Miami Dolphins drop 2nd pre-season game

The Miami Dolphins first team offense and defense looked good last night. In fact, Ryan Tannehill is boasting exceptional numbers through the first two meaningless games. For all the good that the first team units are doing, the depth has let the team down. Last night wasn’t much different.

The Dolphins jumped out to an early 14-0 lead before Damien Williams fumbled at the Carolina goal line into and out of the end zone. The play was challenged by the Joe Philbin who thought Williams had crossed the line but it was the review that showed the fumble instead. The play was set up by a Jamar Taylor interception of Cam Newton.

The Dolphins took a 14-9 lead into halftime after back-up quarterback Matt Moore posted a whooping 2.1 quarterback rating in the 2nd quarter. He would rebound in the third quarter leading the team on a touchdown drive to extend the Dolphins lead but the Miami offense couldn’t hold it late.

With the Dolphins and Panthers battling late in the game, fourth team quarterback Josh Freeman threw a bad screen pass to his running back that was picked off by a Carolina defensive lineman deep in Miami territory. The Panthers would score the go ahead touchdown. Freeman would bounce back and lead the team to a touchdown where Joe Philbin opted to go for two points rather than the single extra point to tie the game. The Dolphins lost 31-30.

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It’s pre-season so not to many care about such a close game and it’s pre-season games that you make attempts such as the two point conversation. While Tannehill had a good outing he wasn’t the only one.

The Dolphins front seven, starting front seven, was stout against the Carolina offensive starters. Holding the Panthers to just eight yards on three series and then holding the Panthers to no points on four tries from the goal line. Ndamukong Suh made his presence known for the first time this pre-season and looked every bit of what Miami was hoping for. Terrence Fede who started in place of the resting Olivier Vernon looked very good as well.

Zack Vigil who played a lot of the game was impressive for the 2nd straight week. He is showing off a non-stop motor and is putting himself in position to make plays.

Jarvis Landry continues to be a top target of Ryan Tannehill and Rishard Matthews is looking like he could start. Yes he is playing that well. Kenny Stills made a play in his first action of the season but his time was short on the field.

The Dolphins offensive line struggled as a whole last night. Run blocking was inconsistent and both Tannehill and Moore were under pressure from the outside. Sam Brenner however looked very good at guard and Dallas Thomas had another good outing for the 2nd week in a row. Jamil Douglas didn’t have a bad night. Jason Fox who was playing left tackle early left with concussion symptoms.

Aside from Fox, the Dolphins lost Jamar Taylor to an injury but it’s not expected to be anything serious. He is having it looked at today. Will Davis who played most of the 2nd half was up and down but mostly down. At safety where Louis Delmas is out for the year, Walt Aikens struggled in coverage.

LaMichael James looked good this week after a shaky first game. He averaged just over seven yards per carry and rushed for around 45 yards on the night. He also looked much more fluid in the return game. James is making a hard push to make the team and last nights game will help.

All in all the game was exactly what it was, a pre-season game that saw the Dolphins trying different things that really mean nothing at this point. It’s all evaluation of players at this point and no singular game is going to allow a player to make the roster. The biggest news of the night is the lack of any serious injuries…that we know of. Next up Tampa Bay for what is considered the real pre-seaon game.

Week three of pre-season is considered the measuring stick by many as it’s the only game that sees extensive action for starters and is game planned by the coaches.