Dolphins focus on tackling; Pouncey injury threatens week 1 status

Dolphins safety Reshad Jones practices Sunday ahead of Miami's third preseason game on Thursday night.

DAVIE, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins will focus on their tackling technique when they play their third preseason game on Thursday night against the Falcons in Orlando.

Heading into the third preseason game, which is considered a dress rehearsal for the regular season, safety Reshad Jones said they will be focusing on "better game tackling, running to the ball, simple fundamentals."

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After the defense had a disappointing showing against Dallas on Friday night Jones, speaking to the media before practice on Sunday, said, "I don't think there's nothing to panic about right now.

We got a lot of veteran guys, young guys, who are going to help us out. I know we'll get it fixed this week in practice."

Defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh stated, "it's about going out there and executing, putting yourself in the right position so you can make the right tackles.

We weren't always in the right position to make the proper tackles" against the Cowboys.

Matt Moore (concussion) and Mike Pouncey (hip) were among the players who missed practice Sunday.

Head coach Adam Gase said Pouncey will miss the rest of the preseason and his status for week 1 might be in jeopardy. 

The offense had a much better showing against the Cowboys and on Sunday quarterback Ryan Tannehill said he's "trying to get better every day. 

I think the more time I spend in this offense -- that all these guys spend in this offense -- the more comfortable we're going to get and the faster we can play."

Tannehill also commented on dealing with fatherhood while also working hard to prep in the preseason saying, "it has definitely been fun.

I don't see him (his newborn named Steel) a whole lot, but when I do get a little time at home, it is nice to be able to hold him and even change a few dirty diapers along the way."

Cornerback Xavien Howard, who was recently activated from the physically unable to perform list, said he's not expecting to play Thursday night. 

Howard, who's been sidelined by a knee injury, expects to make his Fins debut in the preseason finale.