Updated
Updated · Sports Illustrated · Aug 22
Dolphins Fall 26-3 to Giants as Injuries and Backup Failures Expose Depth
Updated
Updated · Sports Illustrated · Aug 22

Dolphins Fall 26-3 to Giants as Injuries and Backup Failures Expose Depth

3 articles · Updated · Sports Illustrated · Aug 22

Summary

  • Miami managed only three points in a lopsided preseason home loss, with its backups overmatched from start to finish and failing to top 100 total yards through three quarters.
  • Two first-half injuries deepened the problem: rookie pass rusher Trey Moore appeared to hurt an ankle, and running back Ollie Gordon II exited with an apparent oblique issue.
  • Cam Miller's outing sharpened concerns behind Quinn Ewers at backup quarterback, while the offense got little help from a brutal running game, Jaylen Wright's fumble and another rough showing from Tutu Atwell.
  • Defense offered few answers either, with no clear playmaker emerging despite the Giants controlling possession; Miami was still churning the roster, including a same-day waiver claim at cornerback.
  • With one preseason game left before September's opener, the performance reinforced Miami's need to keep upgrading a roster whose non-starters have repeatedly failed to match opposing backups.

Insights

Will the Giants' standout defensive rookies secure starting roles after their dominant performance in the 26-3 preseason victory?
Could the devastating injuries suffered by Miami rookies during this lopsided exhibition game completely alter their regular-season depth chart?
With Jameis Winston shining and Miami backups stumbling, what hidden roster moves will these teams make before cutdown day?