The Miami Dolphins are entering another important stretch of the preseason as Jeff Hafley continues shaping a young roster. With the regular season approaching, every practice and preseason game is becoming more valuable for players fighting to establish themselves on the depth chart.
Miami’s second preseason game against the New York Giants comes after a difficult joint practice between the teams. The Giants’ defense consistently pressured quarterback Malik Willis, while several Dolphins players struggled to handle the session’s intensity. The teams are scheduled to meet again on Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium.
The latest practice also gave Miami more to evaluate across its roster. Injuries, position battles and the development of several young players remain important storylines as the Dolphins move closer to the regular season.
Dolphins’ Offensive Line Struggles Put More Pressure on Malik Willis
The Dolphins’ offensive line has emerged as a significant concern despite the talent invested in the group. C. Isaiah Smalls II of the Miami Herald highlighted the issue following the Giants’ dominant joint practice, where the Dolphins struggled to keep Willis protected.
The performance was particularly troubling because Miami’s starting offensive line includes five highly drafted players. Aaron Brewer is an All-Pro, while Kadyn Proctor and Austin Jackson are first-round picks. Patrick Paul and Jonah Savaiinaea were selected in the second round.
That talent did not translate into consistent pass protection against New York. Miami’s offensive line repeatedly allowed pressure, leaving Willis with little time to operate. Other reports estimated that the Giants recorded at least six sacks during the session, with seven credited against Willis by one account.
Chris Perkins of the Sun Sentinel also raised concerns about the entire unit, including Jackson, Paul, Brewer, Proctor and Savaiinaea. Perkins noted that Miami struggled when New York showed pressure up the middle before the snap.
The problems were not limited to one player. Giants pass rusher Chauncey Golston recorded three sacks, while Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Abdul Carter also created problems for Miami’s protection.
Brewer acknowledged that the line needed to become more detail-oriented after the difficult session.
“We have to lock in right now on these details and fix them.”
The Dolphins also have a depth concern behind the starters. Jamaree Salyer has been lost for the season, removing an experienced reserve from the roster. Miami subsequently acquired Caedan Wallace from the New England Patriots, giving the team another player with experience at both tackle and guard.
Wallace’s arrival provides another option, but it does not immediately eliminate the uncertainty. The Dolphins still need their reserve linemen to show they can handle meaningful snaps if injuries affect the starting five.
Saturday’s preseason game will provide another test for Miami’s offensive line. The Dolphins need to give Malik Willis better protection and find more consistency from a group that will be important to the offense this season.
Miami Dolphins Also Continue Developing Young Secondary
While the offensive line has drawn attention, Miami is also taking a significant gamble in its defensive backfield. The Dolphins entered the season without an established returning starter at safety or cornerback, leaving Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan to develop younger options.
Injuries have complicated that process. Chris Johnson, JuJu Brents and Dante Trader have all dealt with absences during camp, making it harder for Miami to evaluate the secondary as a complete unit.
Jason Marshall Jr. has provided some encouragement after moving back to outside cornerback. His previous season showed why the position change could matter. Marshall allowed a 114.4 passer rating when targeted on 102 slot coverage reps, compared with only 45.1 on 30 outside coverage reps.
Marshall has also said he feels more comfortable outside, where he can play more aggressively and physically.
That development could be important for a Dolphins defense that is relying heavily on young players. Hafley has emphasized consistency and improving the players already on the roster, rather than immediately seeking established veterans.
The Giants game will give Miami another opportunity to evaluate that approach. The Dolphins need their young defensive backs to continue developing while also determining which players can handle meaningful regular-season responsibilities.
For Miami, the preseason is now providing important answers on both sides of the ball. The offensive line needs to recover from its struggles, while the secondary must show that its youth can develop quickly enough to support Hafley’s defensive plans.
Dolphins Dealt Concerning Offensive Line News Before Giants Preseason Game