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What Stood Out in Dolphins’ Second Preseason Game

Which players stood out in the Dolphins second preseason game as the final cut down down day inches closer.
Second Preseason Game

When the NFL cut back the preseason to three games in 2021, it reordered which games would typically see starters play the most. It’s now generally week two, and Miami did see a handful of starters take snaps, most notably QB Tua Tagovailoa. The Dolphins won a defensive slugfest 13-7 over the Washington Commanders, but now that the quasi dress rehearsal is officially in the books for Miami, there’s a bit more clarity on what the final 53 man roster will look like as the season opener against Jacksonville rapidly approaches.

What Stood Out in Dolphins Second Preseason Game

Tua Looked Crisp in Limited Debut

When the Dolphins took the field on Saturday, for the first time since their January playoff game against Kansas City, so did a handful of starters. Many big name players didn’t see action, most notably Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Jalen Ramsey, and Terron Armstead, to name a few, but among the ones that did, no one made a bigger impact than Tagovailoa. Miami’s franchise signal caller made his only drive count as his unit was surgical. The lefty went 5-5, for 51 yards, and a pin-point 13 yard touchdown pass to wide receiver River Cracraft to give the Dolphins a lead they’d never relinquish.

It was likely the only action Tagovailoa and other starters will see before the regular season, but it was a good sign as opening day inches closer.

Miami’s Young Defenders Continue to Impress

In their first preseason game, multiple defenders popped in their Dolphins debut, the second game was no different. Rookie defensive back Isaiah Johnson totaled six tackles, second year pro Brandon Pili notched his first sack, and Cam Smith, the highly touted second year corner out of South Carolina, was all over the field totaling four tackles, and a big time pass breakup.

Miami’s two young pass rushers, their first round pick Chop Robinson and their potential fifth round steal, Mohamed Kamara, both provided impact moments in their debuts as well. Robinson flashed his ridiculous first step and speed that made him a first round draft pick, racking up a huge tackle for a loss.

Not to be outdone, moments later Kamara made his mark, tallying the first sack of his career.

While the two pass rushers are locks to make the roster, Miami’s young defenders have spearheaded a unit that’s been arguably the teams biggest highlight through two weeks.

Second Year Receiver Flashing Potential

When Miami drafted Erik Ezukanma out Texas Tech in the fourth round two years ago, the receiver presented a big body receiving threat that Miami’s offense lacked. Injuries have hampered his career thus far, but Saturday was his most impressive performance in a Dolphins uniform to date. Ezukanma hauled in a team high five passes on seven targets, for 65 yards, for a 13 yard per catch average, and had the teams longest reception of the night of 35 yards. His most impressive play of the night didn’t even take place in the passing game though, it was when he turned a sure fire negative play on an end-around into second and short.

Dolphins Backup Qb’s Fail to Impress

Another week saw another flat performance for both Skylar Thompson and Mike White, the two Qb’s competing to be Tagovailoa’s backup. The two totaled 177 yards through the air, were sacked a combined four times and failed to score, White also lost one fumble. Through two games, the passers have accumulated 298 yards through the air, one td, and turned it over twice.

Backup Qb’s often have an unenviable position of playing with a patchwork group of players in the preseason. Between various lineup changes, injuries, and a lack of top end playmakers at their disposal, it can make their job an uphill climb. Both White and Thompson have had varying levels of success in regular season games, however, neither has been overly impressive thus far and it raises questions about whether Miami should be in the market for another backup signal caller.

Both Qb’s have one more chance to change that narrative when the Dolphins take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Friday, August 23rd in their final preseason game.

Main Photo Credit: Jim Rassol / USA TODAY NETWORK

Phil Van Pelt

Phil Van Pelt

Phil Van Pelt currently calls the Treasure state (Montana) home, but is originally from South Florida. He's always remained loyal to his hometown squads and is a diehard Miami Hurricanes, Dolphins, Heat, Marlins, Florida Panthers and Inter Miami fan.

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