The third week of the preseason is what many call the dress rehearsal game because the starters usually play longer than have the entire preseason. The fourth week of the preseason is the game where you hope to avoid injuries at all cost.
The Miami Dolphins aren’t likely to play many starters in Thursday’s game at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While you aren’t likely to see quarterback Ryan Tannehill or Ndamukong Suh, there are still some reasons to tune in on Thursday night.
1. Caleb Sturgis or Andrew Franks
It has been rumored that Andrew Franks will receive all of the kicking duties on Thursday. The rookie free agent and last year’s kicker Caleb Sturgis have been battling for the place kicking spot on the roster since training camp.
Franks is 2-for-2 in the preseason as he hit a 51-yard field goal last week against the Atlanta Falcons. Sturgis is also 2-for-2 during the preseason.
Neither kicker was consistent during training camp nor has stood out in the preseason. It would take a great performance from Franks to win the job from Sturgis. Miami could choose to keep Sturgis and place Franks on the practice squad.
“Whoever the best player is we are going to have confidence in them, full confidence, said head coach Joe Philbin. “Whoever we keep, whatever 53 guys we keep, whatever 46 guys we dress, those are our guys. We’ll believe in them and we’ll have confidence in them.”
2. Offensive Line
It appears rookie fourth-round pick Jamil Douglas has overtaken Billy Turner for the starting guard spot on the Dolphins’ offensive line. Douglas has been pretty impressive during the last two preseason game while Turner has been OK.
Both Douglas and Turner should see a lot of playing time on Thursday night. Whoever plays better against the Buccaneers could be the Week 1 starter against the Washington Redskins on September 13.
3. Defensive Tackle
Suh, second-round draft pick Jordan Phillips and Earl Mitchell are all locks to make the Dolphins’ 53-man roster. Anthony Johnson, A.J. Francis and C.J. Mosley are the players that will be fighting for the fourth defensive tackle spot.
Mosley was signed this summer to team up with Suh to improve the Dolphins rushing defense, but he hasn’t done anything to stand out. Johnson has a lot of upside but he hasn’t consistently played well.
Francis has been the best defensive tackle out of the three and has been playing some of his best football with the Dolphins second unit. Right now, Francis is the leader in the clubhouse for the spot on the roster.
4. Linebacker
We know Jelani Jenkins, Koa Misi and Kelvin Sheppard will be the Dolphins starting linebackers in Week 1, barring injury. The team will probably keep two or three more linebackers between Zack Vigil, Neville Hewitt, Chris McCain, Mike Hull, Spencer Paysinger, Nand Jordan Tripp.
McCain has a lot of talent and potential and the Dolphins may not want to part ways with him. Vigil has made a number of plays during the preseason. Hull had a standout game last week as he led the team in tackles with six and recorded a sack.
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