Ndamukong Suh got the big contract, came with the big reputation and after a couple of defensive series in the season's first scrimmage in front of 16,407 at Florida International University, fans were already chanting his name.
"Suuuuuuh!" the crowd said in unison.
Suh was dominant. He had one tackle of Lamar Miller 10 yards behind the line of scrimmage. He had what would have been a couple of sacks. He was probably going three-quarter speed but he dominated.
"I was talking to a lot of our linebackers and our defensive linmen, even Olivier Vernon, and I was like, ‘We want to meet at the quarterback. we want to create plays off each other and have fun about it.'" Suh said. "At end of the day my job is to come out here and make plays, but at the same time create havoc for my other teammates to make plays. I’m excited, it’s very,very scratching the surface for me. I’ve still got a lot of work to do, going back to the drawing board, not tomorrow, but the following day, on Sunday."
The Dolphins are off Saturday. Billy Turner might use the time to brush up on his technique because, by his own admission, he's got work to do. Turner was charged, as he has been all camp, with blocking Suh.
It is a tough if not impossible assignment.
"To be honest, I like going against him because he's a great player and what-not and going against him every day you learn a lot," Turner said. "It eases your mind that he's the cream of the crop so Sunday's are going to be easier. But at the same time, I got things to work on.
"I think I did alright. Obviously I got things to work on, but I think everyone's got things to work on. As the scrimmage went on I got better and better."
Amazingly, Suh feels he has things to work on.
"I’ve got some things I’m not happy with that I had today," Suh said. "But at the end of the day, it’s about going out there and getting those first pieces of rust knocked off in the live series and then get prepared for chicago coming up soon."
The offensive line continues to be a focus of attention for the Dolphins. Starting left tackle Jason Fox did not play and coach Joe Philbin said the team is seeking more information on him, suggesting it is a medical issue.
A league source said he doesn't believe Fox is seriously injured. But obviously with starting left tackle Branden Albert not ready yet, the Dolphins resorted to playing Donald Hawkins with their first-team offense. The left tackle spot is dealing with a bit of uncertainty right now.
Interestingly, rookie Jamil Douglas seemed to have a productive evening at left guard. Dallas Thomas (shoulder) did not play.
Hawkins looked out of place. He had one pre-snap penalty and gave up one sack from my viewpoint.
The Dolphins got good work from backup running backs Damien Williams (11 rushes, 28 yards, 2 TDs) and LaMichael James (9-41). Rookie Jay Ajayi had only one rush for 12 yards. Starter Lamar Miller had not shot with Suh on the field. He rushed for 11 yards on two carries.
This was a good night for Jordan Cameron who caught two TD passes -- one from 26 yards out and one from inside the 5 yard line.
The quarterbacks were hit and miss.
Ryan Tannehill was 11 of 17 for 101 yards with two TD and two INTs. The interceptions came from Bobby McCain (in the end zone) and Brent Grimes (covering Greg Jennings).
"I definitely feel offensively, we weren't as crisp as I'd like to be," Tannehill said. "We had too many mental mistakes. Obviously, I threw a couple of interceptions, which I don't want to happen. We learn from it and move on."
Matt Moore was 6 of 14 for 41 yards with one TD pass -- to Cameron.
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