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NFL · Week 5 · October 10, 2021 · 12 min read

Miami Dolphins vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 2021 Week 5 Recap

Buccaneers defeat Dolphins 45–17 in Week 5

T.Brady led Fantasy Impact as Buccaneers prevailed in a 17–45 Week 5 finish.

Miami Dolphins 17 1–4
Final 17–45
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 45 4–1 Winner
Winner
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Final score
17–45
Halftime
Miami Dolphins 10–24 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Top passer
Jacoby Brissett
FantasyHQ MVP
T.Brady
Game date
October 10, 2021

Top fantasy performers · Dolphins

  • Myles Gaskin
    Myles Gaskin 10 REC · 74 YDS · 2 TD +4.8 Fantasy Impact
  • Jacoby Brissett
    Jacoby Brissett 27/45 · 262 YDS · 2 TD +2.7 Fantasy Impact
  • Mike Gesicki
    Mike Gesicki 4 REC · 43 YDS +1.8 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Buccaneers

  • T.Brady 30/44 · 409 YDS · 5 TD +31.0 Fantasy Impact
  • Anthony Brown
    Anthony Brown 7 REC · 124 YDS · 2 TD +12.9 Fantasy Impact
  • Mitchell Evans
    Mitchell Evans 6 REC · 113 YDS · 2 TD +8.6 Fantasy Impact
View Dolphins vs Buccaneers box score View all 2021 NFL game recaps

Game story

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Miami Dolphins 45–17 in Week 5 of the 2021 NFL season on 2021-10-10, a matchup that controlled the game from start to finish. The decisive swing (+15.2% win probability) came in the second quarter when Tampa Bay Buccaneers swung the momentum.

In Week 5 of the 2021 NFL season on 2021-10-10, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took care of business against the Miami Dolphins, pulling away with a 45–17 final that controlled the game from start to finish.

The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 21 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.

J. Brissett (Miami Dolphins) paced the passing game, with +2.66 total EPA, and +1.1% completion percentage over expected.

On the individual side, T. Brady (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +30.98 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.

The momentum swing (+15.2% win probability) landed in the second quarter when Tampa Bay Buccaneers changed the game: (11:12) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short left to 81-A.Brown for 62 yards, TOUCHDOWN [49-S.Eguavoen].

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4—T
Miami Dolphins10070017
Tampa Bay Buccaneers717021045

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.

  1. 1 T. Brady · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Passing · +30.98 total EPA · 44 snaps · +0.70 EPA/play
  2. 2 A. Brown · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +12.92 total EPA · 8 snaps · +1.62 EPA/play
  3. 3 M. Evans · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +8.59 total EPA · 8 snaps · +1.07 EPA/play
  4. 4 B. Gabbert · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Passing · +5.45 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.09 EPA/play
  5. 5 M. Gaskin · Miami Dolphins · Receiving · +4.76 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.48 EPA/play
  6. 6 T. Johnson · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +4.11 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.37 EPA/play
  7. 7 L. Fournette · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +2.79 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.56 EPA/play
  8. 8 G. Bernard · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +2.69 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.35 EPA/play

Player of the game

FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.

T. Brady — TB · Passing

T. Brady posted the highest total EPA (+30.98) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Tampa Bay Buccaneers's efficiency. Across 44 counted snaps, they averaged +0.70 EPA per play.

The signature play (+5.70 EPA) came from Tampa Bay Buccaneers: (11:12) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short left to 81-A.Brown for 62 yards, TOUCHDOWN [49-S.Eguavoen].

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers — G. Bernard (T. Brady pass) (Q1 52:09)
  • Miami Dolphins — M. Gaskin (J. Brissett pass) (Q1 48:21)
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers — A. Brown (T. Brady pass) (Q2 41:12)
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers — A. Brown (T. Brady pass) (Q2 31:51)
  • Miami Dolphins — M. Gaskin (J. Brissett pass) (Q3 22:01)
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers — L. Fournette (Q4 15:00)
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers — M. Evans (T. Brady pass) (Q4 11:55)
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers — M. Evans (T. Brady pass) (Q4 9:03)

Field goals

  • Miami Dolphins — J. Sanders (Q1 56:21)
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers — R. Succop (Q2 44:11)

How it unfolded, quarter by quarter

A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.

The opening quarter: Miami Dolphins won the period 10–7. Miami Dolphins connected on a field goal from the TB 5 (Q1 56:21) — (11:21) 7-J.Sanders 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-5-M.Palardy.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the MIA 10 (Q1 52:09) — (7:09) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short middle to 25-G.Bernard for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the MIA 15 (Q1 52:04) — 3-R.Succop extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Tinker, Holder-8-B.Pinion.; Miami Dolphins found the end zone from the TB 24 (Q1 48:21) — (3:21) (Shotgun) 14-J.Brissett pass deep left to 37-M.Gaskin for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Miami Dolphins added 1 points from the TB 15 (Q1 48:16) — 7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-5-M.Palardy..

