The second preseason game for the Miami Dolphins was very similar to their first one. The team began the game fast with an early lead, only to lose the game in the second half.
Miami lost to the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte 31-30. While the Dolphins lost their second straight preseason game, there were some positive takeaways from Saturday’s game.
Tannehill was superb once again
For the second consecutive week, Ryan Tannehill had an excellent game. The quarterback finished the game completing 12 out of 15 passes for 102 yards and a touchdown pass. Tannehill also finished with an 117.2 passer rating.
“When you score on two out of three drives, you feel like you’re moving the ball well,” said Tannehill.
It is a great sign that Tannehill appears he is ready to take his game to the next level. Last season, Tannehill finished with 4,045 yards, 27 touchdowns against 12 interceptions. If Tannehill can keep improving as he has in his first three seasons, the Dolphins will have a great opportunity to make the playoffs for the first time since 2008.
The Dolphins first rush defense dominated
While the Panthers rushed for 119 yards on Saturday, the team had problems gaining yards against the Dolphins first team defense.
Miami’s first-team defense produced two three-and-out possessions against the Carolina offense. The Dolphins often forced Panthers quarterback Cam Newton into throwing the ball before he wanted to.
Newton completed 4 of 10 passes for 42 yards and he also threw an interception that cornerback Jamar Taylor nearly scored on. This is a great sign for Dolphins since their defense was a major reason for their demise late last season.
Damien Williams shines
On Saturday, Damien Williams became the first Dolphins running back to record a rushing and receiving touchdown in the same preseason game (1-yard run and 11-yard reception) since Bernie Parmalee accomplished the feat on Aug. 25, 1995 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Williams ended the game with four carries for 14 yards and two touchdowns. The running back is solidifying his case to be the Dolphins third down running back.
James played much better in preseason game No. 2
After having a lousy game against the Chicago Bears in the Dolphins first preseason game, LaMike James showed how versatile of a weapon he can be.
James had a game-high 45 yards rushing yards on six carries, including a 22-yard run against the Panthers second team defense. He also recorded a 21-yard punt return in the first quarter that set up a Dolphins touchdown scoring drive.
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