Center Samson Satele, signed Aug. 2 to fill in for Pouncey, has been “maybe even a little better than expected coming in,” Benton said. “He’s really been schooled over the years from a protection standpoint, which has helped us, in terms of running the show and getting everyone targeted.” He will have his hands full with Vince Wilfork on Sunday.
Asked about the chances Pouncey returns by the end of September --- Miami’s fourth game is Sept. 28 against Oakland --- Benton said, “I don’t know. Optimistically, there’s a chance that could happen. I don’t feel confident enough to say there’s any plan in the works.”
As for left guard, Benton likes Daryn Colledge, who signed June 30 after starting every game the past six seasons (four with Green Bay, the past two with Arizona).
“Daryn’s done a nice job for us,” he said. “Very intelligent player and he uses a lot of that in his game. He and Samson are blue collar, bring-your-lunch-pale type guys.”
It was surprising that Shelley Smith --- the starter at right guard --- played behind Dallas Thomas for two weeks earlier in camp, and Benton, laughing, admits “Shelley was perplexed by that, too.” He explained that happened because the staff liked what Thomas was doing early in camp and the battle at both guard spots “just had to run its course.”
Thomas lost the job after being dominated by Tampa Bay All-Pro Gerald McCoy. “Hopes are still high for Dallas,” Benton said.
But Smith is the more experienced player and graded out well as a run-blocker in St. Louis.
“Shelley is real athletic, not the biggest guy in the world,” Benton said. “Does a real good job getting to the second level, cutting guys off. Real quick feet.”
Even though the five starters haven’t played together very long, Colledge said: “Everyone is feeling good about how we’ve meshed. Everyone is comfortable. Other than Ja’Wuan, everyone has been [an NFL] starter. Brandon is a very good player. Samson has been a starter in this league. Shelley and I know how to play.”
