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While the final score fell in the Chicago Bears’ favor, the Miami Dolphins can come away with a few positives from Thursday night’s preseason opener. A strong opening by both the first team offense and defense was an encouraging sign just one game into the exhibition season, as some of the team’s most talented players showed us a glimpse of what they will be able to do when the games start to count.
Here’s a few observations from Thursday night’s contest between the Dolphins and Bears:
1. Tannehill Shines In One Series
Another day, another strong showing for Ryan Tannehill
. Continuing what we’ve seen in training camp and at the team’s intrasquad scrimmage, Tannehill looked again comfortable and in total control during his lone series in Chicago. We saw his improved timing on multiple occasions, including hitting Greg Jennings on a pretty 19-yard dig route, as well as finding four different receivers on the drives. It culminated with clutch throw to Jarvis Landry for a 2 yard touchdown on fourth-and-goal, one that showcased great timing between the two.
Tannehill also showed off his improvisational skills through his ability to scramble. On a third and two in his own territory, Tannehill evaded the rush with ease and gained four yards, getting a key first down which kept the Dolphins from punting deep in their own territory.
Tannehill got the work in he needed to get in yesterday, and that’s something to build off. That’s what he’s been doing in camp, and he got everything he could’ve wished for out of this preseason game. He finished 6 of 7 for 56 yards and one touchdown, and had a passer rating of 139.6.
2. Young Linebackers Emerge
With Koa Misi inactive, and Jordan Tripp and Chris McCain leaving the game and not returning to action on Thursday, it was good to see a couple of young linebackers step up. Both Mike Hull and Zach Vigil had strong performances, as those two undrafted free agents took advantage of their increased playing time. Both looked comfortable in their first NFL action. Hull was around the football all night. Vigil recorded two tackles for a loss, one sack and tied for the team lead in tackles.
They may not be the biggest thumpers, but both are incredibly sure tackles and have a knack for flying to the ballcarrier. I’ve got a feeling that a couple of these young linebackers are going to be around the franchise come September. The key will be to carry over their performance from this week’s game to the practices in Carolina and the second preseason game Saturday night.
3. Limited Yet Effective
The first team defense might have taken eight or nine snaps in the game, but they looked polished doing it. Led by All Pro Ndamukong Suh and hard-hitting safety Reshad Jones, the Dolphins were stout against both the run and pass. On multiple occasions, Jones was essentially playing in the Chicago backfield, showcasing great instincts and toughness.
We also immediately saw the attention Suh requires, because the first play from scrimmage, the Bears false started trying to beat Suh’s incredible first step off the ball. Every offensive line knows he has a great first step, and that can be used to the defense’s advantage, causing opposing offensive lineman to make mistakes.
Other Notes:
- Cameron Wake and Olivier Vernon looked really fresh and explosive Thursday. With Ndamukong Suh drawing attention in the middle, it may lead to more one on one matchups for both defensive ends, and likely more hits on the quarterback.
- Cobi Hamilton led the team in receiving last evening, as he was targeted nine times and made four receptions for 49 yards.
- Getting three chances to return kicks tonight in place of Jarvis Landry, running back LaMichael James averaged 25.3 yards per return. Landry averaged 28.1 yards on 34 attempts last season.
- Caleb Sturgis was the only kicker to attempt a field goal for the Dolphins in the game, and converted a 31 yard attempt.
- Laron Byrd will be on a few highlight reels in the next couple days, snagging an outstanding 34 yard reception in his only catch of the game.
- The offensive line rotation at guard continued, but Billy Turner may have gotten the most work as he played into the 3rd quarter.
Here’s a few observations from Thursday night’s contest between the Dolphins and Bears:
1. Tannehill Shines In One Series
Another day, another strong showing for Ryan Tannehill
. Continuing what we’ve seen in training camp and at the team’s intrasquad scrimmage, Tannehill looked again comfortable and in total control during his lone series in Chicago. We saw his improved timing on multiple occasions, including hitting Greg Jennings on a pretty 19-yard dig route, as well as finding four different receivers on the drives. It culminated with clutch throw to Jarvis Landry for a 2 yard touchdown on fourth-and-goal, one that showcased great timing between the two.Tannehill also showed off his improvisational skills through his ability to scramble. On a third and two in his own territory, Tannehill evaded the rush with ease and gained four yards, getting a key first down which kept the Dolphins from punting deep in their own territory.
Tannehill got the work in he needed to get in yesterday, and that’s something to build off. That’s what he’s been doing in camp, and he got everything he could’ve wished for out of this preseason game. He finished 6 of 7 for 56 yards and one touchdown, and had a passer rating of 139.6.
2. Young Linebackers Emerge
With Koa Misi
inactive, and Jordan Tripp and Chris McCain leaving the game and not returning to action on Thursday, it was good to see a couple of young linebackers step up. Both Mike Hull and Zach Vigil had strong performances, as those two undrafted free agents took advantage of their increased playing time. Both looked comfortable in their first NFL action. Hull was around the football all night. Vigil recorded two tackles for a loss, one sack and tied for the team lead in tackles.They may not be the biggest thumpers, but both are incredibly sure tackles and have a knack for flying to the ballcarrier. I’ve got a feeling that a couple of these young linebackers are going to be around the franchise come September. The key will be to carry over their performance from this week’s game to the practices in Carolina and the second preseason game Saturday night.
3. Limited Yet Effective
The first team defense might have taken eight or nine snaps in the game, but they looked polished doing it. Led by All Pro Ndamukong Suh
and hard-hitting safety Reshad Jones, the Dolphins were stout against both the run and pass. On multiple occasions, Jones was essentially playing in the Chicago backfield, showcasing great instincts and toughness.We also immediately saw the attention Suh requires, because the first play from scrimmage, the Bears false started trying to beat Suh’s incredible first step off the ball. Every offensive line knows he has a great first step, and that can be used to the defense’s advantage, causing opposing offensive lineman to make mistakes.
Other Notes:
- Cameron Wake
and Olivier Vernon looked really fresh and explosive Thursday. With Ndamukong Suh drawing attention in the middle, it may lead to more one on one matchups for both defensive ends, and likely more hits on the quarterback.- Cobi Hamilton
led the team in receiving last evening, as he was targeted nine times and made four receptions for 49 yards.- Getting three chances to return kicks tonight in place of Jarvis Landry, running back LaMichael James
averaged 25.3 yards per return. Landry averaged 28.1 yards on 34 attempts last season.- Caleb Sturgis
was the only kicker to attempt a field goal for the Dolphins in the game, and converted a 31 yard attempt. - Laron Byrd will be on a few highlight reels in the next couple days, snagging an outstanding 34 yard reception in his only catch of the game.
- The offensive line rotation at guard continued, but Billy Turner
may have gotten the most work as he played into the 3rd quarter.
