Cutler solid in debut; Maualuga added to defense

Aug 20, 2017 - 12:21 AM DAVIE, Fla. -- The Miami Dolphins have signed middle linebacker Rey Maualuga, according to a source, shoring up its biggest need on defense. With Maualuga in the fold, and quarterback Jay Cutler about to enter his third week on the job, head coach Adam Gase can breathe a bit easier.

Cutler got good reviews from Gase for his debut Thursday in a 31-7 loss to Baltimore.

After being drawn out of retirement and signed Aug. 7, Cutler went 3 for 6 for 24 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions in two series (nine plays).

Cutler had a nicely-thrown 31-yard completion to wide receiver DeVante Parker negated by a holding penalty.

"I thought he was good his first time out," said Gase, who was Cutler's offensive coordinator in 2015 in Chicago. "He looks like we really weren't apart for a year."

The first-team offense, however, didn't have such favorable reviews. They were beset by penalties that forced them into a third-and-26 on their first possession and a second-and-11 on their second possession.

Running back Jay Ajayi, who came out of concussion protocol Tuesday, two days before the game, ended with two carries for minus-two yards. But he had a head-banging 19-yard run negated by a holding penalty. He also showed his hard-to-tackle form on an 11-yard reception.

The offensive line, which was without three starters - center Mike Pouncey (hip), guard-center Kraig Urbik (shoulder) and right tackle Ja'Wuan James (shoulder) - was a bit of an adventure. Right tackle Sam Young was called for two holding penalties on one possession that wiped out 50 yards.

Defensively, the first team performed fairly well in its three possessions. They gave up 12 yards rushing on three carries, but cornerback Byron Maxwell caused two fumbles and cornerback Xavien Howard had an interception.

Special teams were a disaster with a fumbled kickoff return, fumbled punt return and a blocked punt that featured 10 men on the field and a premature snap.

The reserves also struggled. After taking a 7-0 lead, the Dolphins were outscored 31-0 the rest of the way.

Regardless, the Dolphins are looking forward with optimism, mostly because Cutler passed his first test, including being slammed on his surgically-repaired right shoulder, but also because Maualuga represents hope at the middle linebacker position.

Maualuga, the eight-year veteran who spent his entire career with Cincinnati, will compete with Mike Hull for the job left open when rookie Raekwon McMillan was injured in the preseason opener against Atlanta.

Maualuga only had 27 tackles in six games last season while trying to recover from an early-season fibula injury.

But he should fit nicely into Miami's 4-3 defense as a first- and second-down player.

Maualuga will presumably travel to Philadelphia with the Dolphins on Sunday, practice against the Eagles on Monday and Tuesday, and possibly play in Thursday's game.

Notes: Quarterback Ryan Tannehill (knee) still hasn't had his surgery. If Tannehill needs major ACL repair, as is suspected, his recovery could take between eight and 12 months. ... Center Mike Pouncey (hip) seems likely to play Thursday against Philadelphia, but it remains unclear whether he'll practice Monday and Tuesday against the Eagles. Pouncey hasn't had a full-contact practice since November. ... Tight end Julius Thomas, somewhat of an invisible man during training camp, had one receptions for two yards against Baltimore. ... Defensive tackle Jordan Phillips has almost certainly lost his starting job to rookie Davon Godchaux. But Phillips remains a solid part of the rotation. He finished with one tackle and one pass defended against Baltimore in limited action.

Cornerback Xavien Howard, the 2016 second-round pick, continues to impress. Howard had a nice interception on a deep pass against Baltimore in which he positioned himself so well he appeared to be the receiver and the receiver appeared to be the defender. Howard was slowed by a knee injury last year, but now that he's healthy he appears to be the best cornerback on the roster. ... Wide receiver DeVante Parker had a 31-yard reception negated by a holding penalty. But Parker and QB Jay Cutler seemed to have a nice rapport. Parker had a 16-yard reception on a slant. From the short time Parker and Cutler have been together (four practices and two series in a game), they seem to be developing a strong connection, especially on back-shoulder throws. ... Guard/tackle Jesse Davis was a surprise starter at left guard against Baltimore. Injuries forced the situation, but Davis, the first-year player from Idaho, appeared to perform well. The same was true when he shifted to right tackle. With two preseason games remaining, it appears Davis has a good chance of making the 53-man roster. ... Tackle Sam Young, the primary backup on the right and left sides, had a rough night against Baltimore. Young was flagged twice for holding, costing Miami 50 yards of offense. Head coach Adam Gase gave Young a vote of confidence after the game, however.

Strongiside linebacker Lawrence Timmons was fairly quiet during Thursday's game against Baltimore, but in fairness, the first-team defense only played 10 snaps. Timmons finished with one tackle, and it was for a loss. ... Middle linebacker Mike Hull appears to be going back to backup duty now that the Dolphins have signed Maualuga. Hull had five tackles, one for a loss, in Thursday's game against Baltimore. Hull will also return to being a core special teams player, which should help that unit greatly. ... Running back Kenyan Drake remains in concussion protocol. He hasn't yet progressed to the stage where he does outside work, which is often an indicator the player is in the final stage or two of the process.