The Phinsider - Buccaneers at Dolphins Preseason Week 1 2018 full coverageA Miami Dolphins community, established November 18, 2006https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49617/phinsider-fav.png2018-08-12T09:21:32-04:00http://www.thephinsider.com/rss/stream/174287192018-08-12T09:21:32-04:002018-08-12T09:21:32-04:00Dolphins stock up - stock down versus Buccaneers
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<img alt="Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Miami Dolphins" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/X5Vh3T8FZsqRkVDLxTVKIO5FVUk=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60809733/1014162142.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="6knEmD">The <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> lost to the <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> on Thursday, dropping their opening preseason game of the season. While the game does not mean anything in terms of wins and losses in the regular season or playoff positioning, it does mean a lot to the players on the field, either in terms of getting ready for the regular season or putting performances on tape that will make the coaching staff consider a roster spot for the player. </p>
<p id="ZmJgHF">While the Dolphins are now getting back to training camp and preparations for next week’s game against the <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a>. But, who is riding high after the Buccaneers game and who saw their performances hurt their stock? </p>
<h3 id="85ZAvH">Stock Up</h3>
<p id="6G137D"><span>Jerome Baker</span>, linebacker - The rookie is currently listed as a second team outside linebacker, but he saw playing time with the first team on Thursday, then continued to play with the second team. He was fast and played with great instincts. He played next to <span>Raekwon McMillan</span>, as he did when they were both at Ohio State, and it looked like the two of them worked well together. Baker had a team high five tackles during the game.</p>
<p id="SgfUJZ"><span>David Fales</span>, quarterback - The battle for the backup quarterback spot is expected to last all preseason, which will be good for <span>Brock Osweiler</span> because <span>Fales</span> looked like the right choice for the team’s backup after one game. <span>Fales</span> finished the game 8-for-11 for 115 cards and a 106.3 passer rating. The offense looked fluid with him under center, and he seemed to be comfortable throwing to any of the receivers on the field.</p>
<p id="6fbKIs"><span>Kalen Ballage</span> and <span>Senorise Perry</span>, running back - Really, Buddy Howell could also be added to this listing as the Dolphins running backs all looked strong. <span>Kenyan Drake</span> had three carries for 16 yards before leaving the game and letting the rest of the group shine. Ballage picked up 37 yards on ten carries, which left him with just a 3.7 yards per carry average, but he also picked up 23 yards on three receptions and appeared to be exactly what the Dolphins need in a third-string runner (behind <span>Drake</span> and <span>Frank Gore</span>, who did not appear in this game). He fumbled when he tried to leap a defender and knocked the ball out of his own hands with his knee, which keeps him from being our top stock up player, but it was a rookie mistake from a rookie trying to make a play and he will learn from it. <span>Perry</span> pieced up 35 yards with a touchdown on four carries, plus had two receptions for ten yards. Howell added 25 yards on four carries with one catch for 18 yards. It was the first preseason game, but the Dolphins running backs looked really good on Thursday. </p>
<p id="y6Apah"><span>Minkah Fitzpatrick</span>, safety - The Dolphins’ first-round pick this year looked like the player the team needs him to be and wanted when they drafted him. He played fast and he played in multiple ways, with the two main highlights coming as he broke up a pass as a free safety, then turned around and broke up a pass like a linebacker. (<span>Mike Gesicki</span> is not on this list, but deserves to be noted. The team’s second-round pick looked good, ran clean routes, and showed his athleticism, even if poorly placed balls could not be caught.)</p>
<p id="RpKiGs"><span>Jonathan Woodard</span>, defensive end - Was effective getting after the quarterback on Thursday, disrupting <span>Jameis Winston</span>, as well as being a factor against the run. He had four tackles including one for a loss. Playing at a deep position with several veterans set on the roster already, a performance like Thursday was important for <span>Woodard</span>.</p>
<p id="tnwGBm"><span>Vincent Taylor</span> and <span>Jordan Phillips</span>, defensive tackle - The Dolphins defensive tackles were actually pretty active on Thursday, even though there was some running room around them at times. <span>Taylor</span> led the way in that group, recording two tackles and a sack. His sack was cleaning up from pressure caused when <span>Phillips</span> blew up the line of scrimmage. </p>
<h3 id="ocDKUG">Stock Down</h3>
<p id="RDX3os"><span>Brock Osweiler</span>, quarterback - The Dolphins’ backup quarterback competition could be a run-away win for Fales if Osweiler continues to look like he did on Thursday. Where Fales was able to come in and move the offense, Osweiler struggled to find a rhythm and had way too many passes deflected. Osweiler was 10-for-21 for 83 yards, giving him a 58.2 passer rating, despite being the quarterback who played the most snaps on Thursday. He just never looked comfortable.</p>
<p id="v2DXA0">The cornerbacks - The Buccaneers were able to pass the ball early and often in the game, and no corner seemed to be able to stop it. <span>Xavien Howard</span> has been a shut down guy all training camp, but was immediately targeted in this game. <span>Cordrea Tankersley</span> and <span>Torry McTyer</span> did not grab control of the position battle for the second starting position. <span>Tony Lippett</span> did not play, so there is a chance he could come back and claim that spot.</p>
<p id="LK96AL"><span>Davon Godchaux</span>, defensive tackle - Above I said the defensive tackles actually played well on Thursday. <span>Godchaux</span> was solid but not spectacular, which compared to the other defensive tackles, hurts his stock. He has been pushed into the starter’s role next to <span>Akeem Spence</span> and over <span>Phillips</span>, but Phillips is outplaying him right now.</p>
<p id="imvYaG"><span>Leonte Carroo</span>, wide receiver - The disappointment with <span>Carroo</span> continues. His biggest issue is he simply cannot create separation. He was targeted once, but the pass was broken up. Other than that, he was non-existent in the offense despite playing 35 percent of the snaps. For a player who is, at best, battling for a sixth wide receiver slot, he seems to have been passed on the depth chart by a number of other receivers.</p>
https://www.thephinsider.com/2018/8/12/17678418/miami-dolphins-tampa-bay-buccaneers-stock-watch-preseason-week-1-2018-recapKevin Nogle2018-08-11T15:29:36-04:002018-08-11T15:29:36-04:00Dolphins snap counts versus Buccaneers
