New Look Offense Sizzles In Season Debut

(Miami Herald)

It may have only been a small, 10 play sized sampling.

And it may have only been the first drive of the first preseason game against a defense coming off a down year.

But make no mistake about it, what Ryan Tannehill and the Miami Dolphins first team offense showed us tonight left even the most pessimistic fan with a big ol' grin on their face.

And if that opening 10 play, 73 yard TD drive is any indication of things to come, well, this team is going to be alright this year.

It started with a six yard pass to RB Lamar Miller, ended with a six yard touchdown to Brandon Gibson, and featured a 36 yard strike to Rishard Matthews along the way. There were no sacks, no quarterback hits, and no reports of the infamous "go-go" calls at the line of scrimmage.

From the very first play of the game, it was evident that this offense was different, and so to was it's commander in chief.

Ryan Tannehill finished the night a perfect 6-6, for 62 yards, and a TD.  He looked comfortable, confident, and, most importantly, in control.  His passer rating was 149.

Will that do, Dolfans?

No, it won't be this flawless every time out.  Heck, it may never look that easy again.  But you saw the potential of this offense in that short, 4 minute drive.  You saw the direction Bill Lazor has in mind for this group, and for this quarterback.  You saw a glimpse of how could these guys could be when they really start clicking, and when they actually get the big time playmakers back in there.

Remember, there was no Mike Wallace or Brian Hartline or Charles Clay tonight.

That drive, albeit just the first of the year, showed progress.  Preseason or not, there is no disputing that.

It may have just been the start.  It may have just been the very beginning of a long, grinding, roller coaster ride these Dolphins are sure to put us through this season.

But it was a brilliant start.  And that's already more than you could have said at any point last year.


OTHER NOTES

• Jarvis Landry had a highlight reel 48 yard punt return.  This kid has playmaking abilities through the roof, and you saw it tonight.
• CB Will Davis showed me a lot tonight.  He was picked on early and often, and answered the challenge almost every time.
• Tackling was a huge issue throughout the game.  I'm not too concerned right now because, well, these guys just haven't tackled a lot in practice so far.  But it's something to keep an eye on.
• Too many third down conversions. 
• WAY too many penalties.
• The first team defensive line put good pressure on QB Matt Ryan, but after that Atlanta quarterbacks were barely touched.
• I expected more from Dion Jordan.  He saw a lot of playing time and was mostly a non factor.
• Randy Starks is going to have a monster year.  He's been a beast in camp and was a beast tonight.
• The linebackers struggled.  Koa Misi showed flashes, but the unit is just not there yet.
• Cortland Finnegan was just a step late all night long.  He'll get there.
• Rookie Ja'Wuan James saw the most playing time of any starter, and he was really, really solid all night long.  Good sign for the Fins.
• Terrence Fede showed the same spark he's shown in practices thus far.  He's making a strong case for the 53 man roster.
• With Reshad Jones out the first 4 games, it looks like Jimmy Wilson will be your starting SS, with Jamar Taylor being the starting nickel CB.  These two should fill in just fine, they've had strong camps.
• Matt Moore and Pat Devlin were not active tonight, and it showed.  Do not underestimate the power of a backup QB.  This team needs Moore healthy, and soon.

That's all for tonight.  Thanks for following.  I'll be back at camp Monday morning.

See you then.

29 days.