The Bucs kicked off the pre-season against the Miami Dolphins. Finally a chance to play a full 60 minutes and hit somebody other than teammates.

First Quarter:

The Bucs defense…specifically the defensive line is all anyone could talk about heading into this game. Miami Dolphins quarterback, Ryan Tannehill, looked strong to start the game as the Bucs pass-rush looked a bit sluggish to start, BUT the D was able to hold Miami to a field goal attempt…which was missed.

Ryan Fitzpatrick started the game with a solid pass to DeSean Jackson and went 2 for 2 for 32 yards. Peyton Barber caps off the drive with a touchdown run. However, Chandler Catanzaro, begins his career in Tampa Bay with a missed extra point.

Bucs strike first, 6-0.

Miami would respond with a field goal, 6-3 Bucs lead.

End of first: Bucs 6, Dolphins 3

TAKEAWAYS: The “all mighty” defensive line starts the game a bit slow, improved as the quarter went on

-More kicking woes as Chandler Catanzaro misses his first extra point as a Buccaneer

-Ronald Jones’ first touch as a rookie in a NFL game is a drop

-RB Peyton Barber goes beast mode to begin the game, scores a TD

Second Quarter:

Corner Vernon Hargreaves leaves game with a groin injury…both starting corners Hargreaves and Brent Grimes out of the game.

Jameis Winston enters the game for the first time in the second quarter and looks sharp. 

Winston completes passes to WR Chris Godwin and Freddie Martino. Rookie running back Ronald Jones takes it to the house on a 2-yard run, capping of a 5 play, 32 yard scoring drive. 

Catanzaro makes the extra point. 1 for 2 on the day. 

Bucs 13, Dolphins 3. 

Catanzaro makes his first FG as a Buc…as they lead 16-3.

Miami responds… as a rather lengthy drive is capped off by a TD run by Senorise Perry, making it 16-10 in favor of the Bucs. 

Winston continues to look good. He hit Cameron Brate in the middle of three defenders, but doesn’t convert late in the second quarter as pass protection isn’t as great as the starters begin to hit the sidelines for good.

TAKEAWAYS: Jameis Winston looks sharp to start thanks in part to a solid effort from the offensive line.

-Rookie CB Carlton Davis makes big impact in his first NFL game with a couple bass breakups and tackles

-K Catanzaro goes 1/1 on FG attempts as a Buccaneer

HALF: Bucs 16, Dolphins 10.

Third Quarter:

Bucs start with ball on offense, WR Justin Watson fumbles and the Dolphins back in scoring position. Bucs defense holds Miami to a field goal, 16-13 Bucs.

We see Ryan Griffin for the first time in the 3rd quarter as the starters are out of the game. Griffin leads the offense all the way downfield and completes a TD pass to Alan Cross. Catanzaro PAT is good.

Bucs lead 23 to 13. 

Fourth Quarter:
Catanzaro’s kick is tipped…and no good. Still 23-16 with a little more than 3 left to play.

Catanzaro is GOOD, Bucs lead 26-24 with :23 on the clock