As excited as some people might be about seeing the rookie duo of cornerbacks serving as starters for the rest of the season,
Will Allen's season-ending knee injury really means an already BAD secondary just got WORSE.
While Allen wasn't playing great this season, this four-year Dolphins starter was the most experienced member of that secondary, and regularly made the adjustment calls, helping the unit grasp what opposing defenses were trying to do.
His exit means that wisdom is now gone. The rookie duo,
Sean Smith and
Vontae Davis, are banking on Allen breaking down film with them each week. And knowing Allen, he'll do the best he can each week to lend a helping hand. But there comes a point (usually on Sundays) when the toddlers must walk on their own.
That means Smith and Davis will have to learn from experience, and the most common way to do that is to make mistakes, which this secondary can't afford. While the unit has struggled (primarily against tight ends, committing penalties, and giving up the occasional big play) they haven't blown many assignments in the first six games. That streak could be coming to an end.
But is this what's best for the Dolphins franchise in the long run? Or should the Trifecta add another grizzled, savvy veteran like Ty Law,
Patrick Surtain,
Sam Madison (just some names people....not lobbying) to help the youngsters come along.
Before you bash me for making this suggestion, keep in mind that Nate Jones, who has made all of two starts in his six seasons, is now the seasoned veteran of this group.
