Miami Dolphins: What we learned this summer | Schad
TAMPA — The Miami Dolphins could have lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 70-0, on Friday night and we wouldn't have cared, and we'd say you shouldn't care, either.
The Bucs decided to play all but two starters in the preseason finale.
(At least for a short — very short — while).
The Dolphins decided to use only two players who might be starters.
Early on, it was varsity vs. JV.
This spring and summer and preseason was all about trying to keep as many Dolphins as possible healthy.
And yet somehow there are still too many Miami players who have been injured or are injured or whose status for the season opener against Jacksonville in 16 days is still in question.
Before this game, we noticed receiver Erik Ezukanma and safety Patrick McMorris on the field in walking boots, which is not at all ideal. This may impact Miami's 53-man roster decisions, which are due by Tuesday at 4 p.m.
We didn't learn all that much on Friday night during the Bucs' 24-14 victory beyond that the preseason is still too long.
But as we approach a Miami season in which one or more playoff victories should be considered a must, there are a few things we can say we learned this preseason.
Miami Dolphins preseason and training camp: What we learned
Tua Tagovailoa should be better than ever
Tua is in great shape. And he's in a great mental state. He's got a command of the offense. He's empowered by his head coach and his new contract. And he's more of an outspoken leader than ever.
Miami needs Tua to stay healthy, because...
Skylar Thompson may have slightly edged Mike White in the preseason. But neither has taken the giant step forward Mike McDaniel may have liked to see. Would the Dolphins consider adding a veteran backup quarterback?
Embarrassment of riches at running back
It's possible no NFL team has as much talent in its running back room as Miami. The trio of Raheem Mostert, De'Von Achane and Jaylen Wright is dynamic. Miami should run even more in 2024. Miami wants to be more physical in 2024. Miami will need that to succeed late in the season and in cold conditions.
OBJ a factor eventually... or what?
There's no way the Dolphins would have thought that Odell Beckham, Jr., would not have taken a single practice or game rep by August 23, right? OBJ has had some knee concerns in the past. Miami doesn't need OBJ to be a star, but the Dolphins were counting on him to contribute. When will we finally see him on the field?
Interior offensive line concerns
Injured left guard Isiah Wynn has been AWOL all summer. Starting center Aaron Brewer has a hand injury. Liam Eichenberg and Lester Cotton are possible starters at center and/or guard but neither has excelled. Nor has guard/center/tackle Jack Driscoll. Will Miami add an interior offensive linemen. I hope GM Chris Grier has an unlimited text plan.
Without Christian Wilkins, run defense a concern
Benito Jones is hurt. Da'Shawn Hand, Calais Campbell and Brandon Pili are Miami's top defensive tackles at the moment. Without Bradley Chubb, rookie edge rushers Chop Robinson and Mo Kamara may have to prove early they can hold up against the run. This is all a concern, folks.
Defensive chemistry may take time
The Dolphins are implementing a new scheme led by coordinator Anthony Weaver. And too many players have been in and out of the lineup due to injury and maintenance. Defensive backs Jalen Ramsey, Kendall Fuller, Jevon Holland and Jordan Poyer have almost never been on the field at the same time this summer. That's far from ideal.
Players pointing up
Here are some Dolphins who appear to have taken a step forward: Cam Smith (if he can stay healthy), Ethan Bonner, Erik Ezukanma (if he can stay healthy). There's every reason to believe Jaylen Waddle, Jevon Holland and De'Von Achane will all take a step toward true stardom.
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins training camp and preseason lessons | Schad
