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The Miami Dolphins’ preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was played in a downpour, making what would typically be a pretty sloppy game anyway that much sloppier.

The Dolphins’ struggled with drops early on and failed to get much going, although they forced a handful of turnovers from the Buccaneers and eventually found the end zone on a Lex Hilliard run.

The teams also traded field goals in the low-scoring affair, giving Miami a 10-7 win and a 1-0 record in the exhibition portion of the season.

Here are my observations from the Dolphins’ win over the Buccaneers:

Offense

• There really isn’t any way to evaluate Chad Henne’s performance, as he had numerous drops during his time in the game and he played in the worst weather conditions of the night.
• It’s hard to say what exactly the motivations were behind Tyler Thigpen playing so much and Pat White not at all (except to kneel at the end of the game, which was just mean). The Dolphins could be showcasing Thigpen for a trade, which would open up the door for White to stick around. Or, the team could just be committed to Thigpen as the No. 2 quarterback, and conversely have given up on White’s development. We won’t know for a few weeks.
• Ronnie Brown looked good coming off his foot injury and was especially powerful and shifty in the poor field conditions. If he stays healthy, he’s going to be very productive in this offense.
• Another preseason is here, which means it’s time for Dolphins fans everywhere to overrate Lex Hilliard. While he did find the end zone, he wasn’t that impressive on the ground (eight carries for 19 yards) and simply isn’t anything special.
• With Brandon Marshall dropping his only two targets of the night in his No. 19 jersey, I could have sworn I was looking at Ted Ginn, Jr. There’s not need to panic just yet, as the rain was tough and Marshall is a proven receiver.
• We saw a few signs of life from disappointing third-round pick Patrick Turner, who caught two passes and led the team with 44 yards. Turner could use a confidence boost, and a few more showings like this should solidify his spot on the roster.
• Marlon Moore and Julius Pruitt each had a few good grabs, although Moore also had a bad drop, which is something undrafted rookies can’t afford. Roberto Wallace failed to make much of an impact with one reception. I simply can’t see any of these guys forcing Turner off the roster at this point given the team’s investment in him.
• The Dolphins’ tight ends were practically nonexistent in the passing game tonight, which is something we saw a lot of in 2009. We did see David Martin immediately inserted into the first-team offense in two-tight end sets, which says a lot about what the team thinks of its three young tight ends.
• Jake Long was solid in the weather conditions and was a visible leader in the huddle. Backup Andrew Gardner had a much rougher time with a penalty and some missed blocks on the right side, so he could be hurting himself.
• I saw a bit about what Omar Kelly has said about Richie Incognito’s inability to pull as guard, but he’s still better than Donald Thomas. It’s quite telling that Thomas didn’t get most of his work until late and with the third team. Perhaps my prediction that he doesn’t get cut might have some legs. I think a lot of it depends on the health of Nate Garner.
• Joe Berger got the start at center with Jake Grove a little banged up, although Grove did come in with the second team. Grove also had a bad snap that led to a turnover, but I still don’t see Berger winning the starting job.

