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Dolphins - Buccaneers: Five impressive Bucs on offense

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Despite a lackluster offensive day, several players on offense really stood out in varying ways. The Bucs struggled to get the offense going, but they did have people make plays 

RB Legarrette Blount
The Bucs couldn't get anything done on the ground, although a lot of that was caused by the offensive line. That's not why Blount is listed as one of the most impressive Bucs, though. It's because of his prowess as a receiver. Blount was targeted five times, catching three of those balls for 62 yards. The highlight was a 52-yard scamper which left everyone surprised. 

Blount is at his best when he can get to the second level of a defense and work against linebackers and defensive backs, and getting him the ball as a receiver may be the best way to do so. At the very least he has shown he can be a valid target in the passing game on first and second down. 

WR Arrelious Benn
The Bucs tried to get the ball early and often to Arrelious Benn, targeting him three times during the game. Although he ended the day with just one catch for 12 yards and a run for 17 yards, Benn looked good. I could not see that he was coming off knee surgery, and that's a great sign. Benn looked physical, fast and explosive and is clearly the Bucs' second-best receiver. 

 

T Demar Dotson
Demar Dotson continued to look good at right tackle. He had no problem stopping pass rushers from getting to Josh Johnson and got some push in the run game as well. While I don't think Dotson will push for playing this season, he could make it difficult for Jeremy Trueblood to hang on to his job next year. 

 

TE Daniel Hardy
Although Hardy had only one catch, he looked pretty good out there. On his one catch he caught the ball in traffic, then bulled over a couple of defenders for some good yards after the catch. On plays where he wasn't targeted he still got some separation, and he looked like he could be a bit of a threat downfield. Overall, Hardy has a pretty decent shot at making the roster. 

It's noteworthy that Hardy got a few snaps with the first team once Kellen Winslow went out with an ankle injury. He was targeted on third down and was open, but Josh Freeman's pass was too far ahead of him and he couldn't bring in the catch. 

 

TE Nathan Overbay
Unfortunately for Hardy, he wasn't the only tight end who looked good against the Dolphins. Luke Stocker looked solid as well, but Overbay really stood out against third-stringers. Overbay has had a rough preseason, but he notched two catches 23 yards and the game-winning touchdown. He is fighting Ryan Purvis, Daniel Hardy and even Collin Franklin for a roster spot. Overbay was losing that battle pretty clearly, but he may have put himself back in the race with his performance yesterday, both as a receiver and a blocker. Of course, he'll have to do this against some quality competition as well.