The Tampa Bay Buccaneers fell just short in their preseason opener Saturday night against the Miami Dolphins, missing a last-second field goal at the buzzer to fall 26-24 to their fellow Sunshine State club.
Jose Borregales’ 49-yarder bounced off the right upright as the clock hit all zeroes, just after the kicker had nailed a practice kick following a timeout from the Dolphins.
After a pair of drives from veteran backup Blaine Gabbert, one of which ended with a 23-yard touchdown pass to Jaelon Darden, second-year quarterback Kyle Trask took over behind center for the rest of the game. The former Florida Gator delivered an impressive performance, completing 25 of his 33 pass attempts for 258 yards and a touchdown.
Trask bounced back from a pair of costly turnovers just before halftime that allowed the Dolphins to take the lead, leading the Bucs on multiple scoring drives to jump back ahead in the second half. He made multiple big plays on the final drive to set up the potential game-winning kick, making a strong statement in his bid to supplant Gabbert as Tom Brady’s backup this season.
Tampa Bay’s young wide receivers had a big night, led by Tyler Johnson’s six receptions for 73 yards. Kaylon Geiger and Jerreth Sterns combined for eight receptions and 103 yards, with Sterns hauling in a 19-yard touchdown from Trask.
On defense, the Bucs were led by a trio of sacks, one each coming from Anthony Nelson, Cam Gill and Pat O’Connor.
Despite the miss, Borregales had a strong night that included nailing a 55-yard field goal that would have been good from much longer.
Turnovers were the key for Miami, who won despite being beaten 389-242 in total yardage by the Bucs, while converting only two of their 10 third-down attempts.
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