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Following two days of joint practices down in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the Miami Dolphins traveled 70-plus miles northeast up to Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. to face off against the Carolina Panthers. It was a successful night for the team in terms of the work they were able to get in despite falling to the Panthers 31-30. Ryan Tannehill
once again showcased the massive potential he has with a terrific night, while the first-team Dolphins defense displayed tenacity with a four down goal line stand.
Here’s a few observations from Saturday night’s preseason game against the Panthers:
1. Tannehill On A Roll
Ryan Tannehill has impressed me throughout this preseason, and it continued Saturday night in Carolina. Tannehill completed 12-of-15 passes, throwing for 102 yards and one touchdown. Throughout two games in the preseason, he has completed more than 80-percent of his passes, as well as recording a 126.9 passer rating. It’s clear that not only has Tannehill improved as a passer by locating the football and his timing, but also by utilizing subtle movement in the pocket. Those small changes allow him keep plays going longer, permitting him to find playmakers for an easy pitch and catch, just like he did with Lamar Miller’s 36 yard reception tonight. The Dolphins signal-caller already looks locked and loaded for the regular season just two exhibition games in.
2. Standing Tall On Defense
The preseason is always a great time for situational football, and the Dolphins defense got their first shot at a goal line stand Saturday evening. They held the line from inside their own 2 yard line, stuffing a bowling ball of a back in Mike Tolbert twice, rookie Cameron Artis-Payne once, and blowing up a planned play action pass to turn the Panthers over on downs. Ndamukong Suh was an obvious presence during the stand, but safety Walt Aikens was the standout from the series. He put himself in perfect position to stuff the third down run with Suh, and also wreaked havoc by bumping Greg Olsen off the line on fourth down, forcing Cam Newton to pull the ball down come up short of the goal line.
The Dolphins first team defense wasn’t just good for that series though, as they started the game with consecutive three and outs. Safety Reshad Jones was again the catalyst, playing shot out of a cannon from the secondary, and residing in the offensive backfield and at the line of scrimmage.
3. Skill Position Depth On Offense
The Dolphins can take pride in the fact that they have playmakers not just on the first team offense, but down the depth chart. It all starts with wide receiver Jarvis Landry though, who has clearly identified himself as Tannehill’s go to guy, and a player that the offense is going through. He was a favorite early on tonight, and made one of the best linebackers in the league in Luke Kuechly look silly on one play. But besides Landry and Greg Jennings (who didn’t participate tonight), another wideout made a name for himself this weekend. Rishard Matthews has been very productive this week during the joint practices, and while only catching two balls tonight, has been consistently showing why he belongs on this team. He’s proven to the coaching staff that they can trust him.
The running back position shows depth as well. Lamar Miller once again made an explosive play Saturday just like he did last week and he may be turning small catches into gamebreaking plays all season long. Same goes for LaMichael James, as the Dolphins will find a way to put his speed to use with the ball in his hands. Damien Williams is carving out a niche as well, as he caught a touchdown pass and ran for a score on Saturday. He can fill the role of a third down back, but more and more he looks impressive in the red zone, and that dual threat could be very useful for the Dolphins offense.
Other Notes:
- LaMichael James showcased explosiveness not only on offense but in the return game as well. James had a 31-yard kick return, as well as a 21-yard punt return.
- The kicking competition between Caleb Sturgis and Andrew Franks continued, with Sturgis hitting an extra point and going 1-1 from field goal range connecting from 48 yards out. Andrew Franks did not attempt a field goal, but did covert two extra points.
- Cornerbacks Jamar Taylor and Bobby McCain and left tackle Jason Fox left Saturday’s game with injuries and did not return.
- Before Taylor left the game, he was able to pick off Panthers’ quarterback Cam Newton with an instinctive jump of a pass intended for Carolina’s top target in Greg Olsen. It was the team’s first interception of the preseason.
