Preseason is known as over-reaction season, but there’s no way to overreact to this Dolphins loss as the vast majority of the starters didn’t register a single snap. Nevertheless, all of these players are fighting for a roster spot so let’s take a look at the 3 big talking points from week 1.
EVERYTHING RESTS ON TUA
When your backups are Skylar Thompson and Mike White it’s pretty clear that your season hinges on your starting QB, but if that point needed any reinforcing this game did it. Mike McDaniel’s potent offence of last season was nowhere to be seen.
Mike White finished the night 9/14 – 85 yards and a pick, while Thompson managed 10/16 – 104 yards and 2 picks. It was a night of futility that just summed up that the Dolphins are all in on Tua. If Tua doesn’t stay healthy this could be a horrendously long season for Dolphins fans.
CAM SMITH HAS A VERY HIGH CEILING
While still raw, a little too handsy, and giving up some yards, Cam Smith showed flashes of why he was the Dolphins second-round pick and the heir apparent for Xavier Howard. He made a very special diving pass breakup that showed just what he could be, if he can sort everything else out.
Where we’ve seen Noah Igbinoghene always be close to the action, but rarely quite making the play, Smith showed that ability his first time on the field. It’s still very early in his career, but keep your eyes on Smith this season.
THE DOLPHINS HAVE EXCELLENT DEPTH AT WR
Newly acquired Braxton Berrios made two catches on his Dolphins debut, Cedrick Wilson and River Cracraft made a catch each and Erik Ezukanma made 3 more. Probably only 1, max 2 of these make the roster.
Seemingly locked in are Hill, Waddle, Chosen, and Berrios. So how many more spots are there? Well last year the Dolphins carried 5 on opening day.
The massive overpay for Cedrick Wilson last season, he carries $7-million in dead cap this season if cut, seems to say he’ll make the roster unless traded, which could mean pre-season specialist, and last years fourth-round draft pick, Erik Ezukanma on the outs. Ezukanma only saw the field in one game last season so he’s clearly not doing something right as far as the coaches are concerned.
River Cracraft on the other hand saw the field in 11 contests and hauled in two touchdown passes and is clearly one of the coaching teams guys.
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