The Miami Dolphins have been in pads for two straight practices now, and the tempo is picking up in Davie. According to Joe Philbin, today's practice was the longest thus far, and with the team getting the day off tomorrow, that comes as no surprise.
The highlights:
- After a bad day yesterday for Ryan Tannehill (two interceptions), he rebounded nicely today, throwing a couple TD passes in the goal line/red zone segment of practice. Yes, one of those was to Mike Wallace.
- Speaking of Wallace, he and Tannehill still haven't quite hit their stride yet. Once again, this is to be expected. The two have connected plenty of times on slant routes and out patterns, but they're still looking for that first long connection.
- Tannehill has found a new favorite weapon in TE Dustin Keller. The former Jet has been all over the field, day in and day out, and has been a pass catching machine. Do not be surprised if Keller has a BIG season.
- Richard Matthews, one of the wide receivers vying for a spot, has had a nice camp so far. He caught a TD pass from Tannehill today, and the two have showed thus far that their chemistry from last season has carried into this season.
- Brian Hartline, as always, continues to be solid throughout camp. Guy's just a good football player.
- Both Armon Binns and Brandon Gibson have been impressive, but I'd still give the edge to Gibson at this point. He's proving to be a very reliable pass catcher, and should shine in the slot role once filled by Davone Bess.
- Daniel Thomas and Michael Egnew both fumbled the ball during practice today. Egnew fumbled yesterday as well. However, the second year TE did have a TD today. This is going to be a BIG couple weeks for him.
- Dion Jordan was dressed today, as he was yesterday, but is still being brought along slowly. He worked mainly with special teams today, but did participate in some drills. Look for the Fins to ramp up his work load on Friday.
- Jared Odrick has another good day today, sacking Tannehill and blowing up a Lamar Miller run in the back field.
- Free agent defensive lineman Vaughn Martin has impressed the last two days. Just something to keep an eye on.
- Brent Grimes is the best CB the Fins have had since the Surtain/Madison era. Maybe even better.
- Rookie Jamar Taylor missed his second straight day of practice as that Hernia injury seems to be slowing him down.
- LB's Dannell Ellerbe and Philip Wheeler have been exactly what the Fins wanted: Fast. The two are throwing blitzes at the offense left and right, and have been impressive in pass coverage.
- Safety Chris Clemons has started to come on strong the last few days, including a pick six yesterday.
- RB Lamar Miller told NFL Network that his goals for this year are 1,500 yards, and 15 TD's. If that happens then this team will probably host a playoff game. Lofty goals, but I like it.
- The kicking competition has so far favored Dan Carpenter. The veteran has made all but ONE kick thus far, while rookie Caleb Sturgis struggled today, missing back to back kicks of 47 and 48 yards.
CompWatch:
An intriguing battle is starting to take place at RDE (right defensive end). Second year man Olivier Vernon has been extremely impressive so far in camp, and he knows it:
"I laid my foundation last year, and now i'm just building off it," Vernon told the media after practice yesterday.
With rookie Dion Jordan being slowly brought up, Vernon has the chance to seize control of that spot, and after a strong rookie season (big time sack late in the St. Louis game, blocked FG in New York), expect this to be a head on competition moving forward.
The Fins are off tomorrow, and will resume practice on Friday.
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