TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 12 (UPI) -- Frank Murphy returned the opening kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown and the TAmpa Bay defense took over from there as the Buccaneers posted a 14-10 triumph over the Miami Dolphins Monday night to start the Jon Gruden era.
Gruden's debut did not feature much offensively as Tampa Bay managed just 245 yards of offense. But the defense made Murphy's return and an early second quarter touchdown pass from Rob Johnson to Keenan McCardell stand up.
Johnson completed 3-of-5 attempts for 33 yards but was sacked three times. Brad Johnson, battling Rob Johnson for the starting duties, was 2-of-5 for eight yards. One-time starter Shaun King was 7-of-10 for 56 yards.
Miami scored its lone touchdown when backup quarterback Ray Lucas found former Jet teammate Dedric Ward with a five-yard scoring strike midway through the second quarter.
Olindo Mare converted a 43-yard field goal attempt 38 seconds into the fourth quarter but missed two other attempts.
Ricky Williams had a rough debut for the Dolphins, rushing five times for nine yards.
