By Greg Fuchs
- Pre-season game #2 is this Saturday in Miami at 7:00 vs. the Las Vegas Raiders.
- Next week the Dolphins will hold joint practices with the Eagles for 2 days prior to playing their final pre-season game vs. Philadelphia on 8/27.
- Rosters need to be reduced to 53 on 8/30.
- How much will Dolphins’ starters play this week vs. the Raiders? Good question. Personally, I’d get the offensive starters out there for at least a quarter since there are so many new players on the roster and they all are learning a new system. The defense on the other hand has virtually everyone back from last season along with the same system and Defensive Coordinator, so no sense of urgency to play the defensive starters.
- The offensive line, especially, needs as much time together as possible as there are 2 new starters from a year ago, 2 young players learning new positions and everyone is learning a new blocking scheme. Not to mention that Connor Williams has minimal experience at center and has had snapping issues during training camp. The skill players get all of the attention, but it is the offensive line that is the engine that makes an offense work.
- Considering the joint practices with the Eagles next week, I wouldn’t expect too many starters to play in the 3rd pre-season game. The only possible exception could be if head coach Mike McDaniel isn’t happy with how the Dolphins play in those practices.
- In light of the season ending injury to backup cornerback Trill Williams, Miami has signed veteran CB Mackensie Alexander, who played for the Vikings last season.
- Either via trade or the waiver wire, expect the Fins to add an offensive tackle or 2 before the start of the season. The current backups aren’t looking good so far in training camp.
- Bears linebacker Roquan Smith continues to hold out in hopes of a trade. He would be a great fit for Miami, but he would be expensive both in terms of salary and compensation to the Bears. But as the Rams have taught the rest of the NFL, there is nothing wrong with going all in to get veteran star players if you want to win the Super Bowl.
- A lot of attention has been paid to how few targets there have been to Dolphins tight-ends in practice. Considering how many passes George Kittle has caught over the past several seasons with the 49ers under the same system McDaniel is installing in Miami, I wouldn’t be overly concerned about it. The Fins TEs have been more focused on learning the new blocking schemes so far. Mike Gesicki and company will get their share of passes once the season starts, although WRs Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle will still be the top 2 targets.
