Four questions from the past five days of Dolphins camp

by Matty I on Jun 2, 2010 5:00 AM EDT in 2012 Miami Dolphins News

The Dolphins have had a very active past five days. They held a three day mini-camp from Friday through Sunday that featured five practices and then held an OTA session on Tuesday after a one day break on Memorial Day.

Yesterday we focused on five things we may have learned from these "non-contact" practices. Today I wanted to focus on four questions that remain very much unanswered as we sit here in early June.

1. Who wins the other starting receiver job?
The addition of Brandon Marshall instantly changed how we all look at Miami's group of receivers. No longer is the corps a below average group. Now with a legitimate number one target for Chad Henne, the Dolphins actually have one of the more well-balanced group of receivers in the league. To compliment Marshall, the Fins have Greg Camarillo, Davone Bess, and Brian Hartline. Each have their own strengths and all three should see their fair share of snaps.

But which of the three will be the starter opposite of Marshall? Tony Sparano has said that "at the end of the day, the next best player is going to play." But who is that next best player? Take Davone Bess, for example. He led the team in receptions last year in just his second season. On the other hand, he's the ideal slot receiver and is probably best suited to handle that role again in 2010. But we found out recently that Bess has actually seen a lot of snaps on the outside during these offseason practices, with Greg Camarillo moving inside to the slot. Brian Hartline, meanwhile, may have the most upside of the three. He might just be a more athletic version of Camarillo - but more raw than either of the other two guys battling for the job.

Maybe the Dolphins don't even need a true number two receiver, using a committee style rotation instead. At this point, it's anyone's guess.

2. Which defensive player gets the "green dot"?
The green dot, of course, is the marking that goes on the helmet of the player who will have the earpiece inside his helmet and relay the play calls from the sideline. The value of knowing who gets that distinction is obvious - that player will likely never come off the field, playing all three downs.

Sparano said on Tuesday that he will likely decide between three players to be the signal caller: Karlos Dansby, Channing Crowder, and Yeremiah Bell. Bell would make a lot of sense since he never comes off the field. But it's rare for a safety to get that duty. Safeties have enough to worry about before the snap. Crowder had the sticker last year. But the Dolphins spent over $40 million to bring in Dansby because they were not happy with the production of their inside linebackers. And it wouldn't make much sense for Dansby not to be an every down linebacker. So I expect Dansby to eventually end up with the green dot. But for now, that's still up in the air.

3. Is Anderson really going to be the starting WOLB?
I know, I know. I'm starting to harp on this topic. And some of you will probably stone me for this because you believe we should just trust this coaching staff no matter what. But I'm still not buying this. Charlie Anderson is not a starting caliber linebacker. He's just not. And it pains me to bring this up again, but how in the world could you let Jason Taylor leave if you had no contingency plan in place if Cameron Wake proved not to be ready to step into a starting role?

Let's be honest here. The plan was to prepare Wake to start. And this regime believed Jason Taylor would have been a "progress stopper" if he stuck around and took snaps away from Wake. The plan was not to have Charlie Anderson start as the weak side outside linebacker. And you're crazy if you think it was. Now maybe the Dolphins are using this as a motivational tool to get more out of Wake. Truth be told, I sure hope that's the case.

4. Who becomes the primary kick returner?
With Ted Ginn gone off to San Francisco, the Dolphins have an obvious void on special teams as a return man. While Ginn was inconsistent to say the least, he always posed that big play threat that could instantly change a game (just ask the Jets). So who steps up and fills that void?

Kory Sheets seems like the most logical choice. Ryan Grice-Mullen, Julius Pruitt, and Taurus Johnson are other options, too. But none of those guys are even locks to make the final 53 man roster. Davone Bess and Patrick Cobbs would likely be the two "locks" who could take over the return duties full time. But neither possesses great speed and Cobbs is still recovering from his torn ACL. Needless to say, this will be one of the more interesting training camp and preseason battles to keep an eye on.

