TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are preparing for their third and final preseason game against the Miami Dolphins on Friday.
Up until this point, most of the Bucs’ starters have not played in the preseason.
Bucs’ coach Todd Bowles said Wednesday that he’s ready to see game action between his new offensive coordinator, Liam Coen, quarterback Baker Mayfield and the offensive line.
But first, the Bucs and Dolphins held a joint practice in Tampa to better prepare for the season.
“It’s just Florida teams going at it,” Bucs’ linebacker Lavonte David said. “We practiced against Jacksonville last week. That was a real good practice. We practice against the Dolphins this week. A lot of people in the state of Florida like things like that.”
Tampa Bay fans will also like the play in training camp from rookie wide receiver Jalen McMillan. During one-on-one drills, McMillan was a bright spot, beating Miami cornerback Isaiah Johnson for a long touchdown.
As the joint practice went on, players say the intensity picked up.
“I feel like we started off good as a whole, and the intensity definitely picked up, and we matched their energy,” Bucs’ defensive lineman Calijah Kancey said.
“It’s great, it’s great to get another look,” Bucs’ center Graham Barton added. “Guys like Calais and Siler, they’re really good D-tackles. It’s great to get different looks. You’ve been going against your team for about a month now. To get other teams in here and see different looks, it’s very beneficial for both teams.”
The Bucs and Dolphins will take the field at Raymond James Stadium on Friday at 7:30 p.m.
