The Miami Dolphins lost their preseason opener to the Chicago Bears on Thursday night 27-10. While every team always plays to win the game, the final result wasn’t very important. What was important was how the Dolphins played and the first team offense and defense looked very impressive.
Here are the key takeaways from the Dolphins’ Thursday’s night game:
Tannehill was remarkable
In his limited amount of work, Ryan Tannehill played as well as he could have imagined. The quarterback finished the game 6 of 7 for 56 yards, one touchdown and a passer rating of 139.6.
Tannehill looked comfortable in the pocket during his only series of the game. He also showed that his pocket presence has improved as he evaded the Bears pass rush and used his athleticism to make plays.
Next week’s game against the Carolina Panthers should provide Tannehill and the Dolphins defense with a much bigger challenge.
Damien Williams proved he is the Dolphins No.2 back
Many people suspected that 2015 fifth round draft pick Jay Ajayi would eventually become the Dolphins No.2 running back. Someone forgot to tell Damien Williams that because he has been playing like the backup running job is his.
Williams carried the ball seven times for 20 yards and he also had two receptions for 28 yards. Ajayi didn’t play on Thursday as he is still recovering from a hamstring injury. While Ajayi may have a role in the Dolphins offense this fall, Williams is clearly the second best running back on the team’s roster.
First team defense shined
The first defense only played in two series on Thursday night, but they were superb when they were in the game. Ndamukong Suh was great stopping the run and defensive ends Cameron Wake and Olivier Vernon were very active in the Bears’ backfield.
Safety Reshad Jones also played well as recorded a couple of tackles on the night. If Thursday was any indication on how well the Dolphins defense will play during the regular season, teams in the NFL better take notice.
Up Next
Next up for the Dolphins is a trip to Charlotte to take on the Carolina Panthers. The team will travel their early next week to scrimmage against the Panthers on August 19 and 20. Carolina will host the Dolphins in a preseason game at Bank of America Stadium on August 22.
