What do you guys think so far?

I know Skylar Thompson is looking good, but so did Reid Sennet, David Fales, Sage Rosenfels, and more. I’m sorry, and I hope I am wrong, but seeing a backup QB play nicely in a practice game against 7th-string defensive players does not excite me.

Lots of Gesicki trade rumors floating around, but I don’t think it will happen. I certainly don’t want it to happen. The 49ers’ George Kittle is not an All-Pro because of his devastating blocking record. No, tight ends in this offense are meant to catch passes. I think it’s a lot of smoke and mirrors going on here. I hope!

Waiting for the debut of Hill and Armstead, but I’m actually pleased to NOT see them out there. The risk of a devastating injury is not worth it for a practice game. Wait until week one, and I’ll be content with that.

Defense continues to look good in spurts. No depth at CB is an issue, with Jones already hurt and X Howard typically missing a few games a year for injuries. Getting the pass rush to play at a ferocious level will be vital, because our DBs might not hold up during 17 long weeks.

I’m curious about punt return duties. This intrigues me more than most people. Do we keep Bowden on the roster for this purpose? Use Hill and risk injury?

Also, this just in… Stephen Ross has NOT screwed the Dolphins this week!! That’s progress!

Always curious what you guys think about all this…

26 Comments

  1. I agree about Skylar Thompson, I hope they could keep in the practice squad but some other team might pick him up.
    I am very excited about watching the offense this year, I hope is as good as we think could be.
    The offensive line still not working but of course Armstead has not played yet.

    1. Author

      Cad! How are ya?!

      “The offensive line still not working…”

      Man, don’t we say the same thing each year? Although the line is probably improved, I think we have a better coach now who will spot weaknesses and compensate. No more asking Jesse Davis to go one-on-one against a Von Miller, for example. Instead, let’s hope McDaniel knows when to double team and knows when to call a maximum-protection package, etc.

      1. Hopefully the offensive line is better this year, I wish we had an excellent O line, but right now, I will be happy with adequate, that beats having the worst O line.

        I also would like to have a better defense against the run.

        With all the injuries to the CBs, I think Noah I. is going to end up making the team, but so far every time the pass against him is a completion.

        I can’t wait for the season to start.

        Have a great day!

  2. Both the OL and the running game have a very long way to go, to improve. I’m sure you know (and saw) how the fins have ranked near last in the league in rushing the past 4 or 5 years. I’m hoping what the pundits are saying about coach McDaniel is true, and that he strongly emphasizes the running game, believes in its importance, and sticks with it. That seems to be what he did in SF as their OC, the past several years. Would love to see Tyreek Hill’s speed involved in the running game, via reverses, jet sweeps, etc.

  3. I think overall the preseason has went well. Lost Trill but some others are doing well. The young safeties are improving so that’s a help to the secondary.

    Skyler will be snagged if they don’t protect him. I’m sure they know his true value good problem to have at QB. He’s looked good.

    I’d keep Gesicki as well as he’ll be hard to stop even in passing downs. Smythe and others can play in the other downs. Unless they think the young guys are ready don’t trade him.

    I like Bowden too he can also produce in the passing game Swiss army knife guy. If anything Preston may be gone if he can’t do more or stay healthy.

    Overall they are definitely holding back keep some surprises for Belicheat.

    1. Author

      The overall depth at CB still bothers me, even before Trill got hurt. Nik Needham got banged up three separate times already, and luckily, each time turned out to be minor. That kind of luck won’t hold up. That being said, every year we seem to have a new crop of backup DBs who come in and play adequately. Noah I is a bust, but he has zero trade value, and it’s not like we can just go and pick CBs from other teams…yet! Once the waiver wire hits, watch how quickly we pick up some more CBs

  4. That’s good point about preseason hype against 3rd string-plus talent, but I am going to bite and say that like what I have seen of Skylar. He seems very comfortable and has made some nice throws, so I hope we keep him. He also seems to instinctively know to slide at the end of a QB run! He did play that whole first preseason game, which I am assuming was against 1st and 2nd stringers in the first half. That being said, he does have really small hands (8 5/8″), which might lead to more fumbles when under the quick pressure and blitzing of professional football defenses.

