Preseason Week 1 saw some 2nd and 3rd tier players step up.
Preseason Week 1 hinted that maybe the Dolphins depth isn’t as bad as thought.
The Miami Dolphins have their first game in the can with the completion of Preseason’s Week 1.
It looked terrible for the first quarter. But, a lot of gems surfaced as the game progressed, and after scrapping off some crud, there ended up being something pretty good to look at.
First, let’s examine the bottom of the barrel that’s caked in crud.
Amazingly, the poster boy of what’s not working is a fan favorite: Dallas Thomas (this statement is heaped with enough sarcasm, you’ll need to pull your wadding boots up to your armpits).
To use a “Lemmusism”, the living Turn Style Dallas Thomas is wasting reps. He isn’t getting better, and the charade that he might have a chance to start is over. So, I’m here on Adam Gase‘s behalf to announce Laremy Tunsil as the starting Left Guard of the 2016 season.
But, let’s give a hearty round of applause anyway, please.
Tunsil isn’t being given the job…he has earned it. He moved people. He attacks and fires off the ball. He’s mostly in position. He will make the LG spot quantum leaps better than 2015.
Onto further gems: Miami demonstrated that it’s interior and exterior Defensive line is deep. They played without Jason Jones, Suh, Williams and Wake. But, Phillips, Warmsley, Fede, McCain and Laing all made plays. Warmsley and Phillips were the top of the heap, and Miami might very well have such a deep squad that the F.O. could have trade value in their castoffs.
Then there was Jakeem Grant. He really put on a show for his first NFL outing. His injury did mare it a bit. His small stature brings amazing speed and shiftiness, but concerns about his ability to survive the contact will continue. Sunday, his prognosis will be made available. But, beyond that, Grant showed he could make a large impact this season, if he can stay healthy.
Preseason Week 1 had some pleasant surprises.
Two very pleasant surprises cropped up and should now be watched very closely: Brandon Doughty and Isaiah Pead. Most eyes were on Doughty due to his ongoing Cinderella story, but while Pead is having good training camp so far, his performance Friday night was the biggest shocker. He had exceptional ability to accelerate, cut, break tackles and stick his foot in the ground and get up field. I wasn’t very high on him, even with his fine camp. Not any longer. I saw a back who wanted it and had the ability to take it. Pead will be a very interesting story line and even more interesting, if he doesn’t come crashing back down to earth.
One aspect was very troubling – Jay Ajayi. He looked indecisive, tried to be too cute, and increased the questions about his ability to catch. Miami finds itself with five legitimate backs to make the roster: Drake, Foster, Ajayi, Williams and now Pead – who has made this competition very interesting.
Back to Doughty. Yes, it was against 3rd string, but he threw some very nice balls in perfect locations. His performance went a long way to turn a fairy tale into reality. He fumbled the snap on the first play, but battened down the hatches and made plays. There is something there in his play that appears he will be a starter or back up in this league. Either way, for a 7th round pick, it should be a winner for Miami.
Now, for some more of the bad: Sam Young, he is experienced, but so far that experience has been poorly portrayed; Turner at Right Tackle, this was as bad as Thomas playing tackle last year – ’nuff said on that; Jamil Douglas is near a wasted pick; Daniel Thomas at Rb – good bye; and Tackle John Ulrick, forget-about-it.
Some further Kudos go to Carroo who showed grit and skill and may just end up being almost as good as billed, CB McCain, who played inside and out pretty well, showed he might just be a big asset in the secondary.
Overall, in this Preseason Week 1, we saw Ryan Tannehill under perform, but that was almost completely correlative to the terrible line play. Both the starting QB and offensive line will be the biggest aspect of Preseason Week 2. It would seem that if these two parts can get in line with the rest, the 2016 season will at least be a decent one. Go Fins!!!