Defense

• Jared Odrick stood out to me, as did veteran Marques Douglas, who went nuts every time he made a play. I was a bit disappointed to see Charles Grant fail to make much of an impact after the recent positive reports on him from camp, although his stock should stay where it is.
• Paul Soliai was an absolute monster at nose tackle, which was nice to see after his rocky career to date. The guy has a rare body for the NFL and could be a great nose tackle if he had the head to go along with it. He appears entrenched as Randy Starks’ backup, which Montavious Stanley and Travis Ivey on the outside looking in.
• It was a pleasant surprise to see Koa Misi and Cameron Wake get some good pressure last night, and it was also interesting to see Ikaika Alama-Francis rotate series with Misi through the first half. I think both Alama-Francis and Misi could end up sharing time during the regular season as well given their different skills.
• The battle for the fifth outside linebacker spot wasn’t settled, as Erik Walden, who I would have considered the worst candidate, came up with the only sack. Quentin Moses was also around on the play, while Chris McCoy failed to record even a tackle. None of these guys will make an impact in the regular season.
• We didn’t see much of Karlos Dansby during his brief time in the game, and it seems Channing Crowder is going to get a lot more attention because he’s the easier target for offense. His three tackles were good, but that was never his problem.
• Austin Spitler racked up the tackles but struggled in coverage, while Micah Johnson also did a good job against the run. Johnson did have a bad roughing call, but it’s hard to fault guys trying so desperately to impress for going all out. Right now, Spitler seems like the favorite to win the No. 4 ILB job, as Folsom didn’t really stand out. That could change in a day though.
• Vontae Davis and Sean Smith each had their down moments, Davis allowing a long pass and Smith a touchdown. Davis still had good position on that play though, and Smith recovered well with some good tackles and a nice adjustment on the ball for an interception. I’m not worried about either.
• Nolan Carroll was a pleasant surprise in his first professional game, and I can’t see any way the fifth-rounder doesn’t make the team. Jason Allen got picked on a few times which is nothing new, although his special-teams ability helps his chances.
• Nate Ness was the star of the night, racking up four tackles, two forced fumbles, and a handful of pass breakups. He certainly did nothing but help himself tonight, but it’s important to remember that his good play is coming against quarterbacks and receivers that are very unrefined themselves. He still has a battle on his hands to make the roster and a lot of it could depend on the health of Will Allen, although Ness is going to be hard to sneak to the practice squad if he keeps playing this well.
• I didn’t really notice the safeties too much, although I thought Chris Clemons did a solid job in coverage. It definitely looks like the Dolphins will roll with him as the starting free safety, ready or not. Jonathon Amaya also made a few nice plays on the ball and nearly had an interception, although the Bucs ended up completing it.

Special Teams

• Dan Carpenter converted his one and only field goal attempt off the infield dirt, which is always an admirable task. He’s had his ups and downs in camp, but he’s in no danger of having his job threatened.
• Brandon Fields absolutely boomed most of his punts and also also dropped another punt inside the 20. He looks ready to cement himself among the elite punters in the NFL.
• We really got to see how little a chance some guys are given to make the team. Tristan Davis got one kick return in the pouring rain and brought it back 20 yards, and was never seen again. It really looks like Nolan Carroll, who had a 27-yard return, will win the job, especially since he doubles on defense.
• The Dolphins’ punt returners did absolutely nothing, as Davone Bess and Ryan Grice-Mullen combined for eight total yards. Bess is a sub-par returner, but no one else is pushing him and he’ll retain his role since he’s going to make the team anyway.

Five Up

• CB Nate Ness—Played great ball at corner and showed great improvement after being on the practice squad last year. He has guys in front of him, but play like this makes him harder to cut.
• NT Paul Soliai—Was an absolute beast up the middle. He won’t supplant Randy Starks, but he did instill confidence that he can handle the No. 2 job and rotate in.
• Koa Misi—Got some great pressure on the quarterback and forced some bad throws. Definitely looks sound enough to start as a rookie.
• CB Nolan Carroll—Was excellent in coverage and had Miami’s best return of the night. The Dolphins don’t like using roster spot on pure returners, so a cornerback with potential that can also handle kickoffs is ideal.
• Patrick Turner—It was about time we saw something from Turner, and he showed what a weapon he can be with a big catch and run over the middle. The physical tools are there.

Five Down

• QB Pat White—It’s possible that Tyler Thigpen was being showcased for trade, but it still says a lot the team doesn’t care much to see White in a game after the role he had as a rookie. The ability just isn’t there.
• OG Donald Thomas—It’s been two years since he earned the starting right guard job as a rookie sixth-round pick, and he has done little in the time since. Playing with the scrubs last night was surprising and it’s obvious the team is down on him.
• OT Andrew Gardner—Had a rough outing with a penalty and some poor blocking. If Nate Garner is healthy, he and Lydon Murtha probably push Gardner off the roster.
• OLB Chris McCoy—Failed to create much pressure or record a tackle in his debut, and was out-played on special teams by his competitors. May be practice squad material.
• LB J. D. Folsom—Was outplayed by both Austin Spitler and Micah Johnson, which really hurts his chances. There just isn’t much upside there, as both his competitors at least fit into the defensive scheme, while Folsom is a pure special-teamer.

