AFC East

Dolphins hold on for 26-24 win over Buccaneers in preseason opener, Mike McDaniel’s debut

TAMPA, Fla. — Several of the Dolphins’ top stars sat out the team’s preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Saturday night, but a team led mainly by reserves and roster longshots was able to secure a 26-24 win in Mike McDaniel’s head-coaching debut. A 53-yard go-ahead field goal by kicker Jason Sanders gave the Dolphins a 26-24 lead with 6:53 remaining in the game and Tampa Bay kicker Jose Borregales missed a 49-yard field goal as time expired to preserve the Miami victory. Over 20 Dolphins players were sidelined, most notably expected starters such as quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, wid…