Miami Dolphins vs. Dallas Cowboys: Notes and Observations

*Dallas Cowboys fourth-string running back Phillip Tanner performed very well in his preseason debut, racking up 59 yards on 10 carries, and could very well be a viable option for Dallas if any of the three guys ahead of Tanner go down with an injury. This may not be the most talented backfield in the NFL, but you’d be hard-pressed to find one as deep as the Boys’. Perhaps they’ll use one of the four backs as trade bait as the preseason rolls on.

*Starting left tackle is a major issue for the Miami Dolphins after the team allowed Jake Long to depart via free agency his offseason, and his replacement(s) certainly don’t appear ready to step into his role. Jonathan Martin and Dallas Thomas each spent time at LT, and neither could perform adequately and consistently block whoever was fortunate enough to be rushing against them. This will continue to be a big question mark for a Dolphins team expected to contend for a postseason berth.

*Dolphins running back Daniel Thomas is expected to at least be the teams’ #2 RB, and perhaps challenge Lamar Miller for the starting role. Nothing he did tonight suggested he’s even ready to be a competent backup, as he rushed four times for just five yards and caught a one-yard pass. He was vastly outplayed by Jonas Gray and Gilleslie, and could see his roster spot in jeopardy if this keeps up.