Dolphins Up On Offense: Skylar Thompson
In the ups and downs of the first preseason game Dolphins third string quarterback Skylar Thompson’s play was a positive. Both Tua Tagovailoa and Teddy Bridgewater sat out against the Buccaneers. That meant Thompson was the only quarterback to play for Miami. He missed some throws in the Dolphins 26-24 win over Tampa Bay Saturday night, but he did go 20-28-218-1-0. Thompson also showed good mobility in breaking off a 21 yard run, and he had a good connection with receiver Lynn Bowden Jr as well.
Miami’s Positives On Defense: Turnovers And Run D
On defense the Dolphins only gave up 31-88 rushing. Tampa is not the best running team, but Miami’s run defense has had its issues as well. The Dolphins defense did force two turnovers, off of pressure on Kyle Trask. Elijah Campbell’s juggling interception led to the Dolphins first touchdown. Miami took the lead when Darius Hodge forced Trask to fumble and Sam Eguavoen picked it up and returned it 32 yards for the score.
Bowden And Sanders Stand Out On Special Teams
Bowden led Miami in receiving yards, but the punt and kick return skills he showed make the best case for him to make the final 53 man roster. Jason Sanders connected on all four of his field goals, including a 52 and 53 yarder. Sanders struggled last year but has had a strong camp so far.
Worst On Offense: Run Game
The Dolphins had two runs gain 41 yards, but Tampa held them to just 12-8 the rest of the night. Yes, Tampa’s run defense was one of the best in the league last year, and Miami’s rush offense was 30th in yards gained. Miami’s offense runs to set up the pass. The Dolphins reserve offensive linemen need to show more to help make Head Coach Mike McDaniel’s wide zone offense work.
Worst Of Defense: Coverage
Trask and Blaine Gabbert combined for 30-38-301-2-1 passing for Tampa Bay. Miami struggled to cover Tyler Johnson and the Buccaneers backs. In addition Trill Williams appeared to tear his ACL after making a tackle. Depth is an issue at corner for Miami. Williams unfortunate injury forces Miami to look to free agents for help in the secondary.
Mike McDaniel’s Head Scratching Call
Late in the game McDaniel accepted a holding call against the Buccaneers. It gave Tampa two chances to pick up 21 yards, which they did. It almost cost Miami the game. No other call stood out as that questionable for McDaniel’s first game. Jose Borregales’ missed a 49 field goal with no time left let McDaniel off the hook for a strange call.
Overall Grade For Miami
The Dolphins played a C+ game Saturday night. The offensive line’s reserves need the most work and improvement. McDaniel needs a strong offensive line for his wide zone offense to work. Finding another corner after Williams injury is now priority number one on defense.
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