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Final: Dolphins 10, Buccaneers 7

Summary: U-G-L-Y

Team Stats

• 1st Downs – 10
• 3rd Down Conversions – 3/13 (23%)
• Red Zone Efficiency - 1/3 (33%)
• Total Yards - 206
• Penalties/yards - 6/45 YDS

Individual Stats

Passing

• Henne – 5/11, 19 YDS
• Thigpen – 10/19, 145 YDS

Rushing

• Brown – 5 CAR, 20 YDS
• Hilliard – 8 CAR, 19 YDS, TD
• Williams – 3 CAR, 10 YDS

Receiving

• Marshall – 0 REC, 2 DROPS
• Turner – 2 REC, 44 YDS
• Moore – 2 REC, 23 YDS

Defense

• McDaniel – FF
• Odrick – FR
• Walden – SACK

Offense

• Henne to Marshall: The explosive connection that was supposed to be Chad Henne to Brandon Marshall hasn’t shown face yet. During a monsoon, Henne put the ball in Marshall’s hands on two separate occasions, both resulting in drops. The first was on a quick slant thrown a little behind Marshall and the second was on a post that absolutely should have been caught.
• Sloppy play: It was tough to judge the first-team offense in those conditions. However, quarterback Josh Freeman led the first-team Bucs offense down the field with ease in the same dirt, rain, and sludge.
• Running game: Ronnie Brown looked solid in limited action. It was tough to watch the injury prone back out there in those conditions in a meaningless game.
• Second team offense: When Henne went out, Tyler Thigpen came in and played almost every remaining snap. He look very good at times and inaccurate at others.
• Pat White?: White played a few snaps without attempting a pass. I think his time in Miami has run out.

GRADE: D

Defense

• Against the run: Miami looked solid against the run all game giving up 117 yards on 29 carries, a 4.0 yards per rush. I’d like to see how fast the defensive line plays in better conditions.
• Against the pass: Average. Freeman (5 for 5) blew down the field on the first team offense early on ending with a touchdown, while backups Josh Johnson and Rudy Carpenter found moderate success collectively passing 14-for-27 for 144 yards. The Dolphins’ Sean Smith had an interception on a deep ball thrown by Johnson in the first half after giving up the Bucs only touchdown a series before. Reserve cornerback Nate Ness made two big plays in the second half stopping two would-be touchdowns.
• Pass rush: Although they only produced one sack, there were many QB pressures, a good sign for a new-look Miami defense under Mike Nolan. Cam Wake continued to display his elite pass rushing after nearly getting a sack on two separate occasions. His burst off the line is superb.
• Team speed: Despite the miserable field conditions, Miami played very fast on the defensive side of the ball. This years’ linebackers have more range and closing speed than in years past. Wake and Misi on the outside is as athletic of a duo as you’re going to find in the NFL.

GRADE:  C+

Special Teams

• Punting: Brandon Fields was the player of the game with an average of 53.1 yards on seven points.
• Kicking: Dan Carpenter made his only field goal attempt of 33 yards.

GRADE: B+

Overal, Miami’s first preseason game was pretty horrifying on the eyes. I had trouble keeping mine open for the game’s duration with the lackluster play and horrible field conditions. The outcome of any preseason game doesn’t matter in the least. It’s more about getting your players some repetitions in live-game action.

I like the look of this year’s defense. Chris Clemons at free safety gives them range in the secondary with his blazing closing speed and he looked very comfortable in his first game as a starter.

Offensively, I have to say I was disappointed with Henne and Marshall. Maybe this was what they needed after both have received an unbelievable amount of hype heading into the season.

Anytime your punter is your best offensive player, it can’t be a good sign.

We still haven’t learned anything definitive about the Miami Dolphins this season because after all, the preseason is not a good indicator of anything significant. We still have to see this team play on a suitable field before we can make andy sort of judgement about the offense.

