Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Dolphins’ defenders turn in mixed results early
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Miami’s revamped defense feasted on the big play and got roasted by the big play Friday night at Carolina, meaning there are still questions on the identity this unit will ultimately claim when the regular season gets going next month.
Defensive end Robert Quinn, who has been hot and cold during training camp, had two first-half sacks. Cornerback Xavien Howard, who has been a training camp standout, had an interception and 39-yard return that set up the offense at the Carolina 9-yard line.
Miami, however, also gave up a 71-yard touchdown run to Carolina’s Christian McCaffrey on the Panthers’ first possession.
It should also be noted Howard was called for pass interference late in the second quarter defending wide receiver Devin Funchess. That play set up Carolina at the Miami 34-yard line and the Panthers scored on a 27-yard pass play soon afterward to take a 13-9 lead.
The Dolphins debuted a defense that now features rookie safety Minkah Fitzpatrick in the nickel/slot position, rookie linebacker Jerome Baker in one of the outside spots and veteran cornerback Bobby McCain, the usual slot, on the boundary.
Quinn, acquired from the Los Angeles Rams this offseason, sacked Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, known as much for his agility as his strength, both times. The first one was on first down and came three plays before Howard’s interception.
Takeaways have been a point of emphasis for Miami, which was minus-14, tied for 29th, last season.
Quinn and Howard have been bright spots throughout training camp and their success would seem to be crucial for a Miami defense that finished 16th overall last season. Parker yards (five targets). Neither player flashed the big-play ability they’ve showed in training camp but both turned in solid, if unspectacular performances.
Quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who worked with Grant and Wilson as starters for most of last week, said there is a difference throwing to different receivers.
“Yes, it’s a little bit of a challenge,” Tannehill said during the week.
“The benefit is they’re really talented guys. We have had throwing sessions in the summer. I was working with those guys out here. We’ve been trying to work them in. But it is an adjustment having different guys, different bodies, different body types. They’re both really talented guys and can play the position in a way that we need them to play.” Wide receiver Danny
had two receptions for 12 yards (he was targeted twice) in the first half, with all of his action in the first quarter.
Tannehill, who came out of the game in favor of backup Brock Osweiler late in the second quarter, ended the first quarter 8-of-10 passing for 60 yards and a 91.7 passer rating.
Grant ended the first quarter with two receptions for 22 yards while Wilson had two receptions for 17 yards. Both players were targeted three times.
Tannehill ended the first half 14-of-17 passing for 100 yards and a 91.2 passer rating.
Interestingly, even though Miami was in the red zone, Tannehill didn’t attempt a pass to rookie tight end Mike Gesicki, who ended the first half with no receptions and no targets.