One true preview
Dolphins will field nearly complete starting lineup against Eagles
The real Miami Dolphins might finally show up tonight against the Philadelphia Eagles.
After weeks of injuries and injury fill-ins, the Dolphins will be as close to complete as they’ve been since training camp began five weeks ago when they take on the Eagles at 7 p.m. at Lincoln Financial Field.
Optimistically, 10 of the 11 projected offensive starters guard remains unsettled) should start, and 10 of the 11 projected defensive starters (middle linebacker is still up for grabs) should start.
That means the Dolphins should get an honest look specifically at new quarterback Jay Cutler, and overall, what they do well and what they need to improve on as a team as they move toward the Sept. 10 season opener against Tampa Bay.
Offensively, center Mike Pouncey (hip) and right tackle Ja’Wuan James (shoulder) should start, giving coach Adam Gase a look at his offense under the guidance of Cutler.
“I think we’ve got a shot to [be close to] having our first unit out there,” Gase said.
Defensively, safety Nate Allen (groin), a projected start(left
er alongside fellow safety Reshad Jones, should make his preseason debut. That will almost complete a starting defense that is awaiting newly-signed middle linebacker Rey Maualuga, who apparently needs to get in shape.
The mission on that side of the ball is clear.
“Consistency,” defensive end Cameron Wake said. “Get on the field, get off the field. That’s our job.”
The biggest focus will be on the offense, where Cutler will get his best and perhaps final look at his teammates in the preseason. Traditionally, starters play very little, if at all, in the fourth exhibition game.
Cutler, signed Aug. 7, must continue fast-tracking his familiarity with his offensive line, running back Jay Ajayi, tight end Julius Thomas, and wide receivers Jarvis Landry, DeVante Parker and Kenny Stills.
“Everybody understands that we were a little bit behind,” Gase said.
But Gase seems encouraged. He said communication among Cutler and the rest of the offense has been going well, which allows them adjust to each other on things such as broken plays.
“It’s really just trying to get used to the guys you’re playing with,” he said. “I think that’s really the thing we were trying to speed up as fast as possible.”
Ideally, the Dolphins’ offense will feature a power running game led by Ajayi, and a passing game that can attack at all three levels — short, intermediate and deep.
Stills said one of the main adjustments to Cutler in the passing game has to do with his decision-making.
“I think [it’s] just more being prepared for the ball,” Stills said. “He’ll throw it to anybody at any point in time, regardless of if you’re the first read, second read, so always just getting open and being ready to make a play for him.”
Overall, the reviews on Cutler, who came out of a three-month retirement, are favorable.
Pouncey seems to like what the strong-armed Cutler brings to the offense.
“He makes a lot of amazing throws during practice,” Pouncey said.
Defensively, Miami’s ability to defend against the run will be watched closely. The Dolphins were 30th against the run last year and additions such as linebacker Lawrence Timmons, defensive tackles Davon Godchaux and Vincent Taylor, and defensive end William Hayes must bear fruit.
However, considering the NFL is a quarterback-driven league, and Gase is a quarterback-friendly coach, the offense will be under the most scrutiny Thursday. And Gase likes the way things are trending when it comes to Cutler and his receivers learning each other.
“Those guys have taken it upon themselves,” he said. “They’re not waiting for me to say something, they’re not waiting for [offensive coordinator] Clyde [Christensen], they’re not waiting for any of the other coaches.
“They’re taking it on their own and they’re trying to make sure everything’s tied up pretty tight before we hit this next game. They’ll be doing the same thing leading into the first regular-season game.”