Dolphins Top Takeaways: Miami Gets Richer At RB
Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
The Miami Dolphins opened up their NFL preseason with a 20-13 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, but the final score really doesn’t matter all that much. More important for the Dolphins is how good (or bad) some key components of the team played on the field. Let’s look at five things we learned from the year’s first preseason game.
Backup QB Candidates Leave Something On Table
One of the biggest storylines heading into the game was the backup quarterback battle between Skyler Thompson and Mike White. Thompson got the start for the Dolphins and played the entire first half. After a slow start to the game, he played better as he got closer to half. Thompson finished the game by completing 8 of his 19 passes for 95 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
The interception was an awful pass, but he did have a couple of nice drives, including the one which resulted in a touchdown to Jeff Wilson Jr. White came in the second half and had some struggles. A couple of drops didn’t help his play, but there weren’t many bright spots, as he completed 4 of his 14 passes for 26 yards. Thompson played better, but he didn’t make the plays that could have locked up down as the backup quarterback.
Siran Neal Could Be A Bargain
Siran Neal left the Buffalo Bills to sign a $2 million contract in Miami, and if the first game is any indication, that is going to be a steal. On the opening kickoff, Neal made the tackle at the 23-yard line. On the next possession, he stripped the ball from Falcons receiver Chris Blair, setting up the Dolphins with good field position.
Neal did end up having to go to the locker room later with an injury, but it doesn’t appear that is going to be something that will keep him out long. Neal might still mostly be a special teams player with the Dolphins, but if he sees the field on defense, he could be a great addition.
Miami Still Loaded At Running Back
The Dolphins have so many quality running backs, and they proved that again in the first game. Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane sat out the game, which meant plenty of time for Wilson, Jaylen Wright, and Chris Brooks.
The Dolphins didn’t need to see much from Wilson, but he still found the end zone on a pass. More impressive, though, were Wright and Brooks, who are fighting for a spot on the Dolphins or another squad across the league. Wright rushed 10 times for 55 yards and a touchdown, while Brooks logged 12 carries for 40 yards.
Miami will have a big decision to make in the running back room, and even if one of these backs can’t stay in South Beach, they will be on an NFL roster this year. On a different team, Wright probably could be a starter right now, and the Dolphins have too many quality running backs for him to see much run this year.
Patrick Paul Looks For Real
Maybe we are jumping too early on the Patrick Paul train, but after the first game, it’s time to declare that he has a long-term home on the Dolphins. The 6-foot-7 tackle was selected in the second round of this year’s draft, and for now, he is stuck behind Terron Armstead on the depth chart. If Armstead gets hurt or the Dolphins move on from him, the opener gives us confidence that Miami will be just fine. Paul was excellent in the run and pass game in the first game, and the front office has to be very happy with the way he looked, and confident that he can be the answer long term.
Field Must Be Figured Out
Players were slipping and sliding all over Hard Rock Stadium on Friday night, and those conditions are simply unacceptable for the way Miami is built. The Dolphins’ offense is known for its speed, and constant slipping will slow them down much more effectively than any defensive scheme. There has to be concern for injuries also and with Tua Tagovailoa dealing with injuries in the past, the Dolphins are one bad slip away from their $214-million-dollar man being lost for the season. The field needs to be fixed, and it needs to be done soon.
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