Ok folks, this is the final preseason contest, and this one means an awful lot for guys fighting for roster spots. We’ll see a smattering of starters, but this game is mostly about seeing which guys step up and make their case to be included in the 53 man roster. Last week I discussed the offensive roster breakdown, today I’m going to focus more on the defense. In particular, there are quite a few young defensive backs who have really impressed in both training camp and preseason games, and we can only carry so many, especially since we have so many talented veteran safeties and corners already on the roster, such as Jevon Holland, Jordan Poyer, Marcus Maye, Jalen Ramsey and Kendall Fuller, there are but a few depth spots that remain. Is it possible any of the guys that have been here are in danger, like Kader Kohou, Nik Needham, Elijah Campbell?
I think Kader Kohou is safe. I think Nik Needham, who has stepped up in the past could be in danger, because the NFL is the most “What have you done for me lately?” league around. There are some impressive guys, guys that have worked hard all camp and preseason like CB Storm Duck, CB Jason Maitre, S Patrick McMorris and CB Isaiah Johnson. FYI, only S Patrick McMorris was drafted (Rd 6 pick #198), while Duck, Maitre and Isaiah Johnson were all undrafted free agents. It may be unfair, but this game may truly have a big impact as to whether some of these guys make the roster. Of course, it’s all cumulative, so the good work they’ve done during camp and preseason games all count, but this is the last chance to make a good impression.
Last season we carried 7 cornerbacks, and 5 safeties to begin the season. Knowing how much DC Anthony Weaver likes to use his safeties, I’d imagine we carry at least 5 again. As I mentioned earlier, Jevon Holland, Jordan Poyer and Marcus Maye who was signed earlier this year are probably locks. That leaves two more spots, so Patrick McMorris, Jordan Colbert and Mark Perry will be fighting for potentially one or two spots, At CB, it’s going to be tougher. Jalen Ramsey (who may get plenty of use as a safety in certain formations), Kendall Fuller and Kader Kohou are locked. I’d say ST’s ace, and yet another player who has played very well is CB Siran Neal. Also, Cam Smith, who the Dolphins drafted in RD 2 has played well, but also has been nicked up again. He needs to play, and play well. So with 4 locks, and maybe 3-5 spots to fight for, it should be an intense battle with Cam Smith, Storm Duck, Jason Maitre, Isaiah Johnson and Ethan Bonner, who has also flashed quite a bit. Some of these guys will end up on the practice squad, but I could see a couple of these guys poached by a CB needy team.
The defensive line and linebackers is also a little muddy. The trio of Zach Sieler (LDE), Benito Jones (NT) and Calais Campbell (RDE) are the starters. This will be the starkest contrast from last season, We carried only 5 defensive linemen, but this season in Anthony Weaver’s defense, we will have a heavy rotation of players, so we’ll need to carry at least 2-3 more DL than we did last season. This is where it’s muddy, at least for me. A few guys have flashed, but we have 10 DL, and as I’ve always maintained, I like DE/LB Emmanuel Ogbah better on the D-line despite the fact he’s listed as a LB on the depth chart., so his flexibility there could cost someone a roster spot. DL Da’Shawn Hand, Neville Gallimore, Brandon Pili, Jonathan Harris, Isaiah Mack and Robert Cooper will be competing for those final spots. That means 5 guys will be competing for potentially 2-3 spots, although I have no idea exactly how many DL Weaver will actually carry, this is just guesswork.
At linebacker, with Bradley Chubb beginning the season on the PUP list, that’s one spot that someone might have for a while longer out of necessity. The starters at inside are set, David Long Jr. along with newly signed Jordyn Brooks who signed an free agent from the Seattle Seahawks are the inside tandem. On the outside, we’ll have to see what Weaver decides to do. Will we start with Jaelan Phillips who was recently removed from the PUP list, or will he just get minimal playing time and be used in obvious passing downs? Emmanuel Ogbah and Jaelan Phillips are first on the depth chart, but you’d have to think rookie Chop Robinson will see a lot of reps as well as Quinton Bell and Mo Kamara. As far as who makes the roster, it will depend on how many spots are allocated. Phillips, Ogbah, Bell and Kamara seem like locks, especially with the uncertainty of if/when Chubb returns. Duke Riley and Anthony Walker will be the two depth guys on the inside and should be on the roster. Last season, we started with only 6 LB’s, I think we have to carry at least 7, Phillips, Ogbah, Long, Brooks, Robinson, Bell and Kamara, and possibly one more.
