Miami Dolphins @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Final Score: Buccaneers 24 – Dolphins 14
Writer: Steven Pintado (@coachstevenp on Twitter)
We got to dive into the Dolphin’s backups for this week’s three preseason games. The Dolphins have some final spots to fill on offense, and we saw some players step up. It was the first time the Buccaneers saw their starters, and they did not disappoint in this game.
Three Up
- Baker Mayfield – Getting a chance to see Mayfield during the preseason was important. He did not disappoint and looked good in one series.
- Jaylen Wright – Wright missed last week’s game with an injury but flashed again in Week Three. He looked solid as a pass-catching back in the Dolphins offense.
- Malik Washington – For someone trying to make the 53-man roster, Washington showed up. He made two big plays, showing off his explosive ability for an offense encouraging such plays.
One Down
- Mike White – Not many fantasy-revenant players were down after this game. White continues to play mediocre football and could risk losing his backup job.
Miami Dolphins
Quarterback
Mike White: 5/9, 37 yards
White started for the Dolphins’ third preseason game. He did not look great leading this offense on the field, but he had a few decent throws across the middle of the field. The playcalling with White in the offense was very vanilla.
Notes
- He was unable to lead any scoring dives
- He was sacked and fumbled, recovered by the defense for a touchdown. Thankfully, the play was overturned.
Skylar Thompson: 18/27, 190 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT | 1 carry, 10 yards
Thompson played as the third quarterback in this game after playing with the second team last week. He continues to look more natural as a thrower in this Dolphins offense. Thompson may not have shown enough to take the backup job, but he has improved this offseason as a passer. He moved the ball downfield in the passing game. Thompson came into the game during the second quarter and finished the game.
Notes
- He led two scoring dives in this game.
- Thompson had three passes of 20-plus yards
Missed Opportunities
- He stared down his target and forced a pick in the fourth quarter.
Running Back
Jeff Wilson Jr.: 4 carries, -1 yard | 2 receptions 21 yards
Wilson got the start at running back in this game. He struggled as a ball carrier for the night. The Dolphins’ offensive line was not great tonight, so most runs up the middle failed for Miami. Wilson made the most of his night by being successful as a pass catcher. He is still fighting for a roster spot on the Dolphins offense.
Notes
- He had one designed screen that went for 13 yards.
Jaylen Wright: 7 carries, 36 yards | 4 receptions, 41 yards
Wright continues to flash in the preseason. While he played behind Jeff Wilson in this game, I have no doubt Wright could play a role in this offense. His runs looked better when he got outside and cut up the field. He had a few runs up the middle that he got stuffed. That likely has to do with the offensive line that played poorly tonight.
Notes
- His best play was in the third quarter with a wheel route for 23 yards.
Anthony McFarland: 6 carries, 12 yards rushing | 2 receptions, 12 yards
Recently signed, McFarland played as the third running back in this game. He showed some quickness with a few of his runs. He also showed some bursts with his two catches in this game. Still, he likely won’t make the 53-man roster.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Malik Washington: 1 reception, 7 yards | 1 carry, 40 yards | 2 returns 73 yards
Washington showed up as roster cuts are nearing. Washington only played the first quarter but made two big plays. He showed speed and burst on only a few touches. He had two touches of 40-plus yards in this game. He should make the 53-man roster come next week. He did get banged up in this game but returned quickly.
Notes
- His 40-yard play came on an end-round carry.
Anthony Schwartz: 2 receptions, 24 yards receiving
Schwartz played as the other starter in the offense. He looked decent in this game, only playing in the first half. Miami has a deep depth chart for receivers, so Schwartz shouldn’t make the roster. He had two plays across the middle of the field in this game.
Notes
- He would have had an additional 11 yards if not for a penalty on the play.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Quarterback
Baker Mayfield: 3/3, 54 yards
Mayfield had not played all preseason, but he finally got the start in Week Three. He looked comfortable in the offense and helped move the ball downfield for a score. His best throw of the night was in double coverage along the sideline. Mayfield only played one series.
Notes
- Two of his pass attempts were behind the line of scrimmage.
Kyle Trask: 17/24, 141 yards, 2 TDs | 1 carry, 1 yard
Trask came into the game after the first series and played the rest of the game. He had some nice throws, especially the two touchdown throws. He also made some questionable decisions that were overthrown across the middle of the field. He should be a fine backup to Mayfield for another season.
Running Back
Rachaad White: 4 carries, 16 yards, 1 TD | 1 reception, 17 yards
This was White’s first game this preseason. His rushing was mediocre in this game. He did burst up the middle for that four-year touchdown. White continues to shine as a pass catcher, taking a dump-off pass for 17 yards. White should remain a starter for the Buccaneers and provide value in the passing game. White only played the first series with the first-team offense.
Notes
- White’s longest run was five yards.
Missed Opportunities
- Mayfield had a shot on a short pass to White, and he chose to throw downfield instead.
Bucky Irving: 6 carries, 26 yards | 1 reception, 5 yards
Irving was the next running back up after White. He came in on the second series of the game. Irving had a few nice runs, cementing himself as the backup to White. He ran hard on those runs, mainly up the middle. It may speak more to the Dolphins’ run defense not being all that good this year.
Missed Opportunities
- He did look overwhelmed by pass-blocking.
Sean Tucker: 7 carries, 20 yards | 1 reception 27 yards
Tucker has been getting plenty of work during the preseason. Tucker rotated playing time in this game from the middle of the second quarter until the fourth quarter. His one reception was a screen that showed off the speed and acceleration he offered in college. After a solid game, Tucker may have found himself locked into a roster spot with the Bucs.
Notes
- His 27-yard reception was inches away from a score.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Chris Godwin: 1 receptions, 9 yards
Godwin finally got his chance to play this preseason. He only played the first series of the game. He took a screen and gained nine yards after the catch. Godwin played most of his snaps in the slot, outside his one reception. Godwin in the slot should be great for his fantasy value.
Jalen McMillan: 1 reception, 28 yards
The catch of the night goes to McMillan. McMillan, like Godwin, only played the first series. He caught a 28-yard reception in double coverage that forced him into an awkward position to come down with the ball. He looks safe as the WR3 in the Buccaneers offense.
Cody Thompson: 7 receptions, 45 yards
The top pass catcher of the Buccaneers in this game was Cody Thompson. Thompson is trying to secure a roster spot on the team. He showed the ability to create some separation on the field. He will likely return to the practice squad after being cut from the 53-man roster.