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Comments

we need to stop stressing about the #2 WR

my guess is that Miami will rotate them based on the defensive match-up and the strengths of each player. isn’t that what we do most everywhere else on the field already anyways? hartline and cam are better blockers while bess is our possession receiver to move the chains. also, i can see them all (Marshall included) be lined up in the X, Y, and Z at different times in the game depending on the offensive play being run

by bbickley on Jun 2, 2010 6:00 AM EDT reply actions

IMO, watch out for Hartline to get the #2 WR spot, and for Bess to be rotated in when

either BM or Hartline gets tired in a drive. Dansby will get the green dot, but Bell would also be a great choice from a veteran. Also, I think Wake will win the starting job. Sheets will be on the roster for sure, and is a good KR, also Pruitt has been making plays at WR and KR during OTAs. If he keeps this up, the last roster spot will be between him and Turner.

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by PotM on Jun 2, 2010 6:06 AM EDT reply actions

Was going to cite

Turner, and make sure you recall Turner’s “making plays” at OTAs last year. I was then going to cite what happened to him thereafter.

Not to bring you down, just can’t be too optimistic. I’d love to see him do this in the preseason, because yeah, I like him a lot too.

Gonna take a fortnight at least to get this herd down to St. Louis on Mississippi. This glen's gonna be tough to traverse, and that river's got to be 50, 60 meters wide. And God knows how many fathoms. To hell with parliamentary procedure. We've got to wrangle up some cattles!

by Dave.Phuller on Jun 2, 2010 9:14 AM EDT up reply actions

Heh

indeed Dave as we know, “anything is possible” isn’t really the basis of any argument :-)

I’ve a feeling, just a feeling, that Turner won’t be on the 53 man squad when it is all said and done.

by Natalya on Jun 2, 2010 9:34 AM EDT up reply actions

I hope that's not the case

for obvious reasons, but wouldn’t be very quick to argue your point.

by Dave.Phuller on Jun 2, 2010 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions

I'm thinking that the situation with Anderson has more to do with him being here a full year before Wake

I like to think it’s more a case of showing the rest of the roster that Anderson put in his time and now he’s getting his shot. That must help when it comes to guys trying to climb that same kind of roster ladder.

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by special agent wildcat on Jun 2, 2010 8:03 AM EDT reply actions

and he's been in the league for 5 years...

He played as a backup for those years… maybe after last year the game has slowed down and he’s letting things come to him a little better.

Bold Pat White Prediction: 500 Yds Rushing, 300 Yds Passing, 3 Touchdowns
Driver of the "DRAFT RAS-I DOWLING IN 2011" bandwagon!!!

by Heater OsE on Jun 2, 2010 8:10 AM EDT up reply actions

I can certainly remember making that jump when I was younger playing soccer

I can remember the actual moment that the game slowed down for me. Not to compare me as a child athlete to an NFL linebacker but those kind of things are hard to understand sometimes if it hasn’t actually happened to you.

It was actually my heart rate slowing down that made it feel like overall everything was slowing down. The moment my mind could process everything going on at once was when I was able to move with the ball without making mistakes. It allowed me to aim at a spot in the net instead of just firing in the direction of the goal.

I agree that the game could slow down for him and make him appear better without his physical ability changing at all.

by special agent wildcat on Jun 2, 2010 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions

stop your sniveling! who needs jason taylor if we have charlie anderson?

yeah, i'll change the photo later

by a1a on Jun 2, 2010 8:04 AM EDT reply actions

lol

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by Alpha6 on Jun 4, 2010 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions

All I can say is it's going to be fun to watch this team grow...

Offense: I know everyone knows that Marshall is going to be our #1, but he will be playing on the left, on the right, at slot, maybe in the backfield to keep defenses honest in coverage. We know for sure, that Bess can play slot but there were times last year that he played the #1 and #2 receiver well. I’m pretty sure we will be running the ball to pass, so just think…

3 wide formation, BM in the slot, hartline left, and Bess right. Polite, and Brown in the backfield.

Throwing screen to BM with Long, Polite, Hartline blocking will be deadly.

