Is the 3rd Preseason Game the game to watch?

[BAMAPHIN 22]

Miami vs Tampa Bay

I guess the big question is whether teams treat this like any other year or not. Normally speaking the 3rd preseason game is considered the season tune-up game for the starters. Teams usually gameplan on offense and defense. Many get 3 quarters of play and open positions are usually finalized by this game. The 4th and final game is usually not that important an indicator and simply a game where some fringe players have an opportunity to make the team, or showcase for other teams and the starters rarely get more than 1 series if any at all. I'm going to guess that despite the strike shortened off-season teams will take this same approach.

Tampa Bay finished 10-6 last year and was a team on the rise. They're about the same place as the Dolphins and because it is an intrastate rivalry, should be a good game. Both teams game planning through at least 3 quarters should give Dolphin Fans a good idea where this team stands especially considering the Bucs will be looking to rectify last weeks embarrassing performance against NE. Vegas has Miami as 4 point underdogs. Here's some keys I'd like to see this weekend.

1. Continued approach to get the ball downfield when the defense is crowding the LOS. Brian Daboll has been a pleasant surprise to me early in this preseason. He's spread the field with 3 and 4 WRs in single back sets. This is lethal for defenses because Reggie Bush has great hands and is faster than most guys on the field. Take away the deep ball, Henne can just simply hit Bush on that swing pass and let him get 10yds against a LB. Bring the LB's up, and it opens up the secondary for midrange passes. Bring a blitz, Henne can find Marshall, Bess or Hartline on quick slants. It is an offensive setup I'm looking forward to seeing in real action against a scheming defense.

2. Josh Freeman is a good young QB. He's big, hard to bring down and often makes plays by moving in the pocket. He'll be a good test of Miami's ability to get to, and sack, the QB.

3. Secondary - Safety remains a concern with this team. It seems every pass completed this preseason has been against the safeties downfield. I'm surprised a little that Reshad Jones hasn't shown up big to take a starting role. So this area bears watching this week.

Read more: http://www.phinfever.com/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=661

 

[phinfanNY08]

It's a big game to watch. This is where the starters get their Last tune up game before the regular season. Would like to see Jake long play but doubt that. Good time to let Larry Johnson show if he has anything left in the tank too

 

[Lilseb93]

Around this time last year, Miami looked absolutely horrible on offense against Atlanta. You almost knew the offense was going to suck that year. A lot of us missed the early signs.

 

[nerfball]

yes! we'll get the starters for a whole half, plus see if they can make any adjustments over halftime going in to the third. really would like to see a couple TD's throwing out of Henne this game, it would go a long way to settle everyone down about him. I'm really a defense guy, so I really want to see someone make a play back there and take a ball away. and I want to see some good QB pressures! we're going to live and die with that week 1 against Brady.

 

[UHHS]

Left tackle. Jake is not going to play and be it what it may, Murtha has not practiced at all to my knowledge. I pray they do not attempt to use Jerry there. Garner may be the next best thing but even he is going to be fugly. Never thought you would be wishing to see Murtha in the game eh ?