Full list of Miami Dolphins cuts (with updated depth chart)

Today was Black Friday in the NFL; the day known as "moving day."  The day where over 700+ players' dreams were cut short around the league.

The day every NFL roster is trimmed down to 53 players by the 9 pm deadline.

The Miami Dolphins cut 21 players today, and are expected to hit the waiver wire hard tomorrow in search of CB and WR depth, as well as possibly making a trade or two.

Here is the full list of the 21 players who were cut, and the current depth chart as of tonight:


Waived - DT Isaako Aaitui, CB Vince Agnew, DT Ryan Baker, OT Will Barker, OG Chandler Burden, LB Cameron Collins, WR BJ Cunningham, OG Ray Feinga, WR Jeff Fuller, WR Clyde Gates, WR Chris Hogan, CB Quinten Lawrence, LB Shelly Lyons, OT Andrew McDonald, OT Lydon Murtha, S Anderson Russell, WR Roberto Wallace, LB Jamaal Westerman.

LB Gary Guyton had his contract terminated, which means he doesn't have to go through the waiver wire because of his status as a veteran.

Rooke DE Jarrell Root was waived/injured (right leg injury from Wednesday's game), and CB Kevyn Scott was waived with an injury settlement.


The current depth chart:


Offense

Quarterback - Ryan Tannehill (R), Matt Moore, David Garrard, Pat Devlin
Tailback - Reggie Bush, Daniel Thomas, Lamar Miller (R), Steve Slaton, Marcus Thigpen
Fullback - Jorvorskie Lane (R)
Receivers - Davone Bess, Brian Hartline, Legedu Naanee, Marlon Moore, Richard Matthews (R)
Tight end - Anthony Fasano, Charles Clay, Michael Egnew (R), Jeron Mastrud
Offensive tackles - Jake Long, Jonathan Martin (R), Will Yeatman
Offensive guard - Richie Incognito, Artis Hicks, John Jerry, Nate Garner
Centers - Mike Pouncey, Josh Samuda (R)

Defense

Defensive end - Cameron Wake, Jared Odrick, Olivier Vernon (R), Derrick Shelby (R)
Defensive tackles - Paul Soliai, Randy Starks, Tony McDaniel, Kheeston Randall (R)
Outside linebackers - Kevin Burnett, Koa Misi, Jason Trusnik, Josh Kaddu (R), Jonathan Freeny
Inside linebackers - Karlos Dansby, Austin Spitler
Cornerbacks - Sean Smith, Richard Marshall, Nolan Carroll
Safeties - Reshad Jones, Chris Clemons, Jimmy Wilson, Tyrone Culver
Special teams
Kicker - Dan Carpenter
Punter - Brandon Fields
Returners - Lamar Miller, Rishard Matthews, Marcus Thigpen, Reggie Bush, Steve Slaton

Defensive tackle Isaako Aaitui, receivers Jeff Fuller and Chris Hogan, offensive linemen Andrew McDonald and Chandler Burden, and safety Anderson Russell could all be re-signed to the practice squad, if they clear waivers. Each of those players participated in Friday's practice despite being released.

(Courtesty of the South Florida Sun Sentinel)

One more practice note- WR Brian Hartline practiced for the first time in months today, and reports are that he looked and felt really good.  This is GREAT news for the Dolphins, for obvious reasons, and with the receiving core cut down to five after today's cuts expect GM Jeff Ireland to add to the position via a trade or waiver wire as soon as possibly tomorrow.

Game by game predictions: Week 2 vs Oakland Raiders

Miami Dolphins record after week one: 0-1

All-time record against: 15-19-1

I like this matchup for the Dolphins, and think it's one of the more pivotal games of the season, even if it is only week two.  Why?  Well I see the Fins coming off a week one loss, for starters, so a win here would do wonders for the the confidence of first year coach/QB duo Joe Philbin and Ryan Tannehill.  Along with that, when was the last time a Miami Dolphins team didn't start out with three straight (or in last years case, seven straight) losses to begin a season, aside from the 2010 campaign?  It's been a while, folks, I've checked.

