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The Miami Dolphins wake up this morning as the winners of Week 2 of the preseason, taking advantage of a weakened Atlanta Falcons team and plenty of execution to fight their way to a 37- win. 17 at Hard Rock Stadium. For the Dolphins, the showcase offers a much needed rebound after a disappointing second half by Chicago backups; as Miami conceded 20 straight points and spat out a two touchdown lead against the Bears.
What were the biggest takeaways for the dolphins at the end of this competition? Here are three big observations from the defensive end of the ball.
Eric Rowe seems comfortable in year 2 as a full-time security
It wasn’t just the 4th and the breaking of the goal pass early in the game that kept the Falcons out of the end zone. That’s about all Rowe did in the course of his 29 defensive shots that jumped off the screen. Rowe played physical, he played chippy and he played efficient. For a defender who entered 2020 as a strong full-time security for the first time, confidence seems to be blossoming for Rowe so far in the preseason.
It looks like all of those reps in training against top 5 Kyle Pitts were helpful for Rowe last week. If Rowe plays like this all year round, the opposing tight ends will have a hard time finding success; but the racing lanes will also be narrower with Rowe laying them out.
Jaelan Phillips took a tough break for his first preseason game
Let’s be clear: Phillips didn’t play badly. At all. In fact, the 1st round pick featured a great ability to either flatten against the run or trigger to attack when not blocked by design and close the gap.
But Phillips played 27 defensive snaps – the Dolphins’ 7th tallest defenseman. And the top-level pass thrower was only able to rush the passer five times.
Phillips deserves kudos for showing off his athleticism and he did well to defend the race. But Phillips wasn’t drafted as high as he was to play the race; which made its debut a bit anti-climatic with only five representatives of precipitation in as many shots.
Cre’Von LeBlanc has a strong case to be on the list
LeBlanc was a late addition to the Dolphins roster this summer, but he made the most of his opportunities. For the second week in a row, LeBlanc had a positive influence. He forced a fumble and made three tackles on the night against Atlanta in 38 snaps.
The race to make the list as a defensive back in Miami is crowded. But if LeBlanc makes more plays against Cincinnati, the Dolphins may have to agree to keep him in the picture as one of their depth pieces in the back.
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