Miami Dolphins: 6 Things We've Learned so Far This Preseason

Although we are only two weeks into the NFL preseason, there have been some questions answered about this Miami Dolphins team. Granted, the third preseason game usually provides the most answers, but so far, there have been quite a few intriguing storylines to follow. 

Friday's game against Carolina gave fans their first look at Reggie Bush, as well as a new look Chad Henne, who appeared relaxed and confident, even calling audibles several times at the line of scrimmage. 

Although its tough to predict what the final two preseason games will tell us, here is what we have learned so far about the 2011 Miami Dolphins. 

There Are Not Many Starting Jobs Up for Grabs

Often times, teams use the preseason to determine starters at several positions. As one of my previous articles about the Dolphins depth chart pointed out, many of the starting jobs for the Dolphins are locked up. Sure, there are guys out there battling for roster spots, but the fans love the intrigue of seeing if one player can beat another out for a starting spot.

The area most in flux would probably be the offensive line. With Jake Long out due to injury, and several newcomers, it is a constant rotation of players, and some even working at multiple positions in practice.

Maybe Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas provide some controversy as to who gets named at the top of the depth chart, but in the end, they will likely be used to compliment each other and should be close to an even time share.

The Offense Will Be Better

Here is what Dolphins fans have to take into account: When the team ranks 30th out of 32 teams in offense last season, there really is nowhere to go but up. I know, it may not be saying much, but the Fins offense will be better this year. 

Reggie Bush has already injected hope into a fan base bored by a bland offense for many years, and fans can expect Brandon Marshall and Davone Bess to combine for more than eight touchdowns this season. 

New coordinator Brian Daboll has not quite enamored many fans just yet, but his philosophy sure seems to have Chad Henne more comfortable, and that in itself is a good sign. We haven't seen much creativity the first two preseason games, but there are certainly new weapons to help find the endzone such as Bush, Daniel Thomas, Clyde Gates and Charles Clay. 

The Rookies: So Far, so Good

Speaking of rookies, we have definitely learned so far in the preseason that this core of draftees promises to be a solid one. Clyde Gates has shown his speed and hands, Charles Clay is getting more playing time both at tight end and fullback and Daniel Thomas received the majority of the work against Carolina, rushing for 52 yards on 12 carries.

First rounder Mike Pouncey still hasn't had a real issue snapping in games, which is obviously the main concern with him. Nobody doubts his strength and blocking ability.

On the defensive side of the ball, by now, many of you will know I'm considering A.J Edds and Jared Odrick rookies after having missed all of last season with injury. Both have looked very good, especially Edds, who has 10 tackles in the team's two games. Let's not forget Reshad Jones and Jimmy Wilson, who are locks to make the team as late round picks.  

The Offensive Line Is a Work in Progress

First thing's first: Jake Long needs to be ready to play in Week 1 for the Dolphins to have as improved an offense as many people expect. Having said that, the line is certainly a work in progress. Marc Colombo was added at right tackle, sliding Vernon Carey inside to guard. With a rookie center and a backup currently at left tackle, it's tough to anticipate what to expect from this group.

The starters may not even be in place yet, as veteran free agent Shaun O'Hara and the Dolphins have apparently had mutual interest for weeks. 

The quarterbacks have not been hit too often this preseason, but remember, Carolina's front seven is not exactly a vaunted group. 

Matt Moore Can Play a Little Bit

Matt Moore was not the name Dolphins fans expected to hear when it was announced the team had acquired a quarterback. But Moore is certainly not disappointing so far, throwing two touchdowns in the opening game against Atlanta, and several very nice throws in a limited role against Carolina.

The odds of Moore getting the nod over Henne on the depth chart are very slim, but the fact he is inspiring confidence bodes well for him should Henne struggle a few weeks into the season.

Moore has looked poised and has stepped into the pocket very well, and it is important to note he is throwing to receivers who, quite frankly, aren't as good as the ones Henne is getting to throw to.  

Brandon Marshall and Chad Henne Are Clicking More

I know, it's only been one preseason game together. But all reports out of training camp, and from watching one half of football, are that Brandon Marshall and Chad Henne are seeing eye to eye under Brian Daboll's new offense.

Several slant patterns were right on the money on Friday night, as well as an audible when Marshall caught a short pass and took it for 20 yards. There was also a scrimmage in which Henne threw three touchdowns to Marshall against the Dolphins' first team defense. 

Can we conclude anything tangible from all this? Maybe not, but the Henne/Marshall saga was part of the reason this offense so often settled for field goals instead of touchdowns last season. Whether its Daboll's offense, or the duo having a full year under their belts, any good vibes between them is good news for the Fins.