The Miami Dolphins’ preseason starts tonight with a visit to the Washington Commanders. Head coach Jeff Hafley has indicated quarterback Malik Willis will play in the opening preseason contest, choosing to get the first team some developmental reps rather than letting the first team sit for this week.
Is that the right choice? It is, as long as it works. If someone gets injured during the game, fans and analysts will play the results and ask why the starters were on the field. That is the nature of the preseason.
What do fans think Miami should do with their starters tonight? We asked that question earlier this week in our SB Nation Reacts survey, and you overwhelming responded that they should play the first quarter. If you add the 25 percent of the responses that voted for the first half, nearly nine-in-ten of the fans want to see the starters on the field early in the game.
The third-most votes went to no playing time for the first team, while three percent voted for playing into the third period. The final three percent of the voters want to see the starters on the field for the entire game.
Miami heads into the game as a 3.5-point favorite, according to the FanDuel Sportsbook oddmakers. For a team that is projected to be the worst team in the AFC this season, tonight’s spread would seem to suggest the Dolphins will play their starters longer than the Commanders, giving them an edge for tonight’s final score.
Do you agree with the poll results? Do you think Miami’s starters should get significant playing time tonight? Let us know your reaction to the poll in the comments below.