NFL Preseason: Miami Dolphins vs. Buccaneers Is Must See TV for Dolfans

OK, admit it.  Dolfans, you are stoked about a preseason game. Even though it's still roughly a month until the real games count, we all have been without live football for too long.

In the team's first preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, there are some things you need to see and some others that would make us collectively cringe in front of our television sets or in the stands on Saturday Night.

Here is my set of expectations for the Dolphins and what to watch for as fans, especially for those diehards who will still be tuning in the third and fourth quarter even though a significant portion of those players won't even be on the final roster.

What you want to see..

1. Chad Henne lead a sustained drive for a touchdown. As the Dolphins' starter at quarterback, Henne really shouldn't be out on the field for more than a series or two. He does need to show the ability to move this team consistently during the preseason and the Buccaneers defense should provide a good opportunity to start off the right way.

2. The Dolphins secondary shut down a multitude of Tampa Bay wide receivers fighting for roster spots. Sean Smith, Vontae Davis, and especially rookie Nolan Carroll are on the spot in the first half of this game against the likes of Buccaneers first year players Arrelious Benn and Mike Williams. With Will Allen's knee troubles likely keeping him out of the lineup and Evan Ogelsby being placed on injured reserve, look for Miami's depth to be sorely tested later in the game.

3. Brandon Marshall make a big catch. It doesn't have to be of the long touchdown variety (although it would be nice), but you want him to justify even briefly the excitement that Dolphin fans have about their shiny new acquisition. Then, you want him to take the rest of the evening off on the sideline to stay healthy.

4. Pass rush, pass rush, and more pass rush. This comes with a caveat too. I want the pass rush to come out of Miami's base defense, not the exotic blitz packages that Mike Nolan creates. The Dolphins need to show that their players can use just their natural ability to beat a lineman, tight end, or running back to the quarterback. In short, fancy schemes tend to get figured out and don't cover up talent deficiencies forever. The Dolphins should be able to create some pressure on Josh Freeman. If the first string can't, it might be time to see who on the roster can generate heat on the opposing team's quarterback.

5. Takeaways. First preseason games tend to be sloppy and Miami should be able to expose this with some takeaways against a Buccaneers team that still has a lot of moving parts.  "Winning the takeover battle" is an overused expression but it's so true and it will be a sign that Miami has some playmakers on defense.

What you don't want to see...

1. Major injuries. Look, it is football and I expect that both teams will have players banged up. You just don't want to see the "season ending, multiple weeks out" injuries that spoil a team's plans before the regular season starts. Miami has a number of players that it can't afford to lose and has already taken some hits to its depth.

2. The interior offensive line continue to struggle. The Buccaneers have a highly talented rookie nose tackle in Gerald McCoy and the rotation system at center and guard is a slight concern for Miami. If the offensive line gives up anything close to the reported 10 sacks it gave up in a recent practice it will be a major concern.

3. Too many exotic blitz packages out of defensive coordinator Mike Nolan. It's the preseason and while I understand the need to experiment, you don't want to give opponents too much tape to study or reveal what you plan to do in the regular season. One common regret for coaches is implementing too much before knowing how good the players can perform in a basic package.

4. Cameron Wake getting beat for a big play in pass coverage. The weakside outside linebacker is clearly Miami's best edge pass rusher and he needs to be only adequate in the other facets of the game right now. Adequate means not getting beat down the seam by a tight end, a wide receiver, or a running back coming out of the backfield.

5. A poor performance on kick returns or on special teams in general. Patrick Cobbs, Nolan Carroll, Tristan Davis, or another player doesn't need to "take the ball to the house," (although again I wouldn't protest) but muffs or fumbles are inexcusable and beg the question again whether Miami should have drafted or acquired a player just for his return abilities.