Defense: This will work itself out. Of course Crowder will be in the running because he had the dot last year, and I highly doubt they give it to a safety like you said. Karlos would be my early pick unless Crowder comes to play in Training Camp.

Special Teams: I’m pulling for Grice-Mullen, but my guess is that Sheets is beating them out just by being on the practice squad almost all of last year.

Hopefully that adds something to the discussion…

Bold Pat White Prediction: 500 Yds Rushing, 300 Yds Passing, 3 Touchdowns
Driver of the "DRAFT RAS-I DOWLING IN 2011" bandwagon!!!

by Heater OsE on Jun 2, 2010 8:33 AM EDT reply actions

Anderson will be fine!!

How can anyone say that Anderson doesn’t fit the mold as a starting caliber OLB?? He has never been a starter and he wouldn’t have been playing behind JT or Porter!!! One thing for sure is that when he has filled in on spot duty or as a backup he thrived!! Maybe with the opportunity to start, he can come into his own!! Also, Sparano has said EVERYONE is reading too much into the way the depth charts are looking in these OTAs and mini camps!! He has said he just wants different players to get looks against some of the more talented players on the squad!! Whether it is EARTH-WAKE or Anderson starting, I think we will be fine with either one!! GO DOLPHINS!!

Dolfankirb, Wash. St's #1 FINFAN!!

by Dolfankirb13 on Jun 2, 2010 9:23 AM EDT reply actions

Talent + Questions = Exciting offseason.

I agree… People are reading too much into the OTA’s

But you have to admit we have a lot of Questions…
We have a lot of Talent…

It is resulting in a very exciting off-season. The “What if” machine will be in overdrive all season long.

It is a good year to be a DolFan

by MightyHal on Jun 2, 2010 3:05 PM EDT up reply actions

I have to say I'm with Matty on this one.

Also, you might want to get your keyboard checked. I think your “!” key is sticking.

by urbino on Jun 3, 2010 11:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Wake will start...

I don’t understand the bashing on Anderson tho, I actually like Anderson and I have seen some flashes from him. I feel hella comfortable going into the season with Wake and Anderson, just saying….

All I know is, some how, some way I want RGM on this team.

WR core:

Marshall
Hartline
Bess
Cam
RGM

That core is dangerous!!!! (notice Turner isnt there lol)

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by EverybodyLovesDolphins on Jun 2, 2010 9:37 AM EDT reply actions

I think Turner is eligible for Practice Squad...

Unless there are huge improvements, which Sparano said he’s got it mentally, I imagine this is where he’s heading…

Bold Pat White Prediction: 500 Yds Rushing, 300 Yds Passing, 3 Touchdowns
Driver of the "DRAFT RAS-I DOWLING IN 2011" bandwagon!!!

by Heater OsE on Jun 2, 2010 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions

I think he is as well but I would be very concerned about Carroll in Seattle grabbing him

He’d need to pass through waivers first to make it back onto our practice squad and I doubt that would happen. If he’s not going to make this team I think I would prefer to trade him early for a late round pick instead of waiving him in hopes of getting him back on the PS.

by special agent wildcat on Jun 2, 2010 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions

Didn't think about that...

Thought it would be a good thing to have him on the practice squad for a year… PICK YOUR GAME UP TURNER!!!

Bold Pat White Prediction: 500 Yds Rushing, 300 Yds Passing, 3 Touchdowns
Driver of the "DRAFT RAS-I DOWLING IN 2011" bandwagon!!!

by Heater OsE on Jun 2, 2010 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions

AGREE with Matty...

Anderson is NOT a STARTER…no way. I know I am more critical of this FO than most of you, and I DO SEE that we are a much better team with Parcells in charge. But this is a good example of Front Office “EGO” causing mistakes… Jason Taylor has forgotten more about being an OLB than Charlie Anderson will ever learn. You can only blame this on the FO…. why not resign him to the “average money” contract it would have taken ? TUNA wanted rid of JT from day one….period. Sure- I want WAKE to come in and be a “pass rushing” beast – but Anderson as our “backup plan” ? WTF…let me say it again…….W T F !!! – Anderson is totally average. No matter what – we have a need for another quality starter at OLB….. and we could have kept one for almost nothing – a Dolphin “legend” at that….

