It’s preseason, and it doesnt count. Then again, last weeks game didn’t count either, but that didn’t stop Bucs fans from all over the bay area to panic at the lack of Offense/Defense! This week was a different story, as offense looked better overall, and the Defense, other than one play of busted coverage looked very sharp.
The defensive line, led by Defensive End Michael Bennett and Adrian Clayborn, put nice pressure on the Dolphins Quarterbacks when they were in the first half. Defensive Tackle Frank Okam did well too, stuffing a goal line effort at the beginning of the 2nd half. Da’Quan Bowers got to the QB in the second half after the starters left the game.
The only player who did not look particularly sharp was defensive back E.J. Biggers, who was beaten on the Touchdown pass, and missed a tackle later but made up for it by causing a fumble on the same play. This occured on the day the news came down from the NFL that Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cornerback Aqib Talib will NOT be suspended in 2011.
The offense remained a little stale with Josh Freeman not particularly accurate and LeGarrette Blount not getting too much running room. Blount did reel in a swing pass for a long gain in the first quarter that set up a Connor Barth FG. But Freeman was just off on his passes, and its possible he missed the offseason OTAs that he benefited from last year.
The offensive line for the most part did not pass protect very well, having a tough time dealing with the blitz, and Jeremy Trueblood struggled a bit as well. Of course its preseason for all, even head coach Raheem Morris who was penalized for challenging the Dolphins Touchdown, which is no longer allowed because all Touchdowns are examined after they occur. Technically, the flag was for delay of game.
In the end, the result is unimportant; Win or Lose, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Miami Dolphins had a game plan and knew what they wanted to look at for this game. It’s not something that as fans we are aware of, but the bottom line for preseason games, its all about Personnel, Personnel , Personnel!
It’s a short week now as the Bucs prepare to play in Maryland against the Washingon Redskins on Thursday, giving them a full 10 days to prepare for Opening day vs the Detroit Lions.
Check Back later today as we will have Full HD video clips of all the big plays, Captain’s Blog w/links from all the local media and much much More! If you want to watch the game today, its on at Noon on WTSP 10 CBS.
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