The Miami Dolphins will open their preseason Friday against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. It should be a good test for Miami’s first, second and third strings.
Here are five things to watch:
1: Dolphins offense
Analysis: Fifth-year quarterback Ryan Tannehill will get most of the attention. But it’s actually the entire offense that has to get on the same page. Overall, this group has struggled in training camp but showed signs of life in the two most recent practices. Perhaps that is some momentum heading into Friday’s game. Miami’s starters aren’t expected to get extended reps. Therefore, the offense must take advantage of its limited series.
2: Coach Adam Gase
Analysis: The first-year head coach has done a good job of not making this training camp and preseason about him. But, in some ways, it is. Gase joined the Dolphins in January and will be manning the sidelines for the first time as a head coach Friday. He will be calling the plays on offense and letting coordinator Vance Joseph handle the defense. Gase has a strong track record as a play-caller, and the preseason is a good time to start finding a rhythm.
3: OL Laremy Tunsil
Analysis: Miami’s first-round pick is still working his way up the depth chart at guard. Tunsil hasn’t taken over a starting job at this point, but a strong performance in the preseason opener would be a strong step in that direction. Tunsil is expected to get plenty of reps Friday with the second team, which will help his transition from left tackle to left guard. It’s important for Tunsil to put some plays on film to see where he is and where he needs to improve.
4: RB Jay Ajayi
Analysis: The second-year running back is in the middle of a close race against veteran Arian Foster for the starting job. Ajayi has a solid opportunity to make a statement with the first-team offense against the Giants, because Foster will not play as a precaution during his recovery from an Achilles tendon injury. This is a chance for Ajayi to create some distance with a strong performance. Ajayi rushed for just 187 yards as a rookie.
5: Cornerback
Analysis: Will a No. 2 cornerback for the Dolphins step up? This position remains wide open halfway through training camp. Rookie Xavien Howard (knee) remains out, and second-year corners Tony Lippett and Bobby McCain have been up and down. Chimdi Chekwa has battled injuries, and the team also signed veteran free agent Chris Culliver, who is rehabbing his knee and will be out a while. Lippett and McCain will get quality reps against the Giants, and the spotlight will be on them.
