The Miami Dolphins concluded their NFL preseason with a 24-14 loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, bringing their preseason record to 2-1. The final game was less about the score and more about individual performances, particularly from players on the fringes of the roster who are battling for a spot.
One of the most closely watched competitions was for the backup quarterback position. Skylar Thompson and Mike White were both in contention to support starting QB Tua Tagovailoa.
Throughout the preseason, both had their moments, but it was Skylar Thompson who distinguished himself in the finale. Thompson threw for 190 yards and two touchdowns on 19 completions out of 27 attempts.
Despite a late interception, his overall preseason stats, including 346 passing yards, three touchdowns, and only one sack, tilted the scales in his favor compared to White’s 179 yards, with no touchdowns.
Rookie wide receiver Malik Washington, a sixth-round pick from Virginia, also made a strong case for himself. Known for his impressive college stats, Washington continued to impress by showcasing his versatility.
In Tampa, he recorded a scrimmage total of 120 yards, including the game’s longest run at 40 yards, as well as significant contributions in the return game. His performance has not only secured him a roster spot but also positions him as a potential top return specialist for the Dolphins, promising exciting plays both on special teams and in the open field.
Defensively, linebacker Channing Tindall, now in his third year out of the University of Georgia, demonstrated why the Dolphins retained him despite a rocky start to his professional career. Leading all players with 12 tackles against the Buccaneers and totaling 23 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and multiple quarterback pressures throughout the preseason, Tindall has made a compelling argument for a regular spot on the defensive unit. His performance in the preseason games has shown significant growth, aligning with his personal expectations of a breakout year.
As the preseason wraps up, the Dolphins coaching staff face tough decisions, but the performances of Thompson, Washington, and Tindall have likely made some of those choices a bit clearer. These players, among others, have stepped up at a critical time, showcasing their potential to impact the team as the regular season approaches. With eyes now turning to the season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Dolphins seem to have a few less mysteries thanks to these standout preseason performances.