Miami Dolphins Position Battles - Free Safety
by Kevin Nogle on Aug 14, 2011 9:18 PM EDT
in 2012 Miami Dolphins News
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We've all known all offseason, and throughout training camp, that the Miami Dolphins free safety position would be a competition between Chris Clemons and Reshad Jones. Clemons got the start in Friday's preseason game, and is currently listed as the starter on the Dolphins' depth chart, but Jones rotated in and out with Clemons, and both players have their strengths and weaknesses.
Clemons is a highly intelligent player, always recognizing plays and putting himself in the right position to make a play. However, he has a problem making the play. Last year, Clemons only had 1 interception and 5 passes defensed, while dropping 3 picks. But, as the free safety, Clemons serves as the last resort for the Dolphins defense, and he plays that role well, finishing the year with 61 tackles, third on the team behind strong safety Yeremiah Bell and linebacker Karlos Dansby.
Jones, however, is seen as a play maker. He will make the big sack or interception when it's needed. The problem, though, is he focuses too much on the big defensive play, and it results in him being out of position. Until the Dolphins coaching staff can trust Jones to be in the right position, they cannot risk letting him be the play maker he naturally is.
Both players are young. This is Clemons' third year in the league, while it's Jones' second year. Both players have time to develop the weaknesses in their game, and both players have shown the ability to step up. But, as of now, Clemons' ability to be in the right place at the right time ensures he gets the start over Jones.
But, through the next three preseason games, this could change, as Head Coach Tony Sparano has already mentioned that Jones' performance in training camp has improved. It will be interesting to watch the battle between these two as camp, and the season, progresses.
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Correction
This is Clemons’ 3rd year and Jones’ 2nd year.
- Attempting to debate with a person who has abandoned reason is like giving medicine to the dead.
- Defeat isn't bitter if you don't swallow it.
You're right.
Apparently the site I used to get their stats already added this year in the “experience” part. Thanks!
Sept. 26, 2010 - 2012/2013 Draft Kyle Padron Bandwagon
Jones want to be a Polamalu
SEAN SMITH #24 & VONTAE DAVIS #21 IS NAMES YOU SHOULD GET FAMILAR WITH CAUSE YOU GOING BE HEARING THOSE NAME FOR A LONG TIME
It ok to criticize the O line and running game after 1 game, but it not ok to criticize Henne
i LOVE Reshad Jones, but
he looked lost in coverage on several plays, improving in training camp is great but being “game ready” is what i need to see, i just dont trust him as a starter yet, clemons has looked solid. Believe me though, i want to see reshad on the field badly.
aka: SEX PANTHER
Until Clemons can get a few int's
Jones is my man, failure to hold picks has killed us dearly. Nice write though Mosul.
Damn the sheriff, Bring on MARSHALL LAW
One thing you need to mention about clemons
The man can hit
"The first thing I do when I get out of bed and feel the jolt in my knees is think of Roy Winston. On the second step, my calcified Adam's apple starts bobbing, and I think of Carl Eller. A few more steps in the dark and it's Willie Lanier. By the time I get to the bathroom, I'm flashing back to Dick Butkus and Ray Nitschke. And when the light finally comes on, I just hope that somewhere in the darkness they're thinking of me, too" - Larry Csonka.
He played before my time but one of the toughest SOBs to ever play!
Clemons is ahead of Reshad Jones at this point...
but give R. Jones one more year of experience and he’ll be better than Bell (with an additional year of wear and tear).
I think he is a natural strong safety. Has enough size to fight with TEs and a solid tackler…
I’m not sure why they don’t put players in their natural position.
Looking forward to seeing Jimmy Wilson at Free Safety someday…
Definition: scatback, n., an offensive running back in football who is elusive and fast. Out with the WILDCAT...and in with the WILD-SCAT:
WR _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ LT LG C RG RT TE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ < - - - - - - - - - - - - SC _ _ _ _ _ WR
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ FB _ _QB (Henne) _ _ _ SC = Bush/Sheets/Grigsby
This was my question
Jones can play SS but Clemons can’t?
Seriously Turtle, Smoke More Weed
by Mannieblunts on Aug 14, 2011 10:50 PM EDT up reply actions
As long as they both know Wilson will be taking there spot next year
TO ACQUIRE KNOWLEDGE; ONE MUST STUDY,TO ACQUIRE WISDOM ONE MUST OBSERVE !!
YOU ARE NOT BORN A WINNER, YOU ARE NOT BORN A LOSER, YOU ARE WHAT YOU MAKE YOURSELF BECOME !!
