DKphin
Club Member
Here are the 10 things the Sun-Sentinel will be looking for in the Dolphins-Dallas game tonight.
1-STARTING LINE: Unhappy with the performance of his first units in last week’s loss to the Falcons, Dolphins coach Tony Sparano has hinted he will play his starters longer than usual, on both sides of the ball. The conventional running game – 15 carries for just 20 yards (1.3-yard average) last week by running backs – must show progress with the Sept. 12 season opener at Buffalo fast approaching.
2-NICKEL FOR YOUR THOUGHTS: Recently acquired cornerback Benny Sapp will get a long look at nickel cornerback after rookie Nolan Carroll’s recent struggles in the role and the continued absence of veteran Will Allen, still rehabbing from Aug. 12 arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. Sapp made 11 combined starts the past two seasons with the Vikings.
3-INSIDE DRILL: With final 53-man roster cuts set for Saturday, a trio of contenders at inside linebacker (former seventh-rounders Austin Spitler and J.D. Folsom, along with undrafted Micah Johnson) are battling for one likely spot. Three wide receivers – Patrick Turner, Marlon Moore and Roberto Wallace – are vying for two spots.
4- Which young quarterbacks get extensive playing time, and how effectively does Tyler Thigpen, the clear cut No. 3 quarterback, run the offense? Does Pat White look respectable in his second opportunity to throw passes?
5 – Who plays better at strong side linebacker? Will it be rookie second-round pick Koa Misi, or converted defensive lineman Ike Alama-Francis? The Dolphins have to do a better job of setting the edge against the run game, and getting to the quarterback on passing downs.
6 – Last week Vontae Davis took a step in the right direction, dominating against the Falcons. This week it’s Sean Smith’s turn to turn up the volume on his game, showing the growth and development he’s made in 2010. Smith has plenty of talent. It’s time he showed it off.
7- Can the Dolphins defensive front contain Dallas’ potent ground game, which features three talented tailbacks, but has sputtered so far this exhibition season. The Cowboys ground game is averaging just 54.5 yards rushing in the exhibition season. Can the Dolphins front seven keep them under 60?
8-We need to start feeling Chris Clemons more. How about the Dolphins starting free safety deflect a pass, force or recover a fumble, pick off an interception, or make a body jarring tackle in his limited action. Just one impact play, please. I’m not saying Clemons at risk of losing his job, but he needs to do more to convince the coaches he’s worth a continued investment.
9- The Cowboys have allowed 15 sacks during the exhibition season and it’s about time this defense put on the feed bag, feasting on Dallas shacky offensive line, and Cowboys backup quarterback Stephen McGee, who will likely get the start. It’s about time Cameron Wake delivered a sack.
10 – Who earns a spot on the 53-man roster based on their special teams contribution. Which players are busting up edges and getting down field effectively as a gunner? The last five to eight roster spots on the roster will come down to what guys do in the third phase of the game. Being effective in that phase of the game comes down to heart, and it’s time for those who really want it to deliver.
http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/sport...t-to-watch-for-miami-dolphins-vs-cowboys.html
1-STARTING LINE: Unhappy with the performance of his first units in last week’s loss to the Falcons, Dolphins coach Tony Sparano has hinted he will play his starters longer than usual, on both sides of the ball. The conventional running game – 15 carries for just 20 yards (1.3-yard average) last week by running backs – must show progress with the Sept. 12 season opener at Buffalo fast approaching.
2-NICKEL FOR YOUR THOUGHTS: Recently acquired cornerback Benny Sapp will get a long look at nickel cornerback after rookie Nolan Carroll’s recent struggles in the role and the continued absence of veteran Will Allen, still rehabbing from Aug. 12 arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. Sapp made 11 combined starts the past two seasons with the Vikings.
3-INSIDE DRILL: With final 53-man roster cuts set for Saturday, a trio of contenders at inside linebacker (former seventh-rounders Austin Spitler and J.D. Folsom, along with undrafted Micah Johnson) are battling for one likely spot. Three wide receivers – Patrick Turner, Marlon Moore and Roberto Wallace – are vying for two spots.
4- Which young quarterbacks get extensive playing time, and how effectively does Tyler Thigpen, the clear cut No. 3 quarterback, run the offense? Does Pat White look respectable in his second opportunity to throw passes?
5 – Who plays better at strong side linebacker? Will it be rookie second-round pick Koa Misi, or converted defensive lineman Ike Alama-Francis? The Dolphins have to do a better job of setting the edge against the run game, and getting to the quarterback on passing downs.
6 – Last week Vontae Davis took a step in the right direction, dominating against the Falcons. This week it’s Sean Smith’s turn to turn up the volume on his game, showing the growth and development he’s made in 2010. Smith has plenty of talent. It’s time he showed it off.
7- Can the Dolphins defensive front contain Dallas’ potent ground game, which features three talented tailbacks, but has sputtered so far this exhibition season. The Cowboys ground game is averaging just 54.5 yards rushing in the exhibition season. Can the Dolphins front seven keep them under 60?
8-We need to start feeling Chris Clemons more. How about the Dolphins starting free safety deflect a pass, force or recover a fumble, pick off an interception, or make a body jarring tackle in his limited action. Just one impact play, please. I’m not saying Clemons at risk of losing his job, but he needs to do more to convince the coaches he’s worth a continued investment.
9- The Cowboys have allowed 15 sacks during the exhibition season and it’s about time this defense put on the feed bag, feasting on Dallas shacky offensive line, and Cowboys backup quarterback Stephen McGee, who will likely get the start. It’s about time Cameron Wake delivered a sack.
10 – Who earns a spot on the 53-man roster based on their special teams contribution. Which players are busting up edges and getting down field effectively as a gunner? The last five to eight roster spots on the roster will come down to what guys do in the third phase of the game. Being effective in that phase of the game comes down to heart, and it’s time for those who really want it to deliver.
http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/sport...t-to-watch-for-miami-dolphins-vs-cowboys.html