…as I said in the last post, we STILL have major problems at guard and it is STILL killing us …we needed to draft a guard high but didn’t …and please don’t cite Tunsil …he’s a LT and always will be .. he may prove to be more than serviceable at LG but he’s not going to star there
…as of this morning both Thomas and Turner were still taking first team snaps at guard …this after the horrid showing friday night by both …WTFO?
…first team fri night, two series 3 and out …4 pass attempts …twice Tanny was hit and once a major hurry …all 3 came through the guards …and they are STILL taking the first team snaps this morning? …WTFO?
don’t worry he’s gone…here’s a quote as to why Thomas is still in…Gase on the LG position: “We’ll make our decision at the first game of the season.” Said Tunsil “has a lot to learn.”
They are just trying to set him up…at least I sure hope so. My question now is, who will back up Tunsil?
I was able to watch 1st, 2nd and some of the 4th quarter I’m not sure that I watch a screen. On the passing plays I thought the R/B would remained in the backfield as a relief to pass to?
After reading about the difficulty transitioning from tackle to guard in the NFL I’m wondering why the experts did not draft a top guard or free agency? We made a mistake and more reason to bring in Richie Incognito quick.
The transition from tackle to guard is mostly technical, Bushrod said. As a tackle, he primarily faced speedy defensive lineman and had an extra moment or two to get his feet and hands set.
“But inside, these dudes are strong,” Bushrod said. “Your technique has to be faster. Your footwork has to be faster. Hands have to be more precise. It’s a work in progress.”
Yeah, it’s not a hop, skip and jump to transition, but it happens alot. Raw strength is one of the keys or as Bushrod said fast technique to compensate. Them DT’s use alot more power than the DE’s…But, Bushrod has practiced at all 5 spots, so he has some exp and Tunsil, after watching him, has the power and explosion off the line too do well – tehnique is probally why Gase is holding him back. As Lemmus said he isn’t going to star there, part of that is because even if could star, he’ll be moved to LT before that could happen. I still think they will break into the teens as far a lines go. Still wondering about Urbik…he did well but also was beat once or twice on Friday. Turner is too hot and cold for my liking.
Admin You are right on the money about Brandon Doughty and Isaiah Pead both are hungry and should not suffer The Miami Dolphins politics of lets go with the norm vs lets play to win games. I impress with Doughty poised in the pocket, decision making, distribution of passing the ball to the open receiver. Not having tunnel vision.
Pead is hungry and healthy looks good no brainer there.
Admin we can continue to find excuses for the veteran Dolphins players But it was about five minutes into the second quarter before the Dolphins got a 1st down? Are we supposed to be okay with that? Nothing has change with this starting group?
Play the Best performing players forget about hurt feeling?
We have one of the Best offensive line in the game but we have the wrong play calling and the two veteran QB’s look just like they were the rookies?
Yeah, it was a nice surprise for Doughty, but QB’s can fall to earth very fast, but Pead…at RB you have it or you don’t. He wasn’t running through mile wide holes. He ran violent with his cuts and fight after contact…can he sustain that? He has my full attention now. Was a bit unhappy with Williams… he made more than a few bad choices. He seemed like Ajayi – pressing too much. Drake is actually becoming an anchor to this squad…which 4 do you think will make it Steve?
We are not taking our R/B situation serious and it will cost us dearly this season. As I stated Pead had A eye of tiger performance Great Job Dolphins.
But on a serious note The Tennessee Titans have in excess Antonio Andrews, David Fluellen, Bishop Sankey who should have been a Dolphins a month ago he is Durable, 54th draft picked in 2014 has played 16 NFL games etc. and over 3,000 yards with the Washington Huskies college?
Cobb is injured??? Dolphins Foster and Pead I have in the line up. How long will Foster hold up? When healthy Drake maybe available mid season but I don’t see him carrying the Dolphins?
