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Bucs slow to run in preseason opener

TAMPA — The Bucs ranked fifth in the NFL in rushing last season, but their totals against the Eagles — 31 yards on 21 carries — were the worst of the 12 teams to open the preseason Thursday night.

The longest run of the game was 6 yards, with Doug Martin leading the team with 13 yards on five carries, but coach Dirk Koetter said that was more a function of heavy substitutions and a game plan not designed for repeated run calls.

"We've been pretty good at running the football," Koetter said Friday.