It’s possible the depth we carry on defense affects the offense, like maybe we carry only 3 TE’s instead of 4, or 5 WR’s instead of 6. OBJ is making things difficult being unavailable, and WR Erik Ezukanma limped off the field last game. He’s a guy that needs to suit up and play well, he looked great in the last game, so impressive, but the injuries are a real issue. He flashed early last season before going on IR after just 2 games. WR River Cracraft left the game banged up after catching a beautiful touchdown pass from Tua, so his availability is up in the air, but I think unless it’s more serious, Cracraft has earned a roster spot. I think rookie Malik Washington should have a roster spot as well due to his return ability which could put veteran Braxton Berrios in danger. I hope Ezukanma is healthy enough to go and his injury doesn’t keep him out long, because he brings something no other wide receiver we have on the roster brings, tough run after catch ability and size. Yes, TE Jonnu Smith gives you that too, but more options please!
GO DOLPHINS!!!
Finsmob Unleashed 
FOIST
Nice job MikeE! I didn’t catch a single typo either. I think I read that Craycraft’s injury is more serious than they had hoped. He is “week to week” They may start him off on PUP or IR (or get moved after the opener, for league reasons.
Damn, that kinda sucks, but it will open the door for someone else while he’s out.
you got it, we already know what Cracraft brings, and we don’t need him so much early in the season, let EZ have a shot
No typos? Amazing, because I didn’t even check it over
watch how bad Tindall #41 looks in this video, his instincts suck, like he’s a rookie
cut him now and put Bolton on 53
Bolton is solid
I would also like to see him on the 53. One of our ILB go down, I would not be overly concerned with him coming off the bench. Also, when giving someone a breather.
I think he is currently #5 on the depth chart behind Walker and Riley.
@MikeCugnoCBS4
Dolphins Assistant HC/TE Coach Jon Embree will handle head coaching duties in the second half of tonight’s preseason game vs. the Bucs. The Dolphins are using this as a practice run should Mike McDaniel ever have to miss a game (i.e. Covid).
McDaniel will still call plays for the offense.
Would you take Bolton over Riley or Walker? I think Walker is a big ST’s guy as well
Over Riley
I thought Duke played really well for a couple of games, had a bad game too.
Also to be fair, half the defense was out at that point, so it wasn’t him and all the starters
Nice write, Mike!
Thanks Tim!
Brian, I was talking about Chop’s upside. He’s very young and still a bit raw but his physical ability is elite. He also has good character and work ethic so I believe in him. In our mock draft I chose him for us because of those things.
Cuts happening already. Bengals cut ILB Aaron Casey. I liked him in the draft and think he would be an upgrade over Tindall on the PS.
They released 10 others also.
@AdamSchefter
Bengals announced they waived 11 players: –WR Hakeem Butler –HB Noah Cain –OT Jackson Carman –DE Andre Carter –LB Aaron Casey –S Michael Dowell –CB Allan George –WR Kwamie Lassiter II –QB Rocky Lombardi –G Eric Miller –DT Joshua Pryor
MikeE, this is from the herald
In past years, players must have been on the initial 53-man roster and then moved to injured reserve if the team wanted to preserve the possibility of that player returning that season.
That’s no longer the case.
Under new league rules, two players can be designated for return from injured reserve without being on the initial 53-man roster. (Those players must sit out at least four games.) But those two slots can be used only on players who are placed on IR early next week, as rosters are being trimmed.
Receiver River Cracraft, who will miss significant time with an upper body injury, is a logical option for one of those designated to return spots.
The other spot potentially could be used on cornerback Cam Smith (who has a hamstring injury and a compression sleeve on his leg), linebacker Anthony Walker (who has missed most of camp with an unspecified injury) or possibly defensive tackle Benito Jones, who hasn’t practiced in more than two weeks with an undisclosed injury.
Yeah injuries throw a monkey wrench into the 53 man decisions. What about OBJ?
Some of them can play though. They are just not risking setbacks. Still, it is hard to gage the severity of the injuries because they are not saying anything about them.
BTW, college football season kicks off tomorrow at 11am with FSU at Georgia Tech.
Many think they will have the best DL in the country, including Matt Miller.
——————
@nfldraftscout
All eyes tomorrow morning on the Florida State defensive line. This is the most talented starting line in the nation—loaded with NFL talent.
DE Patrick Payton is the headliner. He has special power, length and burst. There’s top 15 potential there.
I have been mocking FSU DT Farmer to us early day 3.
Thanks Rock! Good question by Tim about OBJ? Where the hell is he at right now?
