Today starts the first step in a very critical season
Preseason victories won’t mean a thing to the Regular Season win totals, but for those who like to evaluate where the team is heading these games offer plenty. You can’t gauge a team, or for the most part a unit, but you can learn a decent about where a player is as they engage in a competitive atmosphere. So, even though we can’t write check team wide, the Miami Dolphins game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is must watch football and will give Phins fans there best view of the team up to this point.
I don’t know about you, but with all the critical storylines that will play out this season, I can’t wait to see the action.
Phins present plenty of interesting keys
Staff Keys
- How does McDaniel handle calling plays as an HC? What’s his run system look like with our personnel? Personnel difference will create a whole new look compared to San Fran… with similar fundamentals, of course.
- How does the staff shuttle players in and out? What’s the overall discipline of the team?
- How does Boyer handle the defense without Flores? This likely won’t be clear until the Regular Season, but we might get as glimpse here and there.
Offense Keys
- Offensive line: Connor’s snaps, Eichenberg at left guard, a slimmed down Hunt, and is Austin Jackson on a course for redemption. My man Terron Armstead is a big one for me because I’ve already pegged him as our MVP if he stays healthy. Armstead changes everything and will be a huge reason if this offense has success.
- Can we find tight ends who can block? Will Hunter Long step up?
- Is Skylar Thompson able to translate practice success to game success?
Defense
- With Byron Jones on the PUP, Trill Williams must show something. While Noah has struggled again in camp, can he find his way because time is running out for the kid.
- Has Jaelan Phillips grown in his run defense? We know the kid can cover and rush the passer, but will he prove this season that is a three-tool guy? If he does, Phillips could take the NFL by storm this year.
- How does Raekwon Davis look now that he has slimmed down? His dominance of the A-Gap is critical in Miami’s defense stopping the run.
- How does rookie Channing Tindall handle the cerebral side of the game? He’s an elite athlete, so if he shows quality aptitude in his read and react, we could be in for a special treat.
You can’t always get what you want, but…
The truth is there will be some disappointments with player growth this season because that’s just the reality of the NFL. BUT, you can bet with the best pay per head that even solid growth from 60-70% of the above players will be enough for Miami to finally make good and reach the playoffs…
… And maybe more.
Tonight we’ll get our first does of reality. I sure hope it tastes as sweet perfectly rip orange. Go Phins!!!