Miami Dolphins @ Detroit Lions
Final Score: Dolphins 24, Lions 17
Writer: Steven Pintado – @Coachstevenp
This matchup between the Dolphins and Lions was truly a game of two halves. The Lions’ second-team offense controlled the first half, with Kyle Allen showing sharp decision-making and efficiency in the passing game. Meanwhile, Miami’s offense struggled to find rhythm early on. After halftime, however, the Dolphins turned things around, putting together three scoring drives. Quinn Ewers and Theo Wease Jr. highlighted the comeback, showcasing strong chemistry in the passing attack.
Three Up
- Theo Wease Jr. – The undrafted rookie receiver had himself a big day in the second half with two touchdown grabs.
- Ollie Gordon – Rookie running back Ollie Gordon continues to impress with another solid performance.
- Isaac TeSlaa – Isaac TeSlaa made great plays in this game and showed that he needs to be with the 1st team offense.
Three Down
- Jaylen Wright – Another unimpressive showing from second-year running back Jaylen Wright with minimal yardage.
- Hendon Hooker – Once meant to be Jared Goff’s backup, Hooker only played in the second half of the game and had an uneven performance.
- Tom Kennedy – Didn’t do much to show he should be the team’s WR5/WR6 in this game.
Miami Dolphins
Quarterback
Zach Wilson: 15/23, 151 Yards, TD
Backup quarterback Zach Wilson got the start in this game but delivered another uneven performance. While he made a few decent throws, nothing truly stood out. Most of his attempts were short passes, with little success pushing the ball downfield. His lone touchdown came on a difficult catch by his receiver, rather than an impressive throw. Just before halftime, Wilson missed a key opportunity when he overthrew an open receiver in the end zone. He also struggled with pocket presence and footwork throughout the game. While he remains the likely QB2, there’s reason for concern in Miami if the team has to rely on him this season.
Quinn Ewers: 11/17, 116 Yards, 2 TDs | 1 Carry, -1 Yard
Rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers put together a much stronger outing compared to his Week 1 performance. He got off to a shaky start with several incompletions and even threw an interception in the fourth quarter. However, he bounced back by firing two sharp touchdown passes, showing off his arm strength with some laser throws. As the game progressed, Ewers settled in, looking more relaxed and finding his rhythm. He also displayed improved footwork and pocket movement, a noticeable step forward from last week. Still, he’ll need another strong performance next week to truly push Zach Wilson for the backup job.
Running Back
Jaylen Wright: 4 Carries, 3 Yards
Second-year running back Jaylen Wright drew the start with De’Von Achane sidelined by injury, but he struggled to make an impact. Wright managed just 4 carries for 3 yards and also lost a fumble that the Dolphins were fortunate to recover. He looked hesitant and sluggish in the backfield, raising real concerns about his ability to handle the backup role. While he did have two decent gains called back by penalties, his overall performance did little to inspire confidence. If these struggles continue, Wright may not hold onto the No. 2 job much longer.
Ollie Gordon: 10 Carries, 50 Yards | 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 9 Yards
Rookie running back Ollie Gordon saw a handful of touches in the first half, including a tough 14-yard reception where he showcased his strength and ability to break tackles. Most of his production, however, came after halftime. As the Lions’ defense began to wear down, Gordon capitalized with several strong runs, displaying both physicality and shiftiness. His highlight came in the third quarter on a 19-yard burst that showed his upside as a playmaker. Gordon continues to impress and is building a strong case to earn the backup role or even a 1B share alongside De’Von Achane.
Aaron Shampklin: 2 Carries, 32 Yards
Shampklin would get a big run late in the fourth quarter with a 31-yard gain, showing off burst, and even broke off a defender. He is likely just a running back spot for the preseason.
Mike Boone: 3 Carries, 13 Yards
Mike Boone had a few solid runs before Shampklin in the peaking order. He also had a fourth-quarter touchdown but was stopped at the one-yard line. Like Shampklin, he is likely just a roster guy as well.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Theo Wease Jr.: 9 Targets, 6 Receptions, 80 Yards, 2 TD
The Dolphins’ passing star in the second half was rookie wideout Theo Wease Jr., who delivered a breakout performance. He consistently flashed playmaking ability, showing toughness by hauling in difficult catches with defenders draped over him. His first touchdown was an impressive post-route win, beating his defender cleanly to the end zone. His second score had a bit of luck involved, as both he and the defender slipped, leaving him wide open for a strike from Quinn Ewers. Even so, Wease Jr. made the most of his opportunities and is strengthening his case for one of the Dolphins’ final receiver spots in what remains a tight competition.
