Training Camp

JMP wrote:First practice with Bucs is over.

Sounds like both teams dominated on defense, especially against the run.  For the Phins' D, the DL completely shut down the run - led by Wilkins, who seemingly made a bunch of plays.  Sieler had a batted pass and at least one sack.  Iggy apparently got toasted a couple of times.

Both offenses threw a lot of short stuff, but also completed some chunk plays.  Tua had a nice pass to EZ for 30, and of course Hill and Waddle made some plays.  Bridgewater had a rough day, with two INTs and a fumble.

Overall, from what I read it sounded like two evenly matched teams with great defense, with neither one able to do much of anything on offense.

The good news for Miami: no injuries.  Not so good for the Bucs: their new starting center Robert Hainsey (replacing Ryan Jensen, who is already out for the year) was carted off the field.

JMP wrote:Not so good for the Bucs: their new starting center Robert Hainsey (replacing Ryan Jensen, who is already out for the year) was carted off the field.

CarsonChris wrote:I read Tanner Connor  blew by White for a huge play in one on ones.

mercury22nathan wrote:and in case anybody is wondering, apparently Michael Deiter fully returned to practice from his foot injury.

DolFan 316 wrote:

CarsonChris wrote:I read Tanner Connor  blew by White for a huge play in one on ones.

Just make him the starting TE and trade Gesicki for a first now, I say!!!

DolFan 316 wrote:There's this mentality by everybody, fans and coaches alike, that any player who's not going to start can just be slapped on special teams. Simple math alone says that simply isn't possible. Special teams doesn't get an exemption from having only 11 men on the field at a time. One of those spots is taken by the kicker/punter. Another is used up by the snapper. That leaves just 9 spots for all these backup fringe players to take. Throw in the holder on FG attempts and it's down to 8. I don't see why any coach would use a completely different set of players to cover punts and kickoffs, it makes no sense. SO...you're talking about 22 starters on offense and defense, plus the kicker punter and long snapper. That's still less than half of a 53-man roster. Even if there actually are 9 completely different players covering punts than kickoffs that's still only 43 (25+18). That leaves at least ten players without special teams as a clear path to a roster spot and probably more since again, it makes no sense for none of the guys covering punts to cover kickoffs too.

JMP wrote:The reason I brought it up with Connor is that Cethan Carter is a TE who excels on STs.  So if we do keep 4 TEs, Carter almost certainly gets the nod over Connor...unless Connor shows he can play at a high level on specials.  You're right that not every backup plays STs - but in this case the 4th TE does play specials.  Carter can also be the backup FB, so that's another advantage he has over Connor.

DolFan 316 wrote:

The thing with Carter is, he was signed as a pure special teamer and that's exactly what he is. Any listed position for him and other players like him is purely for appearances' sake. Is he a FB? A TE? The correct answer is neither, he plays the Steve Tasker/Matthew Slater position. He had 2 catches for 16 yards last season, and zero rushing attempts.

But then again Carter is way more expensive than Connor so oui shall see...

Daniel Oyefusi
@DanielOyefusi

One day after the Dolphins O failed to get in the end zone, at least six TDs in team drills so far.

Travis Wingfield
@WingfieldNFL

Igbinoghene has a terrific breakup in the end zone to force the Bucs offense off the field in the 2-min period. Good COD to move as Gabbert broke the pocket and squeeze the WR
11:30 AM · Aug 11, 2022

Bobby Shouse
@B_Shousejr

Everyone I know who was at joint practice today said basically the same thing…

Tua played out of his mind today. He did whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted. The improvements seem to be clear and obvious with Tua this year. #FinsUp
11:43 AM · Aug 11, 2022

Cameron Wolfe
@CameronWolfe

Dolphins dominated Day 2 of joint practices with Bucs. Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle & pass offense was cooking against Bucs DBs. Jaelan Phillips, Elandon Roberts, Christian Wilkins, Keion Crossen among those I saw with big hits/ covering quick off short completions.
11:45 AM · Aug 11, 2022 from Tampa, FL

Travis Wingfield
@WingfieldNFL

Austin Jackson says his confidence is at an all time high and credits the coaching staff. Says that he’s always had a good work ethic but he’s learned this year how to be more deliberate with his work
11:54 AM · Aug 11, 2022

CarsonChris wrote:Tanner Connor had a 40yd TD today!

CarsonChris wrote:At this point I make Thompson the #2 QB and drop Bridgewater. That opens the door for some of these other rookie players.

Preston Williams and Iggy should also be dropped or traded.

JMP wrote:

CarsonChris wrote:At this point I make Thompson the #2 QB and drop Bridgewater. That opens the door for some of these other rookie players.

Preston Williams and Iggy should also be dropped or traded.

That backup QB job is really interesting. On the one hand, having an experienced backup like Bridgewater could be key in a season where you think your team might make some sort of a run. On the other hand, if Bridgewater isn't looking good in practice, can we even count on him if we need him down the stretch? Ultimately, it comes down to: how good can Skylar be as a rookie? The coaches need to find that answer in preseason - which means giving him some meaningful game reps, not just throwing him in against guys that are getting cut the next week.

So - keep an eye on preseason: if you see Skylar getting snaps with the 1s and 2s, there's a good chance he's stealing Teddy's job. I don't think it would actually happen, but if Skylar keeps playing like this it just might.

And yes - goodbye to Preston and Iggy.