Jason Sanders has a great practice on Sunday

Dolphins rookie kicker Jason Sanders had a terrific outing during Sunday’s practice after a not-so-great debut in last Thursday’s preseason game.

Last Thursday night’s preseason opener was not a spectacular one for the Miami Dolphins kickers. In the first half, Jason Sanders missed a 53-yard field goal, which is no easy task, but he missed it terribly. He made his other two attempts, but they were chip shots. The other Dolphins rookie kicker, Greg Joseph, made his 48-yard attempt, but kicked the ball out of bounds on a kickoff attempt, giving the Bucs excellent field position at the 40 to start the next drive.

Joseph went undrafted, but Miami used a seventh-round selection to take Sanders out of New Mexico. Although both players have shown some promise in their own rights, they haven’t portrayed the consistency yet that teams look for in a NFL kicker. The inconsistencies in practice, and sub-par performance from their first preseason game, have led many to believe that the Dolphins Week 1 kicker is not yet on the team.

There is the possibility that Miami could go out and sign a veteran kicker ahead of their September 9th meeting against Tennessee, but Sanders might have something to say about that. In the team’s first practice since their loss to Tampa Bay, Sanders had an exceptional day kicking the ball.

Not only did Sanders connect on all eight of his field goal attempts throughout the day, they also included not one, but TWO 61-yard attempts. Yes, it was just a regular day at practice with no pressure, but any kicker at any level, whether in practice or a game, that can connect on a 61-yarder is going to turn some heads. And then when you prove that it wasn’t a fluke by connecting again, people will begin talking.

Sanders was all smiles after practice today, and rightfully so. He still has to show that he can do it on a consistent basis, and will need to improve on his attempts in the preseason before the coaching staff gives him the job outright. After using a draft pick to take Sanders, there’s no doubt that Miami wants to make it work with Sanders, but they won’t hesitate to find a proven veteran if necessary.

The kickers have been alternating days to kick throughout training camp so Joseph did not make any attempts today. He should get his reps tomorrow when the Dolphins are back at practice.