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<img alt="Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Miami Dolphins" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NmOj4alpN17vGS9eBK9a6ZaPrf4=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60805747/1014162136.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="3wgpkF">The <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26-24 in what was actually a pretty entertaining first preseason game of the year. The starters for both teams were not in the game long, with the younger players and depth options seeing most of the playing time. The Dolphins used much of the game as a chance to rotate between quarterbacks, looking for one of them to step up to serve as the second string passer during the season.</p>
<p id="p5IMs7">On defense, the Dolphins struggled against the pass, with no cornerback stepping up to claim the second starting position. The third linebacker role could also now become a position battle after strong performances from multiple players.</p>
<p id="FoAQ9T">To get an idea of who played how much during this game, we review the team’s snap counts from the game. Starters in italics.</p>
<h3 id="5ppcCT">Quarterback</h3>
<ul>
<li id="nOvyi1">Brock Osweiler - 34 snaps (45%)</li>
<li id="SEsSxS">David Fales - 21 snaps (28%)</li>
<li id="YFLwdb"><em>Ryan Tannehill - 11 snaps (15%)</em></li>
<li id="btRc16">Bryce Petty - 9 snaps (12%)</li>
</ul>
<p id="SNU6Z3">No real surprises when it comes to the quarterback snap counts for this game. Tannehill was able to get back into a game, but the team got him out of the contest fairly quickly. Osweiler and Fales split the majority of the rest of the game, something that will likely continue through the rest of the preseason. Petty came in at the end of the game, and actually played well guiding the Dolphins to the lead before Tampa Bay struck back to win.</p>
<h3 id="bQkSYj">Running back</h3>
<ul>
<li id="U1qgI0">Kalen Ballage - 30 snaps (40%) | ST: 8 snaps (29%)</li>
<li id="UDw4hp">Buddy Howell - 17 snaps (23%) | ST: 5 snaps (18%)</li>
<li id="7le0xV">Senorise Perry - 11 snaps (15%) | ST: 6 snaps (21%)</li>
<li id="JuV2Te">Brandon Radcliff - 9 snaps (12%) | ST: 5 snaps (18%)</li>
<li id="C4N6OA"><em>Kenyan Drake - 8 snaps (11%)</em></li>
<li id="uxWXR4">Jeremy Langford - was not included in official snap counts</li>
</ul>
<p id="aa1wRI">Ballage getting the most snaps makes sense, letting the rookie get some experience. The Dolphins held Frank Gore out of the game and only gave Drake eight snaps, so the younger players had the bulk of the workload, and they did well with it. Perry and Howell both showed some good moves and running ability. Langford not having a snap count in the official listing is odd and will probably be updated at some point. The special teams snaps were pretty fairly split among all the running backs outside of Drake.</p>
<h3 id="Rl3VYP">Offensive line</h3>
<ul>
<li id="NM8I6Q">Mike Matthews - 64 snaps (85%) | ST: 5 snaps (18%)</li>
<li id="1hyfPV">Eric Smith - 55 snaps (73%) | ST: 5 snaps (18%)</li>
<li id="URzYdo">Connor Hilland - 34 snaps (45%) | ST: 3 snaps (11%)</li>
<li id="8W97pm">Roubbens Joseph - 34 snaps (45%)</li>
<li id="9Wdmzz">Zach Sterup - 33 snaps (44%) | ST: 5 snaps (18%)</li>
<li id="jQh4iU">Sam Young - 30 snaps (40%) | ST: 1 snaps (4%)</li>
<li id="K7qc6q">Ted Larsen - 30 snaps (40%)</li>
<li id="JThYQC">Isaac Asiata - 30 snaps (40%) | ST: 5 snaps (18%)</li>
<li id="Ip3SNf"><em>Laremy Tunsil - 11 snaps (15%)</em></li>
<li id="mKRlLn"><em>Josh Sitton - 11 snaps (15%)</em></li>
<li id="w6oK0h"><em>Daniel Kilgore - 11 snaps (15%)</em></li>
<li id="uCEgfj">
<em>Jesse Davis - 11 snaps (15%)</em> | ST: 2 snaps (7%)</li>
<li id="yo6Sub">
<em>Ja’Wuan James - 11 snaps (15%)</em> | ST: 1 snap (4%)</li>
<li id="W7KEq3">David Steinmetz - 9 snaps (12%) | ST: 4 snaps (14%)</li>
</ul>
<p id="YaZkWH">The offensive line starters played well in a small sample size. After that, the Dolphins rotated the younger players, giving them all experience. Matthews getting 85 percent of the snaps is interesting. The Dolphins could be looking to develop him as a future backup, potentially having him land on the practice squad this year if he does not make the 53-man roster (besides making up the snaps that Jake Brendel would have taken if he were not injured). Asiata not getting snaps like Matthews was a little surprising, given how much time and effort the team put into him during his “red-shirt” season last year.</p>
<h3 id="E8Kkzp">Tight end</h3>
<ul>
<li id="5rIzdT">Thomas Duarte - 47 snaps (63%) | ST: 3 snaps (11%)</li>
<li id="fS66FB">
<em>Mike Gesicki - 19 snaps (25%)</em> | ST: 1 snap (4%)</li>
<li id="kFemsu">Durham Smythe - 12 snaps (16%) | ST: 13 snaps (46%)</li>
<li id="Ewd5CQ">Gavin Escobar - 10 snaps (13%) | ST: 12 snaps (43%)</li>
<li id="Z1DiN9">MarQueis Gray - 3 snaps (4%)</li>
</ul>
<p id="jlcQY2">Gesicki started and looked like the player the Dolphins want him to become. Duarte dominating the snap count protects the potential key members of the roster from injury while allowing Duarte to continue to develop. Smythe and Escobar were given plenty of time on special teams to show they can contribute there if kept on the roster.</p>
<h3 id="3onW0d">Wide receiver</h3>
<ul>
<li id="u2RojB">Drew Morgan - 29 snaps (39%) | ST: 3 snaps (11%)</li>
<li id="VKaAIv">Rashawn Scott - 27 snaps (36%) | ST: 10 snaps (36%)</li>
<li id="MaQiYK">Leonte Carroo - 26 snaps (35%) | ST: 7 snaps (25%)</li>
<li id="9563in">Malcolm Lewis - 26 snaps (35%) | ST: 3 snaps (11%)</li>
<li id="qzcxCc">Isaiah Ford - 22 snaps (29%) | ST: 2 snaps (7%)</li>
<li id="PfItND">Jakeem Grant - 21 snaps (28%) | ST: 3 snaps (11%)</li>
<li id="zMNKxb">Francis Owusu - 20 snaps (27%) | ST: 4 snaps (14%)</li>
<li id="jU60bp"><em>DeVante Parker - 11 snaps (15%)</em></li>
<li id="UC3rVK"><em>Kenny Stills - 11 snaps (15%)</em></li>
<li id="sd9hUc"><em>Danny Amendola - 9 snaps (12%)</em></li>
<li id="Tkiv8q">Albert Wilson - 8 snaps (11%)</li>
</ul>
<p id="MAQYON">Again, nothing overly surprising at wide receiver. The starters were in the game for 11 plays, then the rest of the roster took over. Wilson only getting eight snaps was likely the only part of the snap counts that was unexpected. Ford battled through injury for the game, playing with a hurt shoulder, and he looked like the player we have been seeing/hearing about in training camp.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="4ai0Uy">
<h3 id="CRHX95">Defensive end</h3>
<ul>
<li id="k2d1Cg">Jonathan Woodard - 31 snaps (39%) | ST: 3 snaps (11%)</li>
<li id="7srvx2">Cameron Malveaux - 29 snaps (36%) | ST: 10 snaps (36%)</li>
<li id="nEVkRC">Claudy Mathieu - 24 snaps (30%) | ST: 4 snaps (14%)</li>
<li id="RlTrQC">Quincy Redmon - 24 snaps (30%) | ST: 4 snaps (14%)</li>
<li id="o09vwC">Charles Harris - 23 snaps (29%)</li>
<li id="d6Wyqp"><em>Andre Branch - 22 snaps (28%)</em></li>
<li id="0Xv8g6"><em>Robert Quinn - 7 snaps (9%)</em></li>
</ul>
