In the competition for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' back-up running back spot, Derrick Ward got off to a rough start on Saturday night.

Ward led the Buccaneers with 12 carries against the Miami Dolphins, but produced just 20 yards. Seven of Ward's carries went for no gain or lost yardage, and he fumbled twice, prompting Ward to vow on Monday that he will have a great performance this Saturday against the Kansas City Chiefs.

"I've been in this league for a while and I feel I know what it takes to win and get back on track," Ward said, according to Roy Cummings of the Tampa Tribune. "That was just a fluke game, but I guarantee you this weekend I'll have a great game."

Ward pins some of the responsibility on his poor performance last Saturday night on the elements. The first half of the game was played in a steady rain, which turned the infield on the split-use Sun Life Stadium into mud.

"Those weren't football conditions," Ward said. "I mean, c'mon – the infield of a baseball stadium? But you can't make excuses. You have to play and do what you got to do to win.

"And we're here at Raymond James Stadium this weekend so we won't have any sand or mud on the field, so it'll all be good and hopefully we'll be able to have a good rushing night. I guarantee you'll see big things from me this weekend."

Ward is facing an unexpected challenge from Kareem Huggins, who gained 55 yards on 8 carries Saturday night.