Dolphins Depth Tested in 26-3 Preseason Loss to Giants

The Miami Dolphins got an extended look at their depth Saturday afternoon in the Dolphins vs. Giants preseason matchup, a 26-3 loss that gave the coaching staff and front office plenty to evaluate.

Most of Miami’s established starters didn’t play, and even several young players the Dolphins are trying to develop into building blocks had short afternoons. Kadyn Proctor played only three offensive snaps, while Jacob Rodriguez and Chris Johnson also saw limited action.

As the game moved further down the roster, the drop-off became noticeable. New York held a 248-87 advantage in total yards at halftime and eventually finished with 390 yards to Miami’s 102. There were still a few individual performances worth taking away from the afternoon.

Miami’s depth remains a work in progress

Most projections have this team somewhere between three and five wins, maybe six if you’re feeling fancy.

With those expectations, you don’t expect a team to have a loaded second and third unit. Take most of the starters off the field, along with limited snaps for some of Miami’s top young players, and the lack of depth is going to show.

That doesn’t excuse the performance. It reinforces something we already knew: general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan still has work to do throughout the roster.

I expect the bottom of the roster to remain fluid. Miami already started Saturday by claiming cornerback Jai’Onte’ McMillan off waivers from Indianapolis during the game. Waiver claims, trades, street free agents, and players who become available during roster cuts should all be in play. There could be plenty of movement before Week 1.

The QB2 question remains

Cam Miller had an opportunity with Quinn Ewers unavailable, and there were moments when his physical ability showed. Miller made a nice throw to Kevin Coleman Jr. with a defender draped over him, giving Coleman a chance to make an impressive contested catch. Miller also showed some athleticism with his legs.

There’s something there to work with, but right now I see Miller as a developmental quarterback who could continue to develop on the practice squad.

Hafley said Sunday he is hopeful Ewers can practice this week as he works his way back from a groin injury. Even when Ewers returns, he hasn’t shown enough during camp to make me comfortable with the situation behind Malik Willis.

There’s still time for that to change, but if a quarterback Miami likes becomes available during roster cuts, or a trade opportunity presents itself, the Dolphins should at least consider looking outside the organization for help at QB2.

Woodard makes another strong case

Jackson Woodard was one of the most impressive Dolphins players I saw Saturday. Coming off a solid performance against Washington, Woodard followed it with another active afternoon against the Giants.

He tackled well, recovered Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s fumble, and later slipped a block on a blitz to pressure Jameis Winston. Two good preseason performances have my attention, and I’m starting to believe Woodard could find his way onto the 53-man roster.

Moore’s injury creates a problem at SAM

Trey Moore’s ankle injury is one of the bigger concerns coming out of Saturday. Hafley said Sunday that Moore will miss some time and indicated he doesn’t expect the rookie back soon, with a timetable still to be determined after testing.

That’s a tough loss for a rookie who showed plenty of promise throughout camp and was headed for a big role in this defense.

Moore brings a skill set Miami doesn’t really have behind him. At SAM, he has the physicality to set the edge, take on and shed blocks, and keep the run inside. His background as a productive college edge rusher adds pass-rush ability, while he has enough athleticism to drop into underneath coverage when asked.

That versatility isn’t easy to replace. Willie Gay Jr. could become more important with Moore sidelined, but Miami doesn’t have an obvious replacement who brings the same combination of power, pass rush, and athleticism.

Coleman continues to intrigue

Miami kept looking for Kevin Coleman Jr. on Saturday, and that might have been the most interesting part of his afternoon. Coleman made a difficult contested catch with a defender draped over him.

There were a couple other opportunities I’d like to see him finish, while another target was thrown behind him after Coleman had gained leverage. Miller said afterward that the quarterback room feels confident with No. 83 on the field, and that matched what I saw.

I believe Coleman will continue earning more snaps in the slot as he gains the trust of the quarterbacks and coaching staff.

Beyond Miami’s three rookie receivers—Caleb Douglas, Chris Bell, and Coleman—and Malik Washington, the rest of the receiver room remains unsettled. Tutu Atwell had a clean drop Saturday, while Jalen Tolbert, Jalen Reagor, and A.J. Henning haven’t separated themselves enough for me to consider their roster spots secure.

Getting Bell back healthy and eventually cleared for full contact will be a welcome addition to that young group.

A few other players to watch

Keith Cooper Jr. also helped himself Saturday. He was active against the run and continues to make his case for one of the final defensive-line spots. Hafley praised Cooper on Sunday, saying he has “done a good job” and “really stood out” against the Giants.

Ollie Gordon II had a couple encouraging moments, including a physical run erased by a holding penalty. Gordon later left after taking a hit to the ribs, but Hafley said Sunday he was cleared to return to the game.

Jaylen Wright had a nice return but also put the ball on the ground. With Wright and Gordon in a close battle for touches in the backfield, Wright has to secure the football.

Saturday ultimately reinforced where this roster stands. Miami needs to find out how many of these young players can become legitimate building blocks and what Willis can give them when the games begin to count. At the same time, the Dolphins still have work to do behind that young foundation.

The next couple of weeks should tell us plenty about how much of the bottom of this roster Sullivan is willing to turn over before Week 1.