An issue that has followed the Miami Dolphins through last season into the offseason and into training camp has been about the wide receiver position. It is the area on the team that could end up with some of the most competition outside of cornerback, but it is also the area with the most questions.
You can look at the receivers and see a great variety of different receivers that are on the team. You need big receivers? There are three of them that are 6'2" or taller, and two of them were picked in April's draft. Patrick Turner, Brandon London, and Brian Hartline should all make the team. London is the one that may be the closest to being on the bubble as far as numbers are concerned, but I can't see him being but because he is a good talent that would be picked up by another team immediately.
The debate around Dolphins training camp is whether they will keep five receivers or six. They usually only keep four of them active on game day, but the intrigue is arising because of London's improvement. He adds a dimension to the team that could be very interesting. Just imagine London and Turner on the field at the same time. Most corners will have trouble because they will normally be giving up about three or four inches in height.
Turner has shown that he has very good speed for such a tall receiver, and his hands are very good but I think they could be just a bit more consistent. London is just showing impressive playmaking and athletic ability so far in camp. Hartline is solid, and he has the advantage of being a special teams ace which all but guarantees his spot on the team.
What other kinds of receivers would you be looking for? If you're looking for speed, you have Ted Ginn Jr. You want shiftiness and consistency? Davone Bess is your man. You just want a solid receiver with a point to prove? Did someone say Greg Camarillo?
Ginn is obviously expected to produce as a number one receiver in his third year after being drafted in the top 10 of the NFL Draft a few years ago. The third year for most receivers is when you see the biggest jump in production. He definitely showed signs of improvement last season and things seem to be coming a little bit simpler in the early stages of training camp.
Bess is solid, and I wouldn't be surprised at all if he has another 50-catch season. He's a smart and consistent player that you know works hard because he went from undrafted free agent out of Hawaii to lock for the 53-man roster for this season. Camarillo should be back from a knee injury and has so far looked good in practices.
There are no number one caliber receivers on the team right now, but that doesn't mean one won't step up during the season. It will be interesting to see what happens as the season progresses.
Next update will be after the next round of practices, so later folks!
Showing posts with label Miami Dolphins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Miami Dolphins. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Dolphins Training Camp: Day 1
It's that time of year folks! That's right, your favorite team is undefeated (even those Detroit Lions fans out there). Optimism is abound for all 32 NFL teams as training camp starts. The Miami Dolphins were the last team in the AFC to start camp, but they started today, and there is no better time in South Florida.
The expectations are high for the Dolphins this year, both on the team and in the stands. This is clear after seeing an announced crowd of 2,250 in the bleachers watching practice. That itself is impressive, but if you throw in the masses of fans watching from the parking garage across the street from the facility and lining up on the fence right outside the fields. I have been going to Dolphins training camps for over 10 years and I have never seen the crowds like they were today. I thought it was absolutely unbelievable. But enough with the sentimental off-field things.
The first day is always going to show signs of rust from all the players, but it was definitely good to see the team get out there and run around in shorts and shoulder pads.
My thoughts and observations from today's practice:
-The wide receivers have a long way to go before they find a true gamebreaker. The regular season is still over a month away, but there was no one that really stood out very much on the first day. Second year receiver Brandon London made the play of the day as he went up over two defensive backs and came down with a long pass down the sidelines.
As far as the big receivers go, he looked better than third round pick Patrick Turner did. Turner dropped a couple of easy passes during drills and looked like he was still adjusting, maybe to the heat and humidity of South Florida. This sure isn't mini-camp anymore.
-The rookie cornerbacks will definitely make a difference this season. Sean Smith is even bigger in person than I read when looking at his numbers. He is big and physical, which will help against the multiple great receivers that are in the AFC East. Vontae Davis also looks good, and is a physical specimen. Although not quite as tall as Smith, he is built very well and is also fast, showing his speed as he ran with Ted Ginn Jr. stride for stride in his deep routes. As of right now, free agent acquisition Eric Green is starting opposite Will Allen. However, Head Coach Tony Sparano said that the other starting corner could change in the coming days. In any event, when the nickel and dime packages are installed you will see all fo the talent on the field. My early prediction is Smith will end up the starter opposite Allen, at least right now. He is too big and too physical to not see action right away.
-LB Matt Roth was not in pads today, he was on the sidelines running for most of the practice. Coach Sparano said that he is currently on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list and he failed his conditioning test. He should be on the field in the next few days according to the coach. That's not a good sign at all, and with Jason Taylor coming back he needs to show that he deserves to be on the field. He is supposed to add depth to the linebacker position and I'll be looking in the next few days to see when he gets out on to the field.
-There were a few gadget plays thrown into practice today, but no Wildcat formation. What I saw was a few reverse passes thrown by some of the receivers. I think that some of it was to please the fans on the first day, nothing that was going to shake up the playbook. Offensive Coordinator Dan Henning is definitely going to be keeping opposing defenses on their toes this year
Thats all for today, I'll be back with another post tomorrow after the morning practice. It is the Dolphins first two-a-day of training camp, so the information will be coming steadfastly. Be on the lookout!
