Ward unable to get in gear with backups

Buccaneers RB Derrick Ward entered this season with optimism after last year's disappointing performance.

Ward's showing in Tampa Bay's preseason opener against Miami on Saturday night could not have been the revival he wanted.

After Cadillac Williams was pulled, Ward struggled by gaining only 20 yards on 12 carries and fumbling twice (losing one) before halftime. During Tampa Bay's last series of the half, Ward carried three times - for a 1-yard loss, no gain and a 2-yard loss.

To Ward's defense, he played primarily with the Bucs' second-stringers, but it was still a disappointing way to begin his second preseason with the team.

Tampa Bay signed Ward to a four-year deal worth $17 million in 2009 after he rushed for 1,025 yards and two touchdowns with the Giants in 2008. The Bucs expected Ward to contribute to their running game last year, but he rushed 114 times for 409 yards and one touchdown.

As Ward struggled, he stopped speaking to the media. Ward did not speak again until the start of this year's training camp and he said he expected to play much better in 2009.

Fumble mania

Ward was not the only Bucs player who struggled in the opener.

WR Sammie Stroughter muffed a punt, and backup QB Josh Johnson dropped the ball on a pass attempt in the second quarter as Tampa Bay registered four fumbles by halftime. Johnson also threw an interception.

Preparing for the 3-4

The Dolphins gave Tampa Bay a preview of what it would face at least six times this season.

Miami plays a 3-4 defense, featuring three linemen, four linebackers and relying mostly on speed to make plays. Tampa Bay runs a 4-3 defense and its four linemen are expected to rush the passer.

Tampa Bay's schedule includes games against Cincinnati, San Francisco, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Washington, all of which use a 3-4. Seattle gives a 3-4 look occasionally.

Blackouts coming?

Bucs fans could have been watching one of the two preseason games that might be televised this year. Tampa Bay will host Kansas City on Saturday, then Jacksonville on Aug. 28, but the NFL's blackout rules apply to preseason games. If preseason games are not sold out, they are not shown locally.

Tampa Bay's games would not air until the following day.

Extra points

Bucs WR Maurice Stovall sustained an ankle injury and CB Darrell Pasco hurt his shoulder. Both will be examined further today. ... Players scratched from Tampa Bay's lineup were RB Clifton Smith, CB Myron Lewis, CB Aqib Talib, S De'von Hall, TE Kellen Winslow and DT Brian Price. TE Jerramy Stevens started for Winslow, and CB Elbert Mack replaced Talib ... LB Barrett Ruud and CB Ronde Barber played only one series.

Anwar S. Richardson