Line: Miami by 3 1/2 points, 33 1/2 total

This is the first game for both teams for the 2010 exhibition season. Tampa Bay went 3-13 last season and are a very young team. The pre-season has been defined by two distinct attitudes that are determined by the previous season. First, a veteran team coming off a successful season and as a result fully knows where their team is and making certain the first units minimize and injury possibilities. Second, a young team, and many times with a new coach, who need to establish a winning attitude and generate fan excitement about the regular season.

Tampa Bay is certainly in the latter situation and this is certainly noteworthy for any betting considerations. Miami is a veteran team that is coming off a disappointing 7-9 season, but does not need to generate that fan excitement and winning attitude. It is already part of their culture. How embarrassing would it be for the Bucs to have their home opener blacked out? At this time it is a real possibility.

With that said, the Bucs focus will be revamping one of the worst defenses in the NFL last year that allowed 400 points. No doubt this will be the focus of this pre season and can you fully expect them to place the first defensive unit more than usual. The Bus will have a solid chance to be quite successful in this matchup as the Miami OL is already troubled by injuries.

Miami has good news of their own as TE David Martin will be coming back to the team where in 2008 he was part of a tandem with Anthony Fasano. The duo scored 10 touchdowns and gained 904 yards receiving. This will certainly make the offense far better and offer up far more options for them to run on any given down and yards to gain. Martin’s season ended with a sports hernia injury. With Marshall now at the WR position, the TE position takes a far greater role.

Just the fact that Marshall is on the field is going to provide many more play action opportunities for ball control pass plays to the TE. Take a look at the value of the TE in the Colts and Saints offensive schemes and you can immediately see why this is fact. The dominant reason why, is that the middle of the field needs to be open with the linebackers spread across the field in cover-2 responsibilities. With the middle of field open there will be high percentage pass plays to the TE even if the defense becomes an under man coverage. Subsequently, ball control opens up big play opportunities to Marshall through play action pass.

Unfortunately given the injuries to the offensive line is not likely you will see many play action passes by the first unit. Play action requires additional seconds of pass protection and not having a cohesive unit opens up the QB to severe unblocked hits. Not something any NFL team is going to risk now.

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