Bucs Lose 10-13

Well, it's just preseason, so a lose isn't that big of a deal. Let's put things into perspective. The Miami 1st string offense couldn't move the ball on the Bucs first string defense, even though it had Quarles, Rice, Brooks, and Allen out for the night (Allen is resting the thumb). In fact, it wasn't until the Bucs had all of it's starters off the field before Miami's first string offense was able to move the ball and score a TD. The Bucs held the Dolphins to just 25 yards in the first quarter. Ruud was a terror, sacking Culpepper once (unofficially twice, forcing an intentional grounding call). McFarland actually busted through the line once to get a sack, as well. I have little doubt that the starting defense is going to be terrorizing teams. I also have little doubt that Quarles is looking over his shoulder because Ruud is good enough to challenge him for the start. That should keep Shelton on top of his game.

Offensively, the Bucs opened solid, with the pass protection looking very strong early, but giving way once a substitute or two got in there. Alstott continues to look faster than last year, running the ball twice for 14 yards (8 on one, 6 on the other), which may get Gruden to let him run the ball a few more times a game to help keep Caddy from having to carry too much of a load. Graham looked pretty good at times. Gradkowski continues to impress against third teamers, showing that the Bucs have a deep team. I would be shocked if he doesn't at least get one solid look at the 2nd string spot to see if he can play well enough to bump Rattay down to the third spot.

Overall, the offense was good at times, putting up 300 yards (40 more than the Dolphins), against a pretty solid group of defensive players. If it wasn't for some poor turnovers on drives heading into scoring range, the Bucs probably would have won the game. Simms, was a little disappointing, but he played against Miami's first string defense, and sometimes it's tough to get going against a group like that without a few more shots at it. Not too bad of an overall showing for the Bucs. Now it's off to Jacksonville for another solid test. The Bucs have had a real poor time of it playing up there. If they can play well this time, it might be a good sign going forward.