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Bennett, Darby Help Provide Tough Yards

Tribune photo by CLIFF McBRIDE

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Michael Bennett is taken down for a short gain vs. Miami Dolphins at Dolphin Stadium Saturday night.

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By IRA KAUFMAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 10, 2008

Updated: 08/10/2008 12:33 am

MIAMI - Some tough inside running by Michael Bennett and Kenneth Darby sparked long drives on Tampa Bay's final two possessions of the opening half.

After failing to register a first down on their first two possessions, the Bucs wouldn't allow Miami's defense to get off the field for most of the second quarter.

Tampa Bay converted three third-and-1 situations and a pair of fourth-and-1 snaps as Bennett and Darby took turns finding ample running room between the tackles.

The Bucs rolled 62 yards in 18 plays on their third drive before Matt Bryant pushed a 36-yard field-goal attempt wide right. After Miami broke a scoreless tie on a 41-yard field goal by rookie Dan Carpenter, Tampa Bay marched 78 yards in 19 plays before Brian Clark caught a 3-yard TD pass from Brian Griese.

Bennett has always been noted more for his speed than his ability to push the pile, but he kept the chains moving behind some effective work by the offensive line.

In the fourth quarter, Bennett capped a 76-yard drive by plowing over right tackle from a yard out ... on third-and-1, of course.

Dan Buenning, who enjoyed a standout rookie season at guard in 2005 before suffering a severe knee injury the following year, replaced starting C Jeff Faine early and helped open some holes.

"It was good, it was just short," said Faine, who signed from New Orleans one day into the start of the free-agency period. "I really didn't want to come off that early, but it was good to get out there and move around a little bit. Everybody is trying to get out there, play hard and mesh a little bit. I look for us to work some more this week and keep growing and have a better performance next week."

Third-round pick Jeremy Zuttah appeared comfortable after replacing Davin Joseph at right guard, while LT Donald Penn played the entire first half before yielding to Anthony Davis.

In the third quarter, Tampa Bay reserves struggled up front as Chris Simms was sacked twice.

WALKING WOUNDED: Six injured Bucs didn't make the trip to Dolphin Stadium for the preseason opener.

QB Jeff Garcia remained behind in Tampa to receive treatment for a calf strain that has sidelined him since July 31. WR Joey Galloway, who came to camp with a groin injury and has yet to participate in a practice, was replaced in the starting lineup by Maurice Stovall.

Warrick Dunn opened in the backfield for FB B.J. Askew, still hobbled by a foot injury, and DT Ryan Sims started for Jovan Haye, recovering from a groin injury.

RB Cadillac Williams and LT Luke Petitgout are still mending from knee injuries that limited them to four starts last year and required surgery. Both remain on the PUP list, eligible to be reactivated at any time.

HEY, BROTHER: Luke McCown was looking forward to starting against his older brother, Josh, but the Dolphins pulled a late switch and opened with John Beck under center.

Beck played the first quarter before rookie Chad Henne took over. Josh McCown, who started nine games for Oakland in 2007, finally made it onto the field in the fourth quarter with the Dolphins trailing 14-6.

"We got it going after a series or two," said Luke McCown, who completed nine of 15 passes. "I think we did some good things."

EXTRA POINTS: To Coach Jon Gruden's delight, Tampa Bay turned in a clean game - no turnovers and no penalties. ... Bucs rookie QB Josh Johnson made his pro debut midway through the fourth quarter and connected with Cortez Hankton for a 15-yard slant on his initial pass attempt. ... Veteran CB Ronde Barber had a solid opening quarter with three tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. ... Safeties Donte Nicholson and Jermaine Phillips each posted a big hit within the first few minutes. ... The Bucs came out passing as Gruden gave McCown and Griese plenty of work. Tampa Bay threw on 30 of its 42 first-half snaps. ... The Dolphins confirmed the signing of veteran QB Chad Pennington, released by the Jets after the trade for Brett Favre.

Ira Kaufman

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