The Miami Dolphins are already looking like one of the very worst teams in the NFL, and we haven’t even kicked off the regular season yet. Tomorrow night’s preseason finale is just a tune-up for the Falcons, but for Miami, it feels like a preview of a long, tough year ahead.
The Dolphins Are Hitting The Reset Button With A Sledgehammer
Seriously, what in the world happened in Miami? It’s like they pulled a classic 2021 Falcons move, signing about 15 guys to one-year deals and completely gutting their roster. New GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley both hopped over from Green Bay, and they didn’t waste any time making shocking changes. They traded away their franchise cornerstone receiver Jaylen Waddle to the Broncos! Not only that, but Minkah Fitzpatrick is gone too, sent to the Jets. And Tua Tagovailoa? He’s out, replaced by Malik Willis under center. When you trade away your top offensive weapon and a key defensive piece, and swap QBs, it’s a clear signal. This team is staring down a brutal season, and the source says it plain as day: they’re setting up to be one of the very worst teams in the league. Miami fans, buckle up.
Falcons’ Battles Are Wrapping Up Before Week 1
Meanwhile, for the Falcons, tomorrow night’s game is the final look at some serious roster battles. Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees mentioned Chris Blair and Dylan Drummond as receivers who had very good summers, and they both bring special teams value and experience. Vinny Anthony gets one last shot to prove he belongs on the roster instead of the practice squad. We’ll see if the Falcons keep five or six receivers. At running back, Tyler Goodson has locked down the RB3 spot. He was the best back on the field in Week 2 of the preseason and has considerable special teams value, so that job is wrapped up for him.
The trenches and linebackers have some tight calls too. For the backup center spot, James Brockermeyer was well-regarded coming out of college, but hasn’t been impressive enough this summer to make it likely he’ll get snatched off the practice squad. Corey Levin, who can play both guard and center and knows Bill Callahan’s system, seems to have that job sewn up. At inside linebacker, Kendal Daniels is making a strong case. He’s been wearing the green dot, looking impressive in practices and preseason, and figures to line up next to Divine Deablo in Week 1. Christian Harris only got into the game late, working behind JD Bertrand, and might not even be a lock for the roster. In the secondary, Avieon Terrell is back practicing but has a lot of ground to make up before Week 1. With Billy Bowman Jr. still out, Mike Hughes will start opposite A.J. Terrell, and Darnay Holmes should be the nickel starter at the beginning of the season. Look for Avieon Terrell to be a starter by the end of the year, though.
This final tune-up game clears the way for Kevin Stefanski’s first season of Falcons football alongside GM Ian Cunningham. After tomorrow night, it’s all about Week 1 and seeing how these roster decisions play out!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply