What to expect: The safeties are going to face the same challenges, for the most part, that the CBs will have to endure. Although the safeties proved to be solid against the run last season, the more important aspect of their game - and the one that needs the most work - is in pass coverage. As I pointed out yesterday, the crop of receivers on the Dolphins schedule is a tough one, and the AFC East alone provides several headaches when defending against the passing attack. The infusion of Yeremiah Bell as a starter from Week 1 will definitely help the secondary, but they must work on limiting the big play and stopping third-down conversions. Renaldo Hill and Yeremiah Bell are a good starting tandem, but the depth is almost pitiful after them.
Here's a closer look at the individual safeties currently on the roster and what can be expected of them this coming season:
Renaldo Hill
Although the Miami defense doesn't really distinguish between its free safety and its strong safety, per say, Hill generally fits the mold of the free safety. Last season, in his first year with the Dolphins, Hill was a big surprise. When Jason Allen held out of training camp for over two weeks, Hill won the starting job and never let go. He played very solid football all season, finishing third on the team with 86 tackles and 9 passes defensed. He also showed an ability to make plays (something this secondary sorely needs) by nabbing two INTs and one fumble recovery that he returned for a touchdown. Hill isn't the fastest or the flashiest safety, but he consistently gets the job done. And with a front seven like Miami has, that's all you can ask for from him. Hopefully Hill's second year in Dom Caper's defensive system will find him even more comfortable and able to make big plays.
