The Miami Dolphins entered the sport with out a number of key gamers on the offensive aspect of the ball — together with each beginning large receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle — however that didn’t cease quarterback Tua Tagovailoa from orchestrating a flawless drive that might give the Dolphins an early 7-0 lead.
After a Riley Patterson missed discipline objective, Tagovailoa trotted out for the primary time — and doubtlessly, the final time — this 2024 NFL preseason and confirmed the world his strides in 12 months three of Mike McDaniel’s offense. He regarded cool, calm, and picked up — regardless of dealing with his first live-action and lacking his prime large receivers. A number of items of the offensive line have been out as properly. And but, the Dolphins continued precisely the place they left off.
Tua would go 5 for five on his solely drive, discovering a trio of River Cracraft, Jonnu Smith, and Julian Hill. His go to Hill, specifically, was a pleasant side-armed ball that he match across the defender. Each Hill and Smith regarded nice with the ball of their fingers. Nevertheless, it was the peerlessly positioned ball on 4th and a pair of from Tagovialoa to River Cracraft that made my jaw drop.
The go and the opening drive have been good regardless of Miami’s continued points changing in short-yardage conditions.
As soon as Tagovailoa left the sport, Miami’s quarterback points grew to become obvious. Skylar Thompson, the third-year quarterback—whom the Dolphins have continued to develop—regarded unhealthy, finishing a pedestrian 8 of 15 for 61 yards. He led a scoring drive arrange with a 28-yard completion to De’Von Achane — who lined up out large! May this be a touch of how he shall be utilized extra this offseason? I actually hope so.
General, the Dolphins performed properly within the first half, particularly on offense. I want the offensive line didn’t must depend on Liam Eichenberg because the beginning middle, inflicting all the line to undergo. His pure house is at guard. #SaveUsAaronBrewer
Early within the second half, large receiver Erik Ezukanma and operating again Chris Brooks made their presence felt, with Brooks breaking off a YUGE 59-yard run on third and one. This is able to ultimately result in a 33-yard discipline objective by Jason Sanders, giving the Dolphins a 10-3 lead.
Ezukanma would end the sport with a team-high 5 receptions on seven targets. IMO, he impressed and with the draft capital Miami already has invested in him, it might be exhausting to half methods with the 6’2 WR. The identical may be mentioned about Chris Brooks (besides the drafted half), who would have the within observe on veteran Jeff Wilson Jr. if I have been in cost.
As for QB2, Mike White regarded like the higher quarterback, however I don’t know for those who can count on both to present you servicable play if something have been to, god forbid, occur to Tagovailoa.
Defensively, the Dolphins struggled at instances with Commanders rookie QB Jayden Daniels, who accomplished 10 of 12 passes for 78 yards. He regarded poised and decisive, particularly on third down. That mentioned, I felt just like the Dolphins’ protection matched up properly with what Washington was bringing to the desk.
Cam Smith regarded good all through the night time, masking Terry McLaurin, one of many league’s prime large receivers. Is that this the boldness builder he must convey all of it collectively? Storm Duck and Siran Neal additionally made performs, as did pre-szn gawd Patrick McMorris, which stays a risk for the 53-man roster.
On the line of defense, rookies Mo Kamara and Chop Robinson bought concerned. Neville Gallimore, Isaiah Mack, and second-year defensive sort out Brandon Pili made a couple of performs within the backfield and confirmed promise on the inside line of defense.
And you recognize I can’t go with out speaking about Channing Tindall. He completed the sport with 4 tackles and a .5 sack, including to his strong preseason. Rounding out the protection at security was the sturdy play from Marcus Maye, Mark Perry, and Jordan Colbert.
Better of all, we proceed to see glimpses of what may make Anthony Weaver’s protection so scary. The crew performs quick, however I like the way in which they proceed to disguise their appears and totally different coverages. We even see it in the way in which they convey warmth to crucial conditions. It appears considerate and like all the things is finished purposefully all through the sport.
I do not know; I feel that’s sufficient rambling for now.
Take pleasure in your victory, Sunday! #GoFins
What have been your ideas on the Miami Dolphins’ 13-6 win over the Washington Commanders? Did you see sufficient from Tua Tagovailoa to place him on ice for the rest of the preseason? Who’s inventory is up? Down? Tell us within the feedback part under!