The last time these two met was actually not too long ago; a 34-14 drubbing by the Dolphins last December at Sun Life Stadium.  The Dolphin defense picked apart the Raider offense, led by Carson Palmer, holding the running game to 46 yards on 14 carries, and while that was an attack that was without Darren Mcfadden, I still expect more of the same in this contest.  Carson Palmer didn't fair much better throughout the day, culminating in an interception by LB Kevin Burnett, who would return it for a TD.  I do expect Palmer to pose more problems this time around for the Dolphin defense, as he's got a full training camp under his belt, but I expect the Dolphin defense to contain him for the most part throughout the day.

On the offensive side, Ryan Tannehill should fair much better in this game, simply because the Raiders posted the 29th ranked defense last year, and 27th against the pass.  The rookie should have all the first game jitters out of the way, and should hopefully see a noticeable difference in the Texans defense (2nd) and the Raiders defense (29th).  On the ground, the Fins had one of their best rushing games of the year in 2011 against this Oakland defense, with Reggie Bush and company pounding out 209 yards on 44 carries.  Although I don't expect to see quite those numbers this time around, if anything just due in part to the different offensive scheme, I still wouldn't be surprised to see the Fins put up over 100 yards on the ground.

Overall, I think we're gonna have a good game come week two in Miami.  I expect to see an energized Dolphin team for the years' home opener, and wouldn't be surprised to see the Fins come out strong out of the gate in this one.  Defensively, if they can contain Carson Palmer through the air and turn this into a one dimensional game, then the offense should be able to put up enough points to earn the years first "W."

Final:  Raiders 17 Dolphins 20

Dolphins cap off winless preseason with 30-13 loss to Cowboys

In the battle of the second and third stringers, also known as the annual final preseason game, the Dallas Cowboys defeated the Miami Dolphins Wednesday night 30-13, leaving Miami winless in four preseason games.

The Dolphins did play their starters for a brief period, however, and both units played relatively well.  Ryan Tannehill looked impressive in the two series he was in, completing 5-7 passes for 35 yards.  Other Dolphins who looked solid included CB Sean Smith, FB Jarvorskie Lane, and RB's Lamar Miller and Daniel Thomas.

Final cuts will begin tomorrow for the Dolphins as they trim the roster down to 53 players in preparation for their first regular season game week, leading up to opening day against the Texans.

I personally expect GM Jeff Ireland to add a receiver or two (or three or four or five) before the rosters are trimmed down, either via trade or the waiver wire, so don't be surprised to see that in the coming days as well.

Keep checking back daily here at the Dolphinsider as I continue to dish out my season predictions for the Dolphins, and, as always, provide you with up to the minute news on the Fins.

Until then, I bid everybody farewell.

Cowboys lead Fins 27-13 after 3rd quarter

Lamar Miller scored a touchdown for Miami.

Lance Dunbar scored a touchdown for the Cowboys.

Is it week one yet?

To the fourth we go!

Cowboys lead Dolphins 20-6 at halftime

The starters are out, the backups are in, and this game has officially become mind numbingly boring.  Matt Moore has been harassed all night as he's playing behind a shaky, and that's being nice, offensive line.  Moore has been sacked twice and also threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown.

The Dolphin defense hasn't fared much better since the starters departed, as the unit has rarely put any pressure on Cowboys QB Stephen Mcgee, and the secondary has struggled to keep Dallas receivers in front of them.

The one bright spot is the continued hard nosed play by FB Jarvorskie Lane, who, for the second week in a row, caught a short pass and trucked an oncoming defender en route to a first down.

Lane figures to be the Fins starting fullback going into week one.

Onto the third we go!

Tannehill sharp as Dolphins lead 6-0 after 1st Quarter in final preseason game

Ryan Tannehill looked sharp in his only two series tonight against the Dallas Cowboys. The rookie went 6-8 for 41 yards, with one of those incompletions being a drop by WR Legedu Naanee.  His passes were extremely accurate, on time, and crisp as he moved the chains on both series.  The final drive stalled inside the 10 yard line after a third down fade route fell incomplete in the endzone. However, pass interference should have probably been called, which would have set up Miami with a first and goal at the Dallas one yard line.

Dan Carpenter would hit the short chip shot field goal, and then recover a fumble on the ensuing kickoff.  Matt Moore then took over from there, and after failing to get a first down handed it over to Carpenter again who would hit another field goal.

The Dolphin defense, for the most part, has looked sharp against the Dallas second team.  The starters held the Cowboys to a three and out on their first drive, and most of the first team was lifted after that.

