Dolphins vs Cowboys Hall of Fame Game Immediate Reaction

The Miami Dolphins just completed an ugly game against the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL's annual Hall of Fame Game. The Dolphins ended up losing 24-20.

The number one thing Miami needs to fix this week is their tackling. It was bad. No, it was worse than bad. Pitiful? Maybe that's the best word. Guys left, right, and center, starters and reserves, just let Cowboys ball carriers run right through weak arm tackles. Kevin Coyle, Miami's defensive coordinator, needs to spend this week running tackling drills, because that was embarrassing.

The top storyline heading into the game was the offensive line, and, coming out of the game, not a lot has changed. The offensive line looked about like we expected it to look. Jonathan Martin struggled at times, but had good blocks as well. I am a little more understanding with the offensive line this week than some other people. I look at this game as a scrimmage, and expected this from the line. If they still look confused next week against the Jacksonville Jaguars, I will start to worry a little.

Lamar Miller started the game with a fumble on the first play from scrimmage. After that he got two more carry opportunities, running for 11 yards and 10 yards respectively. He ran hard and looked fast. It's just unfortunate that he started his first game as a starter with a fumble.

Ryan Tannehill ended the game 2-for-5 for 11 yards. He had a couple of bad throws to Marvin McNutt and one that was behind Michael Egnew. All three saw the intended receiver get his hand on the ball, but were too tough to catch. Tannehill needs to work on his timing and delivery to his receivers, but having four more preseason games should be able to help that.

Matt Moore, meanwhile, looked sharp early, going 19-for-29 for 238 yards one one touchdown. He also has one interceptions on his stat line, but that was more on Chad Bumphis, who deflected the ball to DeVonte Holloman, who returned it for a touchdown

Pat Devlin added 86 yards on 8 for 13 passing, with one touchdown. He was forced to leave the game with what appeared to be a foot injury, leading to Moore coming back into the contest.

Other than the interception, Bumphis may have been the player of the game for the Miami offense, recording five catches for 85 yards. Tight end Egnew was second on the team with four receptions for 52 yards, while Jonas Gray also caught four balls for 35 yards. Keenan Davis, who signed with Miami this week, entered the game in the fourth quarter and caught the Devlin pass for a touchdown on a quick slant. Tight end Kyle Miller caught Moore's touchdown on a tipped ball that sort of fell to him lying down in the back of the endzone.

As for the defense, Dion Jordan and Derrick Shelby were the stars of the night. Jordan continually pressured Dallas quarterbacks throughout the night. He recorded two tackles, with one quarterback hit. The Dolphins' third overall pick back in April played snaps at middle linebacker and defensive end, and rushed the passer, dropped into pass coverage, and moved up from linebacker to support the run. Shelby, playing much of the time opposite Jordan, tallied two sacks, two tackles for loss, and two quarterback hits.

Tristan Okpalaugo also recorded a sack.

Dan Carpenter served as the kicker for the Dolphins, connecting on a 27 yard field goal with 1:30 left in the second quarter and a 45 yard try with 4:54 left in the fourth.

The Dolphins will now return to Miami for their next practice on Tuesday. They play at the Jacksonville Jaguars Friday at 7:30pm ET.

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