Also – Wouldn’t Chubb be one of the players on the IR designated to return as well?
Thank you, Mike E.! That was awesome…I needed that…lol
YW Krishna – Glad you needed it!
I think Chubb and Cracraft, IR. Then OBJ on PUP.
Cam Smith was said to be week to week I thought.
Same… thought he was week-to-week as well.
Cornerback Cam Smith is “week-to-week” after leaving Saturday’s game with ice on his right hamstring.
“He did the most with his opportunities, he committed to things,” McDaniel said. “He gave up plays that were learning lessons and made plays there was some growth there. Handled some adversity which is gigantic for a corner in this league.
All these questions and more will be answered in only 93 hours and 56 minutes
45 minutes
or will they?
maybe the initial 53 will be the same roster we’ll have week 1, since we don’t have to put the IR guys on the 53
oh, i fully expect there will be surprise players on the squad week 2. That’s without even considering IR designations. The PS will be a juggle for the first month too I bet.
do any of you old men remember “Soap”
of course…lol
I think I’m an old fucker…man…lol
my post just above reminded me of the ending of Soap
I think Chubb will start on PUP and be moved to IR with designation to return after one of the others guys comes back in 4 weeks.
he can stay un PUP for 6 weeks, then if not ready to play would go to IR
Hopefully we have enough depth we won’t need him early, Chop/Kamara need to bite early
Rockphin
says:
August 23, 2024 at 6:23 pm
do any of you old men remember “Soap”
—————
I only know of “Soap” from ‘Antenna TV’. But yes, I like ‘Soap’, and knowing that it helped to launch a great many acting careers.
No surprise:
@AdamHBeasley
Tua Tagovailoa is here. Throwing in street clothes. Not playing tonight.
Joe Schad
TAMPA – Erik Ezukanma is in a boot on his left foot here in Tampa #MiamiDolphins
Damn these injuries
Doesn’t look like nflbite is working for the live stream.
nflstreamlink.com looks like it is up. I will try it in about 20 minutes.
Again, game only replays on NFL network at 1am tonight and 3:30am Wednesday.
It must be a new fashion thing:
@schadjoe
Miami Dolphins rookie safety Patrick McMorris has a boot on his right foot
Redshirting him? I don’t think this was officially announced yet.
@OmarKelly
Dolphins safety Patrick McMorris has a boot on his right foot. Magically he’s going to IR.
works for me, Grier has the taxi squad working as expected
HA
BBM
This one seems to be working now
https://the.crackedstreams.ai/event/tampa-bay-buccaneers-miami-dolphins-live-streaming/799040
LET’S GO DOLPHINS CAST OFFS!!
Not so far. I’m in St Pete having to watch the Bucs broadcast.
MOTHERFUCKERS DID IT TO ME AGAIN!! FUCK THE NFL!
My cable guide says the game is on. My DVR is recording the channel but it’s fucking Jeopardy!
Can’t seem to get any of the links to work
Thanks Wymoing!
The one I posted above is working for me ( even though it’s the Buc’s broadcast )
Yeah, that’s what I’m using
Bonner wasn’t out long with the concussion protocol
Is Bucs starting O in there?
Yeah they are
MM will lose that challenge
The Bucs starting OL made minced meat out of our 2/3 string DL
I don’t think I saw anything good defensively on that first series. No one stood out.
Mike White getting the first drive
WTF was Wilson dancing there for
Vea
Oh, I didn’t realize their starting D was in there also.
Not Wilson’s fault on second carry but should have gotten 1st down on his first carry if he had not danced around.
I think the Wilson project is just about over
I agree
Bailey sucks
Nice stop by Bolton
Good coverage by Bonner
Washington is a much better returner than Berrios.
Just looks quicker
fuck you White
OH, FUCK!
Hospital ball thrown by White. 😡
I think Washington is going to take Braxton Berrios’ job.
Why do Skylar and White get always get our WR’s killed?
We will be lucky if Washington is not out for awhile
Washington going into the tent…
It’s time to either trade or outright CUT Mike White. I’ve seen enough.
And I posted this before the sack he just took, though it wasn’t his fault.
Matos got beat bad a RT after RT Hayes went out
Tindall looking like a lost dog in coverage.
Agreed!
only in coverage
Channing Tindall getting at the QB!
Good to see Washington back out there
Malik!!!!!!
WASHINGTON!!!
