Dolphins Outshine Jaguars in Intense Preseason Finale Showdown!
The Miami Dolphins triumphed over the Jacksonville Jaguars 14-6 in their final preseason game at Hard Rock Stadium, highlighting standout performances and setting the stage for the upcoming college football season in Florida.
Dolphins Outshine Jaguars in Intense Preseason Finale Showdown!
In a matchup that set the stage for the upcoming NFL season, the Jacksonville Jaguars battled the Miami Dolphins in their final preseason game on Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. This clash offered both teams a last chance to fine-tune their squads before the regular season kicks off. The Dolphins emerged with a 14-6 victory, showcasing their starting lineup while the Jaguars opted to rest theirs, a decision confirmed by head coach Liam Coen.
With quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Josh Allen also sitting out in Tampa, it was clear that many teams are taking a cautious approach leading up to the regular season. The Jaguars’ decision not to play their starters gives an indication of their focus on health as the season opener against Atlanta approaches.
The Game Breakdown
The Dolphins‘ performance was bolstered by their starting quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, who played three series, leading his team to a touchdown. Notably, Miami’s second-year edge rusher Chop Robinson made his mark with a standout performance, recording a sack alongside Bradley Chubb, who is returning to form after knee surgery. Miami’s defense proved formidable, limiting Jacksonville to just 190 total yards and no explosive plays throughout the game, as pointed out by PFF.
In this face-off, Miami’s starting offensive line held strong, allowing no pressures against Jacksonville’s backup defensive players. Meanwhile, Dolphins receiver Malik Washington shone brightly, catching all three of his targets for 41 yards. His ability to make plays after the catch demonstrated his skill in turning short passes into significant gains, even forcing two missed tackles, which helped maintain the chains for Miami.
Jacksonville’s Struggles
The Jaguars faced their share of challenges. Despite the solid effort from some players, such as kicker Cam Little—who nailed a 59-yard field goal—poor discipline raised eyebrows, as the team was penalized eight times for 60 yards. Linebacker Jack Kiser and defensive ends Danny Striggow and BJ Green attempted to rally the defense, each recording sacks and impacts on the game. Still, the pressure from Miami’s defense proved too much for the Jaguars‘ quarterbacks, who were sacked thrice and faced eight quarterback hits.
With the regular season steadily approaching, concerns about discipline and consistency lingered for the Jaguars. Despite their third-string defense forcing two three-and-outs against the Dolphins‘ starting lineup and registering six sacks, the overall performance left fans wondering about the team’s readiness for the more competitive regular season games.
Looking Ahead
As the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Miami Dolphins prepare to transition into the regular season, the excitement doesn’t just stop with the pros. Florida’s college football scene is brimming with energy as major programs gear up for action this Thursday. UCF kicks things off, hosting Jacksonville State at 7 p.m., while Florida State will welcome Alabama on Saturday, adding to the feverish anticipation among fans. As college teams hit the field, the blend of college and professional football promises a lively landscape for sports enthusiasts across the state.
In conclusion, the Jaguars will need to review their preseason performance closely over the next week to address issues and harness the potential they displayed. With college football commencing soon and the NFL season just around the corner, Florida’s football fans have much to look forward to.
Read more about this matchup on Jacksonville.com, check the detailed recap on PFF, and explore quick takeaways from JaguarsWire.