Injury bug still biting Dolphins
Details not being revealed, but Dolphins have plenty of players not seeing action
The Miami Dolphins second preseason game saw Josh Rosen earning the start at quarterback, rookie receiver Preston Williams coming back down to earth following with a poor outing, and a surprise performance by one of the team’s most underappreciated units.
Here are 10 observations from Miami’s preseason game in Tampa against the Buccaneers:
Injury bug affecting Dolphins
Pro Bowl cornerback Xavien Howard and running back Kalen Ballage were held out as precautions, but the Dolphins’ injury situation is not encouraging two weeks ahead of the season opener. Starting running back Kenyan Drake (right foot), starting receiver DeVante Parker, starting safety/linebacker T.J. McDonald, rookie outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel and backup safety Walt Aikens became the latest Dolphins to join the injured list this week. While starting receiver Albert Wilson (hip) is seeing limited action in practice, receiver Jakeem Grant, linebackers Kiko Alonso and Raekwon McMillan and longtime safety Reshad Jones (right foot) have been largely side
lined during training camp as they also missed the Buccaneers game. The Dolphins have chosen to not disclose the nature of player injuries during camp.
Rosen earns start
Second-year quarterback Josh Rosen may have earned the start over veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick in the second preseason game, even after Brian Flores openly criticized Rosen’s body language (among other fundamentals) this past week. Rosen showed more of what we’ve already known: He is capable of being a steady quarterback, but shortcomings from others around him provide a poor evaluation. Rookie receiver Preston Williams had several drops, and the Dolphins offensive line was unable to contain pressure to buy Rosen time. He finished 10 of 18 for 102 yards despite three sacks. Rosen has the opportunity to use the rest of the preseason to solidify his standing for the starting job, and give the Dolphins franchise a proper assessment of his progress, potential and value this season.
Baker needs to bring thunder
Dolphins’ second-year linebacker Jerome Bakers has been Miami’s best defender not named Xavien Howard during training camp, but Baker needs to improve in one significant area if he is going to be depended on in Flores’ defense this season. While Baker was able to get into the backfield to pressure Bucs quarterback Jameis Winston, Baker missed two opportunities to bring Winston down for a sack during the defense’s first series of the game. The Dolphins are in dire need for pass-rushing prowess, and cannot afford to have players like Baker reach the quarterback without bringing them down. While Winston was able to escape for a short gain on the first play, Charles Harris notched the sack on the second play thanks to Baker’s pressure.
Decent Dolphins drive ends in turnover
Rosen’s first drive as starter ended with a three-and-out. His second drive reached the 2-yard line, but the Dolphins were unable to score. Rosen found running back Mark Walton for a 12-yard catch, and Williams for a short catch, aided by an unnecessary roughness penalty. A holding penalty by veteran tight end Dwayne Allen halted some momentum, but Rosen was able to rebound. He threw a tunnel screen pass to Kenny Stills, who could have gained more yards if he bounced it outside. Rosen then found tight end Mike Gesicki for a 7-yard gain to reach the 2-yard line, but Rosen’s fourth-down throw to receiver Isaiah Ford in the end zone hit the field before reaching Ford’s hands. While it was encouraging to see Rosen lead the offense downfield and overcome adversity, he could not capitalize in the red zone on a series that could have aided his case to be Miami’s starter.
Back down to Earth
Williams has deservedly earned plenty of fanfare following his preseason debut and strong training camp, but he had a rough outing in his second preseason game. Williams dropped a third-down pass from Rosen during the first series of the game, resulting in a three-and-out. On the second series, Williams was able to secure a 7-yard catch, but was hit by a linebacker, getting an unnecessary roughness penalty awarded in his favor. In the Dolphins’ third series, Williams took a shot to the ribs after a bad pass in the middle of the field by Rosen. He also had two more drops on the final drive before halftime, including one in the end zone on a pass Rosen was drilled on. While Williams has flashed signs of brilliance in training camp and during the preseason, he still needs to put it all together to reach his full potential.
Offensive line lacks depth
The Dolphins have the right idea with their starting offensive line. Laremy Tunsil and Jesse Davis, who played every snap last season, book ending the unit. Rookies Michael Deiter and Shaq Calhoun developing at the guard positions with veteran Daniel Kilgore at center. Behind those players, however, the Dolphins depth on the offensive line is devoid of talented players. Rosen was sacked on back to back plays midway through the second quarter, with Davis overplaying his man at right tackle as he continues to transition from playing right guard last season. The Dolphins do not have a reliable backup tackle if Tunsil or Davis go down, and need to experiment Davis back at right guard with rookie Isaiah Prince at right tackle.
Defensive line applies some pressure
Outside of the offensive line, the Dolphins defensive line seemed like it was another weakness for the team heading into this season. The jury may still be out, but the Dolphins’ front seven players applied thorough pressure during their second preseason game. Harris, a former first-rounder, had 1.5 sacks in the first half. Rookie firstround defensive tackle Christian Wilkins had his first NFL sack. Baker’s pressure earlier in the game, resulted in half a sack for him instead of two. Veteran lineman Tank Carradine had three quarterback hits in the first half, and linebacker Sam Eguavoen had two tackles for loss and forced a fumble. The Dolphins defense, as a whole, needs to continue applying pressure and tackle better to get Rosen more opportunities on offense.
Where does Ryan Fitzpatrick stand?
Fitzpatrick may have viewed his opportunity with the Dolphins as a chance to win the starting quarterback job. And he could feasibly start several games for the team this season, despite Rosen trending significantly upward in the competition. But as the preseason continues, with Rosen working his way toward starting the Dolphins season opener, expect Fitzpatrick to continue being a consummate professional. Fitzpatrick will continue to work with the second-team offense, and help Rosen learn the new Dolphins offense before the season opener against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 8.
Up and down outing
The Dolphins first-round pick from a season ago is still adjusting to his new role in Miami’s defense. Fitzpatrick started the game with a nice pass breakup on a pass to heavy-set Buccaneers tight end O.J. Howard. But Fitzpatrick missed another tackle on a play in the second quarter, similar to the missed tackles he had during the preseason opener last week. Fitzpatrick has been lauded for his ability to play multiple positions, and has been challenged by Flores to play in his new role. No matter which position Fitzpatrick plays on defense, however, will come down to his ability to make tackles to end plays.
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Dolphins do some experimenting
Williams returned three punts in the first half as Miami tries to find new roles for him to help the team. Walton and fellow running back Myles Gaskin got more run with the first-team offense with Drake (injured) and Ballage (healthy scratch) not playing. Former Patriots cornerback Eric Rowe got the start after missing some time due to injury and working with the second-team defense this past week, starting in place of Xavien Howard with hopes to play alongside Howard at the other cornerback position. The Dolphins continue to tinker with their lineups in hopes of finding better fits across the board, and putting players in position to help the team succeed this season.