Best And Worst Of Dolphins-Buccaneers

Tua Tagovailoa and both sat out Saturday night against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That left rookie third string quarterback Skylar Thompson to play the entire game in the Miami Dolphins 26-24 win Saturday night. Beyond the box score Thompson showed good mobility, breaking off a 20 yard run, and poise. He showed a good connection with Lynn Bowden especially. He had one bad pass, a throwaway that was nearly intercepted, but on a night why Miami struggled to run the ball Thompson’s arm and feet kept the offense moving.

Other Offensive Standouts: Bowden And Sanders

Yes, Jason Sanders plays special teams, not offense. He stood because he made two fifty yard field goals, from 52 and 53 yards, something he struggled with last year. Sanders kicking has been strong all camp so it was good to see it continue in live game action.

Bowden has not made many plays in camp. He and Preston Williams may be traded by Miami before the regular season. Leading the team in receiving yards, along with an excellent punt return, may be the best case he could make to be on the team’s 53 man roster.

Worst Of The Offense: Run Blocking

Tampa Bay’s run defense was one of the best of the league last year. Miami’s new run first offense still needs work to challenge a defense as good as the Buccaneers. Yes, the Dolphins showed very little of the wide zone attack, but 14 rushes for 49 yards is not what Head Coach Mike McDaniel wants to see.

Best Of The Defense: Solid Run D, Turnovers

The Dolphins allowed a couple of runs to Tampa, but 31-88 is stout run defense. Late in the first half Miami forced two turnovers, one interception and one fumble. Elijah Campbell had an amazing juggling interception and Darius Hodge knocked the ball out of Kyle Trask’s hand. Sam Eguavoen picked up the and returned it 32 yards for the score.

Worst Of The Defense: Coverage

Tampa Bay quarterbacks combined to 30-38-301-2-1. Blaine Gabbert played for just one drive and was 5-5-56 yards and a touchdown. Yes, Miami had an inteception and four pass defensed. but the team’s coverage of the backs and Tyler Johnson was not good. The Dolphins backup linebackers and secondary must improve if the team is going to be a top flight defense.