<p id="hieY3r">No Cameron Wake for this game, and Quinn was pulled fairly quickly. The rest of the group seemed pretty even, with potential key roster members Branch and Harris getting a little fewer plays that the rest of the group. Malveaux seems like a player the coaches like, so his ten special teams snaps could be a signal that they are looking to make sure he can contribute there before locking him into a roster position.</p>
<h3 id="MElI1F">Defensive tackle</h3>
<ul>
<li id="mGdNtw">Vincent Taylor - 29 snaps (36%) | ST: 1 snap (4%)</li>
<li id="an6Ns5">Jamiyus Pittman - 25 snaps (31%) | ST: 4 snaps (14%)</li>
<li id="1zvbWI">Gabe Wright - 25 snaps (31%) | ST: 2 snaps (7%)</li>
<li id="e4TaXx">Anthony Moten - 24 snaps (30%) | ST: 3 snaps (11%)</li>
<li id="iSWFZl">Jordan Phillips - 20 snaps (25%)</li>
<li id="WGffpO">
<em>Akeem Spence - 19 snaps (24%)</em> | ST: 1 snap (4%)</li>
<li id="xVlubC">
<em>Davon Godchaux - 18 snaps (22%)</em> | ST: 1 snap (4%)</li>
</ul>
<p id="hPLEia">Godchaux and Spence starting is not a huge surprise, though Phillips showed flashes of the high level of play that could push him back up over Godchaux on the depth chart. Those three should all see plenty of playing time during the season - and you can probably include Taylor in that group as well. Pittman, Wright, and Moten are all likely fighting for an additional spot to be kept on the roster, or a practice squad position.</p>
<h3 id="ufdgzz">Linebacker</h3>
<ul>
<li id="drbl8X">Chase Allen - 41 snaps (51%) | ST: 7 snaps (25%)</li>
<li id="LU0M3p">Jerome Baker - 40 snaps (50%) | ST: 9 snaps (32%)</li>
<li id="eO8ezF">Terence Garvin - 22 snaps (28%) | ST: 9 snaps (32%)</li>
<li id="qSHpGj">Cayson Collins - 21 snaps (26%) | ST: 9 snaps (32%)</li>
<li id="hhOuDI">Quentin Poling - 20 snaps (25%) | ST: 15 snaps (54%)</li>
<li id="T9buz7"><em>Raekwon McMillan - 15 snaps (19%)</em></li>
<li id="0MCYpq">
<em>Stephone Anthony - 10 snaps (12%)</em> | ST: 6 snaps (21%)</li>
<li id="GNdhzN"><em>Kiko Alonso - 7 snaps (9%)</em></li>
<li id="YcM0oO">Frank Ginda - 7 snaps (9%) | ST: 7 snaps (25%)</li>
<li id="FnBwCX">Mike Hull - 4 snaps (5%) | ST: 4 snaps (14%)</li>
</ul>
<p id="JX1utn">The linebacker position will be an interesting one to watch now. The team quickly pulled Alonso in this game, putting Baker in for him and allowing Baker to team back up with his college teammate McMillan - who was taking his first defensive snaps with the team as well. Anthony was expected to be the starter, but could be challenged by Baker now, as the rookie was everywhere on the field it seemed. Poling seems like the perfect rookie linebacker who contributes on special teams, so his 15 snaps there makes sense. And the Dolphins not putting McMillan anywhere near special teams makes sense as well. Hull’s injury could <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/miami-dolphins-injuries/2018/8/10/17677644/miami-dolphins-injury-mike-hull-tampa-bay-buccaneers-update-knee">open up a roster position if he is going to miss time into the season</a>.</p>
<h3 id="0UQhvR">Cornerback</h3>
<ul>
<li id="aVX0ww">Jalen Davis - 41 snaps (41%) | ST: 4 snaps (14%)</li>
<li id="96VqCd">
<em>Cordrea Tankersley - 37 snaps (46%)</em> | ST: 7 snaps (25%)</li>
<li id="doc3sa">Taveze Calhoun - 36 snaps (45%) | ST: 8 snaps (29%)</li>
<li id="utv6iw">Cornell Armstrong - 30 snaps (38%) | ST: 5 snaps (18%)</li>
<li id="2St4rx">Torry McTyer - 22 snaps (28%) | ST: 5 snaps (18%)</li>
<li id="SFlPFU">Walt Aikens - 22 snaps (28%) | ST: 4 snaps (14%)</li>
<li id="y7h4be">Johnathan Alston - 20 snaps (25%) | ST: 5 snaps (18%)</li>
<li id="vujs8Y"><em>Xavien Howard - 15 snaps (19%)</em></li>
<li id="sKOM2I">Bobby McCain - 10 snaps (12%)</li>
</ul>
<p id="J5JCE6">The cornerbacks struggled in this game, even Howard who has been shutdown in training camp, but gave up some receptions at the start of the game. McCain and Howard got out of the way fairly quickly as the Dolphins coaches looked to Tankersley and McTyer to take control of a position battle for the second starting cornerback position. Davis has been strong early in the training camp period, so giving him a bunch of snaps to see if that continued into game situations made sense. Aikens is still listed as a cornerback, though he kind of fills in at both corner and safety; his low special teams number is likely just so other players can get experience and coaches can see them, as Aikens is expected to be the top special teams player this year.</p>
<h3 id="kH7KZg">Safety</h3>
<ul>
<li id="qF7j5r">Jordan Lucas - 43 snaps (54%) | ST: 5 snaps (18%)</li>
<li id="F3Fa7g">Maurice Smith - 35 snaps (44%) | ST: 10 snaps (36%)</li>
<li id="KENulg"><em>Minkah Fitzpatrick - 25 snaps (31%)</em></li>
<li id="Eu3HfN">Trae Elston - 22 snaps (28%) | ST: 11 snaps (39%)</li>
<li id="Wjv3vg"><em>T.J. McDonald - 15 snaps (19%)</em></li>
</ul>
<p id="68ftHM">Fitzpatrick got a solid number of snaps, and he looked like a player the Dolphins have to find a way to keep on the field as much as possible. He made plays like a free safety and like a linebacker. He got the start because Reshad Jones was not playing, but the Dolphins really are going to have to look to get all three safeties, those two plus McDonald, on the field. Smith, Elston, and Lucas will need to show they are special teams contributors to make the roster.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="31Gmt7">
<h3 id="p02oHI">Long Snapper</h3>
<ul>
<li id="LI1SEp"><em>John Denney - 6 snaps (21%)</em></li>
<li id="s5Do01">Lucas Gravelle - 2 snaps (7%)</li>
</ul>
<p id="ZkfGep">Not exactly a great sign for Gravelle, is it?</p>
<h3 id="FS2tuy">Punter</h3>
<ul><li id="ePlROe"><em>Matt Haack - 7 snaps (25%)</em></li></ul>
<h3 id="QSYyLB">Kicker</h3>
<ul>
<li id="LI15O7"><em>Jason Sanders - 6 snaps (21%)</em></li>
<li id="JYw3j3">Greg Joseph - 6 snaps (21%)</li>
</ul>
<p id="g1xnH3">Even playing time for the two kickers, and the battle seems to be about even.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="kyHXmK">
<h3 id="ms19Ps">Did Not Play</h3>
<ul>
<li id="BJmRKg">Frank Gore, running back</li>
<li id="CjtkQw">Jake Brendel, center</li>
<li id="uDBWL1">A.J. Derby, tight end</li>
<li id="0VRPx7">Cameron Wake, defensive end</li>
<li id="aTDppM">William Hayes, defensive end</li>
<li id="uvioau">Tony Lippett, cornerback</li>
<li id="BoiSk1">Reshad Jones, safety</li>
</ul>
<p id="E1lPPV"></p>
https://www.thephinsider.com/2018/8/11/17674562/miami-dolphins-tampa-bay-buccaneers-recap-snap-counts-preseason-depth-chartKevin Nogle2018-08-10T20:27:04-04:002018-08-10T20:27:04-04:00Mike Hull injury update: Miami Dolphins LB injures MCL
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Miami Dolphins" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TauPNg5bbsOMV_smGne_yoa_URc=/0x0:2591x1727/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60801091/usa_today_11055381.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="HheKt8"><a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> linebacker <span>Mike Hull</span> has an MCL injury, but is not expected to miss the entire season, according to a <a href="https://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/football/miami-dolphins-injury-update-mike-hull/zB196SwRS2xx4dxOwObzwN/">report from the Palm Beach Post’s Joe Schad</a>. The injury occurred in the second quarter of the team’s preseason game against the <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> when a goal line pile up rolled into the side of <span>Hull</span>’s knee. He was assisted off the field before being carted into the locker room.</p>
