Somehow, we've nearly the completed the first week of Training Camp 2014. Yes, there is still quite some time left before the Patriots roll into town (39 days), but judging by how fast week number one went I expect September 7th to be here before we know it.
So, where do the Miami Dolphins stand after five full practices? Well, like the rest of the league, you just don't know yet. Some areas have looked strong, some areas have a ways to go, and all areas need work. And while that week one matchup is still a ways off, the Atlanta trip is not, as the team travels to the Georgia Dome next Friday for their first game action in nearly 8 months.
Here's what we've learned offensively:
- Bill Lazor's offense has the chance to be dynamic this season, it really does. However, it has a loooooooong ways to go. Every practice I've been at, the defense has owned the day, and it really hasn't been close. However, I expected this, and it should come as no surprise. The defense has played under Kevin Coyle for three seasons now. The offense has played under Bill Lazor for three months. There are still major kinks to work out, but once they are this offense can and should be a significant upgrade.
- The biggest kink to work out? The offensive line. The loss of Mike Pouncey, so far, has set this unit back quite a bit. There have been several bad snaps, and nobody seems to have a leg up at the center position. So far Joe Philbin has worked Sam Brenner, Shelly Smith, and Nate Garner all at center, all with the first team, and nobody has really stepped up yet.
- The tackle position looks to be set, however, with Branden Albert and Ja'Wuan James. James has struggled at times, but name me a rookie who wouldn't struggle going up against Cam Wake. As I've said, it's a good experience for James and should pay off massively in season.
- I said it in OTA's, I said it in minicamp, and I'll say it again: This wide receiver group is the most talented, deepest group in the AFC East. At this point, I don't see how Joe Philbin doesn't keep six on the team. Between Mike Wallace, Brian Hartline, Jarvis Landry, Brandon Gibson, Rashard Matthews, and Armon Binns, there will be no shortage of weapons this year for Ryan Tannehill.
- Speaking of Landry, he dropped his first pass AS A PRO today during practice. That's including all of OTA's, minicamp, and the first four practices of training camp. One scout said Landry had by far the best hands of any receiver in the draft, and he's been absolutely right. This kid will make an impact day one.
- Lamar Miller, as I've written, will have the potential to thrive in this new offense. When Knowshon Moreno comes back, I still expect Miller to start. Not taking anything away from Moreno, he'll get plenty of carries, but something just tells me that Miller is primed for a big time year.
- RT17. His deep ball, while still not perfect by any means, has definitely improved this year. He hit Brian Hartline in stride today for a 70 yard TD. He hasn't hit all of them, but he's hit his fair share so far, and that's way more than we could say a year ago.
- Something Tannehill must improve upon, however, is his decision making. In this new offense, the ability to make a quick decision is everything. So far, Tannehill has somewhat struggled at this, but it's still early and we must remember that he's learning a new offense for the first time in his career. Regardless, expect this to be an emphasis going forward.
Here's what we've learned defensively:
- Cameron Wake looks better than he ever has, and that's saying something. He's recorded at least one sack nearly every practice, and does not take plays off. If he stays healthy, expect him to get back to double digits sacks pretty quickly this season.
- Along with Wake, the rest of the defensive line has been lights out as well. Olivier Vernon has looked fast. Randy Starks has been dominate, and I mean dominate, every single practice. Jared Odrick and Earl Mitchell have both been solid. And even though he's going to miss the first month, don't forget about Dion Jordan. He's already made a handful of big time plays, and doesn't appear to have lost a step even though he's put on 17 pounds. When he returns to this line, it could turn into something really special.
- Koa Misi, and the rest of the LB unit for that matter, just look more comfortable this year. Maybe a simple switch was all it took? Maybe they're all actually healthy for the first time in a while? Whatever it is, the unit looks improved. With that being said, it's still the biggest question mark on this defense, and I expect to learn a lot more during the preseason.
- Brent Grimes has been every bit the player he was a year ago. No concerns on that side. Opposite Grimes is Cortland Finnegan, who has looked more like the player of old then the Finnegan of last season. The player I'm really excited about, however, is second year man Jamar Taylor. He was highly touted out of college, but saw limited playing time last season because of an injury. Well, he's healthy now, and it's shown, because he's been in on the action on nearly every play. This spot may be Finnegan's, and for good reason, but Taylor is a player to watch.
- Another player I think will make a huge difference this year? FS Louis Delmas. He is easily the most energetic player on the field at all times, and has shown a knack for the ball. IF he can stay healthy, and that's a big if, expect some game changing plays from him this season.
So, to recap:
Camp standouts, so far: Jarvis Landry, Jamar Taylor, the entire defensive line.
Question marks, so far: The offensive line (minus the tackles), the linebacker unit, Tannehill decision making.
Practice resumes tomorrow morning. A recap will follow. If you need to some light reading before then, check out my latest article on TE Arthur Lynch, via The Finsiders and Dolphins.com.
Familiar Faces Help Arthur Lynch Settle In
39 days.