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Pittsburgh Steelers Running Back, Rashard Mendenhall, is a swing back in a fantasy football draft. It is around the time that he becomes the top RB left on the board that owners consider taking a WR or QB.

Should you stick to your hope of landing a feature back? Or do you go with more points by taking one of the top players at another position.

Things are lining up to give Mendenhall the opportunity to turn the fantasy football feature Running Back corner. The Steelers are expected to attempt to return to their smash-mouth running ways. They are going to be without their starting QB for at least the first month of the season. Maybe most importantly, there is not much of a threat of him losing his first-string job. There was a bit of a scare that the sixth round pick the Steelers used on Jonathan Dwyer may take short yardage carries away, but Mendenhall has not necessarily lost those touches yet.

On to the question marks. The Offensive Line in Pittsburgh has not been helpful for the last few years. This has got to change; not only for winning, but for keeping players healthy, too.

Speaking of healthy, can Mendenhall handle the pounding of the Steelers going back to their run-heavy ways?

We will see.

If he wears down we may see more Dwyer and Mewelde Moore. Of course, with Big Ben suspended, opposing teams are going to notice that and will likely look to stuff the run and make the winner of the backup job beat them.

Mendenhall’s Average Draft Position is falling at pick 2.02. He is picked as early as the mid first round to mid third round. We wouldn’t bank on him lasting to the third often at all. Personally, if I’m picking in the later half of the first round and I have to choose between Mendenhall and Andre Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, you are likely going to see me sway from the first round Running Back hopes and go WR in the first round.

There are a few other backs that should score similar to Mendenhall that I may be able to grab in the second. Now, if I can get Mendenhall in the early second to pair with a top back or receiver I snagged in the first, I’m a happy guy.

At this time Rashard Mendenhall is ranked #8 in our Redraft Running Back Rankings.

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Detroit Lions second overall pick Ndamukong Suh got his first taste of preseason action.  Lions fans have been waiting to see him on the field so that they may get their first look at this phenomenal athlete. 

In order to get a good handle of how well Suh did in his debut, what follows is a breakdown of each play and who had the edge, Suh or the Pittsburgh offensive line.

Unfortunately the television coverage from my provider did not start until some plays had already been completed, so I missed the first two snaps of the Steelers’ initial drive.

First and 10, Steelers’ 37-yard line

Suh is double teamed as the handoff is to Rashard Mendenhall running to Suh’s side of the field. Suh holds his ground as the line shifts to the right.  Mendenhall cuts back and is met by Jordon Dizon who makes the tackle at just about the line of scrimmage. 

Edge: Suh

Second and 10, Steelers’ 37-yard line

Suh is doubled once again.  Justin Hartwig is able to get on Suh’s outside shoulder to shield him from the play.  Avril overruns the play and Mendenhall breaks it for a long gain.  Defense is bailed out by safety C.C. Brown as he strips Mendenhall.  The Ball is recovered by the Steelers for only a one-yard gain.

Edge: O-line

Third and 9, Steelers’ 38-yard line

Suh and Corey Williams are able to collapse the pocket just enough to allow Kyle Vanden Bosch and Cliff Avril to get to Leftwich.  The quarterback is forced to let go the ball a split second before he wants which causes an incomplete pass.

Edge: Suh

Next series

First and 10, Steelers’ 47-yard line

Suh’s quickness and strength were on display here.  He got off the ball very quickly and was able to push Steelers’ starting right guard Trai Essex into the back field before center Justin Hartwig even had a chance to double him. 

As he got to the quarterback, he discarded Essex with a powerful slap of his right arm.  Had Cliff Avril not blown away the right tackle and gotten to Leftwich for a sack, there is a very good chance Suh would have sacked Leftwich.

Edge: Suh, big time.

Second and 18, Steelers’ 39-yard line

Suh followed up a great play with a dud.  He was pushed out of the way by a double team and Flozell Adams got on Suh’s outside shoulder and turned him away from the run.  The running play went to that side as Avril was occupied by Heath Miller. 

