The Miami Dolphins were unable to secure an opening win for their 2020 campaign, suffering a 10-point loss to the New England Patriots in Foxborough. But despite the team’s failure to secure a win, there were some promising flashes of play that remind us all that the Miami Dolphins’ future is plenty bright. It may have been a bad day for the win column, but it was a good day for the 2020 NFL Draft class in Miami. The Dolphins featured two rookies on the offensive line between Austin Jackson and Solomon Kindley. The duo, along with Noah Igbinoghene and Brandon Jones in the secondary, provided the Dolphins with a significant number of contributions from rookie players on the day.
Brandon Jones’ roughing the passer call was a tough mistake and penalty to absorb at the time — but upon further review it did not appear as though Jones actually touched Newton in the head or face and not actually a penalty. But, much like the non-call for pass interference at the end of the game on Ryan Fitzpatrick’s final interception of the day, the Dolphins didn’t really get the benefit of the doubt from the officials all day. Jones otherwise appeared to play the kind of role the team had envisioned for Minkah Fitzpatrick ahead of trading him last September — he was everywhere. With 10 total tackles and a big presence on the hashes of this defense, Jones appears to have quickly carved out a role for himself for the Dolphins.
Offensively, left tackle Austin Jackson was a success. The Patriots are as good as anyone and finding and exploiting weaknesses — but they weren’t able to exploit Jackson throughout yesterday’s contest. Jackson was physically sturdy and was consistent in holding up along the edge. The Patriots don’t have overwhelming athletes at defensive end, so there will be bigger physical tests ahead for the young tackle. But Jackson passed yesterday’s mental test with flying colors and a strong first performance.
Add in additional performances to the strong play from Jones and Jackson and the Dolphins’ rookie class is poised to make a big splash this season. And if you think it looks good based off of Week 1, just imagine how good it might look when the Dolphins are ready to call the bullpen and tag in Tua Tagovailoa at quarterback, too.