The first practice of the Miami Dolphins' 2014 training camp is complete. How did the team look during today's workout? We give you some quick hits on the practice:
- The offensive line, which is of course one of the top areas to watch during camp, still needs time to get everything together. It's not really surprising, given Miami is bringing five new starters to the line when the season starts, but it is something that needs to get better fast. The first step is going to be working out the exchange between center Shelley Smith and quarterback Ryan Tannehill. The ball hit the ground way too often today.
- Speaking of the offensive line, the starting lineup was LT Branden Albert, LG Daryn Colledge, C Smith, RG Dallas Thomas, and RT Ja'Wuan James.
- As a whole, the offense looked shakey, while the defense rose to the occasion. That's not unusal for an early training camp practice, especially when learning a new offensive system and working behind a new offensive line. The defense was able to get to Tannehill multiple times during the practice, which, hopefully, is just a sign of an offensive line trying to find its way still, and not a continuation of last year's debacle.
- Tannehill struggled in the first 11-on-11 drills, but seemed to pick it up in the 7-on-7 and the second 11-on-11. He underthrew Mike Wallace on their first attempt at a deep ball, but was able to make the connection a little later. That will be a key thing to watch the rest of training camp and into the season. Wallace and Tannehill simply have to find the chemistry to get that long passing game working.
- The short passing game, on the other hand, seems to be coming together. There were multiple passes into the flat and screen passes on the day, as well as another dynamic to the offense not seen a lot last year - Tannehill running. Bill Lazor, the team's new Offensive Coordinator, seems to be playing to the team's strength, which will be a nice change from last year.
We will have a more complete analysis, and a look at what the players, coaches, and owner said after practice later tonight.