Drive

Miami’s first-team offense was on the field for 11 snaps, and quarterback Ryan Tannehill’s unit produced an impressive drive even though it didn’t end with points. The starters committed one penalty (right tackle Ja’Wuan James was called for holding call). Tannehill completed 4-of-6 passes for 32 yards, and the offense converted a fourth-and-1 from the 39 yard line when tailback Kenyan Drake gained 2 yards. The drive ultimately stalled at the 35-yard line before Jason Sanders missed a 53-yard field goal.

David Fales, an NFL journeyman, seemingly moved ahead of Brock Osweiler, a seasoned NFL starter, in their competitive battle to determine who will serve as Tannehill’s backup this season. Fales makes the most of the talent around him, which was evident by his 45-yard pass to Francis Owusu, a receiver at the bottom of Miami’s depth chart.

Miami’s defense has struggled covering tight ends for the past few seasons, and Cameron Brate’s performance Thursday night showed that position will likely remain an issue for Miami. Brate caught five passes for 48 yards, helping quarterback Jameis Winston have an efficient showing with the second-team offense. Miami needs to figure out whether this tight end issue, which apparently carried over from last season, is scheme or talent related.

Jason Sanders missed a 53-yard goal in the first quarter. Greg Joseph, the former FAU standout competing with Sanders, put one of his kickoffs out of bounds.

Last year McMillan, the Dolphins’ 2017 second-round pick, was sidelined for the entire season. McMillan has worked hard to put himself in position to be Miami’s starting inside linebacker and his preseason debut featured one tackle in his first quarter of work. McMillan played in Miami’s base and nickel package, which means he’s going to be an every-down player for defensive coordinator Matt Burke’s unit.

Minkah Fitzpatrick, Miami’s 2018 first-round pick, has had a quiet start to training camp. During his playing time Fitzpatrick was active, contributing two tackles and one breakup of a pass intended for receiver Chris Godwin that Fitzpatrick dislodged with a physical hit along the sidelines.

Jerome Baker, the former Ohio State standout the Dolphins’ selected in the third round this year, was active in his preseason debut, contributing five tackles, one of which was for a loss. Baker, who the Dolphins are grooming to be a weakside linebacker, entered the game as Kiko Alonso’s replacement. Baker’s continued development could earn him a larger role in Miami’s defense in the coming weeks.

Preseason games usually don’t drum up a ton of excitement, but Thursday night’s game against Tampa Bay appeared to be one of the lowestattended exhibition games in years. There were plenty of empty seats. The threat of rain probably motivated some with tickets to stay home, but if this is an indicator of apathy for the 2018 Dolphins, it’s got to be concerning to management.