Dixon impressive in first live drills since last season
June 7, 2002 Print it
Stay connected to the draft year-round!
Mark Dixon's first foray into team drills was supposed to last one or two plays. Instead he took 15, which is a good sign.
Dixon is the team's best offensive lineman, and he is the biggest key to the unit's success this year. Stronger than people think, Dixon is a very good athlete.
He still has to clear the mental hurdle from a fractured ankle that ended his 2001 season prematurely, but Dixon has worked very hard to get himself back on to the field after once questioning if he wanted to play again.
With Dixon, center Tim Ruddy becomes a better player as does Brent Smith at left tackle. Troy Andrew, who has converted to guard from center, is Dixon's backup and while skilled, he does not possess Dixon's guile. If Dixon can make it back to form, the offensive line will be much improved. . . .
Defensive tackle Larry Chester is coming off the same injury as Dixon and also made it back to the field. Signed as a free agent, Chester will be a vital cog in the run defense. He also makes Daryl Gardener's move to end possible.
But the defensive line is in need of depth help at end and Rob Burnett could be the answer. He is intrigued about the possibility of playing a Trace Armstrong-like role as a pass rusher. . . .
Tight end Alonzo Mayes did not do himself any favors injuring an ankle during an off-week and keeping him out of the most recent Quarterback School.
Already in trouble because he reported to the conditioning program weighing more than 300 pounds, Mayes had worked himself back into respectable shape. He was making plays in the passing game and coaches were curious to see how he would look when the pads went on.
With the injury, however, they are again questioning his commitment. For a player who has not played in two years, Mayes must make a quick impression or risk being let go.
OFFENSIVE ADJUSTMENTS
While the foundation will remain a strong running game, this year led by Ricky Williams, there has been a lot of change to the Dolphins' offense this offseason.
Norv Turner has brought in a diverse scheme built around wide receivers, tight ends and running backs. Last year, the Dolphins were primarily a three-wide receiver team in passing situations and ignored the fullback and tight end.
The key to the offense, as always, will depend on the return to health of the offensive line, but there is plenty of optimism among the entire unit.
With a timing offense based on quick reads and adjustments, Jay Fiedler figures to benefit most. He finished strongly in 2001 and is in a quarterback-friendly system.
Williams is sure to boost the between-the-tackle running game that faltered with Lamar Smith. And the wide receivers will have ample opportunities to make big plays because Turner likes to get the ball downfield.
Rare was the occasion receivers caught the ball in stride and picked up extra yardage because of the control the clock mentality.
There is an aggressiveness to Turner's play-calling. The fullbacks and tight ends will be much more involved, normally relegated to the sideline in passing situations a year ago. With the ability to go to any personnel group, defenses could be spread thin.
There have been some rough spots in the offseason, but that's not a concern. Turner is moving at a fast pace to put everything in and fine-tune during training camp.
http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/teams/dolphins/20020607.html
June 7, 2002 Print it
Stay connected to the draft year-round!
Mark Dixon's first foray into team drills was supposed to last one or two plays. Instead he took 15, which is a good sign.
Dixon is the team's best offensive lineman, and he is the biggest key to the unit's success this year. Stronger than people think, Dixon is a very good athlete.
He still has to clear the mental hurdle from a fractured ankle that ended his 2001 season prematurely, but Dixon has worked very hard to get himself back on to the field after once questioning if he wanted to play again.
With Dixon, center Tim Ruddy becomes a better player as does Brent Smith at left tackle. Troy Andrew, who has converted to guard from center, is Dixon's backup and while skilled, he does not possess Dixon's guile. If Dixon can make it back to form, the offensive line will be much improved. . . .
Defensive tackle Larry Chester is coming off the same injury as Dixon and also made it back to the field. Signed as a free agent, Chester will be a vital cog in the run defense. He also makes Daryl Gardener's move to end possible.
But the defensive line is in need of depth help at end and Rob Burnett could be the answer. He is intrigued about the possibility of playing a Trace Armstrong-like role as a pass rusher. . . .
Tight end Alonzo Mayes did not do himself any favors injuring an ankle during an off-week and keeping him out of the most recent Quarterback School.
Already in trouble because he reported to the conditioning program weighing more than 300 pounds, Mayes had worked himself back into respectable shape. He was making plays in the passing game and coaches were curious to see how he would look when the pads went on.
With the injury, however, they are again questioning his commitment. For a player who has not played in two years, Mayes must make a quick impression or risk being let go.
OFFENSIVE ADJUSTMENTS
While the foundation will remain a strong running game, this year led by Ricky Williams, there has been a lot of change to the Dolphins' offense this offseason.
Norv Turner has brought in a diverse scheme built around wide receivers, tight ends and running backs. Last year, the Dolphins were primarily a three-wide receiver team in passing situations and ignored the fullback and tight end.
The key to the offense, as always, will depend on the return to health of the offensive line, but there is plenty of optimism among the entire unit.
With a timing offense based on quick reads and adjustments, Jay Fiedler figures to benefit most. He finished strongly in 2001 and is in a quarterback-friendly system.
Williams is sure to boost the between-the-tackle running game that faltered with Lamar Smith. And the wide receivers will have ample opportunities to make big plays because Turner likes to get the ball downfield.
Rare was the occasion receivers caught the ball in stride and picked up extra yardage because of the control the clock mentality.
There is an aggressiveness to Turner's play-calling. The fullbacks and tight ends will be much more involved, normally relegated to the sideline in passing situations a year ago. With the ability to go to any personnel group, defenses could be spread thin.
There have been some rough spots in the offseason, but that's not a concern. Turner is moving at a fast pace to put everything in and fine-tune during training camp.
http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/teams/dolphins/20020607.html
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