In the preseason finale at Raymond James Stadium, the Buccaneers came out victorious in a 24-14 win over their South Florida rival. In the final tuneup to the regular season, the Bucs' starters got the club off to a fast start. Baker Mayfield led a methodical seven-play, 70-yard drive that culminated in a Rachaad White four-yard touchdown rush. Mayfield completed all three of his passes for 54 yards and the defense forced an exit on a three-and-out. Those two opening possessions generated momentum for the home team throughout the exhibition matchup. Here are key breakdowns from the game:
Offensive Surge
The first team offense came out and immediately established success. On the 70-yard scoring drive, Tampa Bay found its rhythm in the screen game. From a tunnel screen by Chris Godwin to a Rachaad White screen with offensive linemen using their athleticism to block in space, the Bucs marched down the field. White's touchdown, aided by a 28-yard gain by rookie Jalen McMillan, put the exclamation point on the series. McMillan quickly worked upfield and climbed the ladder to haul in a catch at the four. He got both a foot and forearm down for the play to be upheld. White made a quick cut and ran it in for the score as the cannons sounded for the first time during the preseason.
Kyle Trask then came in to lead the second-team offense and played the remainder of the way with John Wolford nursing an injury. Overall, Trask completed 17-of-24 passes for 141 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions and a 113.4 passer rating. His 10-yard scoring pass to receiver Ryan Miller in the second quarter increased the Bucs' advantage to 17-0, and he later found rookie receiver Tanner Knue on a two-yard back-shoulder fade in the fourth quarter, halting the Dolphins' comeback bid. Out of the slot, Miller came across the formation and maintained outside leverage on the defensive back to give the Bucs a substantial lead. Additionally, both Kameron Johnson and Cody Thompson had a productive outing on the gridiron, which bolstered the offense. From Trask finding Thompson on a crossing route during his second read by floating the ball over the linebackers, to connecting with Johnson on a quick slant and an out-and-up, both became go-to targets for Trask. Thompson became a threat over the middle of the field and Johnson showcased his quickness out of breaks and agile change of direction.
Defensive Overview
In the first half, the Dolphins converted just one of six third-down tries. Several defenders had a big night on Friday, including rookie outside linebacker Chris Braswell Jr. He recorded a sack that stifled Miami's second drive just across midfield. He won his one-on-one matchup and quickly bypassed the Dolphins' right tackle to sack White for a loss of nine, which resulted in a punt. That play followed a hard hit that reverberated throughout Raymond James Stadium. Rookie safety Marcus Banks delivered a blow on Malik Washington, lowering his center of gravity, which set up second-and-long for Miami. Rookie linebacker Antonio Grier made his presence felt, as well. He tallied six tackles, and a game-sealing interception in the fourth quarter. Grier also had an apparent touchdown return of a fumble brought back. Defensive lineman Earnest Brown knocked the ball loose in the second quarter and the fumble/touchdown was overturned and ruled an incomplete pass.
Prior to the incomplete ruling, a pass breakup at the line by C.J. Brewer set up third-and-10 and a subsequent open-field tackle by Tavierre Thomas on tight end Hayden Rucci stopped him short of the sticks. Brewer also had a key tackle for loss on Jeff Wilson that killed the opposing team's momentum.
"We're going to look at the tape," said Todd Bowles. "There's going to be some tough decisions made in the next couple days, obviously. We have a good team. There were some guys that made some plays, but I've got to see the totality of the work."
