Miami's secondary opens the season with questions, rotating safeties opposite Minkah Fitzpatrick as free-agent signees push for time. Davis is listed first but health and flux keep the depth chart unsettled, while Melifonwu recovers and earns snaps. On the outside, Storm Duck is expected to start, with Rasul Douglas’ signing adding immediate competition. Rookie Jason Marshall Jr. shows nickel potential, while multiple safeties can swap roles for versatility and misdirection in coverage.

Expect the Dolphins to lean on varied looks and interchangeability to slow Indianapolis. Mixing Fitzpatrick, Melifonwu, and Davis in different alignments alongside Duck and Marshall Jr. should create matchup advantages, aided by a pass rush that helps coverage time. The opener could hinge on how quickly the unit communicates and finishes plays rather than who officially starts.

Rasul Douglas joined Miami’s revamped secondary as Week 1 looms, with Minkah Fitzpatrick back in the fold and a mix of new safeties contending for roles. Two practices in, Douglas relies on a long-standing Jersey connection with Fitzpatrick to accelerate the fit in Mike McDaniel’s defense, but the group remains a work in progress after Kohou’s season setback and training-camp time lost by Melifonwu and Davis.

Week 1 against Indianapolis tests the regression-to-mean of a unit still learning each other. Douglas’ acclimation and the overall health of the safety room will shape early snaps and fantasy upside for the Dolphins’ back-end playmakers, while the division’s quarterback talent—like Josh Allen—keeps the pressure high on the unit.

Two hours of practice in Detroit left the Dolphins with a harsh but early August verdict: the joint session was "lopsided" and depicted as a rough day for Miami. Amon-Ra St. Brown torched Miami’s defense in 1-on-1s and 11-on-11s, signaling Lions' ceiling when everything is clicking, while Jared Goff looked sharp with no turnover, per the Herald live blog.

For Miami, Tua Tagovailoa and Zach Wilson faced pressure, Tyreek Hill flashed, and De'Von Achane showed a path to impact, but questions about the Dolphins' protection and playmaking linger. The piece stresses that training-camp outcomes don’t count, and the real test comes Week 1. Tapes will be reviewed for teaching and motivation, and the Dolphins still have time to adjust before the season begins.

The Chicago Bears are looking to build a winning culture under the leadership of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who draws inspiration from the legendary Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots. Johnson's approach centers on meticulous preparation and a focus on fundamentals, which he believes are essential for long-term success in the NFL. As the Bears aim to break their playoff drought, Johnson's experience with the successful Detroit Lions offense gives him the confidence to implement innovative strategies that leverage player strengths. The team is committed to creating a cohesive unit that thrives on discipline and accountability.

With quarterback Justin Fields at the helm, Johnson aims to develop a dynamic offense capable of exciting plays while maintaining balance. The Bears’ new strategy is expected to leverage their young talent, including standout receivers and a strong running game, to challenge defenses effectively. This new direction not only seeks to improve the Bears' win-loss record but also to establish a formidable identity in the league.