GARDENS IN MIAMI Jake Bailey was announced as the Miami Dolphins’ preseason punting competition champion on Tuesday.
Bailey, Miami’s starting punter for the previous two seasons, was promoted over rookie Ryan Stonehouse, who had previously played for the Tennessee Titans under new Dolphins special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman.
We made the decision to proceed with the punting matter. After Tuesday’s short practice, Aukerman declared that Jake Bailey had won.
Bravo to both of those men. They performed admirably and were competitive every day. quite pleased with them. There’s no doubt in my mind that Ryan will be punting in the NFL.
Stonehouse and Bailey each recorded three punts in two preseason games. With a net of 53 plus two yards inside the 20-yard line, Bailey’s average was 56 yards. With a net score of 40.3 and one inside the 20, Stonehouse’s average was 43.3.
We simply had the impression that Jake would be our man moving ahead. I’m really pleased with his consistency throughout camp, whether it be in preseason games, field punts, or plus-50. Working with him makes me really proud because I know he will have an amazing year.
According to Aukerman, during camp, each had developed a connection with place kicker Jason Sanders.
Bailey had the best boot at the second exhibition game on Saturday in Detroit, sending one 59 yards down to the Lions’ 9-yard line.
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According to Aukerman, it was difficult. It was always going back and forth. A large ball would be hit by a guy. Ryan would be the one. Jake would be the one. A little bit of everything was present. The ability to kick off, the holding along with Jason, and the consistency part.
Aukerman and coach Mike McDaniel wanted to give Stonehouse, who missed Tuesday’s practice before being dismissed, a chance to find employment with another team in the last week of preseason play.
According to Aukerman, we want to treat the players fairly.
According to Aukerman, he gains a lot of support around this time of year because he has a significant influence over the team’s final roster selections, with special teams efforts playing a major role.
Miami needs backups to contribute to special teams in order to make the roster, as the Dolphins now have a Big 4 at outside linebacker with Matthew Judon expected to join Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips, and Chop Robinson.
Derrick McLendon and Grayson Murphy are competing for roster selections based on their defensive performances during the preseason. More than McLendon, Murphy has also seen a lot of work on special teams.
Aukerman stated, “I think they’re doing great,” adding that both have been repositioned to evaluate what they can offer on other units. Actually, on Tuesday, we’re moving Murph to a new role, so we’ll see what he can do there.
Versatility is the main topic we discuss in special teams. You must be capable of playing several positions.
However, veteran outside linebackers Quinton Bell and Cameron Goode are key members of the special team from the previous administration under former coordinator Danny Crossman, and they are ahead of Murphy and McLendon. Aukerman is pleased with Bell and Goode’s performance.
Numerous wonderful things, Aukerman remarked. Cam Goode made a variety of plays in the Chicago game, and I witnessed both of them make fantastic plays on kickoff against Detroit. Seeing those guys embrace and succeed in their roles has been a lot of pleasure. It’s interesting to watch these guys develop and then do well in the games. I’m really thrilled for those two men.