I LIKE TO TAKE A AMBIEN RIGHT BEFORE I GET ON THIS SITE,15 MINUTES LATER, ITS A GREAT RIDE
Wilson playing Cb for some reason
they need to move wilson to safety
SEAN SMITH #24 & VONTAE DAVIS #21 IS NAMES YOU SHOULD GET FAMILAR WITH CAUSE YOU GOING BE HEARING THOSE NAME FOR A LONG TIME
It ok to criticize the O line and running game after 1 game, but it not ok to criticize Henne
by biggaandbadda on Aug 14, 2011 11:25 PM EDT up reply actions
This is a "big horse" on D!!
wopper "the king" computer
We often look rite past the positive's cuz the negative's-r-so hard they dominate!
by wild zion beaver on Aug 15, 2011 12:07 AM EDT up reply actions
reshad jones
is the fucking man
Self-proclaimed president of the Pat White and Brian Hartline fan club.
The one and only "ho-nerd"
well said
agreed.
Laces out!
Editor of the Wildcat Weekly after every Victory
-2008 AFC East Champions-
BRANDON MARSHALL- FUTURE MIAMI HOF WR!!!!!
Love having both
And a fan of both. I like Jones and honestly I’d like to see Clemons take over Bell’s spot in a year or two.
JONES + CLEMONS could be a good tandem
plus pair that up with Vontae, Sean and our boy Jimmy Wilson. BALLIN!
Laces out!
Editor of the Wildcat Weekly after every Victory
-2008 AFC East Champions-
BRANDON MARSHALL- FUTURE MIAMI HOF WR!!!!!
dont forget nolan carrol
Self-proclaimed president of the Pat White and Brian Hartline fan club.
The one and only "ho-nerd"
Wilson made some nice plays vs ATL
He looks really comfortable blitzing the QB but was out of position in coverage a couple times.
Agree, would rather see him at saftey, with a year to learn
TO ACQUIRE KNOWLEDGE; ONE MUST STUDY,TO ACQUIRE WISDOM ONE MUST OBSERVE !!
YOU ARE NOT BORN A WINNER, YOU ARE NOT BORN A LOSER, YOU ARE WHAT YOU MAKE YOURSELF BECOME !!
I LIKE TO TAKE A AMBIEN RIGHT BEFORE I GET ON THIS SITE,15 MINUTES LATER, ITS A GREAT RIDE
I don’t think he needs a year. That man looks like a natural playmaker.
Kacy Rodgers! (Our D-Line Coach) Got to give him some credit.
Rusty Smith! (Titans future qb)
Play to win
I think with more experience he takes Benny Sapp's job.
One guy that looked lost all night was Tyron Culver. It seemed like he made a bad decision on every big play ATL had in the 1st half.
agree with the Culver part. Dont know what this guy does for him to still be on the roster
Wilson look like he can be a starter at safety, he’s a good tackler. Wont be surprise if next season he take Bell job
SEAN SMITH #24 & VONTAE DAVIS #21 IS NAMES YOU SHOULD GET FAMILAR WITH CAUSE YOU GOING BE HEARING THOSE NAME FOR A LONG TIME
It ok to criticize the O line and running game after 1 game, but it not ok to criticize Henne
by biggaandbadda on Aug 15, 2011 12:56 AM EDT up reply actions
While I think Wilson could be a good safety, I see more value as a 3rd CB
I’ll admit I haven’t seen his hands yet but from what I saw, he can get to a QB. With the athleticism our MLB’s have, they can cover a zone while Wilson gets to the QB before the slot receiver can get separation. I think as pass happy as the NFL is, a 3rd CB has to be a starting caliber player
Noticed Reshad was out of position alot on Friday
and Clemons destroyed John Parker Wilson
"The more people I meet the more I like my dog."
Winner of The Davone Bess Little Guy Award, 2010
Co-Captain of Team Lindley
4 quick comments...
Bell = Pro-Bowler, let him sit pretty and help us develop this great talent we have brewing.
Clemons, showed that he is a beast! Played very well last friday and I believe he will only keep on getting better. 3rd year in the league, 2nd year as a starter… I’m excited to see his improvement. (He’ll be the starter this year)
Jones, I want to see him on the field too!!! I think we use him wisely, get him in for blitz packages and let him develop.
Wilson, I love this prospect, I do think that we get the most use out of him as soon as we can. If both, Clemons and Jones are doing well at safety and we can get production from him in a corner spot, let’s. We don’t know how our 3rd and 4th corner backs are going to look. Will Allen may or may not be able to have a good comeback from that injury. Sapp looked great with that pick and pass deflection on friday. But again, if we can use wilson now. let’s
why is will allen still on the team?
the guy have been injury 2 straight season and he still hurt. it time to move on. CB should be smith davis wilson sapp carroll
SEAN SMITH #24 & VONTAE DAVIS #21 IS NAMES YOU SHOULD GET FAMILAR WITH CAUSE YOU GOING BE HEARING THOSE NAME FOR A LONG TIME
It ok to criticize the O line and running game after 1 game, but it not ok to criticize Henne
by biggaandbadda on Aug 15, 2011 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions
indeed
his knees are shot
2010 The Jim Mandich NewsFlash Award Winner.
Miss the misery.
Need a reason for a change.
Need a reason to explain.
So turn it on again.
Don't change your mind.
You're wasting light.
by Patssuck456 on Aug 15, 2011 11:51 PM EDT up reply actions
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