O-line off to a rough start.
Defensive line getting plenty of penetration
DAVIE — Miami Dolphins offensive line coach Jeremiah Washburn hasn’t been pleased with what he’s seen from his group in the first four days of training camp.
“We’re not near where we need to be,” Washburn said Saturday. “I think [coach] Adam [Gase] probably said the same thing yesterday. But I do like our group. It’s a good group of guys and they’re working hard. But in terms of production, we’re not near where we need to be — protections, run game and screens.”
Washburn said he likes having a consistent group of starters — center Daniel Kilgore, left guard Josh Sitton, right guard Jesse Davis, left tackle Laremy Tunsil, right tackle Ja’Wuan James — instead of switching personnel and searching for starters.
But the offensive line has been shaky at times during this training camp. Sacks have been fairly common, especially from defensive lineman.
Right defensive end Robert Quinn has won more than his share of battles against Tunsil, and the defensive tackles, primarily Jordan Phillips and Davon Godchaux, have been tough against the run.
Contrary to popular opinion, the pass protection has been good the past two years. Last season Miami allowed 33 sacks, 11th fewest in the league, and in 2017 they allowed just 30 sacks, 10th fewest.
Washburn, typical of a coach in training-camp mode, didn’t mention the offensive line’s accolades, only the shortcomings.
Stock up
S Reshad Jones had an interception and a forced fumble, the latter coming vs. RB Frank Gore near the goal line . ...
WR Danny Amendola had two touchdowns in a red-zone drill and has been steadily developing as a trusted target . ...
CB Cordrea Tankersley, involved in a tight back-and-forth battle for the starting job opposite Xavien Howard, took most of the first-team snaps Sunday over Tony Lippett and Torry McTyer.
Stock down
K Jason Sanders, the seventh-round pick from New Mexico, was 6 of 8 on field-goal attempts, missing from 33 and 36 yards while hitting from 51 yards. Sanders was 2 of 4 on his first round of field-goal attempts before going 4 of 4 on the second round.
Observations
The Dolphins wore uppers (modified shoulder pads) Saturday. They might go full pads Monday, especially considering Tuesday is an off day . ...
QB Ryan Tannehill threw his first interception of training camp when he was going for Amendola. Jones stepped in front of the pass . ...
TE Mike Gesicki probably ran more snaps with the first team than in any other practice. He had touchdowns receptions from Tannehill and Bryce Petty . ...
LG Ted Larsen and LT Sam Young both got brief work with the first team as starting LG Josh Sitton and LT Laremy Tunsil got a bit of a break.
DE Charles Harris, who has been low key in training camp, appeared to have a sack against QB David Fales .LB Terence Garvin had an interception as the play continued.
Injury news
WR Isaiah Ford (unknown ailment) wore a red jersey, symbolic of no contact, once again but he participated in individual and team drills . ...
C-G Jake Brendel (calf ) missed his third day of practice. Brendel figures to compete for a backup spot . ...
DT Gabe Wright (foot) missed his first day of practice. Wright needs to get back as quickly as possible to contend for a roster spot. ...
TE A .J. Derby (foot) missed his first day of practice. Derby has been running with the first team along with TE MarQueis Gray as the veterans continue to hold off rookies Gesicki and Durham Smythe.