On Saturday, the Miami Dolphins’ won their most important preseason game 25-20 over the Dallas Cowboys. While there were some positives for the Dolphins, there are many areas where the team needs to improve before their Sept. 7 opener against the New England Patriots. Here are my takeaways from last night’s game.
Knowshon Moreno should be the Dolphins Starting Running Back
In his first game action of 2014, running back Knowshon Moreno showed why he is the best running back on the Dolphins’ roster. The former Georgia Bulldog rushed for 64 yards on 10 carries in his Dolphins début.
Moreno showed excellent vision all night as he ran with a burst between the Dolphins offensive line. While Lamar Miller has been the starting running back throughout training camp and during the preseason, Moreno brings more of a new dynamic to the Dolphins offense. With the way he played last night, I would be surprised if the Dolphins didn’t start Moreno in Week 1.
Ryan Tannehill Had a Mediocre Dress Rehearsal
Ryan Tannehill had a lackluster performance on Saturday night as he completed 13/20 for 119 yards and one interception. The third-year starter had some good moments as he helped moved the Dolphins down the field a few times in the first half. Ugly decisions and throws by Tannehill kept the Dolphins from scoring a touchdown while he was under center. I’m not going to have a knee jerk reaction and say backup Matt Moore should be the starting quarterback, but you would have liked to see Tannehill play better against one of the worst defenses in the NFL.
Dolphins Defensive Line Showed Why They Are the Strength of the Team
One thing Dolphins coaches and players have to be excited about is the play of the team’s defensive line. It was very active on Saturday as they got pressure on Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo on several occasions. Romo was sacked three times on the night, twice by Cameron Wake and once by Olivier Vernon.
Daniel Thomas is As Good as Gone
It appears more than ever that Daniel Thomas is almost certain to be cut after the performances of running backs Damien Williams and Orleans Darkwa last night. Williams, who is already ahead of Thomas on the Dolphins depth chart, finished the game with seven carries for 33 yards and a touchdown. Williams also ran back a kick return for 35 yards.
Darkwa carried the ball six times for 70 yards and a touchdown. He also caught three passes for 24 yards. With Thomas injured and in the last year of his contract, I really have a hard time believing the Dolphins would keep him after their roster cuts.