<p id="zmtqRV">Entering his fourth season in the league, <span>Hull</span> originally signed as an undrafted free agent with Miami coming out of Penn State in 2015. He appeared in three games as a rookie, then played in all 16 in 2016, primarily on special teams with one start at linebacker. Last season, he appeared in all 16 games with three starts, playing both special teams and linebacker. He record 26 tackles with one fumble recovery on defense, along with nine special teams tackles.</p>
<p id="GRYmBM">This preseason, <span>Hull</span> is listed on the depth chart as a third-team, outside linebacker, but he could be a key depth option for the team in the regular season if he makes the 53-man roster and can return healthy.</p>
https://www.thephinsider.com/miami-dolphins-injuries/2018/8/10/17677644/miami-dolphins-injury-mike-hull-tampa-bay-buccaneers-update-kneeKevin Nogle2018-08-10T10:44:54-04:002018-08-10T10:44:54-04:00Raekwon McMillan’s return overshadowed but just as important for 2018
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: Miami Dolphins-OTA" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JrKJjhucFEXOiy0uDHptoqR5SMc=/0x0:2221x1481/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60793181/usa_today_10072598.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="JfY5wb">For the first time since a knee injury sidelined him during a game, the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> saw their signal caller run out of the tunnel and return to game action. While that happened on the offensive side of the ball with the return of quarterback <span>Ryan Tannehill</span> last night against the <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a>, it also happened on the defense with linebacker <span>Raekwon McMillan</span> getting his first game action since tearing his ACL on the opening kickoff of the first preseason game in 2017. The vast majority of the attention has been on getting <span>Tannehill</span> back, but <span>McMillan</span>’s return could be just as important for the Dolphins in 2018.</p>
<p id="Tfl577">“I was feeling thankful that I have the chance to play this sport again because in rehab, you just don’t [know] when it’s going to come,” <span>McMillan</span> said after the game. “It seemed like a long time, but it’s here.”</p>
<p id="IXWJxI">The Dolphins were counting on the then-rookie to solidify the middle of the defense last year, giving them a rock around which to build the linebacker corps. Instead, they scrambled to find players to fill in while McMillan rehabbed alongside <span>Tannehill</span>. Now, McMillan, after a year of film work and team meetings, is back in the middle of the defense and he should immediately upgrade a unit that struggled against the run last year.</p>
<p id="i8JfF8">Last week, at the team’s annual scrimmage, McMillan discussed what it felt like to return to Hard Rock Stadium and the team. He explained, “I’m just glad to be back. A year ago from today [August 4], I was named the starter. I was doing all this, doing all that. I had a big head but then I was humbled a week later. I’m just fortunate enough to be back in the same position and have a role with this defense.”</p>
<p id="N0PUG1">His role with the defense will be a critical one for the team this year. The Dolphins will have two new starters, counting McMillan, at linebacker this season. In last night’s playoff game, <span>Stephone Anthony</span> started outside, along with incumbent starter Kiko Alonso. <span>Anthony</span> did not have a great performance, appearing to get stuck on blocks and washed away from running plays too often. Meanwhile, McMillan’s college teammate <span>Jerome Baker</span>, who Miami selected in the third round of this year’s Draft, played well when he was given a chance, both with the starting group and against the second team, and could make a push for the starting position. </p>
<p id="m4uFTQ">“My man went out there and made a couple of plays,” McMillan said of Baker. “He was out there balling out. It’s just good to see him out here doing what we love together again, so hopefully we can get a lot more where that’s from.” </p>
<p id="f6Zerj">Whomever is next to McMillan, the second-year linebacker is going to be expected to be the solidifying force on the defense. He is going to be asked to be the player who makes sure everyone in the front seven are in the right place to make a play, and he is going to need to diagnose and react to what the opposing offense is doing. A lot will be asked of McMillan this year, and he is going to have to respond.</p>
<p id="8anBYv">As for Thursday night’s performance, McMillan said, “It was just a run through for the starters. I only got a couple of series, a couple of reps in there, but, other than that, we did what we had to do and got out of there.” McMillan recorded one tackle during his limited playing time.</p>
<p id="5MOQJJ">The important part is the simplest part of the night for the Dolphins and McMillan. When the defense took the field for the first time, McMillan was out there, in position, ready to play. After last year, it was good to see him ready to take control of the defense, paralleling what was happening on offense with Tannehill.</p>
https://www.thephinsider.com/2018/8/10/17674698/miami-dolphins-preseason-raekwon-mcmillan-injury-return-tampa-bay-buccaneersKevin Nogle2018-08-10T10:42:14-04:002018-08-10T10:42:14-04:00Miami Dolphins Vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Preseason: Mike Gesicki Almost Hauls in Ridiculous Touchdown
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: Miami Dolphins-Training Camp" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RkmS269b_gDhuucCJ9obU-FtGHI=/0x0:3011x2007/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60793145/usa_today_10992870.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Let’s just say we have an athletic tight end.</p> <p id="Gxz9YY">In the box score, it’ll show up as an incompletion for 0 yards. However, if <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> tight end <span>Mike Gesicki</span> came down with this catch, Dolphins Nation would’ve assuredly been in a happy pandemonium. This route likely results in a touchdown if <span>Ryan Tannehill</span> throws this pass. </p>
<p id="USqAEG">Let’s just admire Gesicki’s athleticism for a moment:</p>
<ul>
<li id="qVUfxf">He times his jump perfectly, with the choppy steps just before the goal line so he can explode off both feet, with the proper spacing, to get maximum height on his jump. You can see the basketball background come into effect: rebounding is about timing the peak of your jump and Gesicki has this trait in spades.</li>
