Five Takeaways from the Miami Dolphins Preseason Tie With the Chicago Bears

The Miami Dolphins traveled to Chicago for their first NFL preseason matchup of the year, and there was plenty to unpack. The starters, minus Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle played the opening drive, which ended with a goal-line stand by the Bears. Still, Tua Tagovailoa, third year running back De’Von Achane, and Malik Washington all looked sharp.

Miami clearly emphasized goal-to-go running situations, and it paid off: all three touchdowns came on the ground, courtesy of Jaylen Wright, Ollie Gordon II, and Alexander Mattison (who left early to be evaluated for a concussion).

The two-minute drill execution was rough for both teams. And yes, in case you forgot, ties are possible in the NFL preseason.

1. Offensive Tackle Depth is a Huge Problem

After Patrick Paul was removed the Miami Dolphins offensive line saw an instant regress allowing five sacks to the Chicago Bears and seeing some very poor play from their tackle position. Germain Ifedi was very, very bad, Kion Smith, was okay, and the Dolphins are an injury away from disaster again on the offensive line.

2. Tahj Washington Climbs the Depth Chart

Tahj Washington came back from his ACL injury with vengeance. He’s been having a great camp and came to play today hauling in three catches for 53 yards working both the middle and outside of the field. Tahj looks to make his way on to the 53 this year and is very good after the catch, in space, and down the field. His last college season he led the Pac-12 in yards per catch and formed a dynamic duo with Caleb Williams.

Tahj making a defender miss in space.

Both Washingtons should be very impactful pieces for the Miami Dolphins this season.

3. Special Teams Already Looks Much Improved

Craig Aukerman’s presence is already felt with the Miami Dolphins special teams already feeling much smoother, and more impactful. Both Ryan Stonehouse and Jake Bailey would be wins at the punter position and their competition will remain fierce down the stretch. Bailey had a booming 59-yard punt to flip the field and put the Bears inside their own 20. Stonehouse had a nice 50-yard punt, and Jason Sanders picked up right where he left off going 1/1 with a 56-yard field goal and nailing all three of his extra points. The Dolphins saw three very good plays from their special team’s unit in the first half and looks to be much improved from last year’s unit.

4. Ollie Gordon II 6’2″ 225

A running back that looks like a running back, runs like a running back, and makes the plays like a running back. He was all over the field today, most notably seen on his first play busting off a really nice 20-yard run. He had 8 carries for 33 yards, muscled his way into the end zone and was active in the receiving game as well. The Ollie Gordon from Oklahoma State was on the field today for the Dolphins and it will be fun to watch him improve and climb the Dolphins depth chart.

Final Play of the Game

5. Willie Gay Jr. and The Miami Dolphins Front Seven

I have talked about the Dolphins front seven before, but it is deep, very deep, with serious potential to be among the league’s best unit. But today Willie Gay continued his reign of terror from camp into his first preseason action where he combined for a sack with Benito Jones and had 3 tackles in limited action. Gay will give Tyrel Dodson good competition for the starting linebacker unit as we go down the stretch. As for the rest of the front seven it is a deep group, K.J Britt was solid, Grayson Murphy played well, Derrick Mcclendon saw good action, as many others contributed leading to 3 sacks, 5 tackles for loss, and 9 pass deflections, 4 of which came from the front seven.

Other Notes

• Quinn Ewers final stats 5-for-18 91 yards 0 TD 0 INT 2 sacks 2 lost fumbles. Not good by any standards but it could have been worse, dealt with numerous drops. Didn’t elevate the offense.
• Zach Wilson should stay ahead of Ewers, as we saw the good and the bad from Wilson (as always).
• Tight end room is weak; Waller needs to be even a glimpse of his old self.
• The corner back room has work to do. Liked what I seen from Duck and Jack Jones.
• Malik Washington is Wide Receiver 3.
• Very intentional with working on goal to go runs.

Miami’s opener revealed glaring depth concerns at offensive tackle, cornerback, and tight end, but also showcased promising building blocks. With a week to clean things up, the Dolphins head to Detroit knowing exactly where they need to improve.