Bucs starters will play full half against Dolphins, Benn and Winslow expected to play

by Sander on Aug 23, 2011 3:11 PM EDT

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 18: Running back LeGarrette Blount #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball against the New England Patriots during a preseason game at Raymond James Stadium on August 18, 2011 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

This is not your normal preseason. In previous years, the Bucs would play their starters for a handful of snaps before pulling them and allowing the backups to fight it out for roster spots. But in the two preseason games so far, the starters played well into the second quarter. And that's not going to change for the third preseason game this year, as Josh Freeman expects to play the starters for at least the entire first half, and maybe longer.

Last week, the Bucs played very poorly in all phases of the game. There were few standouts, and it was a very ugly game for many different reasons. Some of this was blamed on a lack of gameplanning, but if that happens again that excuse won't hold up. While Freeman claims it will still be pretty basic, the breakdowns in protection and in run defense were fundamental breakdowns that should be very easy to fix. If they aren't fixed in the next game, we can really start worrying.

One thing that will at least help the offense is that Arrelious Benn and Kellen Winslow are both expected to play against the Dolphins. Both players have sat out the first two weeks of the first preseason, which struggled without them. With Luke Stocker available as well the Bucs should finally be able to practice with a fully healthy offense.

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Comments

After the Patriots game...

I don’t think we have a choice in the matter. Free has made some good throws in the 2 games but has also made some bad decisions. The offense and defense need the reps and it will be an exciting game to watch!!

Go Bucs!!

by Freeman Fan81 on Aug 23, 2011 3:28 PM EDT reply actions

I just hope no one gets injured...

That’s my biggest fear….

by _Knives_ on Aug 23, 2011 3:37 PM EDT reply actions

I agree but we NEED the reps!!

by Freeman Fan81 on Aug 23, 2011 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions

True...I do think it's the right decision.

by _Knives_ on Aug 23, 2011 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Bears Fan

just wanna show some love

Ive been watching the bucs and really like the direction the team is headed in. Young talented team built around the strong young gifted Qb.

Missing the playoffs last year was a good thing for the bucs believe it or not. They went 10-6 and got a chance to show that it was talent on this team. the reason i say it was good is because im sure it will motivate them to do better this season. One problem with young teams, especially those with young qb’s success/playoff success normally causes complacency and i believe with the bucs not making the playoffs the hunger is still there.

Defensively the cover 2 is a system i am all too familiar with and to be honest with the right pieces in place it can work regardless what others say, of course scheme wise some systems will pick it apart(aaron rodgers, tom brady, payton manning) but most of those guys who will are going to be elites at their position unless its a west coast offense so again not much worry there.

With any young team there will be lumps and as a fan of football a fan of sports in general im anxiously awaiting the time when the bucs will be a powerhouse in the south… the falcons im not sold on.

Good Luck this season guys, if not this year i see the bucs going far.

I respect your OPINION but i also value the FACTS, To save time, lets just ASSume IM NEVER WRONG

by Tommy Ohyeah Mcduffie on Aug 23, 2011 5:00 PM EDT reply actions