The Dolphins are hosting their 2nd consecutive game at Hard Rock Stadium tomorrow evening at 7PM as they welcome the Washington Commanders, who they have been practicing and scrimmaging against the last few days. One of the most interesting storylines is who plays and how much. This is a preseason game after all. Andy Reid, HC of the Super Bowl winning Kansas City Chiefs believes in playing his starters and getting them playing time so they’re ready for the long haul. Hard to argue the results Any Reid has yielded, since the Chiefs have won back to back Super Bowls. On the other hand, this is a 20 game season, 3 preseason games, and 17 regular season games. The Dolphins haven’t had an issue starting strong, it’s been quite the opposite. In 2022, the Dolphins started out 8-3, and then faded to a 9-8 finish. Last season, the Dolphins ripped off a 9-3 start, only to once again fade at the end of the season to an 11-6 record. To add, in 2022 we lost in the WC playoff game against the Bills and then again in 2023, the same result, a Wild Card loss to the Chiefs. In other words, I think HC Mike McDaniel has to be more mindful of “saving” players so they’re more likely to be healthy at the end of the season. That’s a difficult tightrope to walk, because as Rock would gladly tell you, ALL the games count.
All that being said, I do expect to see more starters play this week, and in general, more players playing. Last week there were a higher percentage of players on the 90 man roster that sat than played, I think it was around 40 total players that participated last week. That number will much higher and starters will at least see a series or two, including QB Tua Tagovailoa. The Dolphins made a big statement this week releasing DT Teair Tart, who some felt might be the starting NT. That spot now appears to belong to DL Benito Jones. Our rotation looked pretty solid last week against mostly 2’s, 3’s and 4’s of the Falcons. This week, they will see more starters and more of the 2nd tier linemen. Once again, picking up Calais Campbell, for less than market value was a huge get. I love Campbell opposite Sieler. You know how deeply upset the loss of Wilkins made me, but bringing in Calais Campbell was a great elixir and I feel much better about our defense. Hopefully the rotation guys continue to shine, meaning Jonathan Harris, Brandon Pili, Neville Gallimore, Da’Shawn Hand and Isaiah Mack.
The offensive roster breakdown is going to be very interesting to me. How many QB’s, WR’s, RB, TE’s and OL will we carry. We carried 9 OL last season, I’d expect the same this season. LT Terron Armstead, LG Robert Jones, C Aaron Brewer, RG Liam Eichenberg and RT Austin Jackson. Is it possible that if projected LG starter Isaiah Wynn isn’t healthy enough to play the first 4 weeks that he gets cut? LT Patrick Paul and T Kendall Lamm are locked in. It appears that T/G/C Jack Driscoll is a shoe in as well. That leaves one more spot, and don’t be surprised if it’s not Wynn. You can only wait so long, and be ever so hopeful. G Lester Cotton, T Ryan Hayes, OG’s Andrew Meyer, Seth Harlow and Matthew Jones are all available now, and that just might factor in this decision.
AS for WR, I have no idea which way this could go. Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and OBJ are locked. After that though, it’s a dogfight. With a roster of smaller, less physical WR’s, you’d think third year WR Erik Ezukanma 6’2 210 might have a leg up, but he’s been often injured, and that will hurt him as vies to make the roster. When I say physical, I mean catching contested balls, and running after the catch. We haven’t see either of those per se from EZ, but we have seen him with the football on end arounds, and maybe a screen or two, and he’s the most physical one with the ball in his hands of the bunch. Veteran WR River Cracraft is a savvy guy who can get open and is an excellent blocker in the pass game. If I had to pick a player I think faces the steepest uphill battle to make the roster, it’s Braxton Berrios. I feel that rookie WR Malik Washington is his replacement, so I’m thinking Hill, Waddle, OBJ, Cracraft, EZ and Washington, if we carry 6 WR’s. Early in the season we carried 5 wideouts, later 6.
The Tight End battle will be another one to watch. The top 3 are set, and perhaps that’s all we carry. Durham Smythe, Jonnu Smith and Julian Hill are locked. We know they love potential of Tanner Conner, but will it ever be realized in a Dolphins uniform? Conner left PS 1 against the Falcons with potentially a rib injury, but nothing was confirmed on that front. Yeah, he looked great on that long catch and run play, but can he play more than 3 plays without getting hurt? Former Chiefs TE Jody Fortson, who seems more like a big WR is another player hoping to make the roster. Hayden Rucci is the other guy fighting for a roster spot, and don’t be surprised if we carry on three.