Malik is on the 53
^
I think Jeff Wilson is averaging less than 1 yard per carry this PS. Seriously, it’s close.
good, we can put him on PS without getting poached, we know what he can do
Been watching Driscoll at center. He looks better than Eich there, IMO
what I’ve thought all along
don’t think Wilson Jr makes the team
no chance
I knock on Tindall and he starts making some plays. lol
Fall mullet run starts soon.
Nice coverage by Maitre
Wilson Jr didn’t play PS2 due to a nose injury??
PS1 5 carries for 7 yards
PS3 4 carries for -1 yard
9 Carries for 6 yards
Malik!!!
Telegraphed that pass
Well, Wright lost 4″ on that carry
Jeff Wilson is a STUD. Don’t judge him behind 2nd and 3rd string O-Linemen. Now that being stated — and being we have TOO many studs at the RB position — I’d be inclined to ATTEMPT to make a trade: Mike White and Jeff Wilson for something?
Perhaps for a 5th or 6th rounder to SanFran?
He is a very small stud in a stable of studs. 5th best doesn’t get you on the team.
what team would acquire White and his 5m contract?
White is going to get every one of our receivers obliterated.
TRUTH!
Hospital ball after hospital ball.
Oi…White sucks
God forbid, if Tua goes down, neither White or Skyler will be able to save us.
Doesn’t matter about the 2nd or 3rd team O-Line, they don’t get the ball out fast enough as Tua does.
Yup
Yikes
The arm started going forward but White sucks and he got lucky
^
Paul got pushed back into White for that to happen
He holds the ball too long, it’s gotta come out
See my 8:35PM above, Bro! Correct.
He does have a little Tannehill in him lol
Wright and Brooks played behind the same OL in PS1 and did well.
OBJ is on PUP so he’ll remain there as long as possible just like Wynn, Chubb and Goode. They won’t require one of the non 53 IR spots.
Bonner just got blew TFU
Duck beat for the TD
SBJ – I’ve seen enough of White.
100% agreed.
Skyler’s game in the second half. A couple good drives and White will be the emergency QB on Sunday’s.
Mac Jones have a good PS in Jax.
Jags are going to be a very tough game 1
because they’re playing their starters against backups?
Maybe
We’re at home and we’re fast as hell, gotta take care of business
White cut saves 3.5m, just saying
In the words of Emperor Palpatine: “DO IT!”
steveccnv
says:
August 23, 2024 at 8:42 pm
what team would acquire White and his 5m contract?
————-
Probably no one, now that I think about it.
Anthony Schwartz with a knee injury. Looks like an ACL where he was grabbing and looking
Tundall needs to get one to stay a Fin
brutal
Steve, no. Because they have added more/better weapons to their O.
Steve, we should cut him because no matter what if God forbid we’d be looking on the street anyway or trade for somebody. Ahem, Cousins cough.
Rucci is that scrappy TE type I like, maybe PS
White just became number 3
Man Thompson looking waaaay better. That was a great read and throw.
Hey Twice how are you? how’s Providence?
Hey Son – doing well – had a little cooler weather this week up here so that was a nice break. Hope all is good down your way and hopefully see you at the Fest.
White unofficially cut
^^^
Matthew Jones didn’t make his block on that failed run play
I bet he goes on PS
Nice job by Thompson
he looked so good in TC 2022 my cousin said, why isn’t he starting over Tua😜
Really COOL to hear Alec Ingold being interviewed during the game!
does he charge by the hour
Not like Kamala! 😉
lol
I have the Bucs feed, I miss Bo and the team ass kissing. I have no idea who’s 2,3,4 deep on the Bucs.
Rucci is a keeper. Already a good blocker.
Prince, Smythe and Smith it’s tough for the fourth spot with Fortson and Conner there too
Pili playing the IR game
Looks like Gallimore down
nm
Pili
Son, I meant keeper for practice squad
Absolutely
FUCK… these injuries SUCK!
I had a phone call. Did Pili walk off?
Limped off, yes.
With the help of trainers.
Fortson gone
Nice coffin corner punt – seems like at least he can do those pretty well.
FARTson
Twice, the only cooling off we get is from tropical storms lol
I’ll be at the Fest
Yeah, I’m watching the Miami Dolphins live feed. Alec Ingold just signed off. Very nice to hear his perspective as the 2nd half unfolded and ended.
Great guy, great FB for us, and PHINS 4 LIFE!!!
And with that stated, I must bail as well.
GO PHINS!!!
HELL YEAH!!!
any wonder we’ve played very few starter minutes thus PS?
Dunno, from what I have seen with other teams, our starters have played less than most other teams. Some teams, significantly less.
used ground
Skylar seems more poised tonight