<li id="2j4R37">Although he starts to turn his hips inward as the ball approaches, he nearly does a 180 while in mid-air while continuing to track the ball. </li>
<li id="X7g3K2">Full extension with one hand while still pirouetting in flight. The fact that he almost brings this into his chest is absurd.</li>
</ul>
<div id="ERGYpw">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">One of the prettiest Preseason incompletions I’ve ever seen. <a href="https://t.co/M29sDmcCea">pic.twitter.com/M29sDmcCea</a></p>— SuttonTheSoccerDad (@Suttonlacesout) <a href="https://twitter.com/Suttonlacesout/status/1027699722352553984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="egFyKA">I’ll admit that I don’t think he would’ve landed in bounds, but if he caught this, I think it would’ve immediately replaced the one-handed catch <span>Jarvis Landry</span> had against the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> in recent Dolphins folklore. </p>
<p id="Q0TT7r">Rookie TE’s don’t typically make a splash in year 1, but if his red zone value is any indicator, he’ll still have an integral niche in the 2018 offense. He’s as natural a jump-ball catcher as I’ve seen at the TE position. </p>
<p id="qsMwgf">The result of the play didn’t work out the way we wanted, but Mike Gesicki’s freaky athleticism was on full display, and the possibilities are exciting. </p>
https://www.thephinsider.com/2018/8/10/17674494/miami-dolphins-vs-tampa-bay-buccaneers-preseason-mike-gesicki-almost-ridiculous-touchdown-gif-videoSUTTON2018-08-09T22:23:09-04:002018-08-09T22:23:09-04:00Buccaneers at Dolphins final score and immediate reactions
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Miami Dolphins" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TMByJPIyLJ2EpOzBva6K8psSRw4=/0x0:3810x2540/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60788337/usa_today_11055384.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="vBJsK2">The <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> and <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> have completed their Preseason Week 1 contest, with the Buccaneers coming away with the 26-24 victory.</p>
<p id="JgxXtl">The Dolphins have some things to clean up, but it was, overall, a fairly good performance for Miami. There were not nearly as many flags and pre-snap penalties as was feared pre-game. <span>Ryan Tannehill</span> came out and immediately rolled out of the pocket in a designed bootleg, showing that he can still run and that the knee seems to be fine. Some of the rookies, like Minkah Fitzpatrick, <span>Jerome Baker</span>, and Kalen Ballage were strong in the game as well. </p>
<p id="3HzjnY">Overall, this game was fairly vanilla, which is exactly what the first preseason game should be. The defense basically ran cover two most of the night, and the offense was going through many of the basic plays in the playbook. There are still some areas of concern, especially with the cornerbacks outside of Xavien Howard. No one seemed to step up in this game, and the Dolphins will continue to hold a position battle for whomever wants to claim the job.</p>
<p id="7R6wvz">The only really major issue for the night was the injury to linebacker <span>Mike Hull</span>, who <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/2018/8/9/17673004/dolphins-buccaneers-preseason-game-injury-mike-hull">sustained an injury to his left knee and had to be carted off the sideline</a> after being helped walking over there.</p>
<p id="aa8qKw">The main take-away for this game is simply that the guys are back on the field and starting to play football. This game means nothing in terms of record or how the team plays in the fall, but it was important to get the players some game experience. It was good to see some of the younger players have strong games. Now the team will get back to training camp practices and continue to build up toward the regular season.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="cQFJqH">
<h3 id="FTxQh6">Game Recap</h3>
<p id="uRYwyA">The Dolphins get the ball first and immediately go uptempo, which is exactly what Adam Gase has wanted since he became head coach. <span>Ryan Tannehill</span> rolls out on the first play, looking like the pre-injury <span>Tannehill</span>. The Dolphins convert on a quick 4th-and-1 attempt. Tannehill throws some nice passes on the opening drive, but cannot connect on <span>Danny Amendola</span> and <span>Kalen Ballage</span> on the final two pass attempts of the drive and <span>Jason Sanders</span> misses a 53-yard field goal attempt.</p>
<p id="j1cdtO">The Buccaneers come out and look to be uptempo as well. <span>Ryan Fitzpatrick</span> gets the start for Tampa Bay, who will be without <span>Jameis Winston</span> for the first three weeks of the regular season. <span>Davon Godchaux</span> gets called for encroachment early in the drive, and pre-snap penalties continue to be an issue for Miami. The short field comes back to haunt the Dolphins, with the Buccaneers quickly finding the end zone on a <span>Peyton Barber</span> 4-yard run, but then miss the extra point.</p>
<p id="Onz4bA"><strong>Buccaneers 6-0.</strong></p>
<p id="2umQiY"><span>David Fales</span> comes in for the Dolphins at quarterback, ending Tannehill’s day. Ballage bounces the first play outside and gets the edge, picking up 14 yards. After a sack, <span>Fales</span> found <span>Albert Wilson</span> for two quick long passes, picking up first downs on both. <span>Jakeem Grant</span> then drew a defensive pass interference penalty. Fales then missed an open <span>Mike Gesicki</span> in the end zone, then missed him again on a crossing route, leading to a 29-yard field goal from Sanders. </p>
<p id="N0BawB"><strong>Buccaneers 6-3.</strong></p>
<p id="K1kLK2">Fitzpatrick stayed out on the field for the second drive for Tampa Bay, but it was another Fitzpatrick who stared on the possession. Dolphins rookie <span>Minkah Fitzpatrick</span> showed up on multiple plays, breaking up one pass like a free safety, then playing a short pass like a linebacker and breaking it up too. The Buccaneers punted. </p>
<p id="yh37jO">The Dolphins changed their quarterback to <span>Brock Osweiler</span> on the next drive. Ballage picked up nine yards, with tight end <span>Thomas Duarte</span> making a beautiful block to spring the rookie. </p>
<p id="ZYq1xA">End 1st Quarter.</p>
<p id="0TQIfr">Osweiler looks deep on second down, slightly underthrowing <span>Grant</span> who goes up and lets the ball go right through his hands. On third down, Osweiler somehow avoided a sack, and found Ballage sprinting toward the line of scrimmage from the backfield. Ballage got to the first down marker, then jumped a defender and knocked the ball out of his hands with his knee. The Buccaneers recovered as the ball just lay on the turf.</p>
<p id="vKrDUf"><span>Jameis Winston</span> entered the game for Fitzpatrick, quickly moving the ball downfield and into scoring position. <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/2018/8/9/17673004/dolphins-buccaneers-preseason-game-injury-mike-hull">Dolphins linebacker Mike Hull was injured</a> on the first-and-goal play, with trainers tending to his left knee then having to help him walk off the field. On second-and-goal, Ronald Jones scored, giving the Buccaneers a second rushing touchdown.</p>