The RB battle might be a little easier to decipher. Well, at least as far as the top 3, which are co-starters Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane, and then rookie sensation Jaylen Wright. Who wins that final roster spot, and yes, we’ll almost certainly be carrying 4 running backs, will probably be determined after the preseason. Veteran Jeff Wilson Jr., Chris Brooks and Salvon Ahmed will be battling for the final spot. Both Wilson and Brooks are two of the more physical runners in the group, but age is on Brooks side, experience on Wilson’s. Ahmed, who seems to always be counted somehow always sticks because MM loves the guy. FB Alec Ingold is locked in. I think it will be Brooks, but this last spot is very unpredictable
Once again, lets hope for no injuries, and some good, clean play all around on both offense and defense. We’re still going to be seeing lots of basic, vanilla stuff from both our team and the opposition, but that’s when you can really gauge game play. No one is going to be fooled out there, it’s just mano a mano, so if you want to make the roster, you’d better show well on that game film or you may be looking for a job next week. There’s a different kind of excitement now, this is Tua’s team, he’s confident, happy, and poised to take the next step in his career. Just stay healthy, and that goes of course not just for Tua, but the entire roster, as that was our undoing at the end of the season last year. Such a pleasure to see OLB Jaelan Phillips activated off the PUP! I’m so excited for him and our defense. We have to be careful with him, we need him around at the end, so Chop Robinson, Quinton Bell, Emmanuel Ogbah and Mo Kamara have to be effective when the big guy rests.
GO DOLPHINS!!!
Finsmob Unleashed 
using motion so often allows us to lull the D to sleep at times, while Tua pitches it Hill or Jonnu for a quick 10 yards
Hayden Winks
@HaydenWinks
Follow
New Seahawks OC Ryan Grubb has used motion at the 2nd-highest rate so far this preseason: 1. Dolphins (80% !!!) 2. Seahawks (70%) 3. 49ers (69%) — 31. Falcons (15%) 32. Commanders (10% !!!)
@flasportsbuzz
NEW from
@OmarKelly
and me: Tyreek Hill wearing a protective brace on right hand. Many injury updates from Dolphins practice that just ended
https://miamiherald.com/sports/nfl/miami-dolphins/article290180259.html
And who impressed and who didn’t today.
@flasportsbuzz
Tyreek wasn’t seen catching passes today. McDaniel assuredly will be asked about this Wednesday. More than 20 Dolphins now injured.
https://www.profootballnetwork.com/miami-dolphins-early-season-vision-jaelan-phillips/
@CameronWolfe
Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill is latest player dealing with minor injury. He wore a removable brace on right hand during practice today.
Hill was in uniform/helmet but I didn’t spot him catch a pass. Mike McDaniel has noted caution with many players to get/keep them healthy for season
@flasportsbuzz
If Tyreek injury was very serious, he assuredly wouldn’t have been involved in parts of individual practice. Tyreek was out here involved in non catching things. Brewer (hand) hasn’t been doing individual work
————
It’s obvious Eich will be the starting center come game 1, possibly longer.
@chrisperk
Dolphins camp observations: Starters, including Phillips and Armstead, get heavy workload in reduced-speed practice
Nothing from Travis Wingfield or Joe Schad on practice. Must be saving for joint practice tomorrow.
We have a patient here today with the last name Bookman 🙂
There’s a guy on our city FB page who’s name is Tim Knight it makes me laugh whenever I see him chime in on something.
LOL! I bet!
😂
😂
Did you ask him if he was a library cop?
Go to 20:00.
for what? NO F Tom Lady
You’ll see.
I don’t even recognize this guys name. LOL
You go young man!
▪ Linebacker Curtis Bolton, trying to earn a roster spot, was an absolute menace during a three-minute stretch, making three consecutive big plays.
On the first one, Bolton forced a Wright fumble on a short completion from Skylar Thompson. Rookie cornerback Jason Maitre recovered it and would have returned it for a touchdown if the play had been permitted to continue.
Bolton then sacked Thompson on the next play. And Bolton then forced another fumble on a catch by Jonnu Smith.
