One thing is clear with the Adam Gase-led Miami Dolphins, play well or you’re not welcome. Miami has left a projected starter home on game day, benched another starter, and now is making their next round of cuts. Cuts that were very much needed after a 1-4 start.
The latest victims in Miami’s house cleaning project came across the offensive line. The team cut 3 offensive linemen to start the week and one running back. Billy Turner, Dallas Thomas, Jamil Douglas and Isiah Pead were informed they would be let go. Miami has struggled with protecting the quarterback this season so it’s no surprise about their lineman.
Billy Turner who filled in for an injured Brandon Albert had one of his worst games to date. Per Pro Football Focus, he allowed 3 sacks and 2 hits on the quarterback Sunday against the Titans.
Dallas Thomas was another disappointment along the way. Fans know all too well how bad he can be at times. If the NFL was only based on potential, Thomas would be a star. Unfortunately, at game speed, he just couldn’t hang.
Jamil Douglas is another lineman who never did enough to cement his spot on the team. If Miami needed another inconsistent lineman, by all means, keep him around. The NFL is very unforgiving, especially when your team allows 11 sacks in 2 games. Sure, you can blame a sack or two on Ryan Tannehill, but when defenders are at the quarterback that fast, you’re not cutting it.
Miami did take a step in the right direction on resigning Sam Young. When Young was cut from the 53 man roster, it was a surprise to some. Fast forward to the slow start and Miami has second thoughts. With so many starters coming back from injuries Miami can afford to make a cut or two, however, unless they can find quality depth they might struggle just as much going forward. Hopefully Young gives them that depth.
Remember when Adam Gase said, “play well or we’ll find someone who does.” Clearly, he meant it. Running back Isiah Pead had a great preseason. Unfortunately for him, the NFL’s motto is and always will be “what have you done for me lately?” Pead got lost in the shuffle of running backs. Even with Arian Foster out, Pead couldn’t gain traction.
Jay Ajayi is starting to look like what fans expected. Damian Williams looks as if he’ll be the playmaker in the passing game. The team isn’t going to cut rookie Kenyan Drake and when Arian Foster is healthy he’ll probably slide back into a starter spot. Pead seems like he left all he had in the preseason.
If Miami doesn’t shape up soon, they might not have anyone left to cut. Of those 4 only 2 were the biggest offenders.
Unfortunately, that’s only on offense. There’s still the struggling defense to address, depth to figure out, and fans calling for a new QB. Gase has already stated Tannehill is their starter and nothing will change that. If the Dolphins QB can’t get things done will there be more cuts made?
Stay tuned Dol-fans it looks like it’ll be a long week.