What Did We See and Learn in Miami’s First Preseason Game?
All the camps and practices are done. Preseason is here, and the Dolphins have just completed their first game, to a tie, with the Chicago Bears. Preseason games are not about winning or losing but evaluation and learning. So, what did we see and learn? (Let’s also remember, it is the first preseason game, and much will change over the next few weeks)
We saw Tua play in his first preseason opener since his rookie year. No doubt to give him some reps and to shake off the three interceptions from the last practice with the Bears. He ran an efficient opening drive. Mike McDaniel did a good job mixing up the play calling.
Tua hit Malik Washington in the flat to convert two third downs, something he seemed to have trouble with in years past. However, at the goal line, Jaylen Wright failed to put it in on four consecutive runs. We learned (if we didn’t know already) that Wright is really not a power back.
How about De’Von Achane? He had a couple of great bursts in the game. But, is Tyreek Hill correct when he says Achane is not a power back? Â (While many certainly agree with him, he should not have offered his opinion to the press.)Â So, where is the physical stuff from the team?
Enter Ollie Gordon. Big, beefy running back. He ran with intensity and, well, quite frankly, with anger. He made a nice catch and had several good runs in the game. He performed well and perhaps will beat out Wright for the number two back.
Hopefully, Coach McDaniel learned the value of physicality over speed in some instances.
We learned the Dolphins are playing defense with more aggressiveness these days. They were swarming around the quarterback through much of the game, three sacks, and constant pressure will make this group fun to watch.
We learned that despite a couple of nice throws, Zach Wilson is still, well, Zach Wilson. He missed some easy throws and held the ball too long on several plays.
While Quinn Ewers did not have a particularly good day, he fumbled twice and got sacked twice; it seems only fair to cut him some slack. For now, at least. He was a seventh-round pick in his first-ever NFL game. He did just about what you would expect. Chances are, he improves a bit as the season rolls along. If Tua does get injured and misses time, which is fairly likely, the passing game is in trouble.
We learned that Channing Tindall’s future with the Dolphins is only on special teams. He generally looked lost on the field in coverage.
Kick returns were exciting, much improved over the previous season. Jason Sanders hit a 56-yard field goal, so hopefully he has a good season.
The much-criticized offensive line was serviceable, but not the same without Austin Jackson. This unit really needs to stay healthy.
We learned that there are still more pre-snap penalties than there should be.
The jury is still out on several players.
Now the coaches have seen the team in an actual game and will use this info to work on deficiencies. There was a lot to be encouraged about and just as much to be concerned with. Still too early to make any definitive statements about the 2025 Dolphins. On to Detroit.