He made some nice plays in the game against Washington.
PS maybe, we have lots of LBs, if he can cover though…
Piss off Flores, I believe Tua all day over you
https://thehill.com/homenews/ap/ap-sports/ap-vikings-dc-flores-says-he-was-hurt-by-tagovailoas-sharp-criticism-but-wishes-dolphins-qb-well/
^
Not sure what you mean, but he didn’t DENY anything Tua said. In fact, he said he learned and could/would do better.
He saved faced, of course. I give him the benefit of the doubt, that he fucked up and can do better. He admitted it, as much.
He certainly can’t say Tua is racist…lol
Steven Burkett@Steve_BurkettLet’s just say that I really hope that if the NFL is fixing games for their agenda that I am praying that their agenda will bring the Dolphins and Vikings to the Super Bowl. 🙏🏻🤞🏻#GoFins #BrianFlores #Tua
https://x.com/finscentral/status/1825966529852195322
EZ
@chrisperk
It goes beyond injuries. Last 2 yrs Fins are 17-4 vs. non playoff teams & 3-12 vs. playoff teams
People are way overthinking this. This is not a dolphin centric stat EVERY team has worse records against teams with better records. It’s the nature of records!!
Gotta disagree with that. Not even close to .500 is pathetic.
you have to emotionally disagree? Because if you do a little research you would stop disagreeing.
In general he problem with that stat is, when you beat a borderline playoff team, that loss for them may help eliminate them, while the team you lost to gets in because of the win
Now for us, we caught the good teams at a bad time, usually when decimated, we still lost, but it really means nothing going forward
@schadjoe
TAMPA – In advance of joint practice vs. Dolphins, Bucs today named rookie Graham Barton starting center
Dolphins passed on Barton in draft and now he’s involved in one of our Top 5 Dolphins-Bucs matchups to watch tomorrow
hey I’m in Tampa now😜
It’s looking like the Driscoll signing was a good one. His versatility is very valuable.
Reverted to IR from waived-injured: Dolphins Zeke Vandenburgh
That makes 7 players to IR already. Though only 1 of significance is Kion Smith.
again Grier uses IR like a taxi squad, some of these guys could come back at some point this year, but by IRing them it buys us another year to take a look, for these unlikely to make the 53 players
Huh…https://www.news4jax.com/weather/2024/08/20/atlantic-nina-could-pour-cold-water-on-hyperactive-hurricane-forecast/
I’ve been noticing for the past month how unseasonably cold the water has been in the ocean at Sebastian
Shit happens, that we haven’t figured out yet, but every time it’s in the hotter variety it’s always man-made global warming, but when colder not a peep
in Vegas last year we had a week, when the temps were at record highs, the rest of the summer it was cooler than normal, yet they only talked about the hot week
more evidence to support tge climate change whackjobs🤔
https://www.sfgate.com/weather/article/california-forecast-rain-thunderstorms-snow-19667132.php
Ok, yeah, sure
https://blackandteal.com/posts/jaguars-probably-coasting-to-week-1-win-after-major-tyreek-hill-update-01j5rc5snftw
put it on the bulletin board MM
I call BS, but that’s creative MM
https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/sports/nfl/dolphins/2024/08/20/miami-dolphins-mike-mcdaniel-backup-quarterbacks-skylar-thompson-mike-white/74744113007/
TAMPA — Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill is apparently dealing with a minor thumb injury that will keep him out of most, if not all, of Wednesday’s joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
What’s more, the odds are near zero he plays in Friday’s preseason finale.
McDaniel said Tyreek COULD practice fully today but it may put him at risk of further injury. They will get healthy, prioritizing Week 1. Same for Jaylen Waddle.
@AdamHBeasley
Mike McDaniel said “there’s some spots still to settle” on the Miami Dolphins’ offensive line
—————–
Yeah
@OmarKelly
Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel explained that the interior offensive line spots remain unsettled. No decisions made on the starting OG spots.
why would MM say anything more?
@OmarKelly
Healthy receivers the Dolphins offense have to work with today vs the Bucs: Braxton Berrios, Erik Ezukanma, Malik Washington, Anthony Schwartz, Je’Quan Burton and Kyric McGowan.
