Raymond James Stadium.
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