Miami Dolphins fans could be forgiven for feeling a little uneasy after Thursday’s joint practice with the New York Giants. The Dolphins’ offense struggled to consistently move the football, while the Giants’ pass rush repeatedly found its way into the backfield.
But before anyone declares the season over in August, there is an important piece of context to remember — this was a joint practice, not a regular-season game.
Head coach Jeff Hafley has been very clear about what he wants from these sessions.
Rather than wasting time designing a game plan specifically to beat the opposing team, Miami’s new head-man-in-charge wants his players to face difficult situations and find out who can execute. That philosophy was particularly evident on Thursday against New York when the team’s offensive line couldn’t handle blitzes the Giants were sending Malik Willis’ way.
The Giants certainly provided a difficult test. Their defensive front consistently created pressure, with Abdul Carter, Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux and others making life difficult for Malik Willis. Reports indicated the Giants recorded at least six sacks, with Brian Burns suggesting the actual number was even higher.
But Willis offered perhaps the most important perspective afterward.
The Dolphins quarterback acknowledged the Giants’ defensive success while pointing out that Miami wasn’t game planning specifically for the Giants. He said, “We weren’t game planning for those guys,” adding that the offense would have “a few better options on some plays where we were just kind of stuck,” if it had been a regular season contest.
That’s the distinction Dolphins fans should keep in mind.
Miami absolutely needs to improve its pass protection. Thursday exposed problems that coaches will undoubtedly put under the microscope, but the Dolphins also weren’t unveiling their regular-season offensive plan.
The real test comes when Miami has a week to study an opponent, identify its tendencies and build a protection plan specifically designed to neutralize its best pass rushers.
So, yes, Thursday was ugly.
But ugly film in August can be useful film. And if Hafley and his staff learn from it, that may ultimately be exactly what this joint practice was supposed to accomplish.
