DETROIT — Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel’s plan is to sit his starters for Miami’s preseason game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field.
At least it was two days before the game. But McDaniel left the door open for some of that to change for the 1 p.m. game on Aug. 16. Still, do not expect to see quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, receivers Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill (oblique injury) and most of the other first teamers playing against the Lions.
The teams meet following two days of joint practices that, for the most part, were dominated by the Lions, one of the league’s elite teams, especially offensively. The Dolphins showed some life offensively on Day 2. Detroit, led by quarterback Jared Goff, pretty much had its way with the Dolphins’ defense both days.
“There’s learning pains and growing pains in everything,” Dolphins linebacker Bradley Chubb said. “But we’re process-driven, not product-driven right now. I feel like everything is happening for a reason. Guys are feeling what they’re supposed to feel so when it comes to the season, we’ll be right where we need to be.”
Here are five things to watch when the Dolphins face the Lions in their second preseason game:
Zach Wilson needs to show more as Tua Tagovailoa’s backup
This game, like most in the preseason, is in the hands of the backup quarterbacks. That means Zach Wilson needs to start exuding some confidence as the man who can step in if needed. Wilson was sacked four times in the preseason opener at Chicago. He was inconsistent during the joint practices with Detroit, tossing two interceptions the first day, before improving the second practice. Rookie Quinn Ewers had a rough NFL debut in Chicago – two sacks/fumbles – but he was not put in a great situation. Both need to show more.
Sorting out the backup running back situation
Losing Alexander Mattison (neck surgery) for the season was a big blow. Mattison was acquired to help Miami solve its short-yardage deficiencies, and the Dolphins now need someone to fill that role and decide on the backup to De’Von Achane. While Jaylen Wright has the edge as the backup, rookie Ollie Gordon II could be the better option in short yardage.
Secondary deficiencies continue to be a major concern
With the exception of safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, the Dolphins’ secondary is a complete unknown. That is not a good thing in a passing-centric league, no matter how good the front seven could be. Watch safety Ifeatu Melifonwu, the former Lion who will get plenty of reps with Ashtyn Davis injured, and the cornerbacks, all of whom had a tough week during joint practices against Detroit.
Wide receiver depth behind Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle
Hill and Waddle will not be in uniform for this game, but a host of other receivers battling for the No. 3 spot and looking to provide depth will get plenty of reps. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine appears to have the inside track for No. 3 receiver but several others flashed at times during practice against the Lions, including Dee Eskridge, Tahj Washington, Malik Washington and Erik Ezukanma.
Backup offensive line after rough preseason opener in Chicago
Dolphins quarterbacks were sacked six times in the tie at Chicago, all against the backup offensive line. Miami signed tackle Yodny Cajuste before the second practice against the Lions, hoping the former Patriot can add depth. He should get a look. Others such as Larry Borom, Daniel Brunskill, Braeden Daniels and Kion Smith are worth watching.
Tom D’Angelo is a senior sports columnist and reporter for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at tdangelo@pbpost.com.
Saturday’s preseason game
Dolphins at Lions
1 p.m., NBC; streaming on NFL+ and YouTube
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins vs. Detroit Lions: Five things to watch in second NFL preseason game
Reporting by Tom D’Angelo, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
