The Miami Dolphins wake up this morning as winners in the second week of the preseason, taking advantage of a wet Atlanta Falcons team and a great run to make their way to a 37-17 victory at Hard Rock Stadium. For the Dolphins, the showcase provides a much-needed rebound from a disappointing second half for backups in Chicago; while Miami conceded 20 straight points and coughed up a two-touchdown lead against the Bears.
What were the biggest takeaways for the dolphins coming out of this contest? Here are three great observations from the defensive side of the ball.
Eric Rowe looks comfortable the second year as a full-time security guard
It wasn’t just the fourth and breaking goal early in the game that kept the Falcons out of the end zone. It was pretty much everything Rowe did throughout his 29 defensive catches that jumped off the screen. Rowe played physically, played xippy, and played effective. For a defender who entered 2020 as a full-time security for the first time, confidence seems to be flourishing for Rowe so far in the preseason.
It would seem as if all the representatives of the practice against Kyle Pitts were useful to Rowe this past week. If Rowe plays like this all year round, it will be difficult to achieve the opposite success; but the traffic lanes will also be narrower, with Rowe equipping them.
Jaelan Phillips had a strong break in his first preseason game
Let’s be clear: Phillips didn’t play badly. Absolutely not. In fact, the selection of the first round showed a great ability to flatten against the race or shoot to attack when the design leaves it unlocked and close the space.
But Phillips played 27 defensive snapshots: the Dolphins ’seventh defender. And the high-profile step runner was able to rush the pin just five times.
Phillips deserves praise for showing his athleticism and did well in defending the race. But Phillips didn’t aim as high as he did to play the race; which made its somewhat anti-climatic debut with just five quick reps of passes in so many clicks.
Cre’Von LeBlanc makes a strong case for making the list
LeBlanc has been a late addition to the Dolphins roster this summer, but has made the most of his opportunities. For the second week in a row, LeBlanc had a positive influence. He forced a fuss and recorded three attacks on the night against Atlanta through 38 shots.
The race to get the list as a defensive defense in Miami is very busy. But if LeBlanc makes more plays against Cincinnati, the Dolphins may have to embrace him by keeping him in the picture as one of his depth pieces in the back.