Quick Take: Bucs-Dolphins

Published: Nov 10, 2009 at 10:30 AM

In Brief

» Last meeting: Michael Pittman rushed for 127 yards and a touchdown as the Buccaneers trampled the Dolphins, 27-13, in Week 6 of the 2005 season.
» Streaks: Tampa Bay has taken three in a row to tie the overall series at eight.
» Last week: The Bucs got their first win of the season, 38-28, over the visiting Packers. ... Miami hung tough, but could not keep up with New England in a 27-17 loss.

Keep your eye on ...Chad Henne's effectiveness: In his first two career starts, Henne was outstanding. The Dolphins won both of those games as he completed 70.8 percent of his passes for three touchdowns and no interceptions. The three games since, however, have not gone as smoothly. He is completing just 53.8 percent of his passes with one touchdown and two interceptions as Miami has lost two of three.

Which rookie gets the edge: Bucs rookie QB Josh Freeman made his first career start last week and threw three touchdowns, while leading Tampa Bay to its first win of the year. This week, he will face Miami's promising pair of rookie cornerbacks, Vontae Davis and Sean Smith.

MLB Barrett Ruud's defensive leadership: Do not expect the Dolphins to completely abandon their Wildcat formation, despite its dwindling production over the past few weeks. It still presents problems for opposing defenses trying to figure out how to line up against it and it will be up to Ruud to make sure Tampa Bay's defense gets in the right alignment to thwart the Wildcat.

Did you know?

Bucs WR Antonio Bryant has a receiving touchdown in three of his past four games against AFC opponents. ... Tampa Bay's Ronde Barber has 13 career return touchdowns. ... Since 2008, Davone Bess leads the Dolphins with 90 catches. ... Miami's Joey Porter has seven sacks in three career games against the Bucs.

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