The second quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 17–0. Tampa Bay Buccaneers connected on a field goal from the MIA 24 (Q2 44:11) — (14:11) 3-R.Succop 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Tinker, Holder-8-B.Pinion.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the MIA 62 (Q2 41:12) — (11:12) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short left to 81-A.Brown for 62 yards, TOUCHDOWN [49-S.Eguavoen].; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the MIA 15 (Q2 41:01) — 3-R.Succop extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Tinker, Holder-8-B.Pinion.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the MIA 4 (Q2 31:51) — (1:51) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short middle to 81-A.Brown for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the MIA 15 (Q2 31:48) — 3-R.Succop extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Tinker, Holder-8-B.Pinion..

The third quarter: Miami Dolphins won the period 7–0. Miami Dolphins found the end zone from the TB 1 (Q3 22:01) — (7:01) (Shotgun) 14-J.Brissett pass short left to 37-M.Gaskin for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Miami Dolphins added 1 points from the TB 15 (Q3 21:56) — 7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-5-M.Palardy..

The fourth quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 21–0. Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the MIA 5 (Q4 15:00) — (15:00) 7-L.Fournette right guard for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the MIA 15 (Q4 14:57) — 3-R.Succop extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Tinker, Holder-8-B.Pinion.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the MIA 34 (Q4 11:55) — (11:55) 12-T.Brady pass deep right to 13-M.Evans for 34 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on MIA-40-N.Needham, Illegal Use of Hands, declined.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the MIA 15 (Q4 11:49) — 3-R.Succop extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Tinker, Holder-8-B.Pinion.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the MIA 22 (Q4 9:03) — (9:03) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short middle to 13-M.Evans for 22 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the MIA 15 (Q4 8:57) — 3-R.Succop extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Tinker, Holder-8-B.Pinion..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.

  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q2 41:12) — (11:12) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short left to 81-A.Brown for 62 yards, TOUCHDOWN [49-S.Eguavoen]. [WPA +15.2% · EPA +5.70]
  • Miami Dolphins (Q1 58:18) — (13:18) (Shotgun) 14-J.Brissett pass short right to 18-P.Williams pushed ob at TB 9 for 34 yards (32-M.Edwards). [WPA +10.3% · EPA +1.88]
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q1 55:04) — (10:04) 72-J.Wells reported in as eligible. 12-T.Brady pass deep right to 13-M.Evans pushed ob at MIA 44 for 26 yards (24-By.Jones). [WPA +7.6% · EPA +1.68]
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q1 52:09) — (7:09) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short middle to 25-G.Bernard for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +7.3% · EPA +2.86]
  • Miami Dolphins (Q1 48:21) — (3:21) (Shotgun) 14-J.Brissett pass deep left to 37-M.Gaskin for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +7.0% · EPA +2.68]

Impact plays

Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.

  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q2 41:12) — (11:12) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short left to 81-A.Brown for 62 yards, TOUCHDOWN [49-S.Eguavoen]. [WPA +15.2% · EPA +5.70]
  • Miami Dolphins (Q4 10:52) — (10:52) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 14-J.Brissett pass short left intended for 17-J.Waddle INTERCEPTED by 35-J.Dean at MIA 47. 35-J.Dean pushed ob at MIA 41 for 6 yards (17-J.Waddle). [WPA -0.6% · EPA -4.99]
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 0:37) — (:37) 11-B.Gabbert kneels to MIA 6 for no gain. [EPA -4.04]
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 11:55) — (11:55) 12-T.Brady pass deep right to 13-M.Evans for 34 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on MIA-40-N.Needham, Illegal Use of Hands, declined. [WPA +1.1% · EPA +3.37]

Quarterback report card

J.Brissett led all passers in efficiency for Miami Dolphins, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

  • J.Brissett (Miami Dolphins) · 45 dropbacks · 60.0% completion · +1.1% CPOE · +0.06 EPA/play · +2.66 total EPA
  • T.Brady (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) · 44 dropbacks · 68.2% completion · +13.5% CPOE · +0.70 EPA/play · +30.98 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.

StatMiami DolphinsTampa Bay Buccaneers
Offensive EPA/play+0.015+0.343
Offensive success rate42.9%57.6%
Pass EPA/play+0.059+0.744
Rush EPA/play-0.035+0.093
Defensive EPA/play-0.343-0.015
Defensive success rate42.4%57.1%

By the numbers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.34 vs +0.01), even if the scoreboard told a different story.

  • Miami Dolphins: 9 drives, +1.03 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 10 drives, +31.59 total EPA, 7 scoring drives

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.

  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
  • T. Brady (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
  • T. Brady (TB) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.

Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.

  1. Miami Dolphins FG (+3) — Q1 56:21 · TB 5 · Score 3-0
    (11:21) 7-J.Sanders 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-5-M.Palardy.
  2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q1 52:09 · MIA 10 · Score 3-6
    (7:09) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short middle to 25-G.Bernard for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q1 52:04 · MIA 15 · Score 3-7
    3-R.Succop extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Tinker, Holder-8-B.Pinion.
  4. Miami Dolphins TD (+6) — Q1 48:21 · TB 24 · Score 9-7
    (3:21) (Shotgun) 14-J.Brissett pass deep left to 37-M.Gaskin for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  5. Miami Dolphins XP (+1) — Q1 48:16 · TB 15 · Score 10-7
    7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-5-M.Palardy.
  6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers FG (+3) — Q2 44:11 · MIA 24 · Score 10-10
    (14:11) 3-R.Succop 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Tinker, Holder-8-B.Pinion.
  7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q2 41:12 · MIA 62 · Score 10-16
    (11:12) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short left to 81-A.Brown for 62 yards, TOUCHDOWN [49-S.Eguavoen].
  8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q2 41:01 · MIA 15 · Score 10-17
    3-R.Succop extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Tinker, Holder-8-B.Pinion.
  9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q2 31:51 · MIA 4 · Score 10-23
    (1:51) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short middle to 81-A.Brown for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q2 31:48 · MIA 15 · Score 10-24
    3-R.Succop extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Tinker, Holder-8-B.Pinion.
  11. Miami Dolphins TD (+6) — Q3 22:01 · TB 1 · Score 16-24
    (7:01) (Shotgun) 14-J.Brissett pass short left to 37-M.Gaskin for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
  12. Miami Dolphins XP (+1) — Q3 21:56 · TB 15 · Score 17-24
    7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-44-B.Ferguson, Holder-5-M.Palardy.
  13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q4 15:00 · MIA 5 · Score 17-30
    (15:00) 7-L.Fournette right guard for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q4 14:57 · MIA 15 · Score 17-31
    3-R.Succop extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Tinker, Holder-8-B.Pinion.
  15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q4 11:55 · MIA 34 · Score 17-37
    (11:55) 12-T.Brady pass deep right to 13-M.Evans for 34 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on MIA-40-N.Needham, Illegal Use of Hands, declined.
  16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q4 11:49 · MIA 15 · Score 17-38
    3-R.Succop extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Tinker, Holder-8-B.Pinion.
  17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q4 9:03 · MIA 22 · Score 17-44
    (9:03) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short middle to 13-M.Evans for 22 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q4 8:57 · MIA 15 · Score 17-45
    3-R.Succop extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Tinker, Holder-8-B.Pinion.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Miami Dolphins vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Miami Dolphins 45-17 in Week 5, 2021 on 2021-10-10.

What was the final score of Miami Dolphins vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

The final score was Miami Dolphins 17, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 45 (MIA 17-45 TB) in Week 5, 2021 on 2021-10-10.

What was the score by quarter in Miami Dolphins vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

Q1: Miami Dolphins 10, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7; Q2: Miami Dolphins 0, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17; Q3: Miami Dolphins 7, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 0; Q4: Miami Dolphins 0, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 21; Final: Miami Dolphins 17, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 45.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Miami Dolphins vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — G. Bernard (T. Brady pass) (Q1 52:09) Miami Dolphins touchdown — M. Gaskin (J. Brissett pass) (Q1 48:21) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — A. Brown (T. Brady pass) (Q2 41:12) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — A. Brown (T. Brady pass) (Q2 31:51) Miami Dolphins touchdown — M. Gaskin (J. Brissett pass) (Q3 22:01) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — L. Fournette (Q4 15:00) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — M. Evans (T. Brady pass) (Q4 11:55) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — M. Evans (T. Brady pass) (Q4 9:03) Miami Dolphins field goal — J. Sanders (Q1 56:21, 3 pts) Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal — R. Succop (Q2 44:11, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Miami Dolphins vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

J. Brissett (Miami Dolphins), 60.0% completion, +1.1% CPOE, +0.06 EPA per dropback, +2.66 total passing EPA. T. Brady (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), 68.2% completion, +13.5% CPOE, +0.70 EPA per dropback, +30.98 total passing EPA.

Who was the most impactful player in Miami Dolphins vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

T. Brady (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) led the game in total EPA with +30.98 on passing plays. across 44 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+5.70 EPA): (11:12) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short left to 81-A.Brown for 62 yards, TOUCHDOWN [49-S.Eguavoen].. The biggest win-probability swing was +15.2%.

Season records after this game

Miami Dolphins

Entered 1-3 Now 1-4 L

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Entered 3-1 Now 4-1 W

FantasyHQ · fantasyhq.co

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