On to the second quarter we go!

Game by game predictions: Week 1 @ Houston Texans

With the final preseason game set for tomorrow night in Dallas, and the season opener a mere 12 days away, it seems to be the perfect time to begin my first annual season predictions segment here at the Dolphinsider.  I'll start today with the Texans and go from there, game by game.  I may do another one tomorrow, or even two, or possibly skip a day, but by Opening day eve I'll have all 16 weeks in the book.

So, without further adieu, to week one we go!

Week 1:  At Houston Texans

All-time record against:  0-5

Yikes.  Bad week one draw for rookie head coach Joe Philbin here, and even worse for rookie QB Ryan Tannehill.  The Fins have come up short five times out of five against the up and coming Texans, with the most recent loss in week two of last year at home, a 23-13 manhandeling by Houston.  That Dolphin team was much, MUCH, different than the Texans will see this time, with the likes of Tony Sparano, Chad Henne, and Brandon Marshall all with other teams now.

Offensively, I expect Miami to struggle in this one, especially if they don't add a receiver in the next 12 days.  The Texans defense is menacing, even without Mario Williams on the line.  The unit finished 2011 in the top 5 of almost every defensive category, including both total points, and total yards allowed.  With this being Tannehill's first regular season start, expect the rookie to go through some growing pains early on, and also expect the Fins coaching staff to rely more on Reggie Bush throughout the first couple series so Tannehill can get his feet wet.

Defensively, the Dolphins played much better last week against a potent Atlanta offense, holding them to only field goals in the first half.  Cameron Wake returned to the line after missing a week and was his usual self, causing mayhem throughout the night in the backfield.  If all goes well the Fins should also have their core linebacking duo in Karlos Dansby and Kevin Burnett back for this one as well after both missing most of the preseason.  The real concern is going to lie in the secondary, especially the two Vontae Davis-less corners in Sean Smith and Richard Marshall.  They must keep Andre Johnson in check throughout the day and prevent the all-pro from beating them deep.

Overall, I expect the Dolphins defense to keep them in this one for most of the game, if, and thats a big if, they play to their full potential.  The Dolphin offense may, and probably will, struggle out of the gate, but may surprise some people if Tannehill finds a groove.  The real problem will lie in his supporting cast outside of Reggie Bush and Davone Bess.

Final:  Dolphins 17 Texans 26

Dolphins trade former first round pick Davis to Colts

The Miami Dolphins have traded former first round pick CB Vontae Davis to the Indianapolis Colts for a second round pick, according to Fox Sports' Jay Glazer.

Davis lost his starting job earlier this month to veteran Richard Marshall, and has been struggling since.

This is a fair trade for both sides, especially since Miami got a second rounder in return, but could turn out bad for the Dolphins if Davis, who is only 24, regains his form and takes off for the Colts.

More to come.

With Tannehill at the helm, managing expectations a must for Dolfans

Dan Marino isn't on this list.  Nor is Bob Griese.  This list is small, in-fact, its total occupancy starts and stops at one.

It's a new list, just three days old to be exact, and the ink is just starting to dry.  You won't find a hall-of-famer on this thing.  You won't find a Pro Bowler.  Heck, you'll barely even find an NFL resume on this particular list.

The list reads-

"Rookie Quarterbacks to start for the Miami Dolphins:

1. Ryan Tannehill"

Ready or not, Dolfans, the future is now.  T-Minus 13 days.

The Ryan Tannehill era is upon us.  Too soon?  Some may argue that, and they have. Too raw?  Perhaps.  Too inexperienced?  Probably.  

So what?

When Tannehill was drafted in April isn't this what we wanted?  I know it's what Joe Philbin wanted.  And Mike Sherman too.  But only, ONLY, if he earned it.  Tannehill wasn't going to get the keys to the Mercedes right out of the gate, nor should he have. The kid had to show improvement, poise, leadership, and, above all, trustworthiness. Trust that he wasn't going to wreck the car right out of the driveway. Trust that he wasn't going to blow the engine up trying to start the car, or worse, put it in reverse when she needs to go forward.

Ryan Tannehill needed the trust of his coaching staff, and he got it.

Now he needs the trust of something much, much larger.

You, Dolfans.

