Jamar Taylor auditions for larger role in Dolphins' defense

[DKphin]

Jamar Taylor has only had a small sampling of playing time in his first two NFL seasons.In his rookie year, the former Boise State standout got 45 snaps as a cleanup man, and this season he's played 65 snaps in five games, and five of them came last week as Jimmy Wilson's replacement in the final drive of Sunday's 27-24 loss to the Packers.
With Wilson sidelined by a hamstring injury that has prevented him from practicing all week the odds of Taylor, the Dolphins' 2013 second-round pick, playing significant minutes — if not starting in his first NFL game — are fairly high.

"There's no better opportunity to step up and prove you can play in this league," Taylor said when asked about facing the Bears, who possess two Pro Bowl receivers, and consistently moves all three receivers around the field. "I'm confident I can play, and now I need to show everyone."

To get on the field Taylor must outperform his buddy, Will Davis, the third-round pick in 2013 draft class, who previously held the distinction as Miami's third cornerback. Davis has played 119 snaps on defense this season.
"They have both certainly shown improvements from a year ago. There's a lot of football left to be played," coach Joe Philbin said. "I anticipate them getting better throughout the course of the year, but it's not a real huge difference right now."
The only tangible difference between Taylor and Davis is Miami's coaches realize Davis' style likely wouldn't make him an effective nickel cornerback because that position requires a physical player.


However, who comes on the field as Miami's third cornerback against the Bears will be based on their practice performance, Philbin stressed. Cortland Finnegan can always move inside to play the slot.
"The way I evaluate it is what I see with my own eyes, in the practice film and the game film," Philbin said.
Wilson, who has started the season's first five games, has manned the nickel spot since 2012, but he began this season as Miami's starting free safety because of Reshad Jones' four-game suspension for PED use.
He returned to the nickel role last week, but suffered the hamstring injury in the fourth quarter of the Packers game. So far this season he has 26 tackles, one interception and one pass deflection

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/...hins-notes-1017-20141016-story.html?track=rss

 

[ANUFan]

Watching the home games live I can now officially say, "Finnegan is done." The Green Bay rookie was taking his lunch money ALL DAY!!

 

[Hayden Fox]

Finnegan is going to be okay. However, Taylor just has not improved. Disappointing. I loved the player and eventual pick, but there is just nothing there.

 

[hoops]

miami needs as much tackling at corner as it can find this week...i'd play taylor for that reason above all else

 

[Hayden Fox]

While I think Marshall goes off and rubs it in the Fins' face, Forte scares me the most.

 

[roy_miami]

While I think Marshall goes off and rubs it in the Fins' face, Forte scares me the most.

He is actually the Bears leading receiver. Jenkins gonna have his hands full.

 

[Hayden Fox]

He is actually the Bears leading receiver. Jenkins gonna have his hands full.

Good point.

 

[Austin Tatious]

I want to see Taylor in extended action. He's pretty strong compared with Davis. Finnegan embarrassed himself against the Fresno rookie. Even if Taylor isn't ready to start, let's get him some snaps. I don't exactly trust Coyle and Philbin on young player evaluation. Jenkins didn't play enough until forced to.

 

[datruth55]

I want to see Taylor in extended action. He's pretty strong compared with Davis. Finnegan embarrassed himself against the Fresno rookie. Even if Taylor isn't ready to start, let's get him some snaps. I don't exactly trust Coyle and Philbin on young player evaluation. Jenkins didn't play enough until forced to.

To be fair Jenkins never showed up in practice or in any of the preseason games.

Both Taylor and Davis have been disappointments and it's a concern going into next year since we only have 4 CBs on the roster and 3 of them look to be below average.

Ireland's last draft class was, by far, his worst.

 

[SCLSU Mud Dogs]

He is actually the Bears leading receiver. Jenkins gonna have his hands full.

He's actually the NFL's leading receiver in receptions.

 

[roy_miami]

He's actually the NFL's leading receiver in receptions.

Four Bears in the top 40 including the league leader and 2 in the top 10. Zero Dolphins in the top 40...

 

[So Be]

In limited play Taylor has done well this year. He has 51 snaps in coverage giving up 3 for 8 and 19 yards, whit a QBR of 46. On the run, 11 snaps and a bit above average. Pass rush, 3 tries and 1 hurry. I liked him from day 1, and would love to see him step it up full time.

 

[ANUFan]

Finnegan is going to be okay. However, Taylor just has not improved. Disappointing. I loved the player and eventual pick, but there is just nothing there.

Honestly, I don't think Taylor has been getting a fair amount of reps.

 

[So Be]

Honestly, I don't think Taylor has been getting a fair amount of reps.

Finnegen being out to lunch and Wilson hurt should change that. Hoping he makes the best of this opportunity, as other young guys have done.

 

[finfan54]

I have no clue how good these guys have gotten or if they have gotten worse.....they havent played much.

Not finalizing anything on these guys.