Miami Settles for Field Goals Early, Proves Costly: The Takeaway

Charlotte, NC — Miami Dolphins’ quarterback Ryan Tannehill played in his second straight game after missing the past 24 games including preseason, and playoffs. The good news, Tannehill seemed to pick up right where he left off in 2016. The bad news, he’ll have to adjust to Miami’s new-look offense missing Jarvis Landry and Jay Ajayi.

The Fins’ first-team offense moved the ball well but settled for field goals. Tannehill completed 14 of his 17 passes in five drives that resulted in just nine points.

“We’re moving the ball but we’re getting field goals,” Dolphins coach Adam Gase said. “We had a great opportunity after a turnover to put it in the end zone and we didn’t do it; we had negative plays (and penalties), we have a lot of things to clean up.”

Tannehill wasn’t able to stretch the field with his top two receivers out of the lineup, Kenny Stills, and Devante Parker. The seventh-year signal-caller had to rely on receivers Albert Wilson, and Jakeem Grant resulting in 100 yards passing. Grant and Wilson will continue to fight for playing time as the third receiver due to Landry’s departure.

Miami did find running room in the first half with running back Kenyan Drake. Drake averaged 6.8 yards per carry on eight runs including an impressive 34-yard scamper. He continues to show flashes of what he can be. Hopefully, the addition of veteran running back Frank Gore can wear off on Drake’s game.

Miami’s defense seemed to be in for a long night as Carolina’s first drive only took two plays. Carolina running back Christian McCaffrey darted off of the right side and ran away from Dolphins defenders for a 71-yard touchdown. However, the Dolphins defense responded with an interception on the following drive.

The addition of defensive end Robert Quinn paid off early as Quinn found a way to get to Panthers quarterback, Cam Newton, twice. Quinn combined with defensive end Cameron Wake will help relive the loss of Ndamukong Suh.

“He’s been a terror in training camp,” Gase said. “It’s good to see him go against somebody else and have success.”

If Quinn can consistently get to the quarterback or provide pressure, Miami’s defense will be a force.

Side Notes:

• Kicker Jason Sanders was 3-for-3 on field goal attempts.
• Rookie third-round pick Jerome Baker was in the starting lineup as he joined Kiko Alonso and Raekwon McMillan as the starting linebackers.
• Rookie tight end, Gesicki made a second consecutive start on Friday.
• Safety Reshad Jones and Wake returned to the lineup after sitting out the game against the Bucs.
• Gore took the night off after missing last week’s game.

Up Next: Miami hosts the Baltimore Ravens at Hard Rock Stadium on 8/25.