Bucs Defense Preseason Finale: Grades and Observations

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers closed out their preseason with a solid 24-14 victory against the Miami Dolphins . While the win highlighted the team’s potential as a contender in both the division and the playoffs, it also revealed areas that need refinement before the regular season kicks off.

Defensively, the Buccaneers showed resilience, although the secondary faced challenges against Dolphins quarterback Skylar Thompson , who completed 19 of 27 passes for 190 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Thompson’s ability to move the ball effectively against the Buccaneers’ secondary was concerning. However, the defense compensated with strong efforts in other areas, including an interception by backup linebacker Antonio Grier Jr . Grier also nearly scored on a fumble recovery, which was controversially ruled incomplete due to the tuck rule—a call that could have swung momentum even more decisively in Tampa Bay’s favor.

Despite the struggles in pass coverage, the Buccaneers excelled in other defensive facets. According to Pro Football Focus ( PFF ), the team earned a commendable 82.2 grade in run defense, showcasing their ability to stifle the Dolphins' ground game. This aspect of their defense will be critical as they face strong rushing attacks throughout the regular season. The pressure applied by the defensive front was also noteworthy, as indicated by a 69.6 grade in pressure. While the sack totals were not as high as the team might have liked, the ability to disrupt the Dolphins’ offense and force hurried throws was evident and will be crucial moving forward.

Related: Bucs Preseason Week 3: Antonio Grier Snags INT, Seals Victory Over Dolphins

The Buccaneers' overall defensive grade of 65.0 in the game reflects a solid performance with room for improvement, particularly in the secondary, where struggles allowed Dolphins quarterback Skylar Thompson to make key plays. While the defensive line effectively generated pressure and the run defense was strong, the secondary's ability to handle top-tier quarterbacks remains a concern.

As the Buccaneers prepare for the regular season, addressing these issues, especially in pass defense, will be crucial to becoming a dominant force. The coaching staff will focus on shoring up these weaknesses to ensure Tampa Bay develops into a balanced and effective defensive unit this season.