That's the kind of trust that really builds confidence.  That's the kind of trust that can start something special in Miami.  That's the kind of trust that has the Mercedes cruising down I-95, full steam ahead.

Think trust doesn't matter all that much?  Just ask Mark Sanchez.  

How's the big apple treatin' ya, Mark?

Treat this relationship like you would any other, and that means taking the good with the bad.  There will be plenty of bumps along the way.  You're gonna have one good week, one great week, and then, out of nowhere, a terrible one.  

But realize this now and take them in stride, Dolfans.  Realize that, at first, with every touchdown there may come two interceptions.  That with every perfect pass in an oh so tight window, there will be the ones to the wide open receiver that fall two feet short. That with every step up and scramble for a 15 yard run, there will be the "deer-in-the-headlights" sack for a 15 yard loss.

With a rookie QB, you must, MUST, manage your expectations.  I'm not saying Tannehill couldn't and won't exceed them, because he very well could (i.e. Andy Dalton, Cam Newton, Matt Ryan, Joe Flacco), but at the same time your expectations must be within the range of exceeding.  As hard as this is to hear, even for myself, this year isn't about the playoffs, not since Tannehill was named the starter. It isn't about a set number of wins,  It isn't about an AFC East title.  It's about progression, direction, and improvement with Ryan Tannehill, and if all of those arrows are pointing up at seasons end, then anything else is, as they say, gravy.

Our expectations must be managed.  Whether Tannehill starts out 1-5 or 5-1, they must be kept in check for a full 16 weeks.

If we can do that, Dolfans, then that Mercedes may just be cruising after all.

And that list can be put away for a long, long time.      

Ryan Tannehill named week one starter for Miami Dolphins

Joe Philbin announced today that rookie QB Ryan Tannehill will be the week one starter at Houstan. Tannehill has by far looked the most comfortable in Philbin's west coast offense, and showed that in the first two preseason games, going 25-44, for 267 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions.

This leaves QB Matt Moore as the presumed back up to Tannehill, however that could change if and when David Garrard comes back from knee surgery.

This news may come as a surprise to many, especially since Tannehill has made only 19 career starts at QB, but I believe Philbin made the right call on this one.

The future is now.

Let's hope for a bright one.

More to come.

Rookie QB Tannehill to start tonight for Dolphins

According to multiple reports, including Dolphins' broadcaster Dick Stockton, rookie QB Ryan Tannehill will start tonight against the Carolina Panthers. According to the Palm Beach Post's Ben Volin, Tannehill will get 25-30 snaps, which should bring him into halftime with Matt Moore taking over in the 3rd quarter. 

A good game from Tannehill, meaning he moves the chains consistently, puts points (not FG's) on the board, and doesn't turn the ball over, could put an end to this South Florida QB competition.

Let's hope that's the case as Tannehill starting is clearly the best thing for the Miami Dolphins.

One other note: I will not be able to do a live blog during the game tonight as I am traveling, but of course will be following.

Let's go Fins!

Miami Dolphins release Chad Johnson in wake of recent arrest

The Miami Dolphins have released WR Chad Johnson, according to Fox Sports' Jay Glazer.  His locker has been cleared out.

This is coming in the wake of last nights arrest for an alleged "domestic dispute" between Johnson and his wife, leaving a laceration on her forehead.

What this means? Joe Philbin doesn't mess around. 

Nor should he.

More to come.

Dolphins receiver Chad Johnson arrested Saturday night

Not good.  Colorful receiver Chad Johnson, who had never been arrested in his eleven year NFL career, broke that streak Saturday night when he was taken into custody for an alleged "domestic dispute" with his wife Lozada, who claims the star receiver head butted her, leaving a laceration on her forehead.

The dispute was reportedly over a receipt found by Johnson's wife for a box of condoms.

The Dolphins are fully aware of the situation and are "gathering all the relevant information," a team spokesperson said.

Johnson is expected to post bail Sunday morning.

Yikes.

More to come as the story, and repercussions, unfold.

Dolphins lose to Bucs 20-7 in preseason opener

There were some good things, there were some bad things, and then there was the as always brutal televising of the CW West Palm.  And everything in between.

