By Brian Gillespie, NFL Contributing Writer

Fresh off an American Bowl victory in Tokyo, the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers return to the United States to take on in-state foe Miami at Pro Player Stadium Friday evening.

Tampa Bay took apart the New York Jets in the preseason opener, defeating them 30-14. Third round pick Chris Simms completed 8-of-11 passes for 79 yards, including one for a touchdown to pace the Bucs off the bench. Buccaneers starter Brad Johnson completed 4-of-8 pass for 45 yards in limited action. The defense was key as the Buccaneers ran off 30 straight points after falling behind 7-0. They allowed the Jets just 208 total yards for the game. Tim Wansley registered the highlight of the game for the Bucs' defense, as he sacked Brooks Bollinger, recovered the fumble and raced 47 yards to paydirt.

Miami will be opening up its preseason slate after a season in which it missed the postseason. The Dolphins disappeared in late December, dropping their final two games to slip into a three-way tie for the top slot in the East with the New York Jets and New England. Due to a season-ending loss to New England, the Jets won the tiebreaker and Cleveland stole the wild card right out from under the Dolphins. Over the last three seasons, the Dolphins have posted just a 7-7 record in the month of December. Miami may have a quarterback controversy brewing with the recent signing of Brian Griese. Head coach Dave Wannstedt insists that Jay Fiedler is his starter, but Griese could find his way into the lineup if Fiedler struggles.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Tampa Bay 24, Miami 14

08/06 16:12:08 ET