<p id="qI7Olc"><strong>Buccaneers 13-3.</strong></p>
<p id="9CUlqK">The Dolphins went three-and-out in their next possession, losing yards on a sack.</p>
<p id="fbrDOI">Winston would then again carve the Dolphins defense up through the air. Linebacker Jerome Baker, however, would come up big a couple of times, both with a play in the backfield and on a third-and-ten play to sop the Buccaneers a yard short of the conversion, leading to a field goal. Baker has been quiet so far this summer, but his instincts appear to be putting him in the right place to make a play in the second quarter of the game.</p>
<p id="AIIzKH"><strong>Buccaneers 16-3.</strong></p>
<p id="zB1Seu">Miami then brought <span>David Fales</span> back into the game. Fales looked for <span>Leonte Carroo</span> on first down, but the pass was broken up. The Dolphins running backs then took over the drive, with Ballage picking up ten yards on a pass, then two yards on a carry, with <span>Senorise Perry</span> then picking up eight yards on a reception, 15 yards on a carry, 16 yards on a pass, 12 yards on a run, and a seven yard touchdown pass. The Dolphins running backs are looking to prove they are not a two-headed monster with Drake and <span>Frank Gore</span>, but rather a four-headed behemoth coming with Drake, Gore, Ballage, and <span>Perry</span>.</p>
<p id="JcuK0F"><strong>Buccaneers 16-10.</strong></p>
<p id="SG5XAl">After the kickoff went out of bounds, the Buccaneers started their next possession at the 40-yard line. <span>Jordan Phillips</span> came to play on the possession, starting with a tackle for a loss on first down, then blew up the line of scrimmage on the next first down, leading to a <span>Vincent Taylor</span> sack. <span>Taylor</span> made the next play, stopping a screen pass for no gain, and the Buccaneers would end the drive with a punt.</p>
<p id="yCKngx">Osweiler returned to quarterback the Dolphins after the punt. Miami could not do anything with the ball, however, as Ballage picked up two yards, then Osweiler found <span>Rashawn Scott</span> for nine yards then <span>Duarte</span> for three yards, then Ballage for four yards, before an incompletion led to a punt.</p>
<p id="EMi6IU">The Buccaneers attempted to run their two-minute offense after getting the ball back with 30 seconds to play, but were only able to pick up 16 yards before the half.</p>
<p id="FW7PHI">Half time.</p>
<p id="jNhNBE">The Buccaneers got the ball to start the second half, with <span>Ryan Griffin</span> coming into the game at quarterback. On second down, however, the Buccaneers would fumble, giving Miami the ball at their own 13-yard line.</p>
<p id="fIv6ZX">Miami could not do much with the ball, however. They started the possession with a delay of game penalty. After Thomas Duarte caught a short pass and turned up field for a 13-yard gain, Ballage could not pick up any further yards and Osweiler threw incomplete on third down. The team settled for a 23-yard Jason Sanders field goal.</p>
<p id="G9hv4r"><strong>Buccaneers 16-13.</strong></p>
<p id="WQdG3G">Tampa Bay took control of the game then, running a nearly eight-minute drive. <span>Griffin</span> continued as the quarterback, and the team just picked apart the Dolphins. The drive featured a 12-yard and a 14-yard gain, but everything else was basically dink-and-dunk and short runs. The Buccaneers gained 88 yards on the drive, using 17 plays to do it and ultimately scoring on a 10-yard pass. </p>
<p id="ElizCv"><strong>Buccaneers 23-13.</strong></p>
<p id="v3sjFl">The Dolphins moved quickly on their next drive, with Fales under center again. On first down, Fales threw a perfect pass to <span>Francis Owusu</span> on a deep post pattern, picking up 45 yards on the play. After that, however, the team only picked up another six yards before having to settle for another field goal.</p>
<p id="hqrBGW"><strong>Buccaneers 23-16.</strong></p>
<p id="TBgbN1">Tampa Bay would go three-and-out on their next possession.</p>
<p id="QQGxCF">Miami would put their own long drive together on the next drive, with Osweiler back under center. Unfortunately, a 16-play, 58-yard drive would result in no points as a false start penalty backed up the team from the five yard line. On fourth-and-goal from the three, Osweiler threw an incomplete pass and the Buccaneers took over on downs.</p>
<p id="zASNOc">The Buccaneers again held the ball for a long time of possession, putting together a 61-yard drive on 13 plays, taking up 6:14 on the clock. However, the drive would still at the Miami 35-yard line, with Tampa Bay missing a 53-yard field goal attempt.</p>
<p id="TJUIdc">The Dolphins replaced the Osweiler/Fales quarterback duo with <span>Bryce Petty</span> on the next possession. He immediately found Buddy Howell on a short pass, then saw the rookie running back run for 18 yards. Then <span>Petty</span> connected with Owusu deep for 23 yards, getting down to the Buccaneers 16-yard line. After an incomplete pass, Howell picked up ten yards on a rush, then <span>Petty</span> found <span>Isaiah Ford</span> for the six-yard touchdown. On the two-point conversion attempt, Petty again found Ford to give Miami the lead.</p>
<p id="Qhay7l"><strong>Dolphins 24-23.</strong></p>
<p id="1Sg5Q0">The Buccaneers, with no timeouts remaining, drove straight back down the field. Griffin completed passes of 12 yards, 18 yards, 8 yards, and 20 yards before the team ran the ball for two yards and seven yards to set up a short field goal with just 26 seconds remaining.</p>
<p id="k69cI5"><strong>Buccaneers 26-24.</strong></p>
<p id="ZqGgNK">Miami tried to make a last second drive, but, after a roughing the passer penalty appeared to give the team hope, Petty threw an interception and the Buccaneers killed the clock.</p>
<p id="gzFBQl">Final Buccaneers 26-24.</p>
<p id="fvUe4r"></p>
https://www.thephinsider.com/2018/8/9/17672932/miami-dolphins-tampa-bay-buccaneers-final-score-preseason-week-1-ryan-tannehill-ryan-fitzpatrickKevin Nogle2018-08-09T22:21:57-04:002018-08-09T22:21:57-04:00Buccaneers at Dolphins Preseason Week 1 live updates
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: Atlanta Falcons at Miami Dolphins" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5zjxBVqvqqJalb-c--hoX9FilFQ=/8x0:4928x3280/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60764743/usa_today_10210173.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Miami Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have kicked off their Preseason Week 1 contest. You can join in our live chat with other Dolphins fans using the link below. We will update the action here as it happens. </p> <p id="rvfeOu">The <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> open their 2018 preseason on Thursday the <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> make the I-75 trip south to Hard Rock Stadium. This will be the first of four preseason games for both teams, and likely will not include much participation from the starters for either side. Typically, the first preseason game will see the top players play maybe a series, then stay on the sideline while the players fighting for depth positions hit the field for the majority of the game.</p>
