WASHINGTON, D.C.
Opportunity is present, but often fleeting in the NFL
In the midst of a franchise rebuild, the Miami Dolphins are embarking on a fresh start when it comes to the team’s talent base. But after three weeks of training camp, and Friday night’s 20-7 preseason loss to the Washington Commanders, it’s evident that many players aren’t seizing their chance.
While the starters had a respectable showing against Washington’s backups, Miami’s backups bled out for most of Friday night’s game, which followed a scrimmage where the Dolphins’ offense and defense were outperformed by the Commanders.
Young teams/rosters go through these struggles. But it’s important they learn from them and move on.
We’ll soon learn if the Dolphins players have done so because this upcoming week features a joint practice (on Thursday), and a preseason game against the New York Giants, which will be played at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday at 4 p.m.
Here are 10 takeaways from week three of Dolphins training camp, and Friday night’s exhibition loss.
1. Malik Willis looked poised in pocket
Willis, a free agent addition the Dolphins guaranteed $45 million over the next two seasons, was efficient in his one and only series, completing 4-of-5 passes for 43 yards, and gaining 9 yards on two scrambles on what turned into a 93-yard touchdown drive. He was poised and showcased his sensational arm against the Commanders second-team defense. Let’s see if his performance remains consistent the rest of this preseason.
2. Dolphins depth is concerning
When a team has committed $179 million in cap space to paying off past debts, it’s understandable why there will be roster challenges in a rebuilding season. Miami’s roster is full of youngsters who are still cutting their teeth, and journeymen taking their last shot at becoming starters, or continuing their NFL career. Still, the Dolphins’ backups leave plenty to be desired, and must be improved through the use of the waiver wire, and the signing of free agents when 1000-plus players get cut on Aug. 30. The team Jon-Eric Sullivan is building is about 10 legitimate NFL players away from having a respectable roster, and have $16 million in cap space to use for enhancements to the roster.
3. Caleb Douglas shined in first NFL game
Douglas, the former Texas Tech receiver Miami selected with the 75th pick in the NFL draft, continues his impressive rookie campaign by producing a highlight reel worthy, one-handed 28-yard reception. Douglas continues to deliver on opportunities his standout practices are creating, which is encouraging to see. He still has work to do, like having better spacial awareness, which is what prevented him from having another impressive receptions on Friday night (he stepped out of bounds). But the future looks bright for this 22-year-old.
4. Who wants to be the No. 2 back?
Coincidentally, Ollie Gordon II produced the exact same level of production (39 rushing yards on seven carries) minus the touchdown, as De’Von Achane, who is the focal point of Miami’s offense. Gordon, who was having a lackluster camp, played behind his pads, which is ideal for a bigger back like himself. Jaylen Wright had a few rough moments, which included fumbling the first kickoff return of the game, and ended the night gaining 22 yards on six carries.
5. Quinn Ewers’ second-year slump continued
Nobody is having a more disappointing training camp than Ewers, the backup from last year who ended up starting the season’s final three games once Tua Tagovailoa was benched. His struggles carried over to the preseason considering he completed 1-of-8 passes, throwing for 27 yards, and threw an interception where no Dolphins receiver was even close to the ball. However, Ewers didn’t struggle as much as Cam Miller, the third string quarterback who threw two interceptions. At this point the Dolphins must consider upgrading the quarterback position.
6. Does a backup offensive lineman step forward?
A contributing factor to the struggles Miami’s backup quarterbacks were having is the fact they don’t have adequate protection in front of them. While Ewers was the only quarterback sacked on Friday night, they were under pressure for plenty more plays. Miami also struggled creating running lanes after the starters left the game in the first quarter. The Dolphins need three backup offensive linemen to step forward and show they are worthy of a 53-man roster spot.
7. Tight ends show some promise
Tight ends have gotten off to a quiet start in training camp, partly because of the injuries Greg Dulcich and Ben Sims were nursing. But that unit’s performance against the Commanders running routes, and blocking was worthy of a head nod. Dulcich, who has a reputation as a pass catcher, delivered some impressive blocks, as did rookie tight end Will Kacmarek. None were a factor in the passing game, but the unit proved there’s something there to be developed.
8. Defensive front must tighten against the run
Washington didn’t get its run game going until the second quarter, which was when most of Miami’s first-team defenders were off the field, with a few exceptions. But the Commanders finished the game with 174 rushing yards, and two rushing touchdowns on 41 carries. There was leakage from the defensive front, which at times struggled setting the edge, and owning the line of scrimmage. More work is needed if Miami’s going to produce a respectable run defense.
9. Is Jacob Rodriguez ready to be a starter?
Rodriguez, the Dolphins’ second-round pick, is in a heated camp battle with Tyrel Dodson, who contributed 125 tackles, five sacks, one interception and forced one fumble last season as the starting linebacker paired with Jordyn Brooks. While Rodriguez didn’t start Friday night’s game, his limited work indicates his value, and hints he might be leading in that competition. Dodson was solid, especially when he applied a bone-crushing hit that put Marcus Mariota out the game on the second drive.
10. Is Chris Johnson progressing at cornerback?
Chris Johnson was held out of Wednesday’s joint practice because of what coach Jeff Hafley described as a minor injury, but handled his snaps on the boundary, and at the nickel spot like a veteran. The former San Diego State standout showcasing the skills that motivated the Dolphins to select him with the draft’s 27th pick. The Commanders caught one pass on Johnson, and he produced a breakup in the end zone on a pass that he should have intercepted.
