Sports Buzz 9/18/15- 10 Dolphins tidbits | FinHeaven - Miami Dolphins Forums

Sports Buzz 9/18/15- 10 Dolphins tidbits

G

gafin

Practice Squad
Joined
Apr 25, 2007
Messages
2,135
Reaction score
4
Glad they are better prepared for those cut blocks.

### Defensive end Cameron Wake and safety Reshad Jones, two of the Dolphins’ most valuable defensive pieces, were listed as questionable for Sunday’s game at Jacksonville because of hamstring injuries, but Jones said he would try to play and there’s hope that Wake can, too, barring a setback.

“I will be out there,” Jones said. “That’s the plan.”

The Dolphins are cautiously optimistic about Wake’s chances of playing, but aren’t certain by any means.

Defensive end Derrick Shelby (eye) also was listed as questionable. Defensive end Olivier Vernon (ankle) was listed as probable and has said he will play Sunday. Tight end Dion Sims (concussion) is out.

The Jaguars listed four players as out: defensive linemen Sen’Derrick Marks and Andre Branch, tight end Julius Thomas and cornerback Dwayne Gratz. Former FIU safety Johnathan Cyprien and running back Toby Gerhart are doubtful.

### How did Chris McCain go from being the starting strong-side linebacker to open training camp to not being active for Week 1?

Coaches haven't been happy with his production. "I've got to make more plays, be more accountable," he said.

McCain said coaches told him last week they needed to keep others active instead who were more critical on special teams --- even though McCain had a blocked punt last season.

Though McCain has practiced for months in the "jack" role that Dion Jordan handled last season, "we haven't used it at all in a game yet," McCain said. But "it hasn't been eliminated [from the playbook]."

Incidentally, McCain said he has been practicing exclusively at defensive end this week because of the Dolphins' injuries at the position.

"I really thought yesterday he was busting his tail out here at practice," Joe Philbin said. "He looks very good this week in preparation.”

### Meanwhile, cornerback Will Davis said the Dolphins told him he wasn’t active, at least initially, to give him more time to build strength in his surgically-repaired knee but that he will get a chance to play at some point.

### With Lamar Miller stopped short on a third and one and Damien Williams stopped on a fourth and 1 on Sunday, some wondered why Miami wouldn’t use 225-pound Jonas Gray (now on the practice squad) on short yardage.

But Miller is the heaviest he has ever been at 220 pounds (“I have a couple powerful runs in me,” he said) and the coaching staff feels good about him in short yardage because he converted 10 of 13 combined chances on third and 1 and fourth and one in 2014, averaging 5.5 yards on those carries.

### Brice McCain’s interception was so spectacular Sunday that a bunch of NFL players reached out to congratulate him, including San Diego three-time Pro Bowl safety Eric Weddle.

At 5-9, McCain --- who's starting on the boundary for Miami opposite Brent Grimes --- must constantly prove that he’s more than just a slot corner.

“It’s harder for us because of the stereotype,” McCain said. “People say you’re not big enough. But I can jump or run with anybody. If I was six feet, I would easily be a Pro Bowler.”

### Coach Joe Philbin didn’t answer directly when asked if DeVante Parker is ready for a larger role after playing just one snap against Washington. “He had a good week of practice,” Philbin said. “He’s getting more and more comfortable with the system.”

Cornerback Tony Lippett, who has covered Parker a lot in practice, said: “He’s not thinking about his movements as much as last week. He’s just letting it come to him.”

### Defensive tackle Earl Mitchell said the Dolphins are better prepared to handle the cut blocks to players’ knees that somewhat neutralized Ndamukong Suh and others at times during the Redskins game.

“We didn’t defend it in the preseason” so it surprised Miami to an extent, Mitchell said. “You have to use your hands, push the [offensive lineman] and move him out of the way.”

Philbin said: “We spend time fundamentally teaching it. It’s something we’re going to be seeing.” He said the Dolphins offensive linemen also used the cut-block at least twice against Washington.

### Quarterback Logan Thomas, who was moved from the 53-man roster to the practice squad in the past week, said the Dolphins have changed “the speed and technique” of his drop-backs. “They want me to play more relaxed.”

Thomas, released by Arizona earlier this month after one season there, said a few teams offered him practice squad jobs in recent days but “I wanted to stay here. This team is going places.” He said he believes he will be a Dolphin well into 2016, at least.

Philbin said when Ryan Tannehill and Matt Moore are discussing the game plan with quarterbacks coach Zac Taylor, Thomas goes to assistant quarterback coach Ben Johnson’s office for a film and study session.

### Philbin said new kickoff returner/running back Raheem Mostert has been "really impressive" so far in practice.

### Though Philbin instructed defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle to simplify his defense this past offseason, Philbin said he “absolutely” still wants nuances that can confuse opponents. But that comes with a caveat: “Let’s not start inventing new defenses that take us an hour to figure out in a short week. To me, it doesn’t make sense.”