Matt Moore finished 7-12 for 79 yards and an interception, while Ryan Tannehill went 14-21 with 167 yards and an eleven yard touchdown pass to Charles Clay.  The running game was absent, the offensive line had its issues, Dan Carpenter missed two field goals (50,51), and Chad Johnson stalled a drive with a dropped third down pass early on.  Tannehill looked good, Moore looked indifferent, and the Dolphin starting defense was suprisingly disappointing.

Luckily this is only the first of twenty games for this 2012 Fins team, and there was plenty to build on, both good and bad.  In a game filled with inconsistency, there were, however, two constants:

The referees were bad.

The Dolphins announcing crew was worse.

Analysis to come tomorrow, until then I bid you farewell and thanks for following!

Tannehill shines in third Quarter as Fins trail 17-7

Ryan Tannehill found his groove in the third quarter of this one as the rookie led an impressive TD drive ending in a strike to tight end Charles Clay over the middle of the field and leading him right into the endzone.  Tannehill and WR Roberto Wallace led the way on multiple drives as the two showed good chemistry, along with WR Julius Pruitt.  It seems that those two receivers will be penciled in to make the final 53 man roster as both have impressed tonight.

The Fins defense has also stiffened up, holding the Bucs to only a field goal in the third quarter.

Fourth and final quarter on the way.

Sloppy Fins trail 14-0 at halftime

Not a great first first half of the season for the Miami Dolphins.  Matt Moore and the offense struggled to move the ball after the first drive, while the Dolphin defense struggled to put any pressure on QB Josh Freeman.  The secondary looked sluggish and sloppy in both coverage and tackling as Bucs receivers racked up the YAC.

QB Ryan Tannehill took over late in the second quarter as rain fell over Sun Life Stadium, and after a three and out deep inside Dolphins territory, Tannehill got a second chance after a fumbled punt return recovered by Miami.  The rookie looked much better this time around, hitting both Roberto Wallace and Julius Pruitt for big gains.  Tannehill had his first NFL touchdown reversed, a beautiful low pass in the middle of the endzone to Wallace, after the (replacement) refs ruled the ball hit the turf.

After that the Fins failed to put the ball in the endzone and turned it over on downs.

Yikes.

Onto the third we go.

Bucs lead Dolphins 7-0 after 1st Quarter

The Dolphins, led by Matt Moore, had a good looking opening drive stalled by a Chad Johnson drop on third down inside the Bucs thirty yard line.  Moore looked accurate, crisp, and in control on the drive, which also featured a couple strong runs by Reggie Bush.

The Dolphin defense held tough after a Dan Carpenter missed 51 yard field goal, but ended up conceding a one yard TD run on fourth and goal after a long Bucs drive.

On to the 2nd quarter we go.

Garrard out indefintely as Fins kick off 2012 season

News coming out of Miami this evening is not good.  Starting QB David Garrard is out at least three weeks, and possibly up to six weeks, with an apparent knee injury.  The former pro bowler is set to have arthroscopic surgery tomorrow morning to repair the knee.  This news bumps former starter Matt Moore up a spot on the depth chart, followed by rookie Ryan Tannehill, with Moore getting the nod tonight. 

Whether Garrard returns before the preseason ends is still up in the air, but moving forward with the Quarterback situation will be intriguing for the Dolphins.  You have to assume Moore and Tannehill will be fighting it out for the remainder of the preseason for the number one spot week 1 in Houstan, and right now that battle is too close to call.

This preseason just got very, very interesting.

As for tonights game, I will, as always, provide a quarter by quarter blog on all the happenings from Sun Life Stadium, so come back and don't be afraid to chime in!

Football is back folks.

Thank God.

Hard Knocks set to premiere tonight at 10 (with trailer)

Don't forget to tune into HBO in a little less than an hour now as the Miami Dolphins are set to be introduced to the world on the network's critically acclaimed "Hard Knocks" series.  The three-way QB battle is sure to be one of the focal points throughout the five episode season, along with rookie head coach Joe Philbins' first training camp, and, of course, Chad Johnson.

Here is a trailer with a preview of the series to hold everybody over for the next forty five minutes.

Enjoy.

Garrard listed as starter on Dolphins' first depth chart of year; Tannehill third



The Miami Dolphins have released their first depth chart of the season in preperation for Fridays' preseason opener against the Buccaneers.  Veteran QB David Garrard is listed as the team's starter, which should come with no surprise if you've followed any of the practice reports, and rookie Ryan Tannehill is listed as the team's third QB.  This obviously leaves Matt Moore sandwhiched in-between the two, and that could obviously change depending on his performance in the coming weeks. 

