Dolphins at Buccaneers
Game Info
Kickoff: August 16th, 2019, at 7:30 PM
Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
Betting Odds: TB -3 via Oddsshark
Network: WFOR, WTSP, WFTV
Miami Dolphins
Destine for Preston
After stealing the show in week 1, we need to keep our eyes out for the young Dolphins WR, Preston Williams. After putting up 97 yards on 4 catches last Thursday Williams made a serious claim to be one of the team’s starting WRs. He has developed a strong rapport with Dolphins backup/potential starter Josh Rosen and it would not be surprising to see it continue into the regular season if both are given starting gigs. With very little competition across the Dolphins WR depth chart, another strong performance could be enough to give the coaching staff a reason to make Williams a staple in their passing game. At the moment Williams shouldn’t be on your redraft radar just yet, he is a name to look out for in dynasty.
Gesicki Time
2018 was a very disappointing year for Mike Gesicki after he struggled to get playtime in his rookie year. He struggled as a blocker and therefore kept off the field for a large chunk of offensive snaps. So far through the 2019 offseason, there have been reports suggesting that Gesicki was behind Nick O’Leary, but his playtime last week pointed in a positive direction. Gesicki played on 8/12 snaps with Ryan Fitzpatrick and the starters and caught a ball for x yards. We hope to see Gesicki build on this performance and flash what made him such a dominant player at Penn State. What will be worrying is if on Friday he stays on the field well after the starters are gone. We want to see 1st team and only 1st team reps from Gesicki at this point in his career.
Ballage’s Backfield
It may finally be time to start considering Kalen Ballage as the Miami Dolphins lead back for the 2019-20 season. There have been rumors swirling that Ballage and Kenyan Drake would be splitting backfield duties this season, however, some believed that it was only a matter of time until Ballage seized the job for himself. After Tuesday’s practice that may soon become a reality. During practice, Drake injured his foot and is expected to be sidelined for the rest of the preseason and will not be a lock for week 1. This means that the rest of the offseason is a huge audition for Ballage. If he can prove to be capable of handling lead-back duties then the starting RB position could be his to lose. The Bucs game will be his first opportunity, but keep an eye out for the talented rookie Myles Gaskin as this backfield is still as open as any.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
WR Galore
It is without question that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are loaded at the WR position. With Mike Evans and Chris Godwin as the clear cut 1 and 2, beyond them is a massive competition between some talented players. With Breshad Perriman looking like the early favorite to be the team’s 3rd receiver but has since gotten some pushback. Penn alum Justin Watson has the measurable to be a productive WR at the NFL level and if he is given the opportunity it is very conceivable that he leapfrogs Breshad Perriman. Also adding to the competition is Spencer Schnell, who lit up week 1 of the preseason. Posting 7 catches for 119 yards in only 9 minutes (!) he gave coaches a reason to remember his name. Heading into this week’s game, all three have something to prove. Usually, WR3s are not something to pay attention to, but on an offense that projects to be as potent as Tampa Bay, it is a situation to monitor.
Backup QB Battle
Yes, it is insane to worry about a team’s backup QB position, but, for the Bucs, it is necessary. If you watched any Bucs football last year, you are well aware of the QB carousel that went on. The team rotated between Jameis Winston and Ryan Fitzpatrick as if they were operating under a true quarterback-by-committee. With Ryan Fitzpatrick on the opposing sideline, the backup job appears to now be between Ryan Griffin and Blaine Gabbert. In week 1, the Bucs got a long look at what Griffin could do after they let him sling the rock 43 times. With that opportunity, he produced 330 yards and a touchdown pass. Gabbert on the other hand only got 8 attempts with 50 yards to show for them. It appears that the job is still completely up for grabs. If whoever wins the job doesn’t earn the trust of Head Coach Bruce Arians, he may be more hesitant to pull Winston at any sign of trouble, however, it will be the opposite if Griffin or Gabbert warrant a shot at the starting gig.
-Matthew Perri (@MattPerri91)