Dolphins vs. Buccaneers: TV Schedule, Radio and Live Streaming Info
The Miami Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers will settle their neighborhood rivalry Saturday.
Both clubs have aspirations for the NFL playoffs, something they have not tasted in far too long. The journey continues in what will be the most important preseason game for both squads.
The Dolphins have slowly built up their squad into what we will see on opening day. You can expect to see the starters take a greater role in Saturday's game.
Don't be fooled by how they looked against Carolina though; this team was eaten up when Matt Ryan took the field in Week 1.
The Buccaneers have some consistency issues. They had some false hopes dashed when they played a stiffer Patriots defense last week.
A fluid and young offense was stifled, but it is time to shake off any rust. This team showed great promise last year when they narrowly missed what would have been a marvelous playoff berth.
Let's delve deeper into this upcoming clash.
Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla.
When: Sunday, 7:30 p.m. EDT
Watch: WFOR-CBS Miami, WTSP-Tampa Bay; online at NFL.com (must pay $19.99 for league-wide package), live look-ins on NFL Network; 11 p.m. EDT Sunday, NFL Network (game replay).
Listen: WFUS 103.5/WDAE 620AM, Tampa Bay; Sirius 137 (MIA) 134 (TB)
Dolphins' Key Addition
The Dolphins like to get out and run. After missing out on Kyle Orton as the quarterback, the running game will once again be the best part of the offensive attack.
Reggie Bush comes in as a player who needs to succeed now. He has the perfect system to excel and will get enough touches to make a difference.
It is time to see if Bush is the real deal.
Buccaneers' Key Addition
I continue to be impressed by the strides Adrian Clayborn is making as a threat on the defensive line. In a shortened preseason, he is proving he can command the attention on his side of the ball to make him a worthy rookie serving valuable minutes.
Dolphins' Biggest Loss
Ronnie Brown is a fan favorite who will be greatly missed by the Miami faithful. He was the cog that made the Wildcat run.
The key touches will now go to Bush. It is hardly a huge gamble, but it is a gamble nonetheless.
With Brown, you know you were getting a runner who understood the system and excelled, well, when he wasn't hurt.
Bucs' Biggest Loss
The Bucs have a fiscal model they are employing in full force—and it does not include paying hefty sums to veterans.
Therefore, they must say goodbye to a player they will surely miss. Barrett Ruud's departure may have the Bucs' linebacker corps suffering growing pains this season.
What They're Saying
Jarrett Bell of USA Today reports Bush is slowly picking up the slack left by last year's running backs. Not only does he plan to carry the load as the No. 1 back, but he intends on being a leader to the younger players on the team.
The Washington Post reports on Raheem Morris and the inventive way he has motivated his young roster. He even has an inventive name for the young and hungry staff.
They are "youngry."
Dolphins' Player to Watch
I hate to tell you Dolphins fans, but you will only go as far as Chad Henne will take you.
Dolphins fans were clamoring for a new arm to take over, but it seems they are stuck with Henne, and he hasn't shown much in the preseason.
If he is to take charge of the Dolphins, he needs to demand the ball. That starts by lighting up the Bucs on Saturday.
Bucs' Player to Watch
I have a feeling we are about to welcome a new name to the pantheon of star quarterbacks this year.
Josh Freeman took a young squad and made them a force last year. I am confident he will continue to mature as a marquee name in the league.
Matchup to Watch
Tampa Bay has some young guns on defense, such as Gerald McCoy and Adrian Clayborn, who will have to contain a run-first offense.
It will be exciting to see how they handle a volatile rushing attack that will force the ball down their throats.
Dolphins' Position Battle
Chris Clemons and Reshad Jones continue to fight for time at the free safety position.
So far, Clemons has the inside track to start the season in the back. That doesn't mean Jones can't trump his progress with a commanding game on Saturday, though.
Bucs' Position Battle
Jeremy Trueblood and James Lee continue to battle for the right tackle position. The offensive line has been frustrating at times, so the job will go to the first man willing to grab it with stellar play.
Key Storyline
This game is all about growth. The Miami Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are doing their best to skirt stagnant play and youthful gaffes.
Both teams would like to continue to grow. This is more true for the Bucs, as they have established a baby steps approach for their players. Last year was all about winning ball games; this year is about proving their worth as postseason players.
The Dolphins had expectations come tumbling down as they failed to play well at the one place a team should feel comfortable: home.
Both teams come to a crossroads. They can slink further down the totem pole, or they can mature in an instant as real NFL threats. All of these questions will continue to be answered in a game that will feature a majority of the starters for a good amount of the game.
Prediction: Bucs, 20-17
For more coverage of your favorite team's preseason games, visit the Bleacher Report NFL Page.