The NFL is officially back, and the Miami Dolphins and Atlanta Falcons kicked off their preseason slates in Miami on Friday. The early exhibition games often serve as simply a tune up for starters, who typically play little to no reps to protect against injury, however, for those trying to make the team, preseason games are some of the most important they’ll ever play in. In many cases, it’s the only shot some will have to make an impression. With virtually every starter sitting out the first game, there were ample opportunities for reserves on both sides to make their cases and try to stake their claim at a roster spot.
What Stood Out In Dolphins’ First Preseason Game
2024 Rookies Made an Impact
Patrick McMorris, a sixth-round draft pick out of California, definitely passed the eye test and stuffed the stat sheet in the process. He was all over the field, totaling a game high eight tackles, (tied for team high), seven of which were solo, two tackles for loss and a pass breakup. Late round draft picks are never locks to make the team, especially on a team that features the top end talent of the Dolphins secondary, but McMorris made a strong case he should be a part of that secondary when the regular season kicks off.
Jaylen Wright, a fourth round pick was one of the nations most accomplished runners at Tennessee and has always been a lock to make the the final roster. He cemented that on Friday, though, by putting on a show in his limited reps. Wright totaled ten carries for 55 yards, good for 5.5 yards per carry, and a six-yard touchdown run in the 2nd quarter. What the rookie brings to the table was encapsulated in the highlight of the night. He feels like a natural fit with Miami’s roster of speedsters.
Jaylen Wright is making moves for the @MiamiDolphins
📱: Stream #ATLvsMIA on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/qYWJLaUhw5
— NFL (@NFL) August 10, 2024
Finally, left tackle Patrick Paul stood out for all the right reasons. The 6’7′, 331 lb giant out of Houston was a steady force for Dolphins offensive line. The second-rounder played the majority of the night and was great in both the run and pass game. Offensive linemen generally get attention when they’re giving up pressures, sacks, or getting pushed around by defenders. Paul was the one doing the pushing around on Friday and made a good argument Miami should find a spot on the line for him, as he continues to learn behind one of the leagues best at left tackle in teammate Terron Armstead.
Final Tight End Spot
The Dolphins have three tight ends that seem to be locks at the moment. They signed Jonnu Smith early this off-season and he’s expected to have a big role within Miami’s offense. Right in line with him, and a fellow lock to be a fixture in the offense is teammate Durham Smythe, who’s sure handed and a great blocker. Third is Julian Hill, an undrafted tight end from Campbell University last year who’s stood out all summer. That most likely leaves one spot available, and Tanner Connor showed up as a weapon on Friday to try to help ensure it’s his.
The 26 year old is an explosive athlete, he played football and did track at Idaho State, but has yet to make a big impact at the NFL level. His upside is what kept him around last year for Miami, and he showed it against Atlanta. He was only targeted four times but caught three of them for 70 yards and a 23.3 yards-per-catch average. He provided the biggest play of the game when he took a short completion down the sideline for 43 yards.
Tanner Connor leading Dolphins pass catchers at the end of the first quarter
2 REC
49 YDS2 targets, 2 catches. 👀 pic.twitter.com/KGaGkFLEDv
— Five Reasons Sports 🏀🏈⚾️🏒⚽️ (@5ReasonsSports) August 10, 2024
He didn’t shy away from the blocking game, either.
Tanner Connor throwing his whole body into the block. Love to see it. pic.twitter.com/LljfbCSkFD
— FinzZombie (@FinzZombie) August 10, 2024
Defense showed up for Four Quarters
The Dolphins defense came to play across the board against the Falcons. They held Atlanta to 13 points, forced two turnovers, allowed only 226 total yards, and held their opponent to 2.7 yards per attempt on the ground. They only recorded one sack on the day, but were stout in the red-zone, only allowing the Falcons to convert 1-3 opportunities, two of which were stops late in the game with Atlanta trying to tie it up. The defense showed grit and toughness throughout the night, a staple of new Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver.
While not every player will latch on long-term with the Dolphins, many made a mark that’ll hopefully see them gain a chance with another team as roster cuts take place over the coming weeks. The Dolphins got the victory, 20-13, but the individual performances always stand out the most this time of year.
Main Image: Sam Navarro – USA Today Sports