So how significant is this?  I would say very little at this point, especially since Garrard looks to have the job on lockdown.  The real battle will come between Moore and Tannehill for the number two spot, but like I've said before, there's an outside shot one of those two could unseat Garrard (my guess is that'll be Tannehill) at the top, however it would take a near perfect preseason.

Check back later for the practice notes from this mornings camp.

Up close look at Miami Dolphins' Saturday scrimmage

Can't think of a better way to spend my day off then to get up at 5:30 and drive down to Miami to catch a glimpse of the 2012 Miami Dolphins.  Joe Philbin and company held their first scrimmage of the year this morning at Sun Life Stadium in-front of 8,000 plus fans, including myself, and I've got to say it was very impressive.  No, that's not just the homer in me.  Being a fan for nearly 10 years now, and living through the Wannstedt-Saban-Cameron-Sparano years, it was a welcomed breathe of fresh air to see the beginning of the Joe Philbin era earlier this morning.

No, it wasn't perfect by any means.  As tight end Anthony Fasano said, this was "a glorified practice."  But, that being said, this team is beaming with potential, both young and old, and if today was any indicator of things to come, then Fins' fans have a lot to look forward to in the coming months/years.

Now, to the highlights.

The Quarterbacks:

• David Garrard has something to prove, and it's evident.  The one time Pro Bowler was the first QB out of the gate with the first team offense, whom he spent most of the day with, and after watching just a few series with him at the helm it's clear the job is his to lose.  On the first series, starting from the 30, Garrard led the offense down the field in crisp, quick fashion against the second team defense, and if not for a third down drop inside the ten yard line by WR Chad Johnson, he would have gotten the Fins' into the endzone. Garrard finished the day 9-17, for 57 yards and a TD.  He looked comfortable, under control, and in command of Philbin's west coast offense. 
• Matt Moore did not look good, folks.  In-fact, he may have quite possibly been the fourth best QB of the day, and that's including practice squad QB Pat Devlin.  Moore finished the day 10-20, for 57 yards and a TD, but the numbers don't dictate what you saw.  He seemed beyond uncomfortable from the very first snap, and couldn't even move the ball past midfield in his first three series-something Garrard did in his first four plays.  The former starter looked very tentative all day as the majority of his ten completions were simple check-downs.  Now, granted, Moore was working with the second team offense and going against the first team defense for the majority of the scrimmage, but second string players in the NFL still see a lot of the field on Sunday's, and the incumbent QB's play was concerning.
• Now to the star of the day, rookie Ryan Tannehill.  The eighth overall pick was tremendous during his time behind center, going 10-13, for 114 yards and a beautiful roll-out 26 yard TD pass to TE Anthony Fasano.  Greeted with a robust cheer from the crowd at Sun Life Stadium every time he took the field, Tannehill certainly looked the part of the future franchise QB.  His throws were accurate, on time, and sharp.  In-fact, on his first play from scrimmage, he nearly hit WR Legedu Naanee down the seam for a long TD strike, but the pass was just slightly, sllliiiggghhhtttllyy overthrown. Tannehill was in control of the offense from the very first snap, as he should be with his college experience at A&M, and seemed to have great chemistry with WR Chad Johnson.  The rookie worked with both first and second team offenses, and avoided the big mistake throughout the day.  

The Receivers/Running backs/Tight Ends:

• Chad Johnson continues to impress.  His cuts out matched everybody today, as did his quick route running.  the Pro Bowl wide receiver led the team with 5 catches for 42 yards, and was the clear go-to receiver for all three QB's.  IF he continues this play into the season then he'll truly be a steal for the Dolphins.
• Legedu Naanee had a solid performance today, and continues to solidify the #2 spot on the receiver depth chart.  He was fast, caught the ball well, and was another go to guy for all three QB's.
• Davone Bess, as always, was great.  Enough said.
• Lamar Miller is fast.  Really fast.  He found and hit the holes well today, and he did it with a noticeable quickness.  He also returned a kickoff for a would be touchdown.  You'll be hearing a lot of Miller's name this year.
• Reggie Bush had a quiet practice, but as he proved last year, he's not somebody we should worry about.
• Daniel Thomas continues to look like the workhorse of the Dolphins running back tandem.  He's big, quick, and will get those tough yards for you.
• Anthony Fasano has a chance to shine in Philbin's offense this year.  While he had only three catches all day, two of them were in the endzone.  For you fantasy football buffs, he could be a steal.

