RB Ajayi gets back in action after concussion
Quarterback Jay Cutler and running back Jay Ajayi started for the Miami Dolphins on Thursday against Baltimore, boosting hopes that despite an injury-filled training camp, everything can still be OK by the Sept. 10 opener against Tampa Bay.
And judging by Thursday’s performance — despite the 31-7 loss to the Ravens — there’s a chance that could be the case.
Cutler, the 34-year-old who was enjoying retirement and preparing for a broadcast career with FOX two weeks ago, was slinging the football for coach Adam Gase, his offensive coordinator in Chicago, as though it was 2015, the year they were together.
He had a 31-yard completion down the sideline to wide receiver DeVante Parker wiped out due to a holding penalty on right tackle Sam Young. But Cutler completed a 16-yard pass to Parker over the middle.
Cutler, signed Aug. 7 to take over for Ryan Tannehill, who sustained a season-ending knee injury on Aug. 3, ended 3-for-6 passing for 24 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions in two possessions totaling nine official snaps (not including penalties).
Ajayi, who got out of the NFL’s concussion protocol Tuesday, flashed the same head-banging style he used to rumble for 1,272 yards and a Pro Bowl berth last season. He caught a short pass from Cutler and bulled his way to an 11-yard gain. That was after having a 19-yard gain wiped out due to offsetting penalties (Young was called for holding and Baltimore’s Eric Weddle was called for unnecessary roughness).
Beyond Cutler and Ajayi, results were mixed for the Dolphins.
Parker (one reception, 16 yards) was active, as was left guard Jesse Davis, the firstyear player from Idaho. The latter might not be a big deal but it could help shore up the position that lost projected starter Ted Larsen (biceps).
Cornerbacks Byron Maxwell (two fumbles caused), Xavien Howard (interception) and Cordrea Tankersley, the rookie thirdround pick from Clemson, were fairly disruptive.
And middle linebacker Mike Hull had five first-half tackles, including one tackle for loss, and a pass defended as he tries to battle for the starting job vacated by rookie Raekwon McMillan, who injured his knee last week against Atlanta and is lost for the season.
But penalties (seven for 51 yards in the first half alone) and special teams miscues — a lost fumble and blocked punt led to 10 first-half points for Baltimore and a 13-7 Ravens halftime lead — were major problems.
Baltimore, perhaps the only team that can rival the Dolphins when it comes to injuries, didn’t play quarterback Joe Flacco (back), right guard Marshal Yanda, wide receiver Breshad Perriman (hamstring) or left tackle Ronnie Stanley, among others.
But the Ravens, known for their physical style and aggressive disposition, managed to put together enough of an effort to make life rough for the Dolphins. Heck, kicker Justin Tucker made life rough on the Dolphins. During one secondquarter stretch the All-Pro kicker booted a 52-yard field goal, recovered a fumble on a kickoff, and kicked a 27-yard field goal to cut Baltimore’s deficit to 7-6.
Regardless, the Dolphins had enough positive plays to offer a bit of optimism as they head into next week’s game at Philadelphia, the third preseason game in the four-game exhibition season.
There were apparently new significant injuries and the principle offensive weapons — Cutler, Ajayi, Parker, fellow wide receivers Jarvis Landry and Kenny Stills, and center Mike Pouncey — should all be on the field next week.
Defensively, things could have been better. Baltimore had 113 yards rushing on 28 carries entering the fourth quarter, but not much of that was gained on the first unit, which played three series.