For most Phins fans, MIA vs ATL Preseason Game is the first look at the 2023 team
The 2023 Miami Dolphins have fans on pins and needleswaiting to see if their team and all the lofty hopes and expectations are legit or not. Since most Phins fans will get their first look at the team this Friday against the Atlanta Falcons, there is more interest than usual in a ‘meaningless’ preseason contest. While most of the news coming out of the Dolphins Training Camp so far has been very good, a picture is worth a thousand words.
Yes, this is a preseason game.
No the outcome doesn’t mean ‘Jack’ and neither staff is trying their ‘best’ to win.
But, you can still learn a ton when you watch the opposing players in their one-on-one matchups, and how they execute their assignments and skills in a competitive environment in front of a large crowd. This why I want to see for myself where these Phins players are really at and how the reports I’ve been reading stand up to reality.
There’s a reason they play the game
Except for the injury to Jalen Ramsey and uncertainty on the offensive line, everything else has been reported to be at least decent in practice or better. But the NFL turns on a dime and good can become bad and bad turn to good seemingly overnight. So, it’s all still in the blender right now… but at least we’ll get a glimpse of the mix.
You can bet with the best pay per head that we likely won’t see much–or any–from the Tua’s and Wilkens of the world. Most likely our best view from tonight will be on the young guys and the depth… …But, the guys supporting the stars are just as critical as the stars themselves!
Nothing from tonight’s game set anything in stone
This is what I want to see most from tonight, beyond the obvious of no injuries:
Austin Jackson proving in Year 4 that he’s finally arrived at some level around average plus.
The Tight End group making good blocks, especially in the run game, and Elijah Higgins, who offers the highest ceiling.
RB Devon Achane showing solid pass-blocking and a tough run or two inside.
DT Brandon Pili seizing the opportunity to take the backup job inside with a pop game against the run while facing a quality Falcons offensive line.
WR Chosen Anderson demonstrating his big play-receiving skills.
DB Cam Smith looking comfortable in coverage. I don’t need big plays, just looking comfortable will do.
I NEED to see Channing Tindall do something… anything to justify hope for his improvement.
Same with WR Erik Ezukanma. Just flash something tonight.
CB Noah Igbinoghene needs to put together a long string of good… and so far he has, but tonight would be nice for it to continue.
Don’t know if we’ll see any of Jerome Baker, but if we do, I want to see if his ability to cover and run defense, and the growth being reported, is legit.
Can we find a #2 Safety to work with Jevon Holland? Deshon Elliot, Brandon Jones, and Trill Williams seem like the best candidates.
Can we run our offense without tons of presnap penalties? This is a big key to our success for the Regular Season.
So here we are atthe first tangible step in this critical Miami Dolphins 2023 Season that all Phins fans can see… and then talk about. Let the games begin! Go Phins!!!