—————-
Yikes
why yikes? It’s PS, if it were regular season we’d be fine
We’ve got enough receivers now that, if someone goes down, we can still run our full O effectively (Jonnu is a receiver)
the bonus of these nagging injuries is MM doesn’t put them in place to make the injury worse, if they don’t play/practice the chance of getting hurt with any injury is slim
Hill And Waddle both in pads and doing drills but won’t do any team drills.
see
@schadjoe
Jonnu Smith caught two impressive TDs in 1 on 1 at Dolphins vs. Bucs joint practice. Jonnu has really turned it on.
see😜
@OmarKelly
Storm Duck is starting in placed of Jalen Ramsey.
the weather conditions are stormy here, with a chance of an int
@gregauman
Zyon McCollum with a sideline pick as 11-on-11 drills begin with Bucs defense and Dolphins offense.
don’t look🤪
I think MM’s conservative approach to player safety/healing is commenable…managing player involvement in games, as well.
agree, but people still get all up in arms at all the injuries (guys he’s just protrcting)
Jonnu 10 yards downfield, before the D knows he has the ball
https://x.com/BaldyNFL/status/1826239979733025225
MM creaming his drawers thinking of the possibilities with Jonnu (me too)
every week we’ll see at least a couple of new plays for him
https://x.com/evan_AtoZ/status/1826267364369011149
Calais and Sieler blowing up Bucs OL
@OmarKelly
Jordan Poyer is practicing with his thumb brace. But didn’t see him in 11 on 11s just now
mismatch
@OmarKelly
Jaelan Phillips is here, but he has no helmet. He can’t join the fun.
Rock
Nope. No emotion for a 1-5 record against playoff teams. I don’t know about you but I’d like them to win a game against the better teams in the league for once…..when it matters.
So I guess enjoy the meaningless stats from the perenniall chokers. That’s all they are until they prove otherwise.
you missed my point. ALL teams have worse records against playoff teams. Look it up. It’s not just the Dolphins. It’s the nature of matchups against better teams.
9 playoff teams had a .500 record or better last year.
1-5 just ain’t going to get it done is my point. They are dreadfully worse
From Joe Schad:
Miami Dolphins practice updates: Tyreek Hill injury
– Mike McDaniel said Tyreek Hill could practice and play theoretically but they’ll be cautious with a thumb injury and so nothing in team work today. Mike jokes he played thumb war with Tyreek.
– Mike says some starters will play and other won’t on Friday night. For the majority of the starters, that makes today a big practice.
– Growth and demonstrating positivity amid turmoil are the keys for backup quarterbacks Mike White and Skylar Thompson in today’s practice. Mike also indicated both will play Friday.
– Tua is a “freakish” learner, Mike says. One of Tua’s top four goals was mobility and extending plays thorough fitness goals and he has done that.
– Mike feels good about the top players on the offensive line. But there are still some spots to be settled.
Joe Schad:
Highlights from Miami Dolphins vs. Tampa Bay Bucs practice
@OmarKelly
Jordan Poyer took some 11 on 11 reps. First 11 on 11 I’ve seen him in.
@JennaLaineESPN
6ft 8 Calais Campbell (predictably) leaps up into the air and bats down a Baker Mayfield pass on this period’s first red zone play for Tampa Bay. Dolphins go nuts.
Rock – Our record against better teams is why we can’t end the 24 year playoff win drought. It’s a real problem Rock. We have to get better there or we’ll never be able to advance in the playoffs.
Hope it is something minor for EZ. We may only have 4 WR’s available for the final PS game.
@gregauman
Bucs and Dolphins are done. Commendably void of any fisticuffs. They’ll play Friday night to close out the preseason.
@WingfieldNFL
Practice, and camp, has concluded. Ethan Bonner was a man possessed today. Matching tight ends, ran a vertical and a hitch for a WR for a breakup, had a big pop behind the LOS that got the Dolphins sideline fired up.
The Bucs couldn’t block Sieler and Campbell, wrecked shop in the run and pass game consistently – 2 Sieler sacks in 11’s
Wilkins who? 😉
@OmarKelly
Goal line situation. Miami put on 2 yard line and Tua throws touchdown pass to Achane. Ball had some zip on it.
@JennaLaineESPN
Pick-6 for Dolphins safety Mark Perry on a Kyle Trask pass intended for Bucs tight end Sal Cannella during 11-on-11s.
