Do the Dolphins name unsigned veteran cornerback Joe Haden?
It has to cross their minds. With the standing of starter Byron Jones unsure for the regular-season opener and depth considerations within the unit, this summer season has been a expertise search at cornerback. It didn’t assist that cornerback Nik Needham walked off with an obvious dislocated finger Saturday in opposition to the Las Vegas Raiders. It’s not a serious situation wish to Trill Williams (knee) within the first preseason sport. It’s simply not what you wished.
Nor did it assist Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham took goal apply on the Dolphins obvious fourth cornerback, Noah Igbinoghene. After struggling in camp and the primary preseason sport, Igbinoghene had two Stidham completions in opposition to him the primary sequence and one other one on the second sequence.
The Dolphins have probably the greatest cornerbacks within the sport in Xavien Howard, who sat out Saturday night time once more. Needham matches in there. However after that if Jones can’t go? McKenzie Alexander, signed this previous week, acquired beat on a crossing sample Saturday.
It’s too early to say a lot both means on him, nevertheless it’s not too early to assume they’ll be on the lookout for cornerbacks. Haden, by the best way, is 33 and unsigned after enjoying with Pittsburgh final season. Different unsigned veterans: Trae Waynes, Chris Harris, Janoris Jenkins … anybody excite you?
2. There’s been a few fixed themes hit arduous about tight ends in coach Mike McDaniel’s offense: You’ve acquired to assault — and also you’ve acquired to dam. That’s why Durham Smythe seems to be beginning. It’s additionally why Mike Gesicki’s incapacity to dam is extra related on this offense. With the Dolphins close to their goal-line he fully whiffed on Raiders speeding linebacker Kenny Younger, who flushed Teddy Bridgewater out of the pocket ultimately zone. Bridgewater was then chased down, threw the ball late and the refs correctly dominated intentional grounding. That’s Exhibit A if McDaniel decides Gesicki simply can’t work in his offense. He’s giving him the possibility. Gesicki performed a lot of the first half — even with all of the backups. Message despatched?
3. Right here’s the priority of the offense heading into the season: Eight carries, 4 yards speeding within the first half. This wasn’t a personnel situation. The Dolphins began 4 of their 5 offensive linemen (solely deal with Terron Armstead sat out the night time), and operating again Chase Edmonds (three carries, three yards). This was in opposition to the second- and third-stringers of the Raiders, too. Backside-line: There’s work to do.
4. Tua Tagovailoa accomplished six of eight passes for 58 yards. The Dolphins cross of the night time was from Bridgewater, although. Going through third-and-10 simply earlier than half, Bridgewater threw a wonderfully positioned 28-yarder to Braylon Sanders. That arrange Jason Sanders’ second subject objective of the night time — a 57-yarder after a earlier 46-yarder.
5. The Raiders have been lacking at the very least 27 gamers Saturday. So the conventional qualifier about studying a lot into preseason will get watered down much more. The NFL has lowered the variety of preseason video games from 4 to 3 lately. The transfer will come to do away with the preseason altogether and promote tickets and televise the joint practices that groups love as a result of they’re extra managed. The Dolphins, by the best way, have two practices with Philadelphia subsequent week earlier than just about nobody will play within the closing preseason sport.
()