Miami Dolphins News and Notes: Team Shines in 20-14 Win Over Bucs

The Dolphins got the monkey off their backs on Saturday night with a 20-14 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The first team offense (according to miamidolphins.com) didn’t experience quite the success they did a week ago, Ryan Tannehill still moved the ball efficiently down the field in all three of his series, and got some help from guys like Rishard Matthews and Jarvis Landry, who continued to make a name for themselves tonight. On the other side of the ball, the defensive line, led by Cameron Wake and Randy Starks, looked to be in midseason form all night long, while cornerback Brent Grimes made the game-changing play of the game midway through the second quarter.

But a win is a win, and in the preseason, progression is most important. The Dolphins are trying to improve on an offense that let Tannehill down at the end of the season and to establish a solid running game.

Here are three things the team took from the win Saturday night according to miamidolphins.com.

COMFORTABLE TAKING CHANCES

Tannehill looks very comfortable operating the new offensive system and his execution is giving this offense a chance to create game changing plays. The football is coming out quickly and is helping the protection up front for the offensive lineman.

Backup quarterback Matt Moore saw his first action of the preseason and responded by playing with command and confidence. His stellar training camp play carried over to the live action and his anticipation and general feel for this offense has been a pleasure to watch over the last two weeks.

EVERYONE GETS A TOUCH

It’s easy to see why I’m a big fan of this entire receiving group. Sixteen different players had a reception against Tampa Bay and some of these players are starting to separate from the pack. Veteran slot wideout Brandon Gibson looks to be healthy and gives this offense a vertical threat in the middle of the field. The same holds true for rookie Jarvis Landry. This combination inside will give opposing defense matchup problems because the can create with their route running and always give the quarterback a window to deliver the football.

It was also nice to see wide receiver Damian Williams flash versus the Bucs and get opportunities to show in a game what he has been able to do throughout training camp. If the Dolphins keep six at wide receiver, he’s currently the leader in the clubhouse for that final spot in my mind.

IMPROVEMENTS UP AND DOWN THE DEFENSE

I wasn’t ready to go into panic mode after the Atlanta game, and I’m not thinking the Dolphins defense is where it needs to be after their uneven performance against Tampa Bay either. My belief is that this unit still hasn’t come close to executing to the level of talent that is on the roster, but is closing the gap. The push in the pass rush was much more frequent and the linebacking unit fit the run with more discipline. Next week’s game at home against a potent offense in the Cowboys should give us a clear indication of this entire group and hopefully a better understanding of what to expect in the regular season.