Like they did in their joint practices earlier in the week, the Bucs and Dolphins went back and forth during Saturday night’s preseason opener at Raymond James Stadium. In the end, it was second-year quarterback Kyle Trask leading a late drive to set up a game-winning 49-yard field goal try by Jose Borregales. When Miami head coach Mike McDaniel iced him with a timeout, he made his practice kick. But after the timeout, his kick went off the upright, giving the Dolphins a 26-24 victory.

Tampa Bay was without most of its regulars for the game, as was Miami. Still, the game turned into an entertaining one with plenty of momentum swings.

The Dolphins struck first in the game, taking advantage of great field position. The Bucs defense did well to turn the momentum after a poor punt, though. Cam Gill came through with two tackles for loss and a third-down sack to force a field goal try. Jason Sanders’ 33-yard kick gave Miami a 3-0 lead, but Tampa Bay followed with a 14-point run.

Bucs QB Blaine Gabbert – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Blaine Gabbert took the offense 72 yards in nine plays on its second drive, capping it off with a 23-yard touchdown pass to Jaelon Darden. That was the end of the night for the veteran quarterback, who finished 5-of-5 for 56 yards and a score. Trask picked up where he left off, leading a touchdown drive on his first series. A 15-play, 86-yard drive that lasted 8:14 ended with a one-yard touchdown run by Ke’Shawn Vaughn. Vaughn followed a block from 2022 sixth-round pick Ko Kieft, who lined up at fullback on the play.

The Bucs’ 14-3 lead didn’t last long, as it was the Dolphins’ turn to swing momentum. Another Sanders field goal preceded an unfortunate Trask interception deep in Tampa Bay’s territory. That set up a 22-yard touchdown pass from Skylar Thompson to Lynn Bowden Jr. on the first play of the ensuing possession.

Miami’s 14-13 deficit then quickly turned into a 20-14 advantage for the visitors. On the second play of the Bucs’ next drive, Brandon Walton and Fred Johnson were beaten and Trask was rocked for a sack-fumble. Sam Eguavoen returned it 22 yards for a touchdown, putting the Dolphins on top. They added to their lead after halftime on another Sanders field goal. But from there, the Bucs responded well and finished the third quarter strong.

Bucs WR Jerreth Sterns – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

After hitting undrafted free agent tight end JJ Howland for a 29-yard gain over the middle, Trask capped off a seven-play, 75-yard drive with a beautiful 19-yard touchdown pass to Jerreth Sterns with 7:55 left in the third. That got the Bucs within 23-21, then first-year kicker Jose Borregales gave them a one-point lead with a 55-yard field goal with 4:14 to go in the third quarter.

Miami answered with a long field goal of its own midway through the fourth quarter. After a Pat O’Connor third-down sack, Sanders nailed a 53-yard field goal to put the Dolphins on top for good.

The Bucs had one final chance to steal a win, and it looked like they just might. Trask converted a crucial 4th & 12 with a 20-yard pass to Sterns before moving the chains again on 3rd & 8 with a 16-yard pass over the middle to Deven Thompkins. Tampa Bay ran the clock down from there to set up a Borregales kick, but the night ended with a doink.

Despite two second-quarter turnovers, Trask’s night was largely a positive one. He finished the night 25-of-33 for 258 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Tyler Johnson led the way for Tampa Bay receivers, catching six of his seven targets for 73 yards. Kaylon Geiger Sr. chipped in with 52 yards on four catches, while Sterns totaled 51 yards and a score on four catches.  Rookie Rachaad White posted 32 yards on seven carries and two catches for 13 yards to lead the running backs. On defense, it was Gill, O’Connor and Anthony Nelson shining with a sack each.

Tampa Bay will next head to Tennessee for a couple of joint practices with the Titans. The Bucs will then return to preseason action next Saturday night at Nissan Stadium.