@OmarKelly
Bucs just executed a field goal fake and converted on the Dolphins.
#CrossmanhasnakedpicturesofMM
LOL HE MUST!!
lol! No shit!!!
Live game on NFL network Friday night is Jags and Falcons.
NFLN is replaying the Dolphins/Bucs game at 1am Saturday and 3:30am Wednesday (eastern time).
That’s it so, if you want to watch, better live stream Friday night.
I’m going to start with the statement that is so obvious it is stupid. Yes, the Dolphins need to do better against “good teams”. But they need to just do better overall with their record to get further in the playoffs. It is absolutely not that they CANNOT win against these teams, just in the small sample size of 2 seasons they HAVE NOT.
The AFC was / is especially hard to win in. There were only 6 AFC teams with losing records last year.
Last year the Bills, Dolphins, Chiefs, Ravens, Browns, Texans and Steelers made the playoffs.
Here is who they lost to in the regular season:
Miami – Bills (x2) Eagles, Chiefs, Titans, Ravens (5 winning teams)
Bills – Jets, Jags, Pats, Bengals, Broncos, Eagles – (3 winning teams)
Chiefs – Lions, Broncos, Eagles, Packers, Bills, Raiders (4 winning teams)
Ravens – Colts, Steelers (x2), Browns (4 winning teams)
Browns – Chiefs, Steelers, Ravens, Seahawks, Broncos, Rams, Bengals (6 winning teams)
Steelers – 49rs, Texans, Jags, Browns, Cardinals, Pats, Colts (5 winning teams)
Texans – Ravens, Colts, Falcons, Panthers, Jags, Jets, Browns (4 winning teams)
I am only posting the AFC playoff bracket here, but it is the same for the NFC, except worse because they lost more as a group and lost more to the winning AFC.
As you can see, MOST of the teams losses above came against “winning teams”
Do you guys think it is better for good teams to lose to “losing teams”? Of course it would not be! But a loss is still a loss. If we beat all the “winning teams” on our schedule and lost the same 6 games to “losing teams” (5 games, Titans is in that count) then our record would be the same, but we may not have made the playoffs at all.
What makes a winning team a winning team is that they won (against whomever was on their schedule.) The records of the teams had nothing to do with winning the next game on their schedule. (ask the Chiefs who lost to the Broncos and Raiders) which by the way, if those two games had gone the other way, would have made the Broncos and Raiders “winning teams” too and then we would have beat 3 “winning teams” last year.
ANY GIVEN SUNDAY.
Shit, we destroyed the Broncos, but they went on to beat the Packers, Chiefs, Bills and Browns. (along with other “losing teams”
The team knows they have to win more games and in the playoffs. That’s the goal for every team.
It ALL starts with beating the Bills, Jets and Pats. If we had split with the bills last year we would have had Home Field throughout the playoffs. (or if we had one the Germany game)
A season really DOES come down to ONE play sometimes. Tyreek doesn’t fumble for a Chiefs TD our seeding is totally different.
We just take care of business at home against the Bills we make it to the AFC championship.
** had WON
@AaronWilson_NFL
#Dolphins one-year deal for Anthony McFarland: $1.055 million
—————-
Higher than one would have thought.
@AaronWilson_NFL
#Dolphins one-year deal for Zander Horvath: $915,000
@AaronWilson_NFL
#Dolphins one-year deal for Dequan Jackson: $795,000
@AaronWilson_NFL
#Dolphins one year deal for Jadon Janke: $795,000
He’s a bigger WR, 6’2 212.
@WingfieldNFL
Tua’s first pass was picked, but then he got right back to dime city. Had a beautiful corner shot to Brax and a wheel to Achane for a long TD.
Miami couldn’t get much going in the run game inside, but they sprung a handful of wide runs, including a 25-yard TD by Raheem and one that I’m scoring as a 50-yard TD from Achane
@WingfieldNFL
Would like to clarify here on the inside run game — go ahead and check teams trying to run the ball inside on Tampa for the last five years. You literally can’t do it because Vita Vea is basically Gandalf protecting the rings in the middle of that Bucs defense.
LOL at Wingfield giving excuses for a sub par IOL.
Vita Vea:
cross out pass and type in “run” LOL
He is a beast but when you have nothing to counter that on your IOL forget about running in the middle. They couldn’t up the middle vs the Commanders either. It’s an obvious problem.