The expectations are high for the Dolphins this year, both on the team and in the stands. This is clear after seeing an announced crowd of 2,250 in the bleachers watching practice. That itself is impressive, but if you throw in the masses of fans watching from the parking garage across the street from the facility and lining up on the fence right outside the fields. I have been going to Dolphins training camps for over 10 years and I have never seen the crowds like they were today. I thought it was absolutely unbelievable. But enough with the sentimental off-field things.
The first day is always going to show signs of rust from all the players, but it was definitely good to see the team get out there and run around in shorts and shoulder pads.
My thoughts and observations from today's practice:
-The wide receivers have a long way to go before they find a true gamebreaker. The regular season is still over a month away, but there was no one that really stood out very much on the first day. Second year receiver Brandon London made the play of the day as he went up over two defensive backs and came down with a long pass down the sidelines.
As far as the big receivers go, he looked better than third round pick Patrick Turner did. Turner dropped a couple of easy passes during drills and looked like he was still adjusting, maybe to the heat and humidity of South Florida. This sure isn't mini-camp anymore.
-The rookie cornerbacks will definitely make a difference this season. Sean Smith is even bigger in person than I read when looking at his numbers. He is big and physical, which will help against the multiple great receivers that are in the AFC East. Vontae Davis also looks good, and is a physical specimen. Although not quite as tall as Smith, he is built very well and is also fast, showing his speed as he ran with Ted Ginn Jr. stride for stride in his deep routes. As of right now, free agent acquisition Eric Green is starting opposite Will Allen. However, Head Coach Tony Sparano said that the other starting corner could change in the coming days. In any event, when the nickel and dime packages are installed you will see all fo the talent on the field. My early prediction is Smith will end up the starter opposite Allen, at least right now. He is too big and too physical to not see action right away.
-LB Matt Roth was not in pads today, he was on the sidelines running for most of the practice. Coach Sparano said that he is currently on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list and he failed his conditioning test. He should be on the field in the next few days according to the coach. That's not a good sign at all, and with Jason Taylor coming back he needs to show that he deserves to be on the field. He is supposed to add depth to the linebacker position and I'll be looking in the next few days to see when he gets out on to the field.
-There were a few gadget plays thrown into practice today, but no Wildcat formation. What I saw was a few reverse passes thrown by some of the receivers. I think that some of it was to please the fans on the first day, nothing that was going to shake up the playbook. Offensive Coordinator Dan Henning is definitely going to be keeping opposing defenses on their toes this year
Thats all for today, I'll be back with another post tomorrow after the morning practice. It is the Dolphins first two-a-day of training camp, so the information will be coming steadfastly. Be on the lookout!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
If I Ran My Favorite NFL Team
Of course I'm talking about the Miami Dolphins. Yes, those same Miami Dolphins who went from 1-15 two years ago to 11-5 and a 2008 AFC East championship. So how could they be even better this year? This is an important question to me, especially because everywhere you look in the AFC East there seems to be solid improvement.
The Buffalo Bills have made good moves, but essentially got the best wide receiver on the free agent market and probably one of the overall best in the NFL when they signed Terrell Owens. He certainly is a circus and will be taking that show to upstate New York, but he is an instant upgrade and makes the Bills' offense that much more dangerous.
The New York Jets (oh how I love them... not) have also improved immensely on the defensive side of the ball. With new Head Coach Rex Ryan, that shouldn't be any big surprise. Among the big offseason moves for the Jets include signing linebacker Bart Scott and safety Jim Leonhard away from the Baltimore Ravens and, trading for cornerback Lito Sheppard. Now, with the prospect of them trading for Jay Cutler in the air, that could instantly make them a playoff contender for next season.
The New England Patriots aren't known for making huge moves in the offseason, but they somehow always remain in contention for a playoff birth every season. After the trade of quarterback Matt Cassel to the Kansas City Chiefs for a draft pick, all eyes will be on Tom Brady to show that he is ready for the start of next season. Look for the Patriots to eye a quarterback sometime in the draft.
Now, for the good stuff. What do I think the Dolphins can do to become even better? They obviously have pressing needs in a few different areas, including the offensive line, linebacker, defensive back and wide receiver. What to do?
I personally believe they should address the need of a playmaker in the first round. (This is all speaking as though they will not trade their 25th pick in the first round to get more draft picks, which is very possible) Due to the Dolphins picking so low in the first round, a dream receiver like Missouri's Jeremy Maclin probably won't be available. Receivers that are likely to be avalaible include Percy Harvin of Florida and Darrius Heyward-Bey of Maryland. Both are blazers who have been clocked at 4.3 at some point in college (Heyward-Bey ran a 4.30 at the NFL Combine).