- Matt Hazel and Jarvis Landry led the team in receptions tonight, both catching four balls. Hazel looks more and more like a player that has the potential to make the 53-man roster, as his athleticism and catching ability has made him a valuable player this preseason.
once again showcased the massive potential he has with a terrific night, while the first-team Dolphins defense displayed tenacity with a four down goal line stand. Here’s a few observations from Saturday night’s preseason game against the Panthers:
1. Tannehill On A Roll
Ryan Tannehill has impressed me throughout this preseason, and it continued Saturday night in Carolina. Tannehill completed 12-of-15 passes, throwing for 102 yards and one touchdown. Throughout two games in the preseason, he has completed more than 80-percent of his passes, as well as recording a 126.9 passer rating. It’s clear that not only has Tannehill improved as a passer by locating the football and his timing, but also by utilizing subtle movement in the pocket. Those small changes allow him keep plays going longer, permitting him to find playmakers for an easy pitch and catch, just like he did with Lamar Miller
’s 36 yard reception tonight. The Dolphins signal-caller already looks locked and loaded for the regular season just two exhibition games in.2. Standing Tall On Defense
The preseason is always a great time for situational football, and the Dolphins defense got their first shot at a goal line stand Saturday evening. They held the line from inside their own 2 yard line, stuffing a bowling ball of a back in Mike Tolbert twice, rookie Cameron Artis-Payne once, and blowing up a planned play action pass to turn the Panthers over on downs. Ndamukong Suh
was an obvious presence during the stand, but safety Walt Aikens was the standout from the series. He put himself in perfect position to stuff the third down run with Suh, and also wreaked havoc by bumping Greg Olsen off the line on fourth down, forcing Cam Newton to pull the ball down come up short of the goal line.The Dolphins first team defense wasn’t just good for that series though, as they started the game with consecutive three and outs. Safety Reshad Jones
was again the catalyst, playing shot out of a cannon from the secondary, and residing in the offensive backfield and at the line of scrimmage.3. Skill Position Depth On Offense
The Dolphins can take pride in the fact that they have playmakers not just on the first team offense, but down the depth chart. It all starts with wide receiver Jarvis Landry
though, who has clearly identified himself as Tannehill’s go to guy, and a player that the offense is going through. He was a favorite early on tonight, and made one of the best linebackers in the league in Luke Kuechly look silly on one play. But besides Landry and Greg Jennings (who didn’t participate tonight), another wideout made a name for himself this weekend. Rishard Matthews has been very productive this week during the joint practices, and while only catching two balls tonight, has been consistently showing why he belongs on this team. He’s proven to the coaching staff that they can trust him.The running back position shows depth as well. Lamar Miller once again made an explosive play Saturday just like he did last week and he may be turning small catches into gamebreaking plays all season long. Same goes for LaMichael James
, as the Dolphins will find a way to put his speed to use with the ball in his hands. Damien Williams is carving out a niche as well, as he caught a touchdown pass and ran for a score on Saturday. He can fill the role of a third down back, but more and more he looks impressive in the red zone, and that dual threat could be very useful for the Dolphins offense.Other Notes:
- LaMichael James showcased explosiveness not only on offense but in the return game as well. James had a 31-yard kick return, as well as a 21-yard punt return.
- The kicking competition between Caleb Sturgis
and Andrew Franks continued, with Sturgis hitting an extra point and going 1-1 from field goal range connecting from 48 yards out. Andrew Franks did not attempt a field goal, but did covert two extra points.- Cornerbacks Jamar Taylor
and Bobby McCain and left tackle Jason Fox left Saturday’s game with injuries and did not return.- Before Taylor left the game, he was able to pick off Panthers’ quarterback Cam Newton with an instinctive jump of a pass intended for Carolina’s top target in Greg Olsen. It was the team’s first interception of the preseason.
- Matt Hazel
and Jarvis Landry led the team in receptions tonight, both catching four balls. Hazel looks more and more like a player that has the potential to make the 53-man roster, as his athleticism and catching ability has made him a valuable player this preseason.