The Buccaneers got their first win for new coach Bruce Arians as they beat the Miami Dolphins, 16-14. Matt Gay kicked a 48-yard goal with ten seconds left to give the Bucs the lead and the win.
If you were late getting to your seat or TV, you missed the first-string offense, which played all of one series and did not do much of anything offensively.
Jameis Winston was two-for-four with 24 yards; he was also sacked for an 11-yard loss as Ronald Jones failed to pick up a block. This has been a continuous problem for Jones, who last season struggled in overall pass blocking and learning the playbook.
Soon, the bottom half of the roster entered the game. Arians had said earlier in the week that he wanted to get a look at the young players. He was impressed with the way the first team offense and defense looked. “I think our top-20 guys on both sides played really well,” said Arians. “Then, the continuation of the dumbest penalties I have ever seen with our second group continue. They’re lucky we’re not cutting tomorrow.”
Arians is one of the most honest and tell-it-like-it-is coaches the Bucs have had in a long time and that is refreshing. There is no guessing, and you know exactly where he stands. Arians does not care if you’re a veteran or a rookie — if you are continually called out for stupid penalties, you will not be playing for the Buccaneers.
Tight end Tanner Hudson continued to make plays as he had six catches for 93 yards and the Bucs’ only touchdown. He is the leading candidate to be the third tight end behind O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate.
Running back Dare Ogunbowale had another good game catching the ball out of the backfield as he racked up 84 yards receiving. He continues to struggle running the ball, though, rushing 13 times for 34 yards. He is averaging just under three yards per carry so far in the pre-season.
Andre Ellington was not impressive at all in the time he played and if you go by what you see on the field, Ogunbowale is pushing Ellington for the third running back spot behind Barber and Jones.
Defensively, rookie cornerback Jamel Dean made his debut in a Buccaneer uniform and had his first interception as he picked off Dolphins quarterback Jake Rudock in the end zone in the third quarter. Dean just missed an interception on a Josh Rosen pass late in the first half as the ball slipped right through hands.
Matt Gay handled the pressure of a game-winning kick as he booted a 48-yarder with 10 seconds to go to give the Bucs the win. Gay was two-for-two on his field goal attempts on the night.
The Bucs’ defense continued their aggressiveness as they sacked Miami quarterbacks five times in the game, with Shaq Barrett getting his first sack as a Buccaneer.
Bobo Wilson and Ronald Jones were used in the return game with mixed results.
Mike Edwards and Justin Evans both missed the game due to injuries and the clock is now running for them to get in football shape and be ready for San Francisco on September 8.
Training camp is now officially over for the Bucs with two preseason games left; they will now slide into their regular season practice schedule as they get ready for the Cleveland Browns next Friday at home.
