What did we learn? Dolphins QB Jay Cutler looks debonair on the sideline
Our quick-thought, quick-read observations from Thursday night’s Miami Dolphins preseason opener vs. the visiting Atlanta Falcons:
The very early right knee injury to rookie middle linebacker Raekwon McMillan, designated starter, was the most significant occurrence of the night. Seemed not real serious, but he didn’t return. A week after Ryan Tannehill, a bit foreboding.
Keep reminding yourself the final score and who won matters little, if at all — even though Miami cam eout on top 23-20. Repeat after me and let’s turn it into a mantra or chant: “The 1972 Perfect Season Dolphins lost their preseason opener!” Wow, what a cumbersome chant!
You know it's a first preseason game when your late hero is David Fales, belying the pronunciation of his surname, and his TD throws are to Francis Owusu and Damore'ea Stringfellow.
It looked a terrible crowd, for which Dolfans earn points for discerning the difference between real football and August.
Jay Cutler looked debonair on the sideline, dominating inactivity. And he didn’t even need a cigarette.
Jermon Bushrod was the only one of five offensive-line starters to start, so don’t you dare judge the OL’s performance.
Miami’s special-teams coach is hoping to slink into the building unnoticed, and hoping Thursday’s game-film malfunctions on replay.
Defensive end William Hayes, 32, the free agent additiuon, looked really fast. By contrast, didn’t hear No. 1 pick Charles Harris’ name called much.
Leonte Caroo (33-yard TD catch) and 5-6 Lilliputian Jakeem Grant give Fins some interesting depth at receiver.
Impressed that defensive star Ndamukong Suh started (his choice). Stopping the other guys all starts with him.
It’s hard to think MarQueis Gray isn’t the second-best tight end on this squad after Julius Thomas, ahead of blocking sled Anthony Fasano.
How about Storm Johnson on that 44-yard kick return. Be good tape for him when, after being released, he’s looking for work.
Assuming McMillan’s knee will be OK, all in all a pretty good soft opening for the 2017 season.
But remember that chant:
“The 1972 Perfect Season Dolphins lost their preseason opener!”
This story was originally published August 10, 2017 at 10:07 PM with the headline "What did we learn? Dolphins QB Jay Cutler looks debonair on the sideline."