Sports Buzz: News and Notes after Dolphins Loss | FinHeaven - Miami Dolphins Forums

Sports Buzz: News and Notes after Dolphins Loss

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### Quarterback: Ryan Tannehill’s preseason couldn’t have gone any better so far. He was 12 for 15 for 102 yards and a touchdown pass (11 yards to Damien Williams) in three series, finishing with a rating of 117.2. In two preseason games, he’s 18 for 22 for 158 yards, two TDs and no picks, and a 126.9 rating.

Though he overthrew a deep ball to a well-covered Kenny Stills, his deep pass to Jordan Cameron was plenty good enough; Cameron let it slip through his fingers. He also ran for 11 yards on a read option; that play should continue to be effective in doses this season….

Matt Moore posted a 2.1 (2.1!) passer rating in the first half but orchestrated a scoring drive in the second half, throwing four yards to Matt Hazel for a touchdown and closing 6 for 11 for 55 yards and a 60.8 rating… McLeod Bethel Thompson (5-6-46 yards) was better than a week ago… Josh Freeman threw a horrible interception deep in Dolphins territory late in the game, leading to Carolina’s go-ahead touchdown, rallied to complete a 56-yard scoring play to Gerell Robinson (it was a 10-yard pass and 46-yard run), but couldn’t make a play on the two-point conversion.

### Running back: LaMike James made a strong case for a roster spot, rushing 6 times for 45 yards (7.5 per carry), returning two punts for 28 yards and one kickoff for 31 yards…

Damien Williams’ otherwise good night (two touchdowns) was seriously tarnished by a fumble near the Carolina goal line, resulting in a turnover after a foolish Joe Philbin challenge. Williams began the night as the No. 2 back, but James is pushing him. Williams once again averaged less than four yards per carry (4 for 14, 3.5 average)…

Lamar Miller, the unquestioned starter, mustered just five yards on three carries but had a terrific 36-yard catch and run (mostly run)… Jay Ajayi, who hasn’t shown much, missed another game with a hamstring injury…. Mike Gillislee again didn’t make much of an impression (7 carries, 16 yards).

### Receiver: Rishard Matthews continues to capitalize on every opportunity he’s given. He had receptions of six and 17 yards from Tannehill on two 3rd and six situations…. The Dolphins gave Greg Jennings the night off… Kenny Stills made his preseason debut with one catch for five yards… Hazel had a good night (4 for 47), but the only chance he makes this team is if Miami keeps six receivers to start the season, which seems excessive unless DeVante Parker isn’t healthy…

DeMarr Aultman, a long shot, had a 31-yard reception from Bethel Thompson…. Christion Jones had a 46-yard return on a kickoff late in the game and warrants a longer look as a returner. Remember, he returned two punts and two kickoffs for touchdowns at Alabama.

### Offensive line: The pass protection was shaky, due largely to breakdowns by tackles Jason Fox (who left with concussion symptoms), Jeff Linkenbach, Audrey Walker and Donald Hawkins… Kony Easley beat tight end Dion Sims early in the game, forcing a Tannehill fumble…

Billy Turner whiffed on a couple of blocks but wasn’t awful. Jamil Douglas, in competition with Turner, played left guard in the second half… Dallas Thomas was solid for a second consecutive week… According to Fox, Evan Mathis had a good visit to Seattle today but did not sign….

Interesting that the Dolphins used Jacques McClendon as their backup center and Sam Brenner as a backup guard. Walker, Linkenbach and Douglas also played with the second team o-line.

### Tight end: Sims had the breakdown in pass protection and Cameron dropped a potential touchdown. Cameron had one catch for no yards, Sims no catches. But Robinson got a clear leg up on the battle for the No. 3 tight end job, scoring on a 56-yard catch and run late in the game.

### Defensive line: Terrence Fede started in place of Olivier Vernon and the Ndamukong Suh-led defensive line was stout early on, with Carolina gaining just eight yards on its first seven plays (covering three series), before a long Panthers drive ended with a terrific goal-line stand. On the Panthers’ fourth attempt from the Dolphins’ 1 yard line, Suh forced Cam Newton out of the pocket and Derrick Shelby making the tackle….

Jordan Phillips had an up-and-down night, getting penetration on one play but also missing a tackle on a touchdown run… Defensive tackle AJ Francis had a sack and a tackle for loss, keeping alive his hopes in his uphill climb against CJ Mosley or Anthony Johnson for a roster spot…. Francis and Emmanuel Dieke had Miami’s only sacks.

### Linebacker: Zach Vigil again made an impression; it’s difficult to see him not making this team…. Chris McCain was beaten by Greg Olson for a 10-yard gain in coverage but also was credited with a PD (pass defensed). His run defense needs to become more consistent, too. But McCain and Kelvin Sheppard each had a hand in two stops on that great goal-line stand when Carolina couldn’t score on a 4th and goal at the 1….

Vigil, Neville Hewitt and McCain started the second half at linebacker. Hewitt is intriguing, but can the Dolphins possibly keep both Hewitt and Spencer Paysinger (who was one of the Giants’ best special teams players the past four years)?
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If Tripp doesn't get on the field he will be the guy outside looking in.
 
Cameron, Simms, Robinson at TE...I would roll with that. ..
 
Another Neville Hewitt sighting. I noticed him in the first preseason game. He seemed to move well. I think he has an excellent shot at the PS. His story might even be better than "Blindside" Oher.
 
Andrew Abramson ‏@AbramsonPBP
Jamar Taylor says he feels alright. Said it was probably precautionary to keep him out but he will know more tomorrow

Andrew Abramson ‏@AbramsonPBP
Bobby McCain downplayed his ankle injury, seemed to be walking around the locker room alright
 
We really need to fire Jason Fox out of a canon and into the sun.
 
I am disgusted at how our backups on defense can't lay the wood on ballcarriers. We seem to have some real weak tacklers for backups who are drag down guys. How about we get some physical fricken players for once!!!!
 
Counting on injury prone players is never a good idea but of course due to salary cap constraints and limited amount of draft picks, I guess for the Dolphins there wasn't any other option. Hopefully by 2016 they can solidify the Offensive line, Linebackers and secondary.
 
Was stoked about the Jones return, honestly think he's a better returner than James.. But is there enough spots for him to make it just as a returner? I'm pretty sure James is making it regardless
 
joenhre said:
Counting on injury prone players is never a good idea but of course due to salary cap constraints and limited amount of draft picks, I guess for the Dolphins there wasn't any other option. Hopefully by 2016 they can solidify the Offensive line, Linebackers and secondary.
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Jamar Taylor is just a quad bruise or something, doesn't sound like a big deal. If he jumps routes and plays like he did tonight, our corners actually look pretty darn good.
 
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