So the Miami coaching staff is doing the next best thing. The Dolphins are encouraging competition anywhere else on the roster that might raise the level of play around the quarterback — particularly at running back and wide receiver — and even anywhere on defense they see an opening.
The Dolphins’ starting lineup, contrary to popular belief, is not settled at every position. There are starting jobs available at the front of the depth chart, and there is playing time to be won and lost.
Yes, Brandon Marshall is one starting wide receiver. He’s untouchable. But the Dolphins want two starting receivers, so Brian Hartline and Davone Bess are competing for the vacant job with younger players not necessarily eliminated from consideration.
“I think the next guy after Brandon is up for grabs right now,” coach Tony Sparano said. “It’s up for debate. You want your best couple of guys out there, and right now that means Brian or Davone. But maybe one of the young guys can push those guys, too.”
Hartline was the starter in 11 games last season but couldn’t play any more after he injured a finger in December. In the final five games, Bess started four times and caught 24 passes for 214 yards.
Coaches who previously cast Bess as merely a slot receiver saw other possibilities. The same coaches are now giving Bess a chance to be more of a featured player.
“As the year went on last year and after Brian got hurt, Davone went in there and played pretty well,” Sparano said. “At the end of this, we have to put the best weapons out there.”