Dexter McCluster David Cobb Antonio Andrews David Fluellen Bishop Sankey
Was sick as a dog last couple of days…I see Williams, Pead, Foster, Ajayi as players: Williams as a steady, all out play, pass blocking back who can catch, Foster if healthy enough said, Ajayi as a power runner and possible talent, but who is shaky at catching and is pressing for big things too much, Pead has run like Moreno and has showed the most (I haven’t watch them all play, but based on the single game), the stuff he did that game was tremendous, although it’s a small sample, Drake is a high pick, but has done anything and seems like a bad pick for several reasons. Thomas has practiced well, but I just don’t buy him. So, they will keep four backs – who do they cut for Drake? I can’t say on the other players you mentioned. I’ll try and catch some tape of them to offer a better response.
You took exactly every word out of my mind perfectly. You are totally correct and I hope Gase & Co. see it the same way. A quarterback whisperer should stumble upon this and not be afraid to make huge changes as he sees it. The way I see IT, in my own personal opinion, QB1 Doughty, QB2 Moore, QB3 Tannehill
I’m not that down on T-Hill yet, Dan. If he has a line that’s productive and still under performs, then it’s time to drop him like a hot rock. But, as of right not the guy is always running for his life and never gets a run game…so, let’s see when the get the starters on the OL sorted out. Now, as far a s Doughty goes, you can see him being alot more comfortable and just does some of the little things better than T-Hill…although, his line did a far better job for him. Only downside I’m hearing from him is his reads don’t follow proper progression (but he still makes completions) and his arm strength is said to be a little weak. His arm looked fine to me, but that was a small sampling. If he keeps this up though, I’d say goodbye to Moore. It would be something if Doughty end up as the starter at some point….
…as I said in the last post, we STILL have major problems at guard and it is STILL killing us …we needed to draft a guard high but didn’t …and please don’t cite Tunsil …he’s a LT and always will be .. he may prove to be more than serviceable at LG but he’s not going to star there
…as of this morning both Thomas and Turner were still taking first team snaps at guard …this after the horrid showing friday night by both …WTFO?
…first team fri night, two series 3 and out …4 pass attempts …twice Tanny was hit and once a major hurry …all 3 came through the guards …and they are STILL taking the first team snaps this morning? …WTFO?
…AAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!
don’t worry he’s gone…here’s a quote as to why Thomas is still in…Gase on the LG position: “We’ll make our decision at the first game of the season.” Said Tunsil “has a lot to learn.”
They are just trying to set him up…at least I sure hope so. My question now is, who will back up Tunsil?
Thomas is falling as of today’s practice…Tunsil will be moved into LG 1’s very soon.
Admin
We have issues completing a screen play why is this, most Dolphins pass plays there is rarely a screen relief back everyone takes off?
How many did we try in the game … I remember one? Gonna’ watch the game again today…
I was able to watch 1st, 2nd and some of the 4th quarter I’m not sure that I watch a screen. On the passing plays I thought the R/B would remained in the backfield as a relief to pass to?
I’m going to re watch the game again today or tomorrow…I think I remember one screen.
Admin
After reading about the difficulty transitioning from tackle to guard in the NFL I’m wondering why the experts did not draft a top guard or free agency? We made a mistake and more reason to bring in Richie Incognito quick.
The transition from tackle to guard is mostly technical, Bushrod said. As a tackle, he primarily faced speedy defensive lineman and had an extra moment or two to get his feet and hands set.
“But inside, these dudes are strong,” Bushrod said. “Your technique has to be faster. Your footwork has to be faster. Hands have to be more precise. It’s a work in progress.”
Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nfl/miami-dolphins/article95579987.html#storylink=cpy
Yeah, it’s not a hop, skip and jump to transition, but it happens alot. Raw strength is one of the keys or as Bushrod said fast technique to compensate. Them DT’s use alot more power than the DE’s…But, Bushrod has practiced at all 5 spots, so he has some exp and Tunsil, after watching him, has the power and explosion off the line too do well – tehnique is probally why Gase is holding him back. As Lemmus said he isn’t going to star there, part of that is because even if could star, he’ll be moved to LT before that could happen. I still think they will break into the teens as far a lines go. Still wondering about Urbik…he did well but also was beat once or twice on Friday. Turner is too hot and cold for my liking.
