Hard to believe that the Fins are nearly one week into their 2013 campaign.
Even harder to believe that their first preseason game, the HOF game against Dallas, is ONLY one week away.
So far the Fins have practiced every day this week, excluding their only off day, Thursday, and have been in pads since Tuesday. There have been some bright spots, some surprises, and some concerns after seven practices (although I don't really look too much into the "concerns" as it is only ONE week), but one thing is for certain, we've definitely learned some things about these new look Miami Dolphins.
What things, you ask? Well, I'll tell you:
- We've learned that Brent Grimes is the best corner this franchise has seen in over a decade. And, more importantly, he's 100% healthy.
- We've learned that the offensive line is still a work in progress, but has gotten better with each practice. This was especially evident today, as the Fins ran the ball better in today's practice than in any other.
HOWEVER, there is cause for concern, as presumed starting RG John Jerry missed today's practice completely. He wasn't on the sideline, or anywhere to be seen, he was just gone. Joe Philbin told the media the team's policy was not to comment on injured players, so one has to assume Jerry is hurt. In his absence, rookie Dallas Thomas was thrusted onto the first team O-line, and spent much of the day their at LG, with Richie Incognito moving over to RG. Clearly this is a situation to monitor.
- We've learned that Jared Odrick may be ready for a breakout season. The third year man out of Penn State had a solid year last season, but has been dominant through the first week of camp. He's blown up plays in the back field, sacked the QB multiple times, and looks more comfortable than ever at his DT position.
- We've learned that the new linebacking duo of Dannell Ellerbe and Philip Wheeler are exactly what the Miami Dolphins want: Fast, good in coverage, and good at the blitz. They've been all over the field through the first week of camp, and both have impressed day in and day out.
- We've learned that Brian Hartline is, well.. Nevermind, we already knew he was a good football player. He's just reminded us of that fact over the last week.
- We've learned that Brandon Gibson will be an upgrade over Davone Bess, and that's saying a lot considering Bess was the most consistent Miami Dolphin over his four year stay.
- We've learned that Mike Wallace and Ryan Tannehill still need some time, and actual games, to build some chemistry between each other. The two continue to get better and better with each practice, but it's not there yet. This may worry some people, but please please please to read to much into it. IT'S only been a week!
-Speaking of Tannehill, we've learned that he is in full command of HIS offense, and he knows it. Players and coaches have both acknowledged the growth they've seen in Tannehill through the first week of camp compared to last year, and it's showing on the field.
Does this mean he's been perfect? No way. He's thrown INT's, been inaccurate at times, and, as I just mentioned, is still trying to figure out his new toys. BUT, there should be little doubt whose team this is, and until games start, that's a big sign right off the bat.
- We've learned that Dustin Keller will play a major role in the offense this year. It's taken him little to no time to build a rapport with Ryan Tannehill, and it's been evident through the first week, as Keller has been a factor multiple times on nearly every series run by the offense.
- We've learned that Jamar Taylor is still struggling with that hernia injury, and it could play a huge part into whether he competes for playing time at the beginning of the year. Right now the two corner spots are all but locked up with Richard Marshall and Brent Grimes.
- Speaking of Marshall, we've learned that, if healthy, he can be a solid, solid corner, especially on blitzes.
- We've learned that FB may not be a part of the Fins offense this year, as they've mainly used a TE in the backfield.
- Going off that, we've learned that Jorvorskie Lane may be in big trouble.
- We've learned that Armon Binns and Rishard Matthews seem to be the front runners for the final WR spots. Both have impressed, especially Binns.
- We've learned that Lamar Miller will be the starting RB, but Daniel Thomas should not be forgotten, he's been solid thus far. The main thing for him is his health.
- We've learned nothing about Dion Jordan, but that should change heading into next week.
- We've learned that Tyson Clabo was a good offseason pickup by Jeff Ireland. The veteran has looked good so far, as he has for his entire career.
The biggest thing we've learned though?
We've learned that football in July is absolutely better than no football at all.
One week till they strap up in Canton.
Yeah, let that sink in for a second.
No comments:
Post a Comment