I personally like Harvin for this draft pick because of the way he was utilized at UF. He was in the slot and on the outside, and I believe Miami Offensive Coordinator Dan Henning would be able to use him the exact same way in the NFL. Imagine the "Wildcat" Formation with Percy Harvin coming in motion, Ronnie Brown taking the snap and Ted Ginn Jr. on the other side. Some people think the "Wildcat" is a fad, but those same critics said it would be stopped eventually during the season. Only one team last season can truly say they stopped it, and the Ravens have lost a few of the weapons that made their defense so dangerous. I can't forget to talk about Heyward-Bey because although he's not as versatile as Harvin in terms of being used in the slot, if you put him opposite Ginn you will have one of the fastest duos of wide receivers in the NFL.
After I take Harvin, I would look at a few different positions in the second round. My darkhorse for this draft would be seeing Miami take West Virginia quarterback/wide receiver Pat White if he is available when their pick comes around in the second round. He, along with Harvin or Heyward-Bey would make this offense one of the best in the AFC in my opinion. There would be so many weapons on one side of the ball that the "Wildcat" would be taken to another level.
In the third round, I believe the Dolphins should address their need at cornerback, and this year there is no shortage of talent. Asher Allen of Georgia, Mike Mickens of Cincinnati, Captain Munnerlyn of South Carolina and Keenan Lewis of Oregon State are good prospects that should be available when Miami is up to pick in the third round. While each have something to work on, they would all be a solid pick and would contribute this season.
This is not just a fantasy that can't happen, I believe this can happen and would my favorite team much better because of it. Will Bill Parcells, Jeff Ireland, and Tony Sparano follow my plan? Who knows, but this is just something to think about. But I have a question for all of you "General Managers" to be:
What would you do to improve your favorite NFL team?
The Buffalo Bills have made good moves, but essentially got the best wide receiver on the free agent market and probably one of the overall best in the NFL when they signed Terrell Owens. He certainly is a circus and will be taking that show to upstate New York, but he is an instant upgrade and makes the Bills' offense that much more dangerous.
The New York Jets (oh how I love them... not) have also improved immensely on the defensive side of the ball. With new Head Coach Rex Ryan, that shouldn't be any big surprise. Among the big offseason moves for the Jets include signing linebacker Bart Scott and safety Jim Leonhard away from the Baltimore Ravens and, trading for cornerback Lito Sheppard. Now, with the prospect of them trading for Jay Cutler in the air, that could instantly make them a playoff contender for next season.
The New England Patriots aren't known for making huge moves in the offseason, but they somehow always remain in contention for a playoff birth every season. After the trade of quarterback Matt Cassel to the Kansas City Chiefs for a draft pick, all eyes will be on Tom Brady to show that he is ready for the start of next season. Look for the Patriots to eye a quarterback sometime in the draft.
Now, for the good stuff. What do I think the Dolphins can do to become even better? They obviously have pressing needs in a few different areas, including the offensive line, linebacker, defensive back and wide receiver. What to do?
I personally believe they should address the need of a playmaker in the first round. (This is all speaking as though they will not trade their 25th pick in the first round to get more draft picks, which is very possible) Due to the Dolphins picking so low in the first round, a dream receiver like Missouri's Jeremy Maclin probably won't be available. Receivers that are likely to be avalaible include Percy Harvin of Florida and Darrius Heyward-Bey of Maryland. Both are blazers who have been clocked at 4.3 at some point in college (Heyward-Bey ran a 4.30 at the NFL Combine).
I personally like Harvin for this draft pick because of the way he was utilized at UF. He was in the slot and on the outside, and I believe Miami Offensive Coordinator Dan Henning would be able to use him the exact same way in the NFL. Imagine the "Wildcat" Formation with Percy Harvin coming in motion, Ronnie Brown taking the snap and Ted Ginn Jr. on the other side. Some people think the "Wildcat" is a fad, but those same critics said it would be stopped eventually during the season. Only one team last season can truly say they stopped it, and the Ravens have lost a few of the weapons that made their defense so dangerous. I can't forget to talk about Heyward-Bey because although he's not as versatile as Harvin in terms of being used in the slot, if you put him opposite Ginn you will have one of the fastest duos of wide receivers in the NFL.
After I take Harvin, I would look at a few different positions in the second round. My darkhorse for this draft would be seeing Miami take West Virginia quarterback/wide receiver Pat White if he is available when their pick comes around in the second round. He, along with Harvin or Heyward-Bey would make this offense one of the best in the AFC in my opinion. There would be so many weapons on one side of the ball that the "Wildcat" would be taken to another level.
In the third round, I believe the Dolphins should address their need at cornerback, and this year there is no shortage of talent. Asher Allen of Georgia, Mike Mickens of Cincinnati, Captain Munnerlyn of South Carolina and Keenan Lewis of Oregon State are good prospects that should be available when Miami is up to pick in the third round. While each have something to work on, they would all be a solid pick and would contribute this season.
This is not just a fantasy that can't happen, I believe this can happen and would my favorite team much better because of it. Will Bill Parcells, Jeff Ireland, and Tony Sparano follow my plan? Who knows, but this is just something to think about. But I have a question for all of you "General Managers" to be:
What would you do to improve your favorite NFL team?
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