### Most players have one locker stall; Wake and Suh are sharing six in an area of the locker-room Wake calls “Manhattan.”

Rookie Jordan Phillips recently was ejected from his spot in Manhattan and moved elsewhere because, as Wake said, smiling: “You’ve got to have more stripes to get some residency over there. That’s top tier. Certain guys can’t even apply. They know who they are. We know who they are.”

Wake said he’s willing to add only one more player to Manhattan: “It’s a different level of clientele we’re [trying to attract]."
Click to expand...


http://miamiherald.typepad.com/sports-buzz/
 
If Philips keeps getting sacks you better let that man in "Manhatten "
 
Fede and Phillips can takeover for Wake.
 
I don't know why miller keeps adding weight, it's clear he's just not ever going to be a power back.

And I hope this thread once and for all ends fhe crying about Chirs McCain, the guy just isn't picking up the pro game quick enough, that's really all there is to it.
 
xXwarXx said:
I don't know why miller keeps adding weight, it's clear he's just not ever going to be a power back.

And I hope this thread once and for all ends fhe crying about Chirs McCain, the guy just isn't picking up the pro game quick enough, that's really all there is to it.
Click to expand...
I disagree on the final play last week on 3rd and 8 or 9. He ran through tackles for the first down. He also was great on 3rd and short last year. Everybody loves to hate on Miller around here.
 
Manhattan!!! LOL... I love those types of locker room shenanigans!!! fun!!!

FINALLY... some actual words and truth to the cut blocking of Washington. The coaches and players know that they themselves had to improve on defeating the cuts, and use their hands!!! glad they discussed and worked on it!!!

I'm glad to hear that most of our players are ready to play Sunday against Jacksonville, but honestly wouldnt mind still if Jones rests up this Sunday a bit more if truly needed. Buffalo and the rest of the season is whats huge for him... he is a NEED in our defense!!!

not shocked Marks isnt playing Sunday for Jax, he jsut started to slowly get going this week in practices.

Loved to hear other players around the NFL reaching out and congratulating Brice on that awesome INT he had... thats what sports is about!!!

---------- Post added at 04:23 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:22 PM ----------
xXwarXx said:
I don't know why miller keeps adding weight, it's clear he's just not ever going to be a power back.

And I hope this thread once and for all ends fhe crying about Chirs McCain, the guy just isn't picking up the pro game quick enough, that's really all there is to it.
Click to expand...

adding strength... there is nothing wrong with that. he isnt looking to become a power back, but one can make themselves stronger, to accomplish a little more!!!
 
and the staff still is failing on the chris mccain thing...one injury away from playing spencer paysingers corpse
 
It's no surprise to me that Brandon Scherff fared well against Suh. Even in his first game as a rookie the kid is top notch.

Cut blocking is a staple of WCO's and ZBS's. It's just not practiced too much because it really raises the injury risk for both the OL and DL. But, cut blocking isn't nearly as effective when you do it consistently. It's better when it's just one technique in the arsenal to use against explosive first-step athletes like Suh. It slows them down fearing falling on their faces. It robs them of some of their aggressiveness for several plays thereafter. Practicing it is tough, risky, and difficult if you don't do it normally. But, I don't foresee it being a huge problem down the road. We will definitely see it, because so few things are successful against a guy like Suh, but we'll get used to handling it.
 
nick1 said:
I disagree on the final play last week on 3rd and 8 or 9. He ran through tackles for the first down. He also was great on 3rd and short last year. Everybody loves to hate on Miller around here.
Click to expand...

I'm not hating at all, it's just not what he's good at.

Yeah he's done it a handful of times, but its hardly a strong point for him.
 
I wonder what different clientele Wake would consider coming to Manhattan?? Tanne? Landry?
 
Wake on now live with Finsiders Greg Likens and chillin' in the recliners provided by Suh.

http://www.miamidolphins.com/finatics/comment-center/



The Finsiders ‏@TheFinsiders 6m6 minutes ago

- Wake: "On paper we have all the pieces we need to make this a special year but paper doesn't win championships...the hard work (does)."

- Wake very appreciative of the team's history: "To be a part of this franchise has meant the world to me...I go out there & give it my all."
 
Last edited by a moderator:
We'd be better off just eating the mistakes and letting McCain play
 
hooshoops said:
and the staff still is failing on the chris mccain thing...one injury away from playing spencer paysingers corpse
Click to expand...

The mccain situation is the head scratcher of the season so far. Kid has to much talent to be perma benched. He has plays in him, the staff just needs to figure out where.

Paysinger......... . :bobdole:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom