"Dave Wannstedt On The Miami Dolphins Secondary"
Dave Wannstedt On The Miami Dolphins Secondary
May 31, 2002
Returners: CB Jamar Fletcher, S Arturo Freeman, S Trent Gamble, S Ray Green, CB Sam Madison, S Brock Marion, S Scott McGarrahan, CB Patrick Surtain, S Shawn Wooden. Offseason veteran additions: CB Delvin Brown (FA), CB Cedric Donaldson (FA), CB Zebbie Lethridge (FA), S Scott Shields (FA), S Joshua Symonette (FA). Draft Choices/College Free Agents: CB Omare Lowe (D5a). Losses from 2001: CB Terry Cousin (UFA, Carolina), S Brian Walker (UFA, Detroit).
"Sam Madison (30 tackles, 2 INTs, 13 PD in '01) and Patrick Surtain (60 tackles, 1 sack, 3 INTs, 1 FR, 3 FF, 17 PD in '01) are regarded as the top cornerback tandem in the NFL, and they were a big reason why we led the NFL in pass defense last year.
"Although we lost Terry Cousin in free agency, we feel as though Jamar Fletcher (10 tackles, 1 PD in ’01), our first-round draft choice last year, is ready to step in and fill that role as our nickel back. He came out of college a year early, and I think that with a year of experience under his belt, he can play to his potential this season.
"Brock Marion (97 tackles, 5 INTs, 227 yds.; 2 TDs. 1 FR, 2 FF, 7 PD in ’01) has become one of our top playmakers over the last couple of year and gives us veteran leadership at the free safety position.
"Arturo Freeman (42 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT, 2 FR, 8 PD) will take over at strong safety after we lost Brian Walker in free agency. Going into his third year, Arturo had an opportunity to start at both safety spots last year, and he appears ready to settle into a full-time starting role.
"Shawn Wooden, Scott McGarrahan and Trent Gamble give us quality veteran depth at safety. Omare Lowe, a fifth-round draft choice, could come in and compete for our nickel back position, along with Ray Green, who was with us for the second half of last season. Omare played in a system at the University of Washington that was similar to what we do here. He’s played inside and outside, and is a very good athlete.â€Â
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