Buccaneers vs. Dolphins: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Radio, Game Time and More

It doesn't get much more epic than the all-Florida battle that will ensue when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers meet the Miami Dolphins on Friday.

OK, OK, so maybe I wanted to be the first person in history to type those words. Besides, what preseason game could ever be considered epic?

Nonetheless, this will be an excellent chance to see two organizations moving in new directions under rookie head coaches. Each side has exciting rookies, veterans looking to improve upon disappointing 2011 seasons and reasons for optimism heading into 2012.

Let's get previewing.

When: August 10, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. ET

Where: Sun Life Stadium, Miami, Florida

Watch: NFL RedZone, CBS (local markets)

Listen: Sirius 136 (Miami) and 113 (Tampa Bay)

Live Streaming: NFL Preseason Live

Betting Line: Dolphins (-3), according to Bovada

 

Key Dolphins Injuries (from CBS)

Running Back Jonas Gray, Undisclosed, Out

Wide Receiver Brian Hartline, Calf, Probable

Defensive Lineman Olivier Vernon, Ankle, Questionable

Key Bucs Injuries (from CBS)

Wide Receiver Arrelious Benn, Knee, Out

 

What's at Stake

Some solid Hard Knocks clips. The future relevance of Chad Ochocinco Whatever-We're-Calling-Him-Now Johnson. A Miami quarterback battle between David Garrard, Ryan Tannehill and Matt Moore. A slew of roster spots and places on the depth chart. A first look at two teams with new coaches. A potential battle for starting running back in Tampa Bay between LeGarrette Blount and Doug Martin.

 

Fantasy Prospects to Watch: Josh Freeman and Vincent Jackson

Keep an eye on how Josh Freeman and Vincent Jackson look pairing up in Tampa Bay's passing attack on Friday. While Jackson was always an excellent fantasy option catching passes under Philip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers' passing game, it remains to be seen if that will translate in a young, less experienced Tampa Bay offense.

Meanwhile, Freeman took a major step back last year, disappointing those who drafted him as a QB2 or to use in a quarterback timeshare in selective matchups.

Early returns suggest the pair have established a nice connection thus far in camp, so that's a positive. If they can't replicate that in game action, you'll want to slide each down your draft board.

 

What They're Saying

Peter King of Sports Illustrated came away very impressed with the work of David Garrard when he visited the Dolphins' training camp.

"

Upstairs in the press area watching practice, traveling partner Neil Hornsby made a list of the top quarterback performances we'd seen on our (so far) eight-camp trip. Drew Brees and Philip Rivers were at the top of his list; I agreed. After that, he had Carson Palmer, and then Peyton Manning.

But the more I thought of it, the more I thought Garrard should be no lower than four—ahead of Manning. He was terrific consistently through practice, hitting a bomb to promising free agent Roberto Wallace down the right side, throwing well on the run across his body, and, in general, looking extremely comfortable in a West Coast offense, which is new for him. "This guy's got something to him,'' said Philbin. "I like what I've seen." I'm told he's looked the best overall in Miami's camp work.

"

 

Bucs Player to Watch: The Rookies

Doug Martin is going to be given every opportunity to earn serious playing time this season, so the rookie running back's preseason performances will matter in a major way. No, he's still technically behind Blount on the depth chart, but I expect he'll end up being the starter soon enough.

Meanwhile, two rookies on defense—safety Mark Barron and linebacker Lavonte David—are both atop the depth chart at their respective positions. Tampa Bay was widely lauded for having one of the best drafts in April, and the team's young guns will have a first opportunity to demonstrate their value on Friday.

 

Dolphins Player to Watch: Ryan Tannehill

This one is pretty obvious—all eyes will be on the young gunslinger when he takes the field on Friday. While Garrard seems likely to win the starting job, Tannehill is the player Miami fans will be the most excited to see.

Tannehill knows Mike Sherman's system and has looked pretty good in camp, but he's still raw, and with Garrard and Moore on the depth chart, there isn't a need to rush him into game action if he's not ready.

Still, it will be exciting to seem him in action. He's athletic, has a big arm and is the future of this organization—surely, fans will be champing at the bit to see him in his first game action.

 

Key Matchup: Hard Knocks Cameras vs. Two Boring Organizations

Let's be honest—sans Chad Johnson, the Dolphins are about the least sexy team Hard Knocks could have documented this season. And to boot, they get the Bucs in this preseason game—an exciting young team, yes, but hardly known for their colorful personalities.

It's the NFL, so I'm sure there will be some funny sound bites and bone-crushing clips. But let's keep it real—this ain't the Dallas Cowboys or New York Jets being documented here, so we have to concede that the entertainment value might be capped at points.

 

Prediction

Tannehill will look spectacular at times and lost at others. Martin will look superior to Blount. Freeman will find Jackson for a touchdown pass. Reggie Bush will be crisp. Lavonte David will impress. Hard Knocks will get some nice footage.

Oh, and the Bucs will roll, 28-13.

 

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