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DRAFT a #1 WR now.........

by 62Lou on Jun 2, 2010 9:39 AM EDT reply actions

No one reallyknows what the FO feeling were to JT...

… but JT also went to the dance with a different girl….

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by Alpha6 on Jun 4, 2010 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions

just listen to sparano

wake has gotten more snaps than anderson at these practices. relax guys

by ricenbeans82 on Jun 2, 2010 10:34 AM EDT via mobile reply actions

I must be crazy then.

Because Charlie Anderson has been in the league just long enough to become something. He has good speed and has been on our team for a few years. How could a FO draft a player and not hope that they would start someday? Why is it so unbelievable? Maybe its his day maybe its not. Time will tell.

by labrat3105 on Jun 2, 2010 11:07 AM EDT reply actions

agreed but he was actually signed as a FA in 2008 from the Chiefs I believe

but yes, they’ve invested in him and he needs to play in order to judge the investment. If he’s showing everything from a physical standpoint that they feel are the necessary tools to do the job then the growth he needs to display is upstairs.

I suppose featuring him early could also develop some value for him. He’s 28 so the value could be there but at the same time he might be just a bit older than they would like at this point. Using him now allows for the argument that you value him which could be flipped my Ireland in trade talks if he approaches the discussion the right way.

by special agent wildcat on Jun 2, 2010 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions

Quit alreay

It’s only OTA’s so quit crying about Anderson getting more reps than Wake with the first teamers. Plus if Wake is so talented and Anderson is so horrible what does that say about Wake not being able topush for the starters role? Let the best man get on the field.

by PhinsAllDay on Jun 2, 2010 11:48 AM EDT reply actions

Atogwe got released by the Rams

James T Paulson

by Jtpdolphins2009 on Jun 2, 2010 12:50 PM EDT reply actions

Let the bidding begin!

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by texascowpunk on Jun 2, 2010 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Dolphins won't play.......

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by Alpha6 on Jun 4, 2010 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions

Matty

Don’t stress the fact Anderson is getting the majority of the first team Reps in May/June. Remember Shawn Murphy got most of them last season. Where is he now? Tony has said Wake has gotten the most snaps out of all the olb’s. He considers snaps more important than what team you line up with right now.

BRANDON MARSHALL! and TD's are synonyms.
EARTHWAKE!!! QB's you can't run or hide
CAMARILLO=Clutch Football player
HENNE=the 2nd coming??? Time will soon tell

by 54 on Jun 2, 2010 3:11 PM EDT reply actions

oj atogwe

rotoworld mentions miami prolly not being interested, I think I’m ok going into the season with the guys we have anyways.

by ricenbeans82 on Jun 2, 2010 3:24 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

A-ha....

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by Alpha6 on Jun 4, 2010 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions

IMO

1. i hope its brian hartline, he has potential to be a kevin walter-type compliment to brandon marshall rotating with camarillo and bess in the slot

2. dansby. he is an every down backer and was a leader on a cardinals defense which was full of stars (himself, darnell docket, adrian wilson, antrell rolle, dominique rodgers-cromartie, etc.)

3. i hope not. I, like most on this site, hope its cameron wake. like we all kno, beast pass-rusher, but needs help in other areas

4. i like RGM for this one, good combination of speed and quickness. besides, he has dreads. 90% of people who have dreads are good

WE GOT BRANDON MARSHALL!!!!!
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by finzrule on Jun 2, 2010 7:16 PM EDT reply actions

heh

by urbino on Jun 3, 2010 11:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Kory Sheets and RGM should be the KR/PR

Kory should be returning kicks and RGM should be returning punts.

Draft Laron Byrd now!!!
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by Weecho85 on Jun 2, 2010 10:55 PM EDT reply actions