Dee Eskridge: 6 Targets, 3 Receptions, 53 Yards, TD
In the first half, Dee Eskridge made a noticeable impact on the Dolphins’ offense. His speed stood out, highlighted by a 27-yard screen play where he burst upfield for a big gain. Even when he wasn’t targeted, Eskridge consistently created separation and found ways to get open. His touchdown grab was especially impressive, as he adjusted to a pass thrown behind him and made a diving effort to reach the end zone. He also contributed on special teams with a return, which could boost his chances of securing one of the final roster spots.
Tanner Conner: 7 Targets, 6 Receptions, 48 Yards
Tight end Tanner Conner served as Zach Wilson’s safety blanket throughout the first half, working primarily on short curls and screen plays. He maximized those opportunities, consistently picking up extra yards with his toughness and effort after the catch. Conner’s physicality stood out as he fought through contact to extend plays. With the Dolphins’ tight end room still unsettled, he’s making a legitimate case to earn a spot as the TE3 in the offense.
Tahj Washington: 5 Targets, 4 Receptions, 33 Yards
Second-year receiver Tahj Washington is working to secure a roster spot after missing most of last season due to injury. The Dolphins used him in a variety of ways from motion plays to screens and even a few downfield targets. Despite his smaller frame, Washington showed toughness by fighting through tacklers and trying to create yards after the catch. He logged most of his action in the first half, and while his roster status remains uncertain, his versatility gives him a chance to stick.
AJ Henning: 3 Targets, 2 Receptions, 16 Yards, Fumble (LOST)
Rookie receiver AJ Henning had a modest showing, making a couple of nice catches, including an 8-yard grab that brought the Dolphins close to the end zone. However, his biggest moment came for the wrong reason, as he fumbled a punt return in the second half. For a player already on the roster bubble, mistakes like that can be costly, and it’s unlikely he’ll make a strong push for a roster spot without turning things around quickly.
Chris Maydick: 1 Target, 1 Reception, 13 Yards
He had one target in the fourth quarter, which went for a solid 13-yard gain. He was able to break a tackle for a first, but isn’t likely to make the team.
Andrew Armstrong: 2 Targets, 1 Reception, 12 Yards
Another Dolphins undrafted rookie receiver played in the second half of his game. His first few targets were poor throws from Ewers. His one receiver was a short underneath route in which he caught the ball and made a move to get the first down. He is likely not to make the team.
Erik Ezukanma: 3 Targets, 1 Reception, 3 Yards
The once-preseason star for Miami, Erik Ezukanma, played most of the first quarter. He didn’t do much outside of a three-year receivers. Ezukanma has already been a roster bubble player for the Miami Dolphins. He likely doesn’t make the team.
Tarik Black: 2 Targets
Black’s first target came in the endzone as Wilson overthrew him. The second target, he could not hold on to the ball as a defender knocked it out. He is not likely to make the team.
Pharaoh Brown: No official stats
Had a big 30 yard catch that was overturned by penalty.
Detroit Lions
Quarterback
Kyle Allen: 14/17, 124 Yards, 2 TD | 1 Carry, 1 Yard
Veteran quarterback Kyle Allen got the start in this game and delivered a strong performance. He made accurate throws all over the field, with most of his incompletions coming from drops by his receivers early on. Allen remained poised in the pocket and connected on two key passes that resulted in touchdowns. With this solid showing, he is likely to secure the backup role behind Jared Goff for the 2025 season.
Hendon Hooker: 6/13, 61 Yards, INT | 1 Carry, 1 Yard
Third-year quarterback Hendon Hooker struggled significantly in this game. Once considered a potential successor to Jared Goff, he only saw action in the second half. Most of his throws were short, and he was unable to connect on any deep passes. His accuracy was inconsistent, with several wild throws off target. Hooker’s lone interception came late in the game, when a defender jumped at the line of scrimmage to snatch the ball away. He did have a rushing touchdown called back due to a penalty. Overall, this performance suggests Hooker is likely to remain the QB3 or could even face release this offseason.