The Defense:

• This unit could be special.  The front line looks like it could be in the top 5 this season.  Cameron Wake and Jarod Odrick both had sacks, while Paul Soliai was a brick wall in between them.  Like last year, this defense will be one of hardest to run against as they stuffed a majority of the attempts today.  Linebacker Karlos Dansby came into camp this year in the best shape he's ever been in, and it continued to pay off today as he was all over the place.  Dansby, along with Kevin Burnett seem ready for a big season. The one big question that surrounds this unit is with the secondary.  CB's Vontae Davis and Sean Smith need to make that leap forward this year to really solidify an already solid defense.  Along with those two are safeties Chris Clemons and Rashad Jones, who need to turn pass breakups into interceptions, and there were none of those today, which for one side of the ball is good, but for this side it needs to be improved upon.

Some play-by-play, courtesy of the Miami Herald:

First-team O versus second-team D:

1-10-30 - David Garrard pass to Davone Bess for 7 yards.

2-3-37 - Reggie Bush gains 4 yards.

1-10-41 - Garrard incomplete (ball batted by Tony McDaniel).

2-10-41 - False start.

2-15-36 - (Bad shotgun snap) Garrard to Bush for 6 yards.

3-9-42 - Garrard to Legedu Naanee 19 yards (Nolan Carroll beaten).

1-10-39 - Bush gains 2 yards.

2-8-37 - Daniel Thomas gains 7 yards.

3-1-30 - Thomas gains 8 yards.

1-10-22 - Steve Slaton gains 2 yards.

2-8-24 - Missed the play.

3-4-17 -- Garrard incomplete (Chad Johnson dropped pass inside the 5 yard line).

Second team O vs. First-team D

1-10-30 - Lamar Miller gains 4.

2-6-34 - Matt Moore incomplete.

3-6-34 -- Moore incomplete.

Fourth down -- Punt.

Reset

1-10-30 - Moore incomplete.

2-10-30 - Moore complete to Michael Egnew for 9 yards.

3-1-31 - Moore to Jeron Mastrud for 2 yards.

1-10-41 - Jerome Messam gains 2 yards.

2-8-43 - Koa Misi sack on blitz (unblocked).

3-8-43 -- Moore complete to Messam gains 4 yards.

Punt

Reset

1-10-30 - Moore incomplete.

2-10-30 - Moore screen pass complete to Lamar Marcus Thigpen gains 6.

3-4-36 - Moore incomplete.

Punt

Third team O vs. Second team D

1-10-30 - Ryan Tannehill incomplete (overthrew open Naanee on post).

2-10-30 - Tannehill incomplete.

3-10-30 - Offside defense.

3-5-35 - Tannehill to Davone Bess for 1 yard.

Punt

Reset

1-10-30 - Tannehill complete to Chad Johnson for 9 yards.

2-1-39 - Tannehill to Charles Clay for 8 yards.

1-10-47 - Tannehill to Davone Bess for 6 yards.

2-4-46 - Tannehill to Bess for 18 yards.

1-10-28 - Tannehill to Anthony Fasano for TD.

Two minute drill ...

First team O vs. first-team D

1-10-30 - Moore to Naanee for 6 yards.

2-4-36 -Moore to Fasano for 6 yards.

1-10-42 - Moore to Naanee for 8 yards.

2-2-45 - Moore incomplete.

3-2-45 -- Moore incomplete.

4-2-45 - Moore complete to Chad Johnson gains 16.

1-10-34 - Spike.

2-10-34 - Moore incomplete.

3-10-34 -Cameron Wake sack.

4-18-43 -- Moore spikes the ball. (Can't believe he did that on fourth down.)

Second team O vs. Second team D

1-10-30 - Garrard incomplete.

2-10-30 - Ryan Baker sack.

3-15-25 - Garrard to Les Brown for no gain.

4-15-25 - Garrard incomplete when Rishard Matthews bobbles first-down catch along the sideline and goes out of bounds.

Third team O vs. Third team D

1-10-20 - Tannehill incomplete

2-10-20 - Cameron Collins with a sack.

