A Look At Our Improved Secondary

[RealDriscoll]

WQAM just reported the release of Cornerback Eric Green and I was able to pull out some reasoning behind the move. Todd Bowles is very high on Nathan Jones and if you watched the pre-season game against Jacksonville you could see that Nathan jones is really good at getting himself into position; Eric Green struggled mightily in this game and has looked like crap in camp as he went from starter to the #6 corner on the depth chart. Also, Jason Allen had a very solid game. He showed up in run support per the usual but was also stellar in coverage. I can tell you first hand that this guy is a very physical player who has superb ability but he lacks in the mental aspect of the game. I would not write Jason Allen off just yet and I think he is a LOCK to make the team from everything I have been hearing. Jason Allen has not seen the field much since he has been in Miami but when he has he has made some plays; the game two seasons ago against the Eagles he locked two interceptions from Donovan McNabb and is is truely a play maker. I think he played well for the most part of last year before breaking his hand. He was not afraid to get up in Randy Moss' face and play physical with him. Randy Moss is one of the best receivers to play the game and Jason Allen might have lost the battle but he did not get rolled.

I also see the release of Eric Green as a indication of confidence of rookies Vontae Davis and Sean Smith. Sean Smith looks like a star and Davis will turn the corner sooner than later. I would keep an eye on Mike McKenzie as a potential free agent acquisition. I predict our 5 corners going into the season will be Will Allen, Sean Smith, Nathan Jones, Jason Allen, and Vontae Davis. I think our safeties as a unit is stronger then they have been in a long while. I absolutly love Yeremiah Bell and wouldn't be shocked if this guy was playing in the Pro-Bowl this year. Gibril Wilson is a true leader and person the younger players should look to..WHY? Because he has something that no one else on this team has which is a Super Bowl rings. Wilson and Bell offer the best run support safety combination in the league. In that game against Jacksonville I thought Gibril was taking people's heads off out there. Chris Clemons is young but has blazing speed and should develop into a nice player. The hidden gem is Tyrone Culver. This guy plays smart and has solid rnage. He broke up a few passes on Monday.

I can just say wow our secondary is much better this season talent wise when comparing to last season and there isn't a better secondary coach than Todd Bowles in this league. I expect this unit to be improved and I expect to see a lot more take aways.

 

[White6]

I think that Vontae's first game was a fluke. Not that I see him taking the starting job from Smith, that kid is impressive, but Vontae will be fine. He won't make those senseless mistakes again. As far as JA goes, hopefully he does well, but who knows. Nathan Jones is a lock to make this team, though.

 

[Emil305]

Wow cut yeah that was pretty bad and so quick maybe they shoulda given him another try but who knows the coaches are more aware of whats really going down.
Well GL Mr Green another rokie took your spot...

 

[normaldude]

Yeremiah Bell is a good tackler, but he needs to get more interceptions. He's been playing safety for 5 years, and only has 1 interception.

 

[ChambersWI]

IMO the only thing I didn't like about Vontae's debut was his penalty on the fair catch. The other 2 will happen to the best of them, but the fair catch interference was just stupid. He did make some nice plays in run support though

 

[cljh19]

jason allen does seem to get decent amount of turnovers in limited playing time. i expect sean smith to bring a few turnovers this yr also. our turnovers in the secondary should go up this year.

nate jones is a monster coming off the blitz.

its good to see front office step and admit their signing mistake. it shows its really about whats done on the field and not the paycheck.

 

[dolfan91]

After seeing the game you could tell which player's were comfortable and which players weren't... Nathan Jones, caught my eye last year with his blitz ability and in Mondays game he made plays all over the field!!! he was a very solid pickup for the secondary and knows his role in the defensive schemes... you could see he is very comfortable... Jason Allen was his usual self on special teams... and again in run support.. but what stood out was his play as a CB.. he looks so much more comfortable on the field!!! both Jones and Allen bring versatility to the defensive backfield.. which can't be said of Green... this secondary can be awesome this year... Culver, Jones, Allen and Clemons also form a good core of special teamers... great job by the F/O putting this unit together... and realizing the Green mistake and cutting their loses...