Smaller, “speedier” linemen. We are going to miss Hunt mauling guys in the run game. (but even with him we couldn’t push for those 3rd and 1 plays!)
Seems like a lot of less known DBs are playing well. I saw it in the PS.
Would be nice to see them stay on and develop like Bonner has.
Yeah someone in our scouting department is very good at this. Every year we find them.
we need that same eye when scouting for OL
Brian, most teams are looking for OL and keeping them healthy. Every team is looking for 160 starters.
Most teams are looking for backup OLs. We are still looking for our starting 5. TIFI
So, no more practice reports until next May. womp wahhh
On the bright side, we are only 18 days from the opener!
This is from last week’s PS game against the Falcons, but “Darth Paul” is showing signs of a great future. And remember, T-Stead is going to be able to coach him up on technique and fundamentals…
@fintroopers
L
KIN’ GOOD, ROOK!
@PatrickPaul_76
#PatrickMAUL
*Inspired by
@RonCanniffFins
·
6,512 Views
*Inspired by
@RonCanniffFins
·
6,512 Views
@schadjoe
TAMPA – Miami Dolphins’ Chop Robinson meets Bucs star Tristan Wirfs: ‘He sees something great in me.’
Dolphins’ rookie Chop Robinson meets Bucs All Pro Tristan Wirfs: ‘He sees something great in me.’
From palmbeachpost.com
·
1,710 Views
Sigh….
Look at all those underlines/links…. 🤦🏼♀️😂
It sucks! LOL
Wish WordPress would just make it the way it used to be!
THANK YOU, for all you do, Herd! 😀
And what do ya know… Colin Cowherd (who goes by TheHerd on Twitter) made mention of us below!
@TheHerd
“I’m going to move the Dolphins into the playoffs and the Chargers out.” —
4:34
#TheHerd with Colin Cowherd on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and iHeartRadio. 12 PM – 3 PM ET
·54.8K Views
As far as I can tell, after two PS games and with camp ending, our Achilles heel is our interior O-Line (sound familiar?).
Both Graham Barton and Cooper Beebe are KILLING IT thus far for the Bucs and Cowboys, respectively… we passed on both. Was it worth it for Chop Robinson and Patrick Paul? Maybe so! Only time will reveal, of course.
In the meantime, we’ll have to wait until other teams make their cutdowns to a final-53 to see if a BIG name IOL drops, or if a youngster IOL who we covet may become available.
I’ve got my eyes on one C. J. Hanson, Chefs* 7th round G/C, Holy Cross. His athletic ability is off the charts incredible. If they try to stash him on their practice squad, I’m coming to poach him.
So WHY did Hanson drop to the 7th round, one may ask? It’s simple: he’s still a project who needs to add weight to his 6’5″, 300 lbs frame.
https://ras.football/ras-information/?PlayerID=19081&ovl=Holy+Cross
Alright, if I poach him, he has to join our 53-man roster. Let us hope he gets cut outright and we can sign him to OUR practice squad for further development.
WLLWWWWLLWWLWLWLL
9-8 and miss the playoffs Womp Wahhhh
Stock Up
With Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and River Cracraft sidelined, Erik Ezukanma became the main focus of the passing game, and delivered consistently for all of Miami’s quarterbacks until he limped off the field in the final minutes of practice. Ezukanma’s strong finish to training camp should keep the 2021 fourth-round pick safe when it comes to next week’s cuts, which will trim the roster down to 53 players.
In an end of practice two-point conversion situation, which gave every team’s first-team and second-team offense and defense a snap against one another starting from the 2-yard line, Calais Campbell deflected Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield’s pass at the line of scrimmage, ending the Buccaneers’ first-team offense’s rep. It capped a solid day, and respectable camp from the 37-year-old, who has seemingly inherited a leadership role with his new team.
Stock Down
In his first day back in 11-on-11s after being sidelined for a week with concussion symptoms, Ethan Bonner allowed a deep ball to be completed by Ryan Miller and slipped off the tackle, which would have allowed a 50-yard touchdown. This isn’t to pick on Bonner’s performance Wednesday. Even Jalen Ramsey, who didn’t participate in team drills, would struggle against Tampa Bay’s Mike Evans, but the second-year cornerback wasn’t playing with the same giddy up and swagger he usually has.
