Sports Buzz: Thursday report- Dolphins practice nuggets

[gafin]

LaMichael James took a risk when he requested his release from the 49ers early last season, frustrated after receiving just 41 carries in two-plus seasons.

He found a job with the Dolphins three weeks later, initially on the practice squad and then on the 53-man roster beginning in mid-November. But he had only three carries, for nine yards.

Now the former Oregon star is challenging for the backup running back job behind Lamar Miller. James has been productive in the first week of camp, both running the ball and as a receiver out of the backfield.

“I can do anything,” he said. “I can play receiver, running back, returner. Any situation they put me, I feel I’ll be good at…. I love my chances against anybody. I just have to believe in myself.”

Asked to assess the battle for the No. 2 running back job, Joe Philbin on Thursday said: “I think Damien Williams has had a really good camp. LaMichael James has done well as well.

“Jay (Ajayi) is picking things up and improving. I think it’s a good group.” He also mentioned Mike Gillislee’s work in the red zone, though he’s seemingly a long shot to stick.

“I think the preseason games will help iron it out a little bit, but I really like the group,” Philbin said.

James, a 2012 second-round pick, assuredly didn’t expect to have fewer than 50 career carries heading into his fourth season.

“You’ve got to persevere,” he said. “Never get discouraged. A lot of guys in the face of adversity start to question their ability. You can’t do that.”

### Dallas Thomas (shoulder) and Koa Misi (calf) missed practice but both said neither of their injuries would keep them out an extended period. Louis Delmas, Cam Wake and Greg Jennings were given a “rest” day, and Will Davis sat out practice to rest his surgically-repaired knee.

### Jordan Phillips and emerging Anthony Johnson have received most of the second-team work at defensive tackle, leaving veteran CJ Mosley at risk. Mosley, who’s close with Ndamukong Suh, 32, has played 10 years in the NFL and started eight games for Detroit last season.

Asked if Mosley will be on the team, Philbin said: “We’ll see what happens.”

Mosley hasn’t received a lot of snaps with the top two groups and Philbin said “sometimes younger players we want to get exposed to a little bit more than some maybe an older player…. But some of it is based on merit, too.”

Johnson has been very disruptive in practice this week, including a sack Thursday.

"The thing I really like about him,” Philbin said, “is the way he plays the game first and foremost. I think he’s aggressive. He plays hard and fast. His technique has improved over year one.”

### The Dolphins expect FIU Stadium to be near capacity, if not sold out completely, for Friday night's intrasquad scrimmage.

With Sun Life Stadium unavailable because of ongoing renovations, the Dolphins decided to hold their annual practice game in Miami-Dade, where some 40 percent of their fan base lives.

As of Thursday morning, more than 12,000 tickets had already been sold. Tickets remain available at Dolphins.com and can also be purchased at the gate.

"We haven't done a scrimmage down there, to our knowledge, since the Shula era," said Jeremy Walls, the team's chief revenue officer. "A lot of our fans have told us, we would love if you did something down that way -- the Coral Gables, Kendall, Doral area. ... This is one of the great venues down there that can hold a lot of people."

Parking lots open at 4 p.m. and tailgating will be allowed. The practice starts at 6:30 p.m., with the scrimmage beginning at 7. Fireworks and player autographs will follow.

### Our Adam Beasley reports that the NFL has directed the Dolphins (and all 31 other franchises) to offer their season ticket holders the opportunity to reserve non-binding playoff tickets -- in August and September.

The Dolphins are giving their fans the chance to opt in if the team makes the playoffs. Those who sign up are committed to buy postseason tickets once the team qualifies, but will only be charged if the team hosts a game.

The move is in response to the embarrassing situation two years ago with the Green Packers, who needed help from local businesses to sell out their home wild card game against the 49ers.

### Philbin, on what he wants in Friday’s scrimmage:

"We want to see a lot of different combinations of people. We want to get a lot of people involved, we want to get a good evaluation on really hopefully everybody on the roster that’s going to go. That’s number one. We want to get some situational work accomplished, continue to work on the red zone, continue to work on two-minute.

“Obviously, defensively, offense didn’t do much yesterday. They did quite a bit, first-team offense was successful. We want to do another two-minute thing. So a lot of situations and also just exposure, the younger guys will probably get a little bit more so we get a good evaluation so they get their feet wet before we go to Chicago.”

### Ryan Tannehill, who struggled with the deep ball throughout camp last year, has improved his touch dramatically. He completed two more vertical throws today, including a 50-yarder to Rishard Matthews, who beat Louis Delmas.

### Regarding Evan Mathis, Armando Salguero (as reported in his blog) and I both heard this morning that dialogue remains ongoing.