<p id="q1UGTo">For the Dolphins, this will be a chance to get quarterback <span>Ryan Tannehill</span> back in a game for the first time since December 2016, when he first injured his knee. It will also be the second time linebacker <span>Raekwon McMillan</span> will be able to get on the field for the first preseason game; last year, <span>McMillan</span> tore his ACL on kickoff coverage for the opening kick for the first preseason contest and missed the entire season.</p>
<p id="fq8P63">Over on the Tampa Bay sideline, there are questions about how the team will handle their quarterback situation. <span>Jameis Winston</span>, the team’s starting quarterback, is suspended for the first three regular season contests this year, with backup <span>Ryan Fitzpatrick</span> slated to start those games. Will the Buccaneers use the preseason to make sure Fitzpatrick is getting repetitions with the rest of the starters, or will they use it to get <span>Winston</span> as ready as possible before he is out of contact with the team for three weeks?</p>
<p id="oMJdid">Everything you need to know about Thursday’s game is below. Check out our <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/2018/8/9/17652020/tampa-bay-buccaneers-miami-dolphins-live-game-thread">live chat with other Dolphins fans here</a>.</p>
<h3 id="ob3tMK">Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-0) at Miami Dolphins (0-0)<br>Preseason Week 1<br>August 9, 2018</h3>
<p id="paragraph3"><strong>Game time: </strong>7pm ET</p>
<p id="paragraph4"><strong>Location:</strong> Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL</p>
<p id="1pPXua"><strong>Weather: </strong>86˚F, Isolated Thunderstorms</p>
<p id="cp3INp"><strong>Dolphins TV Coverage: </strong>CBS - Miami/Fort Lauderdale; NBC - Fort Myers; CW (or CBS) - West Palm Beach; ABC - Orlando</p>
<p id="paragraph7"><strong>Dolphins TV Announcers: </strong>Dick Stockton, Bob Griese, Nat Moore, Kim Bokamper</p>
<p id="Efvr2p"><strong>Buccaneers TV Coverage:</strong> NBC/8 - Tampa;<strong> </strong>FOX - Orlando, Gainesville, Fort Myers, Tallahassee; MeTV - Panama City; CW - Mobile; My/54.2 - Huntsville</p>
<p id="nwtOzE"><strong>Buccaneers TV Announcers: </strong><span>Chris Myers</span>, Ronde Barber</p>
<p id="paragraph8"><strong>Radio Network: </strong>Dolphins Radio Network, KISS 99.9 FM, WQAM 560 AM, WQBA 1140 AM (Spanish)</p>
<p id="yZ1DGa"><strong>Online streaming</strong>: Last year, SB Nation broke down all the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/2017/9/7/16171262/nfl-without-cable-tv-cord-cutting-streaming-online-how-to-watch"><strong>cord-cutting options for NFL games</strong></a><strong> </strong>and free trials are still available for most of these if you want to use them; <strong> </strong> <a href="https://nflst.directv.com/"><strong>NFL Sunday Ticket</strong></a> (paid DirecTV service - one-week trial); <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nfl.com%2Fgamepass" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>NFL Game Pass</strong></a><strong> </strong>(paid service - shows preseason games live, replays of regular season games); The Dolphins have announced that they will stream preseason games on <a href="http://Dolphins.com">Dolphins.com</a> for fans in the local markets.</p>
<p id="TK30bv"><strong>NFL Network Replay: </strong>Saturday at 6:30 am; Tuesday at 4am</p>
<p id="NrJrqm"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/odds"><strong>Odds</strong></a><strong>:</strong> Dolphins -1.5 | O/U: 34</p>
<p id="VIZRgl"><strong>All-time record: </strong>Buccaneers 6-5 (Regular Season)</p>
<p id="ALHvFs"><strong>Most recent regular season meeting: </strong>Buccaneers 30-20 at Miami (Week 11 2017)</p>
<p id="qLwCd7"><strong>Streak: </strong>Buccaneers 2 wins (2013, 2017); Buccaneers 5 of last 6</p>
<p id="tmYvq2"><strong>Most recent preseason meeting: </strong>Buccaneers 22-17 at Miami (PS Week 4 2015)</p>
<p id="Mmum60"><strong>Enemy blog: </strong><a href="http://bucsnation.com">Bucs Nation</a> | <strong>Twitter: </strong><a href="https://twitter.com/Bucs_Nation">@Bucs_Nation</a></p>
<p id="paragraph13"><strong>Phinsider on Twitter: </strong><a href="http://twitter.com/thephinsider">@ThePhinsider</a></p>
<p id="paragraph14"><strong>Phinsider on </strong><a href="http://Facebook.com/ThePhinsider"><strong>Facebook</strong></a></p>
<h3 id="eSvFE9"><strong>Live Updates:</strong></h3>
<p id="uRYwyA">The Dolphins get the ball first and immediately go uptempo, which is exactly what Adam Gase has wanted since he became head coach. <span>Ryan Tannehill</span> rolls out on the first play, looking like the pre-injury <span>Tannehill</span>. The Dolphins convert on a quick 4th-and-1 attempt. Tannehill throws some nice passes on the opening drive, but cannot connect on <span>Danny Amendola</span> and <span>Kalen Ballage</span> on the final two pass attempts of the drive and <span>Jason Sanders</span> misses a 53-yard field goal attempt.</p>
<p id="j1cdtO">The Buccaneers come out and look to be uptempo as well. Ryan Fitzpatrick gets the start for Tampa Bay, who will be without Jameis Winston for the first three weeks of the regular season. <span>Davon Godchaux</span> gets called for encroachment early in the drive, and pre-snap penalties continue to be an issue for Miami. The short field comes back to haunt the Dolphins, with the Buccaneers quickly finding the end zone on a <span>Peyton Barber</span> 4-yard run, but then miss the extra point.</p>
<p id="Onz4bA"><strong>Buccaneers 6-0.</strong></p>
<p id="2umQiY"><span>David Fales</span> comes in for the Dolphins at quarterback, ending Tannehill’s day. Ballage bounces the first play outside and gets the edge, picking up 14 yards. After a sack, <span>Fales</span> found <span>Albert Wilson</span> for two quick long passes, picking up first downs on both. <span>Jakeem Grant</span> then drew a defensive pass interference penalty. Fales then missed an open <span>Mike Gesicki</span> in the end zone, then missed him again on a crossing route, leading to a 29-yard field goal from Sanders. </p>
<p id="N0BawB"><strong>Buccaneers 6-3.</strong></p>
<p id="K1kLK2">Fitzpatrick stayed out on the field for the second drive for Tampa Bay, but it was another Fitzpatrick who stared on the possession. Dolphins rookie <span>Minkah Fitzpatrick</span> showed up on multiple plays, breaking up one pass like a free safety, then playing a short pass like a linebacker and breaking it up too. The Buccaneers punted. </p>
<p id="yh37jO">The Dolphins changed their quarterback to <span>Brock Osweiler</span> on the next drive. Ballage picked up nine yards, with tight end <span>Thomas Duarte</span> making a beautiful block to spring the rookie. </p>
<p id="ZYq1xA">End 1st Quarter.</p>
<p id="0TQIfr">Osweiler looks deep on second down, slightly underthrowing <span>Grant</span> who goes up and lets the ball go right through his hands. On third down, Osweiler somehow avoided a sack, and found Ballage sprinting toward the line of scrimmage from the backfield. Ballage got to the first down marker, then jumped a defender and knocked the ball out of his hands with his knee. The Buccaneers recovered as the ball just lay on the turf.</p>
<p id="vKrDUf">Jameis Winston entered the game for Fitzpatrick, quickly moving the ball downfield and into scoring position. <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/2018/8/9/17673004/dolphins-buccaneers-preseason-game-injury-mike-hull">Dolphins linebacker Mike Hull was injured</a> on the first-and-goal play, with trainers tending to his left knee then having to help him walk off the field. On second-and-goal, Ronald Jones scored, giving the Buccaneers a second rushing touchdown.</p>
<p id="qI7Olc"><strong>Buccaneers 13-3.</strong></p>
<p id="9CUlqK">The Dolphins went three-and-out in their next possession, losing yards on a sack.</p>
<p id="fbrDOI">Winston would then again carve the Dolphins defense up through the air. Linebacker Jerome Baker, however, would come up big a couple of times, both with a play in the backfield and on a third-and-ten play to sop the Buccaneers a yard short of the conversion, leading to a field goal. Baker has been quiet so far this summer, but his instincts appear to be putting him in the right place to make a play in the second quarter of the game.</p>
<p id="AIIzKH"><strong>Buccaneers 16-3.</strong></p>
<p id="zB1Seu">Miami then brought <span>David Fales</span> back into the game. Fales looked for <span>Leonte Carroo</span> on first down, but the pass was broken up. The Dolphins running backs then took over the drive, with Ballage picking up ten yards on a pass, then two yards on a carry, with <span>Senorise Perry</span> then picking up eight yards on a reception, 15 yards on a carry, 16 yards on a pass, 12 yards on a run, and a seven yard touchdown pass. The Dolphins running backs are looking to prove they are not a two-headed monster with Drake and <span>Frank Gore</span>, but rather a four-headed behemoth coming with Drake, Gore, Ballage, and <span>Perry</span>.</p>
<p id="JcuK0F"><strong>Buccaneers 16-10.</strong></p>
<p id="SG5XAl">After the kickoff went out of bounds, the Buccaneers started their next possession at the 40-yard line. <span>Jordan Phillips</span> came to play on the possession, starting with a tackle for a loss on first down, then blew up the line of scrimmage on the next first down, leading to a <span>Vincent Taylor</span> sack. <span>Taylor</span> made the next play, stopping a screen pass for no gain, and the Buccaneers would end the drive with a punt.</p>
<p id="yCKngx">Osweiler returned to quarterback the Dolphins after the punt. Miami could not do anything with the ball, however, as Ballage picked up two yards, then Osweiler found <span>Rashawn Scott</span> for nine yards then <span>Duarte</span> for three yards, then Ballage for four yards, before an incompletion led to a punt.</p>
<p id="EMi6IU">The Buccaneers attempted to run their two-minute offense after getting the ball back with 30 seconds to play, but were only able to pick up 16 yards before the half.</p>
<p id="FW7PHI">Half time.</p>
<p id="jNhNBE">The Buccaneers got the ball to start the second half, with Ryan Griffin coming into the game at quarterback. On second down, however, the Buccaneers would fumble, giving Miami the ball at their own 13-yard line.</p>
<p id="fIv6ZX">Miami could not do much with the ball, however. They started the possession with a delay of game penalty. After Thomas Duarte caught a short pass and turned up field for a 13-yard gain, Ballage could not pick up any further yards and Osweiler threw incomplete on third down. The team settled for a 23-yard Jason Sanders field goal.</p>
<p id="G9hv4r"><strong>Buccaneers 16-13.</strong></p>
<p id="WQdG3G">Tampa Bay took control of the game then, running a nearly eight-minute drive. Griffin continued as the quarterback, and the team just picked apart the Dolphins. The drive featured a 12-yard and a 14-yard gain, but everything else was basically dink-and-dunk and short runs. The Buccaneers gained 88 yards on the drive, using 17 plays to do it and ultimately scoring on a 10-yard pass. </p>
<p id="ElizCv"><strong>Buccaneers 23-13.</strong></p>
<p id="v3sjFl">The Dolphins moved quickly on their next drive, with Fales under center again. On first down, Fales threw a perfect pass to Francis Owusu on a deep post pattern, picking up 45 yards on the play. After that, however, the team only picked up another six yards before having to settle for another field goal.</p>
<p id="hqrBGW"><strong>Buccaneers 23-16.</strong></p>
<p id="TBgbN1">Tampa Bay would go three-and-out on their next possession.</p>
<p id="QQGxCF">Miami would put their own long drive together on the next drive, with Osweiler back under center. Unfortunately, a 16-play, 58-yard drive would result in no points as a false start penalty backed up the team from the five yard line. On fourth-and-goal from the three, Osweiler threw an incomplete pass and the Buccaneers took over on downs.</p>
<p id="zASNOc">The Buccaneers again held the ball for a long time of possession, putting together a 61-yard drive on 13 plays, taking up 6:14 on the clock. However, the drive would still at the Miami 35-yard line, with Tampa Bay missing a 53-yard field goal attempt.</p>
<p id="TJUIdc">The Dolphins replaced the Osweiler/Fales quarterback duo with Bryce Petty on the next possession. He immediately found Buddy Howell on a short pass, then saw the rookie running back run for 18 yards. Then Petty connected with Owusu deep for 23 yards, getting down to the Buccaneers 16-yard line. After an incomplete pass, Howell picked up ten yards on a rush, then Petty found Isaiah Ford for the six-yard touchdown. On the two-point conversion attempt, Petty again found Ford to give Miami the lead.</p>
<p id="Qhay7l"><strong>Dolphins 24-23.</strong></p>
<p id="1Sg5Q0">The Buccaneers, with no timeouts remaining, drove straight back down the field. Griffin completed passes of 12 yards, 18 yards, 8 yards, and 20 yards before the team ran the ball for two yards and seven yards to set up a short field goal with just 26 seconds remaining.</p>
<p id="k69cI5"><strong>Buccaneers 26-24.</strong></p>
<p id="ZqGgNK">Miami tried to make a last second drive, but, after a roughing the passer penalty appeared to give the team hope, Petty threw an interception and the Buccaneers killed the clock.</p>
<p id="gzFBQl">Final Buccaneers 26-24.</p>
https://www.thephinsider.com/2018/8/8/17663958/miami-dolphins-tampa-bay-buccaneers-preseason-online-stream-tv-schedule-weatherKevin Nogle2018-08-09T11:51:30-04:002018-08-09T11:51:30-04:00Buccaneers storylines versus Dolphins - Preseason Week 1 2018<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.bucsnation.com/2018/8/8/17665280/buccaneers-at-dolphins-preseason-2018-storylines">Buccaneers storylines versus Dolphins - Preseason Week 1 2018</a></h3>
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https://www.thephinsider.com/2018/8/9/17671120/buccaneers-storylines-versus-dolphins-preseason-week-1-2018Kevin Nogle