What went well and what didn't in Dolphins' second preseason game

After the first pre-season game in which the Miami Dolphins sat 31 players and didn't muster much offensive output, Saturday's game against Houston completely flipped the script. A good portion of Miami's starting unit played at least a handful of series and the Dolphins won 28-3. Here's what went well and what didn't in pre-season game number two, a game that now generally serves as the unofficial dress rehearsal for the starting units around the league.

We'll start with what went well.

QB play

Outside of the early interception, the Miami QB play was nearly perfect. Tua Tagovailoa had his first pass intercepted in his first action since Christmas of last year but quickly rebounded. After Miami's defense forced a turnover on downs, he executed a 14 play, 93 yard touchdown drive where he completed five-of-six through the air and helped guide Miami to a lead they'd never relinquish. 

Skylar Thompson relieved Tagovailoa and bounced back from a lackluster first preseason performance to throw for 157 yards and three TDs, while completing 15-of-22 passes for 128.2 QB rating, the highest in a Miami preseason game since 2017 (David Fales).

Offensive execution

On top of the solid QB play, the Dolphins were dominant on the ground. Miami put up 205 yards total on the ground. Running back Salvon Ahmed led the way with 12 carries for 99 yards, good for an 8.9 yard per carry average, highlighted by a 65-yard run. He added four catches for 32 yards and a touchdown through the air. The Dolphins outgained the Texans by 212 yards, more than the Texans (186) had all game. Kendall Lamm, who filled in for starting left tackle Terrron Armstead, gave up no pressures on nine pass-blocking snaps in what was a good day for Miami's offensive line as a whole.

Defensive dominance

The Dolphins defense flexed early when it immediately had its back against the wall after an early turnover. The unit held strong and forced a turnover on downs. Vic Fangio's unit only surrendered the aforementioned 186 yards all afternoon to go along with just three points. Both teams had the same number of drives (10) as well. Giving up three points in a game is a good way to secure a win but so is giving up just 32 yards on the ground. The Texans averaged just 2.3 yards per carry on 14 rushes. Dominance in key areas was the story of the game as Houston went 2-of-12 on third down and was 0-of-2 in the red-zone. 

Here's what didn't go as well.

Sacks, penalties and special teams

There aren't too many issues to point out in a game where Miami's starters saw limited reps and still executed at a high level, but the team was unable to generate any sacks while also committing six penalties. 

The Dolphins did have one less penalty than Houston and the caveat for both teams is the collection of players that see action throughout the entirety of a pre-season game. Penalties are a common occurrence but it is something Miami needs to ensure stays low in the regular season. 

The biggest concern is special teams coverage, the Dolphins gave up a punt return touchdown last week against Atlanta and against Houston they gave up a 42-yard kick return. Like the penalties, the chemistry of various players on the field can contribute to these lapses in preseason but it's the biggest cause for concern so far. Giving up chunk plays on special teams is something no team wants to be known for. 

Miami bounced back in a big way in what should be the game many starters see the most action they will all preseason. The Dolphins wrap up the exhibition season on August 26 at Jacksonville.