In a preseason-closing contest between the Miami Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it took just one series for Baker Mayfield to remind everyone why he’s the man under center for Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers secured a 24-14 victory over the Dolphins on Friday night, with Mayfield leading a clinical opening drive before both teams turned the game over to younger players vying for roster spots.
Mayfield, the 29-year-old quarterback who reignited his career last season by leading the Buccaneers to the playoffs, needed just one series to make his mark. After sitting out Tampa Bay’s first two preseason games, Mayfield took the field for the first time this preseason and immediately orchestrated a 70-yard drive. His 28-yard strike to rookie receiver Jalen McMillan set up a 4-yard touchdown run by Rachaad White, giving the Bucs an early lead. Mayfield was a perfect 3 for 3 on the drive, accumulating 54 yards before taking the rest of the night off.
Mayfield’s brief appearance comes after a standout 2023 season where he threw for a career-high 4,044 yards and 28 touchdowns, guiding the Bucs to their third consecutive NFC South title. His performance earned him a three-year, $100 million contract this offseason, a significant upgrade from the one-year, $4 million deal he played under last season.
On the other side, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa also had limited playing time this preseason, as he took the field for just one series. Tagovailoa, who led the NFL in passing yardage in 2023 and inked a four-year, $212 million extension this offseason, was sharp in Miami’s second preseason outing, completing all five of his passes for 51 yards and a touchdown. However, he sat out the preseason finale against the Buccaneers.
Notably absent from the game were Miami’s star receivers, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, both nursing injuries. The dynamic duo participated in individual drills during the joint practice between the teams earlier in the week but were held out as a precaution.
With the starters on the sidelines, the bulk of the game provided an opportunity for younger players to make their case for a spot on the final roster. For the Dolphins, Mike White and Skylar Thompson split quarterback duties. Thompson impressed, completing 19 of 27 passes for 190 yards, two touchdowns, and a late interception. His touchdown throws included a 20-yard strike to tight end Hayden Rucci and a 1-yard pass to wide receiver Kyric McGowan.
For the Buccaneers, Kyle Trask took over after Mayfield’s lone series, delivering a solid performance of his own. Trask went 17 of 24 for 141 yards and connected for two touchdowns—a 10-yard pass to tight end Ryan Miller and a 2-yard score to wide receiver Tanner Knue.
As the preseason wraps up, both teams now face tough decisions in trimming their rosters for the regular season. Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles and Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel have expressed that the final cuts will be challenging, with several young players making strong cases for themselves.
For the Buccaneers, the victory over Miami was a positive note to end the preseason on, with Mayfield showcasing why he’s worth his new contract. Meanwhile, the Dolphins will be eager to get their stars healthy and ready for the regular season after giving their depth players ample opportunity to prove their worth.
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