The Dolphins have interest in Mathis but not (yet) at the price he wants, which is in the $5.5 million range. The Dolphins might be motivated to increase what they're willing to pay if the young guards struggle in Friday's scrimmage and/or Thursday's preseason opener at Chicago.

http://miamiherald.typepad.com/spor...tes-goldens-thoughts-after-day-1-of-camp.html

 

[Fin Thirteen]

Im a fan of Delmas', but thats two deep receptions he's given up in the past day or two. Jamar Taylor gave up his share of completions again today.

 

[xXwarXx]

Lamichael James is a great example of the difference between the NFL and college football.

He was a highlight machine in college, at the NFL level, he doesn't even look fast.

I've been high on Damien Williams since we snatched him up, I'm glad he's locking down that 2nd spot. He's physically built like a top tier running back, just needs to learn to make quicker decision. IMO his talent is right up there with the best.

 

[fininpsl]

Sounds like CJ Mosley has been a disappointment, but if they feel really strongly that the two young DT's can play, and one is a starting quality talent I'd personally consider keeping Mosley as a backup as cheap as he is and consider cutting Mitchell for the cap savings. There would be half the money you'd need to sign Evan Mathis.

 

[Wildbill3]

Im a fan of Delmas', but thats two deep receptions he's given up in the past day or two. Jamar Taylor gave up his share of completions again today.

so you'd rather tannehill not complete any deep passes? You can't have it both ways man.

 

[datruth55]

Sounds like CJ Mosley has been a disappointment, but if they feel really strongly that the two young DT's can play, and one is a starting quality talent I'd personally consider keeping Mosley as a backup as cheap as he is and consider cutting Mitchell for the cap savings. There would be half the money you'd need to sign Evan Mathis.

Why does everyone want to cut Mitchell? Mitchell's salary is fully guaranteed...there is no cap savings in cutting him. And why is it that CJ Mosely is a disappointment and not that the two young guys (Phillips and Johnson) are just playing better than him?

 

[Wildbill3]

Why does everyone want to cut Mitchell? Mitchell's salary is fully guaranteed...there is no cap savings in cutting him. And why is it that CJ Mosely is a disappointment and not that the two young guys (Phillips and Johnson) are just playing better than him?

I like the idea that mosely brings experience, but man... if we can develop our own, or if Suh can inspire those around him to elevate their game to the point we can part ways with an older vet, that's an absolute best case dream. I wish we could say the same thing about the OL.

 

[napsndreds]

typically finheaven, lets get rid of the players who are doing well so far.

 

[spiketex]

Interesting that Mosley hasn't seen much action to date, after the excellent reference from Ndamukong. However, we appear to be absolutely loaded with D-line talent. From all accounts Mitchell, Johnson and Phillips are looking good. Most other teams do not have depth like this. The issue with Johnson coming out of college was getting him disciplined. While he had the talent, he was hard to control. Sounds like the coaches have done a good job.
AJ Francis might have more time available for uber in the near future.

 

[hoops]

dont think they will cut mosley..he's cheap and has played well with suh before...more likely with the other dts flashing i think they carry 5

but we'll see...

 

[Digital]

The DT situation will likely come down to how our pass rushers hold up.

Right now we have outside rush from Wake, OV, Fede, Shelby and McCain. That's excellent. If all of those guy continue to flash play making and stay healthy, then we will likely keep all of them and 5 DT guys at the expense of the LB's and DB's.

A great front end hides a lot of problems on the back end. So I see Mosely making the team barring injuries to DE's complicating our pass rush situation.

 

[So Be]

Why does everyone want to cut Mitchell? Mitchell's salary is fully guaranteed...there is no cap savings in cutting him. And why is it that CJ Mosely is a disappointment and not that the two young guys (Phillips and Johnson) are just playing better than him?

Mitchell is only guaranteed $1.5M this year, and we would save $3M by moving him. I like him and want to keep him.

 

[BigNastyFish]

We got lotza tallent @DL and WR -- I says we getta G in trade. Someone young. Affordable. Solid. And ready to eject Dallas Thomas. Shouldn't be that hard.

Make it happen Hickey. Or Tbomb. Whoever...

Of course, gotta hope Parker's foot doesn't fall off.

 

[fininpsl]

Why does everyone want to cut Mitchell? Mitchell's salary is fully guaranteed...there is no cap savings in cutting him. And why is it that CJ Mosely is a disappointment and not that the two young guys (Phillips and Johnson) are just playing better than him?

Mitchell is not fully guaranteed this year. I like him as a player. But I also like the two young DT's. They are cheaper than Mitchell though. I suppose it depends on how well the two young DT's appear to be developing, and whether Mosley is worth keeping or not.

 

[lurking]

they're just checking to see what the young pups have.