The Buccaneers and Dolphins share an enduring state rivalry dating back to when Tampa joined the NFL as an expansion franchise in 1976, making Tampa Bay Buccaneers Vs Miami Dolphins Match Player Stats a key focus for fans. Both teams often meet during preseason play or regular season match-ups.
After three ineffective drives, Tampa Bay’s next drive came to a halt as Achane was stopped short on third down by Yaya Diaby and Ewers was sacked for nine yards loss by Yaya Diaby.
| Date | Match | Result | Top Performer (TB) | Top Performer (MIA) | Key Stats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 Dec 2025 | Buccaneers vs Dolphins | MIA won 20-17 | Baker Mayfield – TD pass | Quinn Ewers – 2 TDs | Close game decided in final quarter (ESPN.com) |
| 10 Oct 2021 | Buccaneers vs Dolphins | TB won 45-17 | Tom Brady – 400+ yds, 5 TDs | Tua Tagovailoa – TD pass | Tampa dominated offensively |
| 24 Aug 2019 (Preseason) | Buccaneers vs Dolphins | MIA won 16-14 | Jameis Winston – 1 TD | Josh Rosen – key drives | Defensive battle |
| 19 Nov 2017 | Buccaneers vs Dolphins | TB won 30-20 | Ryan Fitzpatrick – strong passing | Jay Cutler – TD pass | Balanced TB offense |
| 13 Aug 2015 (Preseason) | Buccaneers vs Dolphins | MIA won 25-21 | Jameis Winston – debut game | Ryan Tannehill – TD drive | Competitive preseason matchup |
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are an American football team based out of Tampa, Florida that competes in the National Football Conference South division.
Established as an expansion franchise in 1976, they have amassed an impressive record since joining. Winning two Super Bowls along the way. Home games take place at Raymond James Stadium; popularly dubbed as “Buccos”.
Throughout their history there have been two distinct logo and uniform eras associated with them: from 1976-1996 orange jerseys with white pants with “Bucco Bruce” logo; since 1997 they’ve used red/pewter jerseys featuring “skull and swords” logos on them; both have had nicknames; nicknames given during that time being.
The Bucs began the 2021 season by debuting a new uniform scheme which features white jerseys and pewter pants with orange throwbacks for home games against Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, and Kansas City Chiefs. Additionally, 2019 and 2022 will mark their 50th Anniversary as an NFL franchise – as evidenced by special uniforms worn during those seasons.
At Hard Rock Stadium in their second game of 2017, the Bucs tied with Miami Dolphins after an entertaining matchup. Chris Godwin scored on their initial drive with a 10-play, 68-yard touchdown drive that began with 10 plays in 10 plays to score and ended in five yards for touchdown.
On their next drive, Mike Evans scored another one-yard TD run to put Tampa Bay up 13-0 by halftime. Following intermission, Miami attempted to advance their ball but were stopped in their path by Yaya Diaby on Ewers forcing a punt.
The Dolphins responded with another long drive of their own, but Greg Dulcich’s second-down sack on Mayfield and Jameis Winston’s subsequent fumble recovery resulted in yet another defensive score for Tampa Bay.
Morris led the Buccaneers to respectable results during their expansion years; however, their on-field success combined with weak economy and recession caused attendance levels to decrease significantly.
At one point, the Tampa team went several seasons without having their home games broadcast locally due to complex TV contract rules, which mandate teams play their home games in their primary market. Even so, many fans remained passionate about the Buccaneers.
Many even attempted to lobby to broadcast games in Orlando as secondary market; unfortunately this effort failed. In response, Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex near Orlando became home for state-of-the-art indoor practice facility which enabled games from university stadium in Tampa to move there when opened.
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are an American football team based out of Miami Gardens, Florida that competes in the National Football League’s AFC East division. Established in 1966 and owned by Stephen M. Ross, their home games take place at Hard Rock Stadium located near their northern suburb in Miami Gardens.
Since Miami Dolphins joined the NFL as an expansion franchise in 1976, there has been an interconference rivalry between these teams which dates back nearly 40 years. Each year they play each other twice during regular and preseason season matches with many decisions being decided by one field goal or less.
This marks the inaugural regular-season matchup between these teams under head coach Mike McCoy and quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, hired respectively by Buccaneers and Dolphins this offseason. Both coaches have extensive experience working together dating back to their days as assistant coaches for New England Patriots organization.
Both teams are in contention for playoff contention in the AFC East, with Miami Dolphins tied with Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars for one wild card spot while Buccaneers sit fourth. Although Miami boasts one of the premier defensive units, their offense has struggled this year.
After an uneventful first quarter, kicker Josh Freeman gave the Buccaneers the lead with a 42-yard field goal in the second quarter. However, Miami countered with an 11-play drive that ended in Ewers throwing a 63-yard touchdown pass to Theo Wease Jr for another touchdown pass from Ewers to Wease Jr. However, Haason Reddick forced Dulcich out on third down and forced them punt back before Ewers took another 14-play drive for Dolphins victory.
Tampa Bay took an initial lead of 13-3 at halftime before Miami rallied with an unlikely comeback, even scoring with four seconds left via Mike Quinn’s 46-yard “Hail Mary”. Finally, Garo Yepremian kicked a 23-yard field goal as time ran out to decide the game.
The Miami Dolphins boast a long and distinguished history as one of the American Football League’s original eight expansion teams, winning five division titles and appearing in two Super Bowls under legendary coach Don Shula during their glory days – during this time they became known as ‘Big Orange’ with an iconic leaping dolphin logo that became emblematic of them.
The Dolphins boasted one of the greatest players in NFL history – Dan Marino. While with them, Marino set numerous passing records and became one of the greatest passers ever seen on a field. Additionally, they remain one of the only professional sports franchises based in warm-weather environments.
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Miami Dolphins are two of the most prominent NFL franchises in Florida. These teams have long held a rivalry that dates back to when the Buccaneers began as an expansion team in 1976; thirteen times have passed since, including six regular season and five preseason meetings; the Buccaneers have won seven times against Miami while winning six.
On Monday night, the Buccaneers kicked off their 2019 season against the Dolphins in what marked a historic intrastate battle between Florida’s two oldest teams. For Tampa Bay specifically, head coach Jon Gruden made his debut as head coach of this squad; Frank Murphy returned the opening kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown and score first on opening kickoff return by Tampa Bay!
After taking a quick kickoff, Tampa Bay forced a three-and-out on Miami Dolphins’ initial drive of the game, prompting a 63-yard scoring drive, capped by Theo Wease Jr’s touchdown run from one yard out. Tampa Bay would force another three-and-out on Miami’s next possession but a sack by Yaya Diaby on Ewers and Quinton Bell recovering his fumble in the end zone on fourth down by Quinton Bell ended any hope of comeback by Tampa Bay.
Miami continued their strong play from the first half, driving downfield on their opening drive of the third quarter with Dulcich and Achane contributing to gains of 19 and 23 yards, respectively, leading to Garo Yepremian kicking a 37-yard field goal. Their second drive of the quarter proved more difficult when QB Mike Quinn was sacked for nine yards by Bradley Chubb before having his pass intended for Dulcich intercepted by Mayfield.
The Buccaneers defeated their instate rivals 20-7 for their first victory of this series, setting a low scoring total for both teams and marking their inaugural win against one another.