Jordan Dizon took on the pulling left guard Chris Kemoeatu and that allowed corner Eric king to attack running back Mewelde Moore.  King got his helmet on the ball and popped it loose but the Steelers were able to recover it for a small gain.

Edge: O-line

Third and 15, Steelers 42 yard line

Suh was double-teamed again and was held up at the line.  Corey Williams and KVB pulled a beautiful stunt as Williams attacked left tackle Max Starks and KVB came around to the inside with a head full of steam.

Kemoeatu had no chance on the play, held KVB which the refs missed, and was blown away.  Leftwich was able to throw the ball just as KVB got in on him.  The ball went into the ground and Suh pounced on it but it was ruled an incomplete pass.

Edge: Suh.  He may not have gotten there but if he didn’t need to be double-teamed, the lane would not have been there for KVB.

Next series

First and 10, Lions’ 17-yard line

Suh was double-teamed yet again and this time Adams and Essex got the best of him as they knocked him of his feet. Corey Williams made the tackle as KVB forced Mendenhall back inside.

Edge: O-line

Second and 9, Lions’ 16-yard line

Suh slid off his block and established the outside edge here, forcing Mendenhall to turn it back inside. Rookie safety Ryan Phillips came flying in to record the tackle.

Edge: Suh.  When the play turns out this well for the Lions, all players get a plus.

Third and 14, Lions’ 21-yard line

Suh, as usual, was double-teamed.  The offensive line as a whole gave Leftwich a nice pocket.  Coverage downfield was good and the quarterback was forced to check it down to Heath Miller.  Eric King made a nice open field tackle on Miller to force the field goal attempt.

Edge: O-line

For those of you keeping score, in the three series they played against each other, Detroit’s starting defense held Pittsburgh’s No. 1 offense to a grand total of 12 net yards.  Two things to keep in mind are that Ben Roethlisberger did not play and the teams did not scheme for each other. 

Cliff Avril showed once again that if he can shore up his run defense he can be a force. 

That said, it was really nice to see Detroit getting pressure from its front four the way it did.  If this is any indication of things to come the Lions might just surprise some teams this year.

Update: Detroit did suffer a blow to their linebacker unit as Jordon Dizon suffered a serious knee injury and was lost for the year.

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Ben Roethlisberger

Will he be booed or will he be cheered? He is a very good quarterback who has already won two Super Bowl titles and is hungry for more. Unfortunately, he also had an offseason where he was accused of rape. Granted, no charges were filed (you’re innocent until proven guilty), but he did put himself in that situation. Furthermore, fans don’t care about the law; if you’re accused, you’re guilty in their eyes.

The Steelers’ Running Attack versus Ndamukong Suh

The Detroit Lions have had one of the most pathetic defences in recent memory. All that is about to change with the addition of Ndamukong Suh. With Rashard Mendenhall showing he is a solid No. 1 running back, this could be quite a challenge for the first-year DT. In fact, add in Mewelde Moore as a third-down back, and Jonathan Dwyer as a power running back that was projected by some to go in the first round, you’re looking at one of the most difficult matchups Suh will have. It will answer the question whether one man can fix a defence? After all, if the Lions do well against the Steelers’ running attack then the key had to have been Suh. Of course, with how few plays the starters will get it may not be any indication of things to come at all.

Matthew Stafford versus the Steel Curtain

Stafford is one of the most talented prospects in the NFL. The salary he gets is more than most quarterbacks in the league; he is paid like a top five QB. So he needs to go out there and prove he is worth the money. To do that, he needs to fight the best defence in the NFL—the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defence. Dick Lebeau is one of the most imaginative defensive coordinators in the history of the NFL. He has Troy Polamalu manning the backfield for the first several snaps. With the return of Aaron Smith, as well as a healthy Polamalu, expect the Steel Curtain to play very well against Stafford. This is the year Stafford has to prove his worth.

Special Teams

Don’t expect that much of a difference from the Lions special teams. If they improve, it will be the improvement of their young players, but it won’t be much. The Steelers, on the other hand, gave up a lot of touchdowns on special teams. This game may be an indication of whether or not the Steelers have fixed that problem.

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