The Phinsider
The Miami Dolphins and Chicago Bears kicked off their 2025 preseason with a thrilling 24-24 tie on Sunday afternoon. Here are five way-too-early overreactions/takeaways after rewatching the All-22. Enjoy!
I started writing this before Alexander Mattison suffered a season-ending injury, and the Dolphins brought in two veteran running backs; yet, I still stand by this. Ollie Gordon’s film in college was quite impressive, especially in 2023, when he led the league in rushing yards (1732) and touchdowns (21), but many weren’t sure how things would translate to the NFL game (Hence his 6th-round draft status). Well, with limited reps against Chicago’s backups, he looked like the perfect complementary back to De’Von Achane and the answer to Miami’s short-yard problems. In total, he carried the ball six times for 30 yards and scored on a nearly extinct GOAL LINE RUSHING TOUCHDOWN.
Most impressive, however, was his ability to come down with a critical catch with a defender draped on his shoulders, only to break free — like he does so often — and gallop for 39 yards. Couple his play with how timid Jaylen Wright looked at times, and I can’t help but think he has every ability to finish the year as RB2 — and IMO, probably should be as of writing this.
#RunOllieGordonRun
The Dolphins have a plethora of young pass-rushers, many of whom won’t truly be unleashed until the season starts, but one player that stood out all throughout Sunday’s game vs. the Bears was former Carolina Panthers’ EDGE Derrick McLendon.
McLendon spent last summer with the Carolina Panthers before signing a one-year deal with Miami this offseason. Against the Bears, the 24-year-old pass-rusher recorded three tackles and a sack, which came on a critical play down at the goal line. Couple that with the rave reviews he continues to get in practice, and this man may not only make the roster, but be a situational player for Anthony Weaver’s defense.
Which is why, despite having to Google his name a few weeks ago, I’m here to say that this man is the second coming of Cameron Wake, an undrafted acorn that’s going to take the league by storm. No, he probably won’t get a gold jacket — but I also don’t think this is another Quinton Bell situation, either.
I think Derrick McLendon will find himself on the roster if he continues to play at this level.
Everyone knew Miami was going to trade Jalen Ramsey this season — Chris Grier admitted such. And yet, the team still relied on the in-house options at cornerback until they couldn’t anymore, and now they’re paying the ultimate price.
CB1 Kader Kohou…
Artie Burns…
Jason Maitre… (I’m adding everyone!)
Ashtyn Davis (Yes, I know he’s a safety)
You get the picture — lots of injuries to the...
