Miami Dolphins OL Lydon Murtha: 'I believe it's my time'

[DKphin]

Lydon Murtha made it clear during a voluntary Miami Dolphins minicamp last month he wanted to win the starting job at right tackle.

That was before Miami used its second-round draft pick to select former Stanford left tackle Jonathan Murtha, and before it was made clear by the Dolphins they would convert him into a right tackle to compete for the starting job.
Martin played his collegiate career entirely at left tackle protecting the blind side of former Cardinal quarterback Andrew Luck, a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist who was the No. 1 overall pick in last month's draft by the Indianapolis Colts.
Murtha (6-foot-7, 315 pounds) reiterated his desire Friday to compete for the starting job at right tackle.
"When it comes down to positions on the field you can't say, 'I'm going to be playing this position or that position.' I came into the league wanting to be a starting-caliber player. I believe it's my time. I've worked my butt off, and I want to be the starting tackle for the Dolphins."

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/...-believe-its-my-time-20120518,0,3683256.story

 

[mills]

i hope it is

 

[Uruguayfinfan]

Hope he can carry that confidence into the football field.

 

[Elliott 1]

Without a doubt, Murtha starting is the best case scenario for the Dolphins. If Martin starts he will obviously have some limitations. He needs to get stronger.

The Dolphins really need Lydon Murtha to stay 100% healthy this year and play at a high level.

Hopefully all you Pouncey believers are right, and he dramatically improves his pass protection this year.

If Jerry and Incognito can lose the fat and improve their games, this OL could really gel the last tow thirds of the year.

With luck who knows.

 

[WaxOn WaxOff]

"Lydon Murtha made it clear during a voluntary Miami Dolphins minicamp last month he wanted to win the starting job at right tackle.

That was before Miami used its second-round draft pick to select former Stanford left tackle Jonathan Murtha"

Looks like one way or another, a Murtha will be starting at RT.

 

[seisenrod]

I'll be Murtha's time if he shows up and WINS it, otherwise lets hope someone will.

 

[Dr. Phin]

If Murtha starts and Martin is not hurt, Martin is a bust...so I hope Murtha never sees the field.

 

[ckparrothead]

I'd give Murtha a shot at Right Guard.

 

[MurkyWaters]

I'd give Murtha a shot at Right Guard.

I was going to suggest the same thing. Despite Murtha showing a significant improvement pre-injury, I felt he was destined to be replaced the moment Miami drafted Jonathan Martin. Murtha has the size and athletic ability to play guard, especially in the zone blocking scheme Miami will employ.

The Dolphins did nothing to significantly address the guard spot, via draft or free agency. Granted that it is early in the process, but it sounds like this coaching staff plans to use A.Hicks at RT. We don't know if John Jerry will show the dedication to shed excess weight to make an impact in this kind of blocking scheme. No high-profile guards or centers were draft (drafting a solid center might have indicated Miami wanted to fix the guard spot by moving Pouncey there). Miami will probably want to keep Nate Garner in a back-up role, as his versatility will provide insurance against injuries to any of the starters.

Thus, with Richie Incognito already slated to start at guard, I think their best option might be to give Murtha a chance to shine at guard (I'm assuming it would be right guard).

 

[LikeUntoGod]

May the best man win. Most rookies do not start so I would not be stunned if J Martin does not win the starting job outright and in no way would I consider him a bust because of that.

We have found out in the past that it is very important to have good back ups at every position. It can be the difference in a season.

It would be wonderful if we had good back ups for both the right and left tackle positions. And if one of them could step up and fill the right guard spot, I'd be giddy with excitement.

I'm trying not to over think it and expect too much but we should/could have a much improved OL and be a couple of years away from having a top 5 OL.

 

[miamiron]

Martin really needs at least a year in the weight room
His poor bench press number shows that but only watching him play
will we see if he gets man handled at right tackle.

As for Murtha he had incredible combine numbers
lets hope he can put it together and play an injury free season

 

[retarmyfinfan]

Here we go with the bust predictions aleady.

 

[LikeUntoGod]

Here we go with the bust predictions aleady.

Why wait till even training camp starts? I mean, it will take years to discover if any rookie is a bust.

It is better and easier to just decide now. :rolleyes2:

 

[Elliott 1]

Pouncey is the Dolphin OL with bust potential. He was taken waaaayyyyy higher in the draft than Martin and finished last year ranked 30th in pass protection giving up 21 cumulative pressures.

Second round picks don't need to start their first or even 2nd year, but guys taken with the 15th pick in the draft need to start and play well from the get go.

 

[steviey013]

Johnathon Martin will start. Lydon Murtha will be his backup...Book it!