Phins Preseason Win Hints at Winning Culture

Under Gase the Phins were uneven, for one night, Flores brought stability

The Miami Dolphins beat the Atlanta Falcons 34-27 Thursday night… but that’s really the side note. The big news story is that the Phins appear to be on the right track… from top to bottom.

Yes, it has been just one stinkin’ Preseason game.

No, this team isn’t perfect and for context, Miami won their 1st Preseason game under Gase, too.

Still, even the doubter have to admit that for a young staff with a stripped-down team that ran backups with the starters… there was a ton of stability and consistency.

We create who we are. At least so says all that Law of Attraction razzamatazz.

Then there was Preston Williams and Josh Rosen.

Williams didn’t miss a beat from the practice field. Chris Grier may soon take a deep bow on this one. While still a bit raw, Williams was dominant and consistent. Getting this level of talent from an undrafted rookie… even if he down throttles some, is one hell of a find.

I have to admit, Jimmy was high on Williams early. So high I thought he was ‘high’ and had to tone down his exuberance a bit in my edit of his article. Silly me, no vision. At least this kinda’ crow is tasty because Williams may just end up a star.

Speaking of crow… some may end up eating plenty on Rosen

The connection between Rosen and Williams has shinned since early camp. As good as some of Williams catches were, equally good were some of Rosen’s throws. Let’s remember also, he’s the backup. And again, Rosen was had on the cheap as well. See the trend here?!

Winning starts from the top… and on the football side, that’s the talent acquisition from GM Chris Grier and his staff. Assistant GM Marvin Allen shouldn’t be forgotten in all of this. If you consider that the flow of success in hierarchical order is GM, HC, Staff, QB, and down the line, this Phins teams looks at least in solid shape. Simply swapping out Mike Tannenbaum for Allen and Tannehill and Osweiler for Fitzpatrick and Rosen appear to be a big step forward.

Of course, not everything went peachy.

Offensive Tackle Jordan Mills gave a cut worthy performance. Sloppy both physically and mentally in the starting Left Tackle role, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Turk came early for him.

This though would leave the Phins thinner on a thin O-line.

Also, Kallen Ballage looked lost at times as a receiver. Kenyan Drake IS Miami’s starting tailback. Ballage will and should get his touches of course. But, he is still raw.

I’ve watched the game only a few times…

… But what stood out at first glance with the all-important O-blockers

Guards Deiter and Calhoun are raw but talented. Calhoun though is farther behind and not a sure bet with the pay per heads sites (www.AcePerHead.com)he’ll be ready Week 1.
When T Isaiah Prince locks his mitts on you, it’s over.
Jesse Davis looked comfortable at RT.
Although only seen in the 2nd Half, G Michael Dunn looked good and should get a chance against stiffer competition.
Will Holden looked more comfortable at LT than RT.
FB / HB Chandler Cox had some crunching blocks… a keeper.
TE Durham Smythe blocked his way into my heart
Chris Reed struggled a bit too much at Center.
C Kilgore is just barely good enough and sometimes not.

At first glance about the overall team

Despite 8 penalties, all were committed by guys likely not to make the team. In context, pretty clean.
A ton of chatter about the lack of pass rush. There wasn’t one stunt all game which is a key to this pass rush. This game was about getting tape on ‘man-to-man’ rush. Don’t sweat it a bit… not yet at least.
The staff continually was able to settle down the team.
45% conversions on 3rd Down by the O was solid.
Zero penalties in player rotation. Looked very smooth and is a sign of organization.

Other Phins bits that stood out

The battle between DEs Dewayne Hendrix & Jonathan Ledbetter is fierce. Hendrix was responsible for the two big runs in the 4th, but he managed 2 sacks. Ledbetter was more even-keeled, though less impactful. Still, both might push Jonathan Ledbetter out of a roster spot. These players do reveal some interesting aspects on the pass rush concepts of Flores’.
LB Van Ginkel showed a few times… hmmm.
LB Sam Eguavoen didn’t pop either way… except on a deep pass. He or McDonald missed their assignment. Still, he covers and moves far better than McMillan in space.
LB Baker is a quality player at every level.
DT Adolphus Washington was eaten alive on double teams… this roll of the dice player might end up snake eyes.
To my surprise, CB Jalen Davis was nowhere to be found until the last play. At the perimeter, he made a nice play on a short pass to close out the game. If he doesn’t see more action this week, I might have to eat more crow on Davis. This crow won’t be as tasty.
RB UDFA Laird could be Miami’s 4th RB. It may come down to him or 7th Round Pick Myles Gaskin.
Jitterbug RB Mark Walton popped a few times.
CB Nik Needham was thrown in the fire… and got burnt. But, he was close mostly. He needs to step forward to stick, but the distance isn’t a mile. Miami’s CB #2 is a sore thumb ATM.
CB / S Walt Aikens is making the most of his chance to be more than just a special teamer.
DE Tank Carradine keeps coming

Breaking the tape down to get the nitty-gritty

Overall, I was pleased… but, what you think you saw isn’t always the case when you dig into the tape. I’m sure my opinions in some aspects will alter as I go over and over the game and hear from readers. Still, this was about as promising a showing as you could expect. Go Phins!!!

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