Dolphins' Tuesday Practice Spent Preparing For First Preseason Game
Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter
DAVIE (CBSMiami) – The Miami Dolphins completed the eleventh practice of training camp on Tuesday, the final workout before the team travels up to Chicago for preseason game number one.
The practice certainly had a different feel as there was a lot of attention paid to preparing for the game, which meant more reps for the second and third team players than the starters, who will likely play only for a quarter, if that long.
Several players were held out of Tuesday's practice due to injury. Rookie running back Jay Ajayi (hamstring), receivers Christion Jones (hamstring) and Kenny Stills (calf) and linebacker Koa Misi (calf) all did not participate and aren't likely to suit up on Thursday against the Bears.
When he was out there, Ryan Tannehill had a solid day. He started out making some good throws during 1-on-1 drills, hitting Matt Hazel and Rishard Matthews on deep balls.
The throw to Matthews was one of the best long passes I've seen Tannehill make. He hit him perfectly in stride and the ball dropped right into the receiver's waiting arms.
Tannehill also made a couple nice throws while on the run during 11-on-11 drills, but towards the end of practice he threw an interception that was picked off by Zack Bowman. It looked like there was a route error because the throw went right to Bowman with no receiver nearby.
At one point during practice each quarterback made a silly blunder. Tannehill's was a fumble on what looked like a bad handoff exchange to Lamar Miller.
Both Matt Moore and McLeod Bethel-Thomson fumbled on snaps that went over their heads, but each time they got their hands on the ball and just didn't catch it.
Moore was also picked off by rookie Ced Thompson during 11-on-11, a bad throw that was behind the receiver.
As for Josh Freeman, he's continuing to struggle making simple throws and it's hard to imagine him being more than the fourth quarterback on the roster.
Based on what I've seen during training camp he should be the first quarterback cut but the front office could see some value in his potential based on what he's done in the past. However, his last NFL success came with Tampa Bay in 2010 and it certainly appears that his best games are behind him.
The Dolphins started the way with Billy Turner and Dallas Thomas as the first team guards, with Jason Fox at left tackle for Branden Albert.
At one point during practice Miami was experimenting with Thomas at left tackle, with Jamil Douglas playing next to him at guard. This seemed like an 'in case of emergency' situation that they were working on.
Albert was seen in full pads for the first time on Tuesday and participated in some position drills both inside the practice bubble and outside. His progress has been steady throughout camp and he seems on track to be ready for Week 1 against Washington.
Rookie linebackers Mike Hull and Zach Vigil have been looking good during their reps with the second and third teams so far during camp. Hull has even gotten a few looks with the first team defense.
Both were seen on special teams on Tuesday which a good sign for those hoping that the two youngsters make the 53-man roster.
With Koa Misi sidelined, the first team linebackers were Jelani Jenkins, Kelvin Sheppard and Chris McCain.
Free-agent pickup C.J. Mosley has been flashing in recent days after a very slow start to camp. He now has sacks in consecutive practices after getting to Matt Moore during 11-on-11s.
One of the highlights of the day was a pretty good fight between Rishard Matthews and Jamar Taylor. The two got into a tussle and came up swinging as each guy was throwing punches at the other's helmet.
Both guys played it off after practice and said that they were still friends and teammates. Taylor added that he's anxious to play against another team instead of just battling against fellow Dolphins every day.
He's looked very solid so far during camp and may have a slight edge for the starting cornerback spot opposite Pro Bowler Brent Grimes.
Follow David on Twitter (@DavidDwork)
Watch Miami take on the Chicago Bears this Thursday at 8 p.m. on CBS4, your official Dolphins station! #FinsOn4