"Chad Henne's deep pass was in the air. The cornerback was beaten. Then Brandon Marshall quickly came into focus down the right sideline, tucking in the ball, high-stepping away from an ankle-tackle attempt and cutting back toward the middle, the end zone in sight.

Henne's 60-yard touchdown pass to Marshall was just one sequence from Saturday night's generally sloppy exhibition game, which saw the Dolphins fall to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17-13 at Raymond James Stadium.

But it might have long-lasting meaning.

"How long was it? Sixty yards? I like it,'' Marshall said.

This was the Brandon Marshall so needed by the Dolphins' offense. This was a guy who can change things — quickly.

"It's definitely a confidence-booster," Henne said. "Put it up top, and he can go get it. He can do those things.''"