Damien Williams takes over kickoff duties and other Dolphins notes

[Daytona Fin]

Running back Damien Williams officially has taken over the role of kickoff returner, according to the latest Dolphins depth chart, and that’s just the way he likes it.

“I enjoy being able to be in any role to help my team win or be in great field position,” Williams said.

LaMike James began the season as the main punt and kickoff returner, and Jarvis Landryand Raheem Mostert then took turns as the first-team kickoff returner.

But Williams got work as a kickoff returner the past three games and this week he took over the first spot on the depth chart.


“I want to say more anxious to get the ball in my hand and just to make a play because a lot of guys they see what I can do on the practice field coming out of the backfiled as a running back,” Williams said. “It’s exciting because they all believe in me being put back there.”

Dolphins defensive tackle Earl Mitchell got to line up next to Watt during his time with the Texans, so he can appreciate the guy’s ability.

“He’s a great, dynamic player,” Mitchell said. “He’s definitely capable of making so many plays. He’s definitely capable of reaching Hall of Fame status one day. I’ve been blessed to play against a bunch of dynamic players, including guys on this team like Cam Wake and (Ndamukong) Suh. He shares a lot of those qualities as those guys.”

Dolphins Interim Head Coach Dan Campbell was asked by Houston reporters this week for his toughts on Watt.

“We’ve got a good plan this week,” Campbell said before joking, “We’re going to put all five linemen on him and shut him down and hope nobody else gets to us.”

Campbell then turned serious and said, “He’s obviously somebody we’re very aware of and we’ll have a plan for.”

Jones says he’s aware of the risk of sustaining an injury if he lands the wrong way, as happened to players around the league before, but he said if he finds himself in the same situation again, his instinct will be simple: Take flight.

“I don’t know, man,” he said, “I get the ball in my hands, going to score again, you may see another G5 moment.

“It’s about making memories. You don’t know what you’ll see if I’m going to score again.”

For his part, Campbell has a simple philosophy when it comes to players diving into the end zone in celebration.

“The only issue I would have is when you injure yourself by doing that, that would be my only problem with it,” he said. “And as long as it doesn’t cost us a penalty.”

Fresh off winning AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors, defensive end Cameron Wake is ready to face another former Pro Bowl player who dealt with his own injury issues early in the season, running back Arian Foster.

Foster missed the first three games of the regular season because of a groin injury sustained in training camp and averaged only 2.3 yards per carry in his first three games, although he caught 14 passes the past two weeks.

“You say injured the first few weeks and he’s healthy again ... that sounds like a trend going around,” Wake said, clearly referring to himself. “But again, another player who’s highly respected. You know the ability he has and it would be funny to write him off in the first few weeks of not peak performance. Who knows because next week — not this week — he could have a game that maybe he’s Player of the Week.”

LAST WORD

“I don’t think it’s a coincidence. He knows the value of the tight ends. I’m fortunate that we have a previous tight end as our head coach.” — Jordan Cameron on the fact the Dolphins’ two touchdown passes in former tight ends coach Dan Campbell’s debut as interim head coach went to him and fellow tight end Dion Sims.

http://www.miamidolphins.com/news/a...5fd?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

 

[fishfanmiami]

With Gray playing well and Ajayi returning to action soon this may be Williams only chance to make an impact and stay on the active roster. I don't see him getting many touches on offense going forward.

 

[AL R]

Im starting to get the feeling Willimas role is almost going to be limited to just kickoffs. Miller and Gray are ahead of him and wont be surprised if Ajayi is upon his return.

---------- Post added at 10:48 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:46 AM ----------

With Gray playing well and Ajayi returning to action soon this may be Williams only chance to make an impact and stay on the active roster. I don't see him getting many touches on offense going forward.

Beat me to it Fish :brewskis:

 

[mrhankey81701]

With Gray playing well and Ajayi returning to action soon this may be Williams only chance to make an impact and stay on the active roster. I don't see him getting many touches on offense going forward.

That's pretty much my read on it as well. Damien Williams better make an impact in the return game soon or else he will not be active on Sundays.

 

[Coolguy3]

I'm ok with this so keep Landry from being injured. However, if it's crunch time and we need a big play, I'm putting Landry back there.

 

[royalshank]

Williams isn't very good at anything. Just "ok".

 

[russianbear]

I don't mind giving Williams a chance to impact games. He strikes me as the type who can break some tackles and pick up tough yards to get us into consistent position. Not neccesarily a blow by you type but not the kind who guys want to tackle head on.

 

[Daytona Fin]

I'm ok with this so keep Landry from being injured. However, if it's crunch time and we need a big play, I'm putting Landry back there.

Crunch time started last week at 1pm and doesn't end the rest of the season. Need to have our best players on the field, that means Landry on kickoffs. If we get a comfortable lead then put Williams back there until then I want Landry on all returns.

 

[utahphinsfan]

Dolphins Interim Head Coach Dan Campbell was asked by Houston reporters this week for his toughts on Watt.

“We’ve got a good plan this week,” Campbell said before joking, “We’re going to put all five linemen on him and shut him down and hope nobody else gets to us.”

That is funny. This is why DC reminds me of Ditka.

 

[state06]

With Gray playing well and Ajayi returning to action soon this may be Williams only chance to make an impact and stay on the active roster. I don't see him getting many touches on offense going forward.

Im wishing we went with someone else at KR so we could give Williams' roster spot to someone such as Chris McCain. NOT that I think McCain is a better player than Williams, but I think that given the depth at LB, it would give us an extra body and pass rusher.

not sure where else we could go. I know Matthews returned punts at Nevada but hasnt here.

 

[AL R]

Im wishing we went with someone else at KR so we could give Williams' roster spot to someone such as Chris McCain. NOT that I think McCain is a better player than Williams, but I think that given the depth at LB, it would give us an extra body and pass rusher.

not sure where else we could go. I know Matthews returned punts at Nevada but hasnt here.

Feisty. Desires to help in run support and doesn't hold back. Fights through average blockers and gets to his target. Wrap-up tackler. Bright eyes on field. Digests combo routes and plays. Played outside and over slot. Was a capable kick returner

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2015/profiles/bobby-mccain?id=2552434

 

[Travis34]

I'm okay with it. I thought he would be a decent rb for us after watching his Oklahoma highlights but he's kind of a dud. I'll always love another Williams rb wearing 34 though. He's faster than Landry so maybe he has a shot at a long return at times. Landry could get hurt but definitely has superior vision / moves. I just don't think he's sure handed fielding returns sometimes

Someone will have to go eventually for Ajayi. Do we make room else where or keep 4 rbs?

 

[Mogwai]

Damien's lack of vision really doesn't project very well as a KR but as long as he holds on to the ball.