Dolphins Stock Up/Stock Down Report: Dolphins – Bears Recap
The first preseason game is in the books, and it ended in a tie. Like most preseason games, it was played mostly by first and second-year players and borderline NFL players; and it was a mixed bag.
Here is my Stock Up/Stock Down report.
STOCK UP
Tajh Washington: He made a few big catches in the first half and looked really good. In the first half, he had three receptions on four targets for 53 yards, including a 34-yard reception. If he continues in the next two preseason games playing like this, I think he is a lock for a roster spot.
Malik Washington: In the first half, he was the focal point of the Dolphins’ offense. Four catches on four targets, for 18 yards. He did have one run for 6 yards. And on 3rd and 4th down, Tua was looking for him on those key plays. Not to mention, he had a big 19-yard punt return.
Derrick McLendon: There were a few plays in the first half where he was unblockable. We have heard his name in the training camp reports, and he backed it up in the first preseason game. Again, a few more preseason games like this and he will win himself a roster spot.
Ollie Gordon: He ran angry! Got the touchdown inside the five-yard line, broke off a 21-yard run with a spin move to boot. Even had a 19-yard reception. He looked like the 2023 Ollie Gordon who dominated college football.
STOCK DOWN
Zach Wilson: Look, I know he led two touchdown drives, but he played terribly. He looked like the same bust he was with the NY Jets. Held onto the ball way too long, no pocket presence, poor decision-making at times. Just overall not good.
Germain Ifedi/Larry Borom/Kion Smith: All the backup offensive tackles were really bad. Like really bad. Ifedi was worst, but they were all bad. If Patrick Paul goes down, and again I’m talking about a 2nd year unproven Patrick Paul, this team is screwed. I know there are no offensive tackles on the open market, and no team cuts good ones, but when it comes to final cuts, I’m sure other teams will release guys who are better than these three.
Short Yardage Rushing: The Dolphins had numerous times in the 1st and 2nd quarters to punch it in the end zone near the goal line. With Tua in the game, they were stuffed three straight plays and denied. Then in the 2nd quarter, they fell short again a few times before Alexander Mattison finally crossed the goalline (barely). And I’m not sure if it was a real game, they wouldn’t have looked at that longer, because I’m not sure he got in. On those 3rd, 4th, and 1 plays, the offensive line must be better. Period. And the Dolphins need to get a TUSH PUSH play in their playbook. Even though you can’t run it with Tua, put a tight end under center or something and let them run it.
The Dolphins Secondary: Not a good day overall. Also not surprising. This position group just isn’t NFL-caliber overall. The Fins need to add a lot of help here, and soon.
