DETROIT — The Miami Dolphins finally traded their views of the Great Lakes for a return near the Atlantic Ocean, and they came back with a 24-17 preseason win over the Detroit Lions.
Now, that’s no indication the Dolphins are anywhere near on par with the Super Bowl-contending Lions. It was mostly backups against backups in Saturday’s exhibition at Ford Field, and Detroit first-teamers certainly showed they have a leg up on Miami in the week’s two joint practices.
But there was a lot to grasp from the week in Michigan and potential for growth for the Dolphins in preparation for the regular season as they have one preseason game left, next Saturday night against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Hard Rock Stadium.
Long road trip over
The Dolphins spent a whopping 11 days in the Midwest, between the greater Chicago and Detroit areas.
Such a trip could go one of two ways. Either there’s team bonding that takes place from such a unique experience in the NFL, where road games are often quick trips in and out of a city, or players become sick of each other.
When the Dolphins held their first joint practice against the Lions as they crossed the midway point of their trek, it looked like the latter. But by the time undrafted rookie cornerback Ethan Robinson made the absurdly athletic game-sealing interception Saturday, the way starters on the sideline celebrated showed this team is more unified because of the time spent together.
Joint pain
But first came the bad. The Wednesday joint practice with the Lions was heavily lopsided in Detroit’s favor. Dolphins cornerbacks, specifically Jack Jones, could not stop Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. Offensively, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was frustrated over how his unit couldn’t get jump-started.
The second session Thursday saw Tagovailoa and the offense bounce back to pull even with the Lions defense. But the Detroit offense still had its way with the Miami defense, as Jameson Williams joined St. Brown in making big catch after big catch, the Dolphins pass rush was contained and defensive front was leaky at times against the run.
Wilson more comfortable
By no means was it an extraordinary performance for backup quarterback Zach Wilson as he got the start in the second preseason game, but he was certainly more comfortable running the offense.
It wasn’t the four sacks he took in his Dolphins preseason debut last week in Chicago. He was better at watching the play develop in front of him and feeling if pressure was coming. He also threw a touchdown to Dee Eskridge without turning the ball over.
That said, he missed an open Tarik Black on a would-be touchdown on third down and then took a sack on fourth down near the goal line.
Ewers shines
Quinn Ewers, the third-string quarterback and rookie out of Texas was much better than in his debut. He went 11 of 17 yards for 116 yards and two touchdowns to wide receiver Theo Wease Jr., whom he’s developed chemistry with.
It wasn’t just the touchdowns. Ewers showed strong command of the offense and made clutch third-down throws to extend a drive that resulted in a Jason Sanders field goal.
It’s probably not enough to leap into a competition for backup duties, as Wilson was fine against defenders higher on the Lions’ depth chart, but good showing for the rookie who needs to be kept on the roster as a third quarterback.
Chop is OK!
There was an injury scare for second-year edge defender Chop Robinson during the Wednesday session. He was carted off the field mid-practice.
He alleviated concerns of the masses shortly after the day’s drills, releasing a social media post saying it was “nothing serious.” Robinson returned to practice the very next day, as McDaniel revealed he merely took a shot to a rib.
But others now hurt
Dolphins defensive tackle Zach Sieler and running back De’Von Achane appeared to make it through Wednesday’s first joint practice, but they didn’t participate Thursday.
McDaniel revealed after the game that neither is dealing with a concerning injury as the two will be evaluated to determine if it’s days or weeks for each.
In Saturday’s game, cornerback Ethan Bonner left early with a hamstring injury.
The Dolphins also have Tyreek Hill (oblique), Jaelan Phillips (undisclosed), fullback Alec Ingold (concussion), right tackle Austin Jackson (undisclosed) and safety Ashtyn Davis (lower leg) among active roster players recovering from other ailments.
Cornerback competition
As most starters rested, the cornerbacks weren’t afforded that same privilege. A first team at cornerback still needs to be formulated from the tape in these preseason games.
Storm Duck is probably locked in as a starter on one side. Mike Hilton is, hands down, the top nickel, as he was even granted the day off in Saturday’s exhibition.
After that, Bonner’s injury is another blow to the secondary, as he started Saturday. Kendall Sheffield is up there. Jones got a chance in an elevated role at Wednesday’s joint practice, and St. Brown exposed him. Rookie Jason Marshall Jr. has had good coverage in spurts. Cornell Armstrong is a fringe roster player. Cam Smith showed some heart on the field as he has slowly worked back from an injury. And a play like the one Ethan Robinson made at the end is what can immerse a player into really vying for a roster spot.
Gordon on the rise
Rookie running back Ollie Gordon II may have gone from fourth-string running back to second-string in a matter of seven days.
Gordon, hitting holes hard with his physical running style, sparked the run game in the second half. It was nonexistent in the first half when Jaylen Wright was in at tailback.
Much more effective carrying the ball than Wright this week, and after Alexander Mattison’s season-ending neck injury, Gordon could be making a strong case.
Pass rushers galore
Grayson Murphy and Derrick McLendon are making big pushes for roster spots in a crowded outside linebacker room.
The Dolphins have a Big 3 of Robinson, Phillips and Bradley Chubb. Then, Willie Gay Jr. is a versatile linebacker who can also line up on the edge, not just off the ball as an inside linebacker.
Cameron Goode and Quinton Bell are core special teamers. Spots at the end of the roster often come down to special teams contributions, and coordinator Craig Aukerman will have the final say there. But Murphy and McLendon are making it tough to deny either with their combination of pass rush and improved run defense.
Rookies get solid work
The most high-profile Dolphins to play in Saturday’s exhibition were the top two rookies. First-round pick and defensive tackle Kenneth Grant had 16 defensive snaps and another on special teams. Left guard Jonah Savaiinaea played 21 snaps on offense and one more on special teams.
It was also interesting that starting nose tackle Benito Jones started. He said he wanted the on-field work. Safety Ifeatu Melifonwu, also making a return to Detroit, saw 21 defensive snaps.
Notable players who didn’t dress for the exhibition included Hilton, wide receivers Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and Malik Washington and tight end Julian Hill. It’s a possible sign that they’re all very secure with their roles on the team.
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