Dolphins rookie running back Ollie Gordon II showcased his abilities during Miami’s 24-24 preseason tie against the Bears, carrying the ball eight times for 33 yards and scoring a touchdown, along with a 39-yard reception. Head coach Mike McDaniel highlighted Gordon’s toughness and determination as key attributes that stood out throughout the game.
McDaniel remarked on Gordon’s performances with the ball, sharing,
“I thought he did some good things with the ball in his hands,”
and added,
“I think the biggest thing for backs, rookie backs in particular, is I recognize a lot of good things in his game. He was a very tough tackle, and he ran super hard. That’s what we really liked when drafting him.”
Beyond carrying the ball, the Dolphins coach emphasized the importance of rookie backs contributing even when not in possession. McDaniel noted,
“Rookies have to learn how to play when the ball is not in their hands,”
and said,
“You can’t just be in the game, and this goes for all rookies, only when you get the ball. That’s the worst tell in America. You have to be able to execute one-eleventh of the necessary responsibilities on every play.”
He pointed out that dependability and alignment on every play remain crucial for Gordon’s growth.
“He ran some good routes, but the main thing is dependability, his ability to align correctly and do all the things we ask a back to do. That’s what I want to see grow from him,”
McDaniel said. He concluded with optimism for Gordon’s development, stating,
“It was a good starting point for him,”
and added,
“I want to see his play flourish when he doesn’t have the ball as well as when he does.”
Breece Hall Reflects on Last Season and Future Prospects
Jets running back Breece Hall left a subtle message on social media by posting “Time will tell,” sparking speculation about his status and intentions. When questioned about this remark, Hall explained his readiness to move past last season’s challenges while acknowledging the scrutiny he faces.
Hall addressed perceptions about his performance, saying,
“I think people try to make a skewed version of the truth of it changing. I’ve always been able to catch the ball. I’ve always been a receiving threat. I just feel like last season, just stuff doesn’t always work out how you expect it to.”
He also acknowledged the pressure that comes with being one of the team’s key figures.
“I’ve said this before, when you’re one of the better players on the team or being one of the faces of the team, when stuff doesn’t go well all the time, you’re at the forefront of not the blame, but stuff falls on you a little bit. I guess, unfortunately, I happen to be one of those players. But for me, nothing’s changed. I’m still the same threat that I’ve always been.”
Regarding his role in the passing game, Hall expressed enjoyment in diversifying how he contributes, stating, “It has been cool,” and explained,
“For me, it has been fun to split out some plays. There have been formations where I’ve been the single receiver on the side and trying to mess with the defense and see how they adjust to it.”
Patriots See Significant Potential in TreVeyon Henderson
The New England Patriots have high hopes for second-round running back TreVeyon Henderson, with vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf affirming that Henderson stood out immediately as a potential offensive weapon. Wolf recalled his initial evaluation, saying,
“I watched 15 runs and I was like, ‘What am I doing? This is the guy.’”
Wolf noted that the Patriots have larger team needs beyond running back, but acquiring Henderson in the second round presented an opportunity, explaining,
“We have way bigger needs than running back and still do. But it was just an opportunity to get a weapon potentially there in the second round.”
Center Garrett Bradbury emphasized Henderson’s explosive capabilities, stating,
“Those home run-hitting backs, that’s huge.”
He added,
“I think that’s demoralizing for a defense when you can break a 60-yard run, 70-yard run, which he has the capability. Give him a little space and it’s gone.”
Head coach Mike Vrabel also recognized Henderson’s impact on defensive strategies, noting,
“Teams are going to put the ball in play, and if they don’t and if they’re like, ‘Well, these guys are going to hit an explosive, then we’re just going to give it to ’em at the 35.’ So that’s good for us either way if we can make that a weapon.”
Implications and What to Watch Moving Forward
The preseason has already shed light on emerging talents such as Dolphins rookie Ollie Gordon II, who continues to develop a well-rounded game beyond rushing. Miami’s acknowledgment of his all-around responsibilities sets the stage for Gordon to become a reliable contributor on offense.
Breece Hall’s cautious optimism signals that the Jets running back remains committed to reclaiming his form after a challenging previous season. His versatility in both rushing and receiving roles will be key to how the Jets utilize one of their primary playmakers moving forward.
The Patriots’ investment in TreVeyon Henderson highlights their intent to inject dynamic playmaking into their offense. With endorsements from key personnel emphasizing his explosive potential, Henderson could alter opposing defenses’ approaches and elevate New England’s offensive threat.
Collectively, the progress of these running backs across different teams reflects a broader <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL trend of relying on versatile, explosive backs who contribute in multiple facets of the game, shaping team strategies and fan expectations as the regular season approaches.