Dolphins Stock Report: Channing Tindall Was One of the Standouts in the Preseason Opener

One preseason game doesn't define a season, but it sure can clarify the issues a team needs to address.

The Miami Dolphins' 19-3 loss to the Atlanta Falcons created a to-do list of things Mike McDaniel and his staff must use the next month to address before this franchise is prepared to produce the franchise's fourth straight winning season.

I’ve already given some Dolphins players the praise they deserved, and criticized others for their shortcomings against the Falcons.

But here’s a fresh stock report leading into next week’s joint practices with the Houston Texans, and the second preseason game.

Stock Up

Safety Elijah Campbell 

Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio was candidly honest when he pointed out none of Miami’s safeties have impressed him outside of Jevon Holland. But Campbell has seemingly closed some ground on the starting contenders — DeShon Elliott and Brandon Jones — and could lock up a roster spot and defensive role with a strong week of practice against the Houston Texans next week. The core special-teamer the past two years possesses range from a coverage standpoint and toughness that’s needed from the safety who will be paired with Holland.

Tailback Chris Brooks 

There hasn’t been a training camp practice where Brooks hasn’t made the most of his limited opportunities. Against the Falcons, the undrafted rookie from BYU gained 24 yards on five carries and caught one pass for 10 yards while working behind a suspect offensive line. The Dolphins backfield already is crowded, but this big-body back has proven he’s practice squad worthy if he doesn’t regress or suffer an injury.

Inside linebacker Channing Tindall 

I’ve been extremely critical of Tindall his first two NFL camps because of how slow he is to react and react, but it seems as if Miami has found a decent role for the weakside linebacker. Tindall, the Dolphins’ 2022 third-round pick, led the team with nine tackles and contributed one sack Friday night. He also recorded one tackle on special teams, which is the unit where he’ll really be needed this season. Let’s hope the light bulb is finally coming on and Tindall continues to perform up to his talent level.