TAMPA, Fla. — Byron Leftwich has won Tampa Bay's prolonged quarterback derby by beating out Luke McCown. Leftwich will start the team's regular-season opener against the Dallas Cowboys.

Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris announced the selection after practice Saturday, saying Leftwich had an edge over McCown heading into training camp and held it with steady — if unspectacular — play through three preseason games.

Morris had hoped to choose a starter before the third preseason game.

The first-year coach extended the competition after McCown closed the gap with a stronger performance in the second game. Although neither quarterback sparkled in Thursday's 10-6 loss to Miami, Leftwich did enough to win the job.

Leftwich is 24-22 as a starter in six NFL seasons.