Tampa Bay Buccaneers have survived a second-half wobble to earn their first win of the season against the Miami Dolphins, heaping more misery on their Florida rivals in a 22-19 success at Raymond James Stadium.
Miami arrived in Tampa hoping for a positive distraction following intense scrutiny over the harassment accusations levelled at the suspended Richie Incognito, but the Buccaneers were quick to seize control early on.
Tampa caught the visitors cold as left tackle Donald Penn claimed an early touchdown pass for a one-yard score, left wide open for Mike Glennon to find from close range.
The Buccaneers built on that momentum as Rian Lindell extended their advantage with a 24-yard field goal, leaving Miami frustrated as Ryan Tannehill struggled to find his range on offence.
Early in the second quarter the home fans were cheering once again as Tampa secured a two-point safety, with Daniel Thomas dropped in his own endzone as the Dolphins were caught off-guard.
Lindell then made good on another field goal as the Buccaneers pushed 15 points clear, with Miami finally offering some kind of response late in the half as Tannehill led them into the red zone with a minute to play.
Tannhehill's 12th successive completion gave Miami a lifeline and their first points of the night, picking out Rishard Matthews to give the Dolphins renewed confidence heading into the break.
Miami were back on the charge when play resumed for the second half and rallied as Matthews and Tannehill combined again on a play-action fake, scoring a touchdown which followed a 40-yard field goal to put the visitors 16-15 ahead.
Caleb Sturgis then struck again as the Dolphins edged four points clear, but back came Tampa Bay in the fourth quarter thanks to the efforts of reserve running back Bobby Rainey.
His swift dart towards the corner saw the Buccaneers score what proved to be the decisive touchdown late on, with Tannehill sacked twice and then intercepted in reply as the Buccaneers closed out their first win of the season.
Liam Power
