Dolphins Look to Have a Solid Second Preseason Game

Dolphins Look to Have a Solid Second Preseason Game

The Miami Dolphins’ joint practices have been a tale of two days — slow starts followed by strong bounce-backs. While it’s encouraging to see the offense respond after adversity, the troubling part is that it’s taking a punch to the mouth before they hit their stride.

Last week’s joint sessions with the Chicago Bears began with a wake-up call. Reports out of camp said Miami’s offensive starters were outmuscled and out-executed, with the Bears’ defense dictating the pace and forcing mistakes. Chicago’s physicality kept the Dolphins’ offense from making big plays.

But when the lights came on in their first preseason game, Miami’s offense answered. Outside of failing to punch in a touchdown on an early red-zone trip, the offense marched down the field multiple times, finishing the night with 24 points. Most importantly, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa looked poised, the offensive line held up better, and the playmakers found space. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a much-needed show of life after a disappointing first practice.

Fast forward to this week in Detroit, and it was déjà vu. The Lions brought the intensity early, and the Dolphins weren’t ready for it. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown had his way with Miami’s defense, particularly against cornerback Jack Jones, while Detroit’s defense clamped down on the Dolphins’ offensive attack. Tua spoke to the media following the practice and was outwardly upset with the lack of production.

However, Thursday was a different story. Much like after the Chicago sessions, the Dolphins regrouped and delivered a far more productive performance. The offense moved the ball with confidence, found chunk plays, and matched Detroit’s energy. It was another display of resilience — proof that this unit can adjust and respond when challenged.

Still, there’s an elephant in the room — these redemptions only came after a rough first day. In the regular season, there is no second joint practice to fix what went wrong. You get one game, one chance. Start slow on Sunday, and you may never get the opportunity to rebound.

It’s also worth noting that both joint practices have been on the road. Miami has struggled away from home, and that has to be an emphasis for them this season. If they can’t solve their on-the-road struggles, they can kiss their season goodbye.