In fairness to David Long Jr., who has been nursing two injuries this camp, he’s respected for his run-stopping instincts. But the starting inside linebacker’s struggles in coverage can’t, or shouldn’t be ignored. He was beaten badly in 1-on-1s consistently, especially by Buccaneers rookie tailback Bruce Irving, and the Buccaneers completed plenty of passes to tight ends over the middle of the field during Wednesday’s joint practice. Because of Long’s struggles in coverage the Dolphins better hope the injury that has sidelined Anthony Walker Jr. three weeks heals quickly.
TAKEAWAY FROM THE DAY
New defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver might have his work cut out for him early this season because of all the injuries Miami’s defenders are nursing. Starting nose tackle Benito Jones hasn’t practiced in three weeks. Safety Jordan Poyer is nursing a broken finger on his right hand, and safety Jevon Holland has been sidelined by an undisclosed injury. And that doesn’t even factor in the injuries that have limited cornerback Kendall Fuller, cornerback Ramsey, Long, linebacker Jordyn Brooks and others. The hope is that injuries will settle down and Miami’s defense won’t be forced to play the Sept. 8 season opener against Jacksonville with more than a couple backups in starting roles.
our line backers against TE’s
I hear that like you wouldn’t believe, Rockphin. That’s why I’ve been always in search of ‘the next Brian Urlacher’… somebody who can kill the run, AND be killer in coverage.
I had my eyes on Edefuan Ulofoshio for that very reason, but the Bills drafted him in the 5th round this year.
Ulofoshio was the #2 coverage LB in the ’24 NFL Draft, next to Payton Wilson out of NC State.
https://x.com/MF13SS/status/1783306720984318082
That reminds me… Dylan McMahon is somebody I’ll be looking for when cuts come down to the final-53 for the Eagles.
https://ras.football/ras-information/?PlayerID=19987&ovl=North+Carolina+State
FMU FANTASY FOOTBALL
Thank you to everyone who responded to my attendance email .. i am happy to say i will be running the FMU league again this year .. i have made zero changes to the rules or teams attending.. Piggy if you choose to actually manage your team this year FANTASTIC.. if not i will ensure it is competitive on a weekly basis for all opponents ..🤷♂️😎
based on previous years draft attendance , instead of polling everyone , and having 75% not show up or forget about it (i get it life happens) , i have just gone ahead and scheduled the LIVE draft for Tuesday Sept 3rd at 8:00 PM EDT..
Thanks Again to you all, and have a great Fins season..
Da Commish Mani(Toba) Fin Fan
Doug
Thanks Dougie Fresh!
Six minutes….six minutes….six minutes Dougie Fresh you’re on!
Yes!!!!! 🙂
Waddle Watches, Gains Wisdom While Held Out
Dolphins receiver Jaylen Waddle said he is ready to play Friday night if called upon and has been game-prepping by observing joint practice.
Scott Salomon | 15 Hours Ago
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has not participated in either of the two preseason games against the Atlanta Falcons or the Washington Commanders.He finally practiced on Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but did not participate in team 11-on-11 drills. He’s been held out due to a nagging injury he sustained during training camp.
“Just getting back right, just listening to the guys, just following my body,” Waddle said Wednesday morning from Tampa. “Something minor, but something that we have to respect. I’m just happy to be back out here working with the guys.
“Waddle is slowly working his way back into the lineup. He had been nursing nagging injuries, but he said he would be able to go if it were the regular season.
“I’m always ready to go,” Waddle said. “Sometimes they just gotta pull me back and keep me for myself and having me out there for regular season.”He would like to play in the final preseason game on Friday night against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the Dolphins might hold him out as a precaution.
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Precaution…lol. AKA, player management by MM.
I’m not throwing him out there with those 2 hacks throwing him the ball
isn’t that cute, MM sporting the Tua look😉
https://nypost.com/2024/08/21/sports/mike-mcdaniels-new-dolphins-look-goes-viral/
looks like Storm is making quite a name for himself and has a good chance to make the 53
His bad plays are all about technique. The ability is there. Size, strength and mobility.
^
Happy Birthday Mike E!
Is it really Mike E’s birthday? How do we know? I don’t think the calendar was invented yet….
Happy Birthday Mike!
Happy Birthday MikeE!
