The third preseason game is what many people call a dress rehearsal. It is called that because teams game plan for the third preseason game like how they would during the regular season game.
If Thursday night’s game is any indication, then the Miami Dolphins appear to be headed in the right direction.
Miami defeated the Falcons 17-6 in Camping World Stadium in Orlando. While the Dolphins should be happy because of the victory, a number of players suffered injuries on Thursday night.
Defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (ankle), linebacker Jelani Jenkins (ankle), defensive end Terrence Fede (knee) and running back Isaiah Pead (hamstring) all experienced injuries against the Falcons. Dolphins head coach Adam Gase explained that some injuries aren’t as serious as other could be.
“(Ndamukong) Suh, he had an ankle (injury). He’s okay,” Gase said. “(Jelani) Jenkins, he had an ankle (injury). He’s okay. (Isaiah) Pead had a hamstring (injury). We’ll look at it tomorrow and see where he’s at. (Terrence) Fede had a knee (injury). It’s nothing major though. We just have to, obviously, take a closer look at that.”
The talk of Thursday night was Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill. He finished the night 20 for 29 for 155 yards. While Tannehill did through an interception, it wasn’t his fault as the pass was tipped at the line.
Despite the performance, Tannehill wasn’t satisfied with the play of the offense.
“I think obviously want to score more points and I think we had some opportunities to score more points there,” Tannehill said. “A couple of singular plays took us out of rhythm; we had the penalty on one drive, the tip interception, and the snap another drive. We need to really to eliminate those small mistakes that really killed our drives and I think we will be in good shape.”
After being cautious with Dolphins running back Arian Foster during the first two preseason game, the veteran received more touches against the Falcons. Foster rushed for five carries for 10 yards and a touchdown. He also caught two passes for 20 yards.
After the game, Foster was quick to give credit to the Dolphins offensive line.
“It’s just a testament to the work we have been putting in, it is doing the work every single day,” Foster said. “(We keep) getting better, taking each opportunity to give back.”
Speaking of the Dolphins offensive line, they had their best performance of the preseason. Second-year player Anthony Steen was solid replacing Pro Bowl center Mike Pouncey. Steen did botch a snap, but Tannehill was able to recover.
Steen and the rest of the Dolphins offensive line kept the pocket relatively clean for Tannehill. Rookie Laremy Tunsil was again impressive. It appears unless injury strikes, Tunsil will be the starting left guard Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks.
One of the few negatives from the Dolphins game against the Falcons is the play of tight end Jordan Cameron. He dropped a pass in the red zone, which went off his helmet. Cameron also dropped a wide pass on third and 16.
Despite Dion Sims receiving more playing time with the first team, Cameron said he doesn’t feel any pressure.
“No, I don’t even think about it,” Cameron said. “I think you guys think about it more than I do. I’ve just got to play football and watch the ball in my hands. It’s not something I’m concerned with.”
Twitter: @antwanstaley
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