  5. I am actually very excited, like a kid, in anticipation of the start of this season. I can’t remember the last time I had this much excitement. The feel of the off-season acquisitions is totally different than previous years. It actually feels like we improved in off season, as opposed to the typical bland, horizontal off-season moves of season past. Of course, the fact I am this excited probably means I am still a sucker and due for a big let down. But I am going to enjoy it now, anyway. Bring on the season!

  6. I am actually very excited, like a kid, in anticipation of the start of this season. I can’t remember the last time I had this much excitement. The feel of the off-season acquisitions is totally different than previous years. It actually feels like we improved in off season, as opposed to the typical bland, horizontal off-season moves of season past. Of course, the fact I am this excited probably means I am still a sucker and due for a big let down. But I am going to enjoy it now, anyway. Bring on the season!

    1. Author

      I agree about the off-season pickups. I’d say Suh was the last true All-Pro stud we picked up that had me excited, but he didn’t much much difference because he played in the trenches. Tyreek Hill is a different kind of acquisition. Initially I thought just having a fast guy won’t make a difference, but he is fast PLUS good hands and the whole package. It’s up to McDaniel to use the new personnel correctly.

  7. I am also very curious to see how McDaniel coaches/manages in the trenches, on the field, during the game. Unfortunately, that can’t be taught, it comes with experience and making mistakes and learning from them, so hopefully the mistakes don’t kill us too frequently

  8. BOOM! Nice show and tell on offense!
    Starters are playing, four plays to march down the field.

    1. Author

      Gotta be objective and point out that Tua’s pass was short and too far left, plus the Eagles had their subs in there. Gotta be fair. That being said, what an exciting play. I bet you Hill goes back to the huddle and tells Tua not to play it safe next time. Just air it out and let me run under it.
      Defense looks solid already. Even though Philly played no starters on offense, still our D gained a lot of experience and momentum heading into week 1.
      53-man roster cuts are Tuesday. Very odd, because it’s always been on Saturdays in the past

      1. I agree on the Tua pass, but we know the long passes are not his strength. I was more exciting for the speed and separation displayed, 2nd string or not.

    1. Yes like it he shows great promise nice pick. Keeping a lot of TE’s too but Gesicki and Conner are more TE/WR options which will mess with the D’s. I’d like to see them snag a good CB now that Jones is out 4 games.

      1. Author

        I saw a blurb where Chris Grier emphatically stated that 2 teams called him and wanted Mike Gesicki. He said no to both. The Dolphins called zero teams to offer Gesicki. They simply answered the phone. I tend to believe Grier. I think the rumors were accurate, if you look at it from the perspective of “Mike Gesicki’s came up in trade talks.” But was a deal in place? No. I feel good about that, if it’s true. He’s a great catcher with great height and the ability to come up with bizarre one-handed catches. Glad he’s here.

    2. Author

      I’m surprised by this, but not disappointed. Yes, the kid played well, but keeping a guy just so someone else can’t have him goes against a lot of rationale in the modern NFL. He will most certainly not be active on game days. Yes, he is on the official 53-man roster, but on game day you can only dress 48 guys. So he won’t suit up and play, but we waste a roster spot on him. In any event, I’m happy for him and will be keeping an eye on Teddy Bridgewater, who looked very average (at best) in pre season

  9. Teddy was very average, arguably below average. So maybe Skylar is also a hedge.

    1. If Tua misses a couple of games this year as he has every year, rather have Teddy starting those 2-3 games than Skylar

  10. FlyerFinFan, great reco for the link above! Excellent analysis of Tua IMO. I think Warner hit it and makes accurate points on his strengths and weaknesses. This is Tua’s season to prove he was worth the wait or the experiment just hasn’t worked. Hope the Dolphin’s 12th man Hot & Humid is ready for every home game.

    1. Yes I think he was fair and honest. I think he’ll be fine should be some good matchups especially if patsies put Jonathan Jones on Hill would love to see some single coverage. Losing JC Jackson has to hurt as well.

      I just hope DT Davis can play he helps the run D. Looks like my boy Needham will be in.

  11. Hey Admin will the chat room be open Sunday? Can’t wait for the game may have to limit my Sat night rum session to be ready.

  12. All I got to say is be careful McDaniel! I hope is ready for Belichick. Pats strength is their defense.

    1. Their run D hasn’t been the patsies strength and the Fins want to run the ball so something has to give. Hopefully the Fins have success with it because everything else will open up after.

Leave a Reply to FlyerPhin Cancel reply