MIAMI GARDENS ― The Miami Dolphins lost to the New York Giants, 26-3, in a preseason game at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 22.
The Dolphins held out key players such as: Malik Willis, De’Von Achane, Patrick Paul, Aaron Brewer, Austin Jackson, Malik Washington, Chop Robinson and Zeek Biggers.
Among the Dolphins who have been injured recently include: Zach Sieler, Jordyn Brooks, JuJu Brents and Tyrel Dodson.
The Giants defense controlled joint practice action with the Dolphins offense two days before this game. And the Giants were physically superior once again in the preseason meeting.
The Dolphins will finish the preseason with the Atlanta Falcons coming to Miami on Friday, Aug. 28.
Here are Joe’s 5 Instant Takeaways:
Dolphins vs. Giants: The instant takeaways
Dolphins RBs must protect the football
Running back Jaylen Wright lost a fumble in the first quarter.
Wright is battling with Ollie Gordon II for the backup running back position.
And this summer, Ollie has had some trouble with protecting the football.
Coach Jeff Hafley isn’t going to stand for it.
If either or both player is fumbling, they’re not going to play.
In a related note, Gordon left this game in the first half with an apparent upper-body injury.
Trey Moore injury awful news for defense
Hafley needs to try to outscheme opponents to have a chance this season.
Nobody was moving around more on defense than Trey Moore. And that says a lot because so too has been rookie Kyle Louis.
Moore can play edge rusher, defensive end, linebacker, inside and out. He’s solid against the run and can be an intriguing pass rusher.
So a lower-body injury to Moore that left him unable to put pressure on his left leg really is potentially a huge blow to Miami’s plans.
Chris Bell warmup encouraging
Dolphins rookie receiver Chris Bell went through a full warmup, in full uniform, before this game.
It was the first time we’ve seen Bell out of a red non-contact jersey.
Bell said this week he was not cleared to be tackled. And Bell did not play in this game.
But it certainly seems possible Bell is closing in on a return to action. Could we see Bell (knee) play against Atlanta in the third preseason game? Stay tuned.
Related/unrelated: Will Tua Tagovailoa play in a return to Hard Rock Stadium?
Cam Miller makes progress
With Quinn Ewers (groin) out, Cam Miller has made steady progress in camp.
And he was fine in this preseason game, finishing 6-for-11 for 70 yards.
It’s certainly possible Miami opens the season with Cam Miller as the backup quarterback to Malik Willis.
Miller is not afraid to take downfield shots. And he’s got some helpful wheels.
Riley Patterson should be solid
Dolphins kicker Riley Patterson made a 53-yard field goal.
Patterson won the Dolphins kicker job by default when Zane Gonzalez was injured.
But Patterson was probably the favorite for the job, anyway.
Patterson was 27-for-29 last season for Miami. He was also 3-for-4 from 50 yards or longer.
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe’s free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Instant Takeaways for Dolphins vs. Giants preseason game
Reporting by Joe Schad, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Joe Schad, Palm Beach Post | USA TODAY Network
