Chris Perkins: Things we learned in Dolphins’ second week of training camp

MIAMI GARDENS — We’re two weeks into Dolphins training camp and it’s still tough to draw lasting conclusions. The picture becomes more clear after this week when the Miami has two days of joint practices with Atlanta (Tuesday and Wednesday) capped by Friday’s preseason opener against the Falcons at Hard Rock Stadium.

However, there are things to be gleaned from the second week of training camp, a time when the Dolphins put on the pads, just as there were things to learn from Week One.

Here are a few Week Two observations: 

Defense shows sack skills

The defense, while trying to fill numerous holes, turned in an impressive nine-sack performance in Saturday’s scrimmage. After turning heads with a 12-sack day during a no-pads practice in the first week of training camp, this was an outstanding follow-up.

But the defense’s performance has sounded some alarm bells for the offense.

The cause of the sacks? It’s tough to say. But offensive line coach Butch Barry said Friday that usually the blame for sacks is about 50-50 between a lack of communication among players responsible for pass protection and guys being physically beaten in one-on-one matchups.

Front seven are grown men

The defensive front seven, led by linemen Christian Wilkins, Zach Sieler and Raekwon Davis, edge rushers Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips, and linebackers Jerome Baker and David Long Jr., have been outstanding. The run defense has been good, but the pass rush, referenced above, has been ferocious.

Offensive line questions remain

Left guard Liam Eichenberg might be slowly losing his stronghold on the starting job. He took the majority of the snaps with the starters in Saturday’s scrimmage. But others, such as Isaiah Wynn, took snaps with the starting unit. It’s unclear whether the daily matchups with Wilkins and Sieler are making Eichenberg better or making him lose confidence. Right tackle Austin Jackson has been steadily taking snaps with the starters while fighting tough daily battles with Phillips, and seems to have secured the starting job at this point. 

Backup left tackle, a key position considering starter Terron Armstead has missed about five games per season the past seven seasons, remains unsettled but Kendall Lamm is probably the top candidate. 

Eli Apple continues to develop

Apple, signed to replace injured cornerback Jalen Ramsey, had an interception in Saturday’s scrimmage and is slowly having his workload increased. Apple, while defending tight end Durham Smythe, had an interception on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in Saturday’s scrimmage.

In the base defense, cornerbacks Xavien Howard and Kader Kohou are the likely starters right now. But in the nickel there’s an opportunity for Apple to play the boundary opposite Howard with Kohou moving to the slot. But also keep an eye on Noah Igbinoghene in the nickel package.

There’s still a chance rookie Cam Smith works his way into the battle for a starting job in the nickel package as a boundary cornerback, but he seems at least a couple of weeks from that point.

Passing game, with no clear No. 3 receiver, coming along

Tagovailoa has sharpened his connection with wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle as training camp progresses. There’s no concern there.

However, there’s no clear No. 3 receiving option yet. The top candidates are wide receiver Braxton Berrios, likely the main slot receiver, and running back Raheem Mostert.

Wide receivers Robbie Chosen, Erik Ezukanma and Cedrick Wilson Jr. have been OK.

Pass protection, mentioned earlier, might be a major concern for the passing game. We’ll know more after this week’s joint practices and preseason game.

Watch those flags

Thursday, the first day referees were at practice, the Dolphins had at least five false start penalties, and Friday they had at least four. Saturday was better, but discipline, or the lack of, is something to watch. The Dolphins were tied for fourth in penalties last season with 111, and fifth in penalty yards (881). Pre-snap penalties were especially bad.

Draft class

Smith, the second-round pick, and running back De’Von Achane, the third-round pick, are battling to find regular roles. Neither has disappointed and both are progressing well, but both are behind a line of proven players.

Tight end Elijah Higgins, the sixth-round pick, and offensive tackle Ryan Hayes, the seventh-round pick, might both be headed for the practice squad.

Backup QB battle

Veteran Mike White has evened the battle against Skylar Thompson, last year’s seventh-round pick. But this week against Atlanta will offer the best measuring stick to this point. Both quarterbacks have been decent, but neither White nor Thompson has been impressive.

Players to watch

Players recovering from injuries who could have their workloads increased this week include Armstead (knee), safeties Brandon Jones (knee) and DeShon Elliott (undisclosed), and safety/cornerback Trill Williams (knee).

Players whose workloads could increase because they’re playing better include Smith, Apple, Wynn, running back Salvon Ahmed, guard Lester Cotton, defensive tackles Jaylen Twyman and Josiah Bronson, and linebacker Aubrey Miller II.   

The former first-rounders

The Dolphins acquired three former first-round draft picks during the offseason, each looking to rekindle his career. Among Apple, offensive tackle Cedric Ogbuehi, and Wynn, the guard/tackle, Apple has played best, but Wynn might have the best shot at a starting job because he’s battling Eichenberg. …

— The Dolphins cut Anthony Montalvo, an undrafted rookie defensive tackle out of UCF, on Sunday.