Running Back
Craig Reynolds: 6 Carries, 13 Yards
You wouldn’t know it from the stat sheet, but Reynolds demonstrated why the Lions have kept him as their RB3 for the past few seasons. He showed effort and a willingness to fight for every yard on his carries. Two runs totaling 40 yards were called back due to penalties, but he looked strong on both plays. Reynolds primarily saw action in the first quarter, reinforcing that his roster spot in the Lions’ backfield remains secure.
Sione Vaki: 5 Carries, 30 Yards | 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, -2 Yards
After Reynolds, Sione Vaki got his opportunity at running back in this game, often playing on third downs even when Reynolds was on the field. He started a bit rough, with minimal gains on his first few runs and a -14-yard reception on a screen play. However, he rebounded with several strong plays, including a 14-yard burst through the running lanes and a short pass that gained 12 yards and a first down. Vaki clearly has talent and flashes of playmaking ability. Last year, the Lions kept him as the RB4, and there’s a strong chance he will hold that role again this season.
Jacob Saylors: 13 Carries, 39 Yards | 3 Targets, 1 Reception, 5 Yards
Rookie running back Jacob Saylors got his first touch in the second quarter, and it may have been his best play of the game, he burst up the middle and broke through a defender for a big gain. In the second half, he primarily served as the workhorse back but didn’t flash much, though he continued to show effort on each carry. Saylors currently appears to be a roster bubble player.
Deon Jackson: 4 Carries, 20 Yards
Jackson had his first carry in the third quarter of this game. He had a few nice runs but was the fourth running back on the roster today. He is likely to be cut when the rosters are trimmed down.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Isaac TeSlaa: 5 Targets, 4 Receptions, 41 Yards, TD
Rookie receiver Isass TeSlaa had a rough start with an early drop on his first target, and another potential 18-yard reception was negated as Kyle Allen crossed the line of scrimmage. After that, TeSlaa settled in, making all four of his receptions look impressive. He displayed toughness, hauling in contested catches, and showed good separation on a crucial fourth-down play. His best moment came on a back-shoulder touchdown catch with a defender tightly covering him. TeSlaa continues to make plays in the Lions’ offense and looks poised to be one of their starting receivers.
Jackson Meeks: 8 Targets, 7 Receptions, 93 Yards, TD
Rookie receiver Jackson Meeks had a breakout performance, leading the team in targets, receptions, and yards. He started the game with a short slant reception and later scored a touchdown by exploiting zone coverage, finding himself wide open. Meeks also displayed his downfield ability with two big gains of 16 and 27 yards. A strong and physical receiver, he showed the toughness to break tackles and extend plays, which could be key to securing a spot on the 53-man roster.
Zach Horton: 4 Targets, 2 Receptions, 15 Yards
Rookie tight end Zach Horton saw his first target in the second quarter on a short out route and added one more short catch later in the game. Several of his other targets didn’t reach him accurately, but he did show toughness and strength on the catches he made, including a 10-yard reception that was called back due to a penalty. Currently listed as the fourth tight end on the roster, Horton faces an uphill battle to secure a spot on the team.
Dominic Lovett: 3 Targets, 2 Receptions, 14 Yards
Rookie receiver Dominic Lovett saw significant action in the second quarter, making two solid short catches. He displayed good route-running ability, creating separation on his targets. Lovett continues to fight for one of the final roster spots.
Ronnie Bell: 1 Target, 1 Reception, 11 Yards
Bell had a short crosser over the middle of the field that he caught, making a defender miss for a first down. He is not likely to make the team.
Tom Kennedy: 2 Targets, 1 Reception, 8 Yards
Tom Kennedy saw action primarily in the first quarter. He made a solid 8-yard catch on a slant route but dropped a deep post attempt later in the quarter. As the team’s WR5, a performance like this does little to strengthen his case for making the final roster.
Jakobie Keeney-James: 1 target
The rookie receiver had one wild attempt somewhat sent his way, but it was uncatchable.