Of course they were mainly going against some 2’s mostly 3’s, but still nice to see.
@flasportsbuzz
Among all NFL cornerbacks targeted at least 5 times in preseason, Duck and Johnson are tied for the fifth-lowest (fifth-best from a defensive standpoint) passer rating against. Dolphins have a knack for finding promising young undrafted corners.
I just said that yesterday. They find good DBs after the draft.
Roster cuts have to be done by 4pm Tuesday.
https://www.profootballnetwork.com/miami-dolphins-offensive-line-plan-still-evolving/
Miguel de la E,
Happy B-Day, young man! Have a great day, thanks for all you do here, and I look forward to shaking your legendary HAND sometime sooner than later. Make it the best year of your life for you and Dana, my friend!
#Respect!
The Crab Man (Kyle Crabbs) giving his take on our potential and initial 53-man roster…
https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/sports/nfl/dolphins/2024/08/22/miami-dolphins-roster-depth-chart-decisions-tampa-bay-bucs-game/74866583007/
I did not realize that Kendall Lamb announced that he’s retiring after this season. 😦
According to Kyle Crabbs.
Yes, he said he’s giving it one more season. He wants to win a Super Bowl. 🙂
LETS MAKE IT HAPPEN!!!
HELL YEAH!!! 😀
Yeah, they even had to talk him in to coming back
Happy Birthday Mike E! 🎉🎂🍻
I think Crabbs is close. I do think he is wrong on 3 RB’s. I believe we keep 4.
Going to be some tough cuts. We have some promising players.
You always want tough cuts because that means you have a lot of good talent.
Truth!
I’m hoping the Bills have enough talent to cut Edefuan Ulofoshio, for example.
Happy Birthday Mike E, you’re the best have a great day
Anyone else feeling better about our DL without Campbell and Sieler, Phillips and Chubb? I am. It looks like we have some depth.
WITHOUT the above forementioned? No, I don’t feel nearly as confident as you, man.
I’ll give ya Chop and Mo on the EDGEs, but our D-Line without Campbell and Sieler is not looking… shall we say… really good.
He’s talking about our depth and not saying we’ll be fine, if all 4 were out, strange way of saying it, but it’s Tim, what do you want😜
😂
Yeah, I am too, we may actually take some starters off the field
Ridiculous last year how much Sieler and Wilkins played, and we wonder why we lost to the good teams
No, we do not wonder why. That question has been answered. It’s because Tua sucks and can’t beat good teams. End of story. Stop making excuses for the bum!
😂🤣😂🤣😆😆
happy birthday Mike!
curious move: commanders trade Dotson to the Eagles
Curious, indeed!
Dolphins Rookie Chop Robinson Is A Supersonic Missile | Film Review
I call BS
Chop can’t effect the play unless he’s getting a sack
Bingo! 😂
Happy 9653rd Mike E 😎
Happy Birthday Mike!
The most self centered guy on the board (ME)🤪
Hope you’re having a blast for your Bday tonight Mike E! Thanks for all you do. This place wouldn’t be the same without you.
MM smiles
https://atozsports.com/nfl/miami-dolphins-news/miami-dolphins-news-buccaneers-lavonte-david-new-looks-joint-practice-wednesday/
Thanks all for the birthday wishes!
Chop is the next Micah Parsons. His speed and power disrupts plays in ways not everyone can do.
Let’s be clear, he’s going to become a guy teams have to game plan for. LT and DT are the standard. Chop has the natural ability to at least be MP.
I don’t want to run my offense against him and Phillips. Not sure I can block that. Add Chubb, Kamara and maybe a guy like Bell. Just keep coming. 🙂
there was a sack in the game last week where the QB rolled left immediately, in fear of Chop, and got sacked by the right DE
Chop was coming fast, but the QB overreacted
Chop-chop…lol. And, I hope Mo Ka chop makes it, too….a little undersized but balls to the walls…lol
keep em fresh and keep em coming, passrush all day
the key to Tua’s success will be…can he spread the ball around
As well as the success/health of the OL
Tim,
Chop is good, but to say he’s the next Micah Parsons is pretty lofty. He has the pass rushing skills, but Parsons was much more accomplished as a tackler and stopping the run that Chop is when he came out. I hope you’re right though because I wanted Parsons desperately for this team!