How do the Phins look after camp and two preseason games?
This preseason is unlike any preseason before it with zero continuity between teams usage of starters and backups. Without the long standing tradition of teams playing half of a game with starters on both sides scrapped, this is the most difficult preseason to gauge where a NFL team really is at. Still, somethings are clear even with this extra ‘fog of war’, so let’s dial in on what is fundamentally clear at this stage.
Let’s start with the good
- Tua looked comfortable and made some quality passes and reads in the pocket and on the ground. He looks to have had his best camp so far. He clearly is the #1 QB, but how high can Tua fly with all this fire power?
- New Phins RB Chase Edmonds has flashed and showed he has some real talent in his limited showing. Question is will he be able to carry the load and stay healthy?
- Miami has looked like they are loaded on defense with pas rushers and Phillips, Seiler, Ogbah, Wilkens, Baker, and Van Ginkel flashed and will be a handful for opposing defenses on passing downs.
- Safety Javon Holland has been a terror through camp and looks like he’s prepped to beat the sophomore slump!
- As Jimmy Bourbon hope for, Jason Sanders has been excellent… not perfect, but excellent.
- 7th Round pick Skylar Thompson has impressed as has 4th RD pick receiver Erik Ezukanma. With little firepower, the Phins seem to have made the most of the draft.
Now let’s hit the uncertain?
- Mike Gesicki will always struggle to block. Durham Smythe is decent. Cethan Carter is underwhelming. Tanner Conner showed a little something, something…but, where is 3rd Round Pick Hunter Long? He looks another top pick that’s a very slow developer. Who will lead the tight end group as both an inline blocker AND pass catcher?
- How long before Byron Jones returns to man the corner spot opposite Xavien Howard? It better be soon because there a big question mark over who can fill in for him.
- What will this struggle Dolphins O-line look like with All-World talent Terron Armstead? Can he bring enough magic to lift this struggling unit?
- What will Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill look like with both on the field? This will determine a big chunk of the season. Waddle has been limited of a few days with some injury. How long will it keep him out?
The concerning and clearly bad
- 1st RD pick Noah Igbinoghene is clearly not going to live up to his draft status, and he should be cut.
- The cornerback group is ultra thin on depth and an injury to Howard, Needham, or Jones (whenever he gets back) would be a crippling blow if they have to leave the lineup long term.
- The offensive line is very concerning in starting talent and depth. Both high priced rookies Liam Eichenberg and Austin Jackson are struggling. Michael Dieter is playing poorly along with most of the Oline. Only Robert Hunt, Connor Williams (sans some snapping issues), Robert Jones in spirts, and Terron Armstead when he is in are productive player on the line up until this point. Things can change of course, but the offensive line will be the foundation of success or failure for this season.
- No run game again. See above for why the Dolphins are again struggling to run the football. It’s still early, but them must break this long standing failure at rushing the football if they want to equal the hype around them heading into the season.
It’s hard to gauge what all this means with the crazy preseason we are having. Will Miami flip the switch Week 1 against the Patriots? That’s such a critical game for so many reasons. Let’s hope they do because they have a Murderers’ Row the next three weeks. Given the Bills are in the division and the AFC is so strong, the Dolphins must come out at least lukewarm over the 1st Quarter of the season. If not, you can bet with the best pay per head that it will be very tough to get into the playoffs and prove they’ve finally turned the corner. Fingers crossed. Go Phins!!!