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Dolphins vs. Bears Preseason: Key Players Rise and Fall

Miami Dolphins Stock Report: Risers and Fallers After Preseason Clash with Chicago Bears

In the sweltering heat of Hard Rock Stadium, the Miami Dolphins kicked off their 2025 preseason slate with a gritty matchup against the Chicago Bears, offering fans and analysts alike a first glimpse into the team's evolving roster under head coach Mike McDaniel. While preseason games are often more about evaluation than results, this contest provided plenty of talking points, with several players boosting their stock through standout performances and others seeing their value dip due to miscues or underwhelming showings. The Dolphins emerged victorious in a close 24-21 affair, but the real story lies in the individual battles that could shape the regular season depth chart. Let's dive into the key risers and fallers from this intriguing opener.

Starting with the stock-up category, no player shined brighter than rookie wide receiver Malik Washington. Drafted in the third round out of Virginia, Washington entered training camp with modest expectations, but his explosive debut has turned heads. He hauled in five receptions for 87 yards, including a 42-yard touchdown bomb that showcased his elite speed and route-running precision. McDaniel's offense thrives on playmakers who can stretch the field, and Washington's chemistry with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was evident from the jump. Tagovailoa, fresh off a contract extension, looked sharp in limited action, completing 12 of 15 passes for 156 yards and two scores. His quick release and decision-making under pressure suggest the Dolphins' passing game could be even more potent this year. Washington's emergence adds another dimension to an already loaded receiver room featuring Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, potentially forcing defenses to pick their poison.

On the defensive side, edge rusher Jaelan Phillips continued his ascent as one of the league's premier pass rushers. After missing significant time last season due to injury, Phillips looked fully recovered, recording two sacks and a forced fumble in just two quarters of play. His burst off the line and ability to bend around tackles disrupted the Bears' offensive rhythm early, setting the tone for Miami's front seven. Pairing him with newcomer Chop Robinson, who also notched a sack in his Dolphins debut, gives the team a formidable edge duo that could terrorize quarterbacks all season. Inside linebacker David Long Jr. also deserves praise for his stock rise. Long was everywhere, tallying eight tackles and an interception that he returned for 35 yards. His sideline-to-sideline speed and instincts in coverage addressed some of the concerns about Miami's linebacker corps, which has been a weak spot in recent years.

Shifting to the special teams unit, punter Jake Bailey had a quietly impressive game, pinning the Bears inside their own 20-yard line three times with booming kicks that averaged over 50 yards. In a league where field position battles can decide games, Bailey's consistency could be a hidden weapon for the Dolphins, especially in tight AFC East matchups. Additionally, undrafted free agent running back Chris Brooks made a strong case for a roster spot with 65 rushing yards on 12 carries, including a 22-yard scamper that highlighted his vision and burst. With Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane handling primary duties, Brooks' performance suggests he could provide valuable depth and contribute on special teams.

However, not every Dolphin left the field with their stock soaring. On the flip side, veteran offensive lineman Terron Armstead saw his value take a hit after a shaky performance. Armstead, who's been plagued by injuries in recent seasons, allowed two pressures and a sack, raising questions about his durability and effectiveness at left tackle. Protecting Tagovailoa is paramount for Miami's success, and if Armstead can't stay healthy or perform at a high level, the team may need to explore options like elevating rookie Patrick Paul sooner than anticipated. Paul, a second-round pick, saw limited snaps but held his own, which only amplifies the scrutiny on Armstead.

In the secondary, cornerback Cam Smith struggled mightily, getting burned on a 55-yard touchdown pass to Bears wideout DJ Moore. Smith's coverage lapses were glaring, as he failed to jam receivers at the line and lost track in man-to-man situations. With Jalen Ramsey anchoring the unit, the Dolphins need reliable play from their younger corners, and Smith's rough outing could open the door for Ethan Bonner or Storm Duck to climb the depth chart. Smith's stock drop is particularly concerning given the high expectations after his second-round selection in 2023; he needs to rebound quickly in the remaining preseason games to secure his role.

The quarterback competition behind Tagovailoa also saw some movement, with Mike White's stock dipping after a pair of interceptions in the second half. White, vying for the backup spot with Skylar Thompson, showed poor decision-making under duress, forcing throws into tight windows that the Bears' defense eagerly capitalized on. Thompson, in contrast, managed the game efficiently in his reps, completing 8 of 11 passes for 92 yards without turnovers. This performance gap could sway the coaching staff toward Thompson as the primary backup, especially considering White's inconsistency in past seasons.

Elsewhere, tight end Jonnu Smith had a forgettable night, dropping two catchable passes and failing to create separation in the red zone. Signed to bolster the passing game, Smith's miscues highlight the ongoing search for a reliable tight end option beyond Durham Smythe. On defense, safety Jordan Poyer, a free-agent addition from Buffalo, looked a step slow in coverage, allowing a key third-down conversion that extended a Bears drive. Poyer's veteran savvy is valuable, but his physical decline could limit his impact if younger safeties like Elijah Campbell continue to impress.

Overall, this preseason tilt against the Bears was a mixed bag for the Dolphins, blending promising flashes from young talent with reminders of lingering vulnerabilities. The offense appears dynamic and explosive, particularly with Tagovailoa at the helm and emerging weapons like Washington stepping up. Defensively, the pass rush looks dominant, but the secondary and offensive line remain areas of concern that must be addressed before the regular season opener. As Miami prepares for their next preseason game, these stock movements will influence roster decisions and game plans. Fans should be optimistic about the team's potential, but the path to contention in a stacked AFC will require ironing out these inconsistencies. With training camp battles heating up, expect more risers and fallers to emerge in the coming weeks, as the Dolphins fine-tune their squad for what promises to be an exciting 2025 campaign. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full Palm Beach Post Article at:
[ https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/sports/nfl/dolphins/2025/08/10/miami-dolphins-stocks-chicago-bears/85602814007/ ]