Admin You are right on the money about Brandon Doughty and Isaiah Pead both are hungry and should not suffer The Miami Dolphins politics of lets go with the norm vs lets play to win games. I impress with Doughty poised in the pocket, decision making, distribution of passing the ball to the open receiver. Not having tunnel vision.
Pead is hungry and healthy looks good no brainer there.
Admin we can continue to find excuses for the veteran Dolphins players But it was about five minutes into the second quarter before the Dolphins got a 1st down? Are we supposed to be okay with that? Nothing has change with this starting group?
Play the Best performing players forget about hurt feeling?
We have one of the Best offensive line in the game but we have the wrong play calling and the two veteran QB’s look just like they were the rookies?
Yeah, it was a nice surprise for Doughty, but QB’s can fall to earth very fast, but Pead…at RB you have it or you don’t. He wasn’t running through mile wide holes. He ran violent with his cuts and fight after contact…can he sustain that? He has my full attention now. Was a bit unhappy with Williams… he made more than a few bad choices. He seemed like Ajayi – pressing too much. Drake is actually becoming an anchor to this squad…which 4 do you think will make it Steve?
Admin or Jimmy!
We are not taking our R/B situation serious and it will cost us dearly this season. As I stated Pead had A eye of tiger performance Great Job Dolphins.
But on a serious note The Tennessee Titans have in excess Antonio Andrews, David Fluellen, Bishop Sankey who should have been a Dolphins a month ago he is Durable, 54th draft picked in 2014 has played 16 NFL games etc. and over 3,000 yards with the Washington Huskies college?
Cobb is injured??? Dolphins Foster and Pead I have in the line up. How long will Foster hold up? When healthy Drake maybe available mid season but I don’t see him carrying the Dolphins?
Dexter McCluster David Cobb
Antonio Andrews
David Fluellen
Bishop Sankey
Admin!
Titans top 3 Running backs and having excess R/B will be a steal for the Dolphins?
RB DeMarco Murray Derrick Henry Dexter McCluster
?????????????????
Was sick as a dog last couple of days…I see Williams, Pead, Foster, Ajayi as players:
Williams as a steady, all out play, pass blocking back who can catch, Foster if healthy enough said, Ajayi as a power runner and possible talent, but who is shaky at catching and is pressing for big things too much, Pead has run like Moreno and has showed the most (I haven’t watch them all play, but based on the single game), the stuff he did that game was tremendous, although it’s a small sample, Drake is a high pick, but has done anything and seems like a bad pick for several reasons. Thomas has practiced well, but I just don’t buy him. So, they will keep four backs – who do they cut for Drake? I can’t say on the other players you mentioned. I’ll try and catch some tape of them to offer a better response.
You took exactly every word out of my mind perfectly. You are totally correct and I hope Gase & Co. see it the same way. A quarterback whisperer should stumble upon this and not be afraid to make huge changes as he sees it. The way I see IT, in my own personal opinion, QB1 Doughty, QB2 Moore, QB3 Tannehill
Steve
I’m not that down on T-Hill yet, Dan. If he has a line that’s productive and still under performs, then it’s time to drop him like a hot rock. But, as of right not the guy is always running for his life and never gets a run game…so, let’s see when the get the starters on the OL sorted out. Now, as far a s Doughty goes, you can see him being alot more comfortable and just does some of the little things better than T-Hill…although, his line did a far better job for him. Only downside I’m hearing from him is his reads don’t follow proper progression (but he still makes completions) and his arm strength is said to be a little weak. His arm looked fine to me, but that was a small sampling. If he keeps this up though, I’d say goodbye to Moore. It would be something if Doughty end up as the starter at some point….