Dolphins Preseason Game 3 Instant Takeaways: Bell Busy, Tua Talk
Sports Illustrated • • sports
Key Points:
- Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley chose not to play starters in the preseason finale, citing depth issues and satisfaction with practice work, resulting in minimal first-team offensive action.
- Rookie wide receiver Chris Bell made a notable debut with five targets and two catches in the first quarter, while former Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa returned to Hard Rock Stadium playing for the Falcons, completing 7 of 8 passes but showing limited impact beyond short throws.
- The Dolphins defense improved with three takeaways, including fumble recoveries by Willie Gay Jr. and Jackson Woodard, but special teams struggled with punter Bradley Pinion and kicker Riley Patterson making critical errors.
- Backup players faced challenges, with offensive lineman Josh Priebe committing multiple penalties and fumbles, and several rookies like D.J. Herman and Seydou Traore dropping passes or showing inconsistent blocking.
- The preseason concluded with a 17-12 loss to the Falcons, and the Dolphins now focus on finalizing roster cuts to meet the 53-player limit by Sunday afternoon.
