Lions are a tough and talented team and will test the Phins a ton!
The Miami Dolphins will face the Detroit Lions on Saturday in a key preseason matchup that gives the team a chance to fine-tune both sides of the ball before the 2025 regular season kicks off. It’s not known how many starters will actually play in this one, if any. But after a mixed showing against the Bears, the Dolphins are looking to improve execution, test depth, and iron out lingering issues, particularly in the offensive line and linebacker corps.
You can bet with the best pay per head that the Phins need all the good reps they can get…
…if they want to ditch the soft label that’s had more traction than any preseason before.
Will Tua play or not?
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has had a productive camp so far, completing over 70% of his passes in team drills and preseason action. In the first game against Chicago, he completed 5 of 6 passes on his opening drive, showing early rhythm with the offense without Jaylen Waddle or Tyreek Hill. But the Dolphins struggled to convert in short-yardage situations due to a stalled run game. Saturday offers Tua a chance to continue developing timing with both returning stars and emerging receivers like Malik Washington and Tahj Washington along with Waddle who should be available, if HC McDaniel decides not to sit him.
Running back Ollie Gordon II has emerged as a bright spot in Miami’s backfield. In limited preseason action, Gordon recorded 8 carries for 33 yards and a touchdown against the Bears, along with 1 reception for 39 yards, demonstrating both power and burst. Rookie Jonah Savaiinaea and Patrick Paul have also made their presence felt, creating running lanes and showing that the Dolphins’ offensive line has potential despite depth concerns. However, short-yardage conversion remains an area of concern, particularly with Alexander Mattison sidelined due to injury.
Defense has been a positive…mostly
On the defensive front, linebacker Willie Gay Jr. has continued to shine, recording multiple tackles behind the line of scrimmage in practice and demonstrating sideline-to-sideline speed. Chop Robbinson had an injury scare this week and thankfully he’s okay, so it’s not sure if he’ll get many reps even if McDaniel runs the starters. Given our injury luck, maybe it’s best we sit him.
There are plenty of good storylines with the rookies this season, rookie Kenneth Grant has shown the ability to pressure quarterbacks and in run support. Rookie Jordan Phillips has been stout against the run, and edge rusher Grayson Murphy has been active off the edge. Rookie Dante Trader Jr. will likely see his first action and I’m excited to see what he can do after reports of him punish pass catchers this week.
A huge key is second year Storm Duck, who had up and downs this week. Duck is a fan favorite and key to this secondary, so his growth this year is critical to this defensive backfield. He had an excellent game last week in run support, but his primary duty is to stop the pass. Of course, every Phins pass defender had a long week against the Lions, so this will be a golden opportunity to balance out their time with Detroit.
Special teams will also be under the microscope, as preseason games offer the chance to evaluate kick coverage, return units, and field-goal consistency. But the special teams shined brightest amongst all the units last week and I expect it to continue.
Saturday’s matchup against Detroit will measure the impact of key players and identify areas for immediate improvement against a tough and talented Detroit Lions team. Let’s hope we see some strong growth over last week and, either way, have no injuries!
Go Phins!!!