It is preseason football. Let’s not overexaggerate the good or the bad.
The Miami Dolphins lost their second preseason game of the year to the Baltimore Ravens, 31-7, in Jay Cutler’s debut.
Cutler completed 3 of 6 passes for 24 yards in two series of work. Cutler looked normal as he moved in the pocket when rushed, was hit and the arm looked solid. The play of the night was erased. Cutler completed a nice throw to Devonte Parker for 31 yards. He displayed his pocket presence stepping up to make the throw in a tight window with double coverage. The offensive line drew a penalty leading the play to be nullified. Three completions for 24 yards is what I expected, Cutler is not ready. Again, let’s not overexaggerate, it is preseason. Good or bad, he is rusty. He needs more practice and cohesiveness with this offense.
The offensive line, which has been a work in progress forever now, was missing in action. Literally. The offensive line is not ready for the season; tackle Sam Young had holding penalties that erased back-to-back big plays for Miami. The line has not been together throughout preseason or training camp. Center Mike Pouncey did not play nor was he expected to. Starting right tackle Ja’Wuan James is still nursing a sore shoulder while left guard Kraig Urbik is nursing a sore back, and he is potentially a starter. The offensive line accounted for three penalties, two holding calls on Young, and a false start by Laremy Tunsil.
Jay Ajayi looked 2016-like, healthy after overcoming a concussion. He rushed for minus two yards and had a 19-yard gain erased by one of Young’s holding penalties.
Xavien Howard and Cordrea Tankersley each snagged interceptions and Byron Maxwell forced a pair of fumbles representing the Dolphins’ defensive backs well. Davon Godchaux not only has a cool last name but he is making his presence felt defensively.
The Dolphins special teams… oh my… B..A..D. A fumbled kickoff. A blocked punt. Too many penalties to count. Darren Rizzi, the Dolphins special teams coordinator, had the worse night to say the least.
It is preseason football. Let’s not overexaggerate.
