The 4th Preseason Game is done, and now it’s onto games that count.
The “L” they took in their 4th Preseason game means “doodly-squat” come Week 1.
The Miami Dolphins completed their 4th Preseason game last night with a 21-10 defeat against the Tennessee Titans giving them Preseason record of 2-2 record. Of course, records and scores mean little, it’s the performances individually and as a unit that counts.
First, Laremy Tunsil was a late scratch. It’s understandable, but he could have used the work. Kenyan Drake and Xavien Howard did play and proved they will be able to contribute…if healthy.
Howard, who finally got a chance to get on the field after recovering from a knee operation, played and performed well. He was able to make 3 tackles and gave up one reception, and more importantly, he didn’t appear lost. It would seem with more practices, he should be able to have a solid season at starting Cornerback spot opposite Byron Maxwell. Most pay per head sportsbook fans would agree that this is very encouraging news, because the secondary is in desperate need of someone stepping up and playing opposite Maxwell. Tony Lippett was given a great opportunity to seize the starting role while Howard was recovering, however, he was often picked on by opposing QB’s and failed to prove he is ready to start at this moment. Even though he was able to get an interception last night, he still got beat a few times — can everyone say slant routes.
The running back position has been one of the more interesting position battles, and last night, one of the downsides wasn’t much to separate the group. Jay Ajayi played last night, but he fumbled on the first play from scrimmage and also dropped his one target through the air. Ajayi may still be the starting running back on paper, but as long as Foster stays healthy, I believe Foster will earn more playing time– but this might not be a good thing. Foster should be candles on the cake. If ends up THE cake, injuries might eat him up.
Drake finally made his debut after recovering from a hamstring injury, and it was less then spectacular in the running department. He had 4 carries for 6 yards, which is clearly not something to get excited about. But he was able to show he does have some value with a quality reception for 33 yards, and he was able to muster 45 total yards in the kick return game. Drake appears to have the speed to make plays, but he may have a tough time in the NFL, running between the tackles with his type of finesse running style.
The 4th Preseason Game didn’t do much to clarify Miami’s Running Back situation.
Damien Williams didn’t do anything last night that should make him confident that he’ll make the team — although his special teams contribution may give him leverage, despite the fact that he carried the ball 4 times for 3 yards in a lackluster performance.
Of course, after writing off Daniel Thomas, he goes out and looks the best of the bunch, including Ajayi, with 10 rushes for 31 yards and 1 touchdown. The coaches are going to have a tough decision to make in this group. And with Isaiah Pead now injured and Drake now healthy, Pead will probably be put on the PUP to start the season, which will force him to miss the first six weeks of the regular season, but will not cause him to count against the 53 man roster. This could forestall the tough decision for awhile.
Jermon Busrod played and looked serviceable.
Griff Whalen was heavily targeted and came through for the most part. He might have done enough to warrant a roster spot.
A big question will be does Julius Warmsley get a roster spot? He has been active, but mostly against 2nd and 3rd string players. It could very well be him or Chris Jones, but Jones, despite some limitations, has played against mostly starters and found some success.
Miami’s coaches will have to dig deep and make some tough decisions in order to get to the mandatory 53 man roster limit by Saturday. Then it’s a hop, skip and a jump to taking on the Seattle Seahawks, and that will be a true litmus test for all the Offseason decisions and the many “If’s”. What is the rest of the Miami Dolphins News fans thoughts about the last preseason game, and which players helped or hurt their case for making the team?