3-16-14 - Tannehill to Messam for 12 yards.

4-4-26 -- Tannehill to B.J. Cunningham for 24 yards.

1-10-50 - Time runs out.

So how do I summarize my first impressions of the 2012 Miami Dolphins?  They will almost certainly be led by David Garrard under center.  Unless Ryan Tannehill has an out-of-this-world preseason, and if he plays like he did today thats not out of the realm of possibility, Garrard will be your starter in week one.  Reggie Bush and Lamar Miller will be playmakers, both running, catching, and returning the football.  Chad Johnson is back, both on and off the field, and could very well take the league by surprise. Legedu Naanee and Davone Bess will catch a lot of balls, along with Anthony Fasano.  The offensive line, which I didn't hit on today, has improved but still has a ways to go.  And the defense will be in the top 10, no doubt about it.

Yes, it was only a small, small sample size, but from what I saw this morning you should get excited for Dolphins football this season, because good things are coming.

Now, it's nap time.  

Training Camp Recap: Wednesday and Thursday



The Miami Dolphins were back at it Wednesday and Thursday after their first day off since camp started.  The Quarterback battle continued to be the hot topic around camp as coach Joe Philbin continued to state that the competition is "wide open."  After practice, Chad Johnson talked to the media for the first time since camp opened last week, and as always, didn't disappoint.

But first to the camp highlights:

• Receivers Brian Hartline and Clyde Gates did not practice again as the former battles a calf injury and the latter a hamstring issue.  Time is beginning to be an issue for Hartline, who missed all of the offseason OTA's.  The new coaching staff has yet to see the fifth year reciever on the field and with 12 recievers competing for six spots Hartline could begin to fall.
• Speaking of the receiver competition, Roberto Wallace seems poised to grab one of the open spots.  He has earned praise thus far in practice for his height and speed, but his drops have been a thing he must improve upon.
• Reggie Bush fumbled three times during yesterday's practice. 
• Matt Moore threw two interceptions (by Reshad Jones and Anderson Russell) and fumbled on a strip sack by Randy Starks.  Moore has never been a great practice player, and may need to prove that when preseason games begin as he seems to be giving way to David Garrard, who was once again the better QB in Wednesday's practice.
• However, Moore came back nicely today, as he started the 11-11 on drills with the first team and hit a couple nice throws to Roberto Wallace.  Once again struggled handling the snap from center Mike Pouncy, though, and that seems to be a bad trend with Moore thus far.
• The Dolphin defense has looked like the better of the two teams so far, throwing a lot of blitzes at the offense and getting good penetration from the Odrick-Wake-Vernon combo.
• Rooke Ryan Tannehill took reps with the first team in today's practice.
• Some Quotes:
• Coach Joe Philbin on Tannehill's poise after yesterday's practice:  "He's so kind of cool and collected."  
•  "Smart kid, has a great arm, really anticipates where the opening are," tight end Anthony Fasano said of Tannehill after practice today.
• "I think he's under rated in this league. The best route runner I've ever been around," Ryan Tannehill said today of receiver Davone Bess.
• Joe Philbin says the Dolphins are 75 percent through installing offense and QB competition is "very close."
• Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/football/#storylink=cpy

Some play-by-play of yesterday's 11-11:

First team offense versus first team defense:

Garrard complete to Reggie Bush who beats Vontae Davis one-on-one, but Davis strips the ball for a fumble.

Garrard complete to Legedu Naanee for 12 yards.

Garrard incomplete when Roberto Wallace drops a pass.

Garrard to Davone Bess for 8 yards.

Garrard incomplete

Third team offense versus second and third team defense:

Tannehill incomplete.

Tannehill to B.J. Cunningham in flat.

Tannehill to Cunningham for 20 yards.

Tannehill to Rishard Matthews for 18 yards.

Tannehill to Michael Egnew in the flat for 4 yards.


Read more here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/dolphins_in_depth/2012/08/quickie-camp-post-for-wednesday-afternoo.html#storylink=cpy

The Dolphins will practice again tomorrow, which signals the one week mark until their preseason opener against Tampa Bay.  Until then, enjoy Chad Johnson's interview with the South Florida media after yesterday's practice.  Beware, it is not edited.

Chad Johnson's first Dolphins presser