2011 Miami Dolphins Training Camp Recap - 8/16/11

Yesterday, the Miami Dolphins again hit the practice field, with the defense continuing to shine. Linebacker Jason Taylor continues to lead a defensive unit that is routinely getting to the quarterbacks during team's 11-on-11 drills.  Cameron Wake and backup Jason Trusnik matched Taylor's output.  Each of them blew past right tackle Marc Columbo on separate plays, easily getting to the quarterback.

But, Head Coach Tony Sparano was focused on another aspect of the defense's performance.  

"We felt at the end of the year it was somewhere around 24, 25 balls that we thought we had out hands on, you know, that we could have made plays on, some harder than other, some routine," Sparano explained about his desire to see more interceptions.  "But that was last year and this is this year, and right now, they're catching them out there, so we got to take it into the game, and catch a few in the game.  I mean, we got one the other night.  Benny [Sapp] made a nice play on the ball and came up with it.  So that was good."

Emphasizing his point, Sapp, Will Allen, and Nolan Carroll all snagged picks during Tuesday's workout.

Allen, who has missed every Dolphins game since Week 6 in 2009 due to an anterior cruciate ligament tear, looked solid on his second day of full practice.  The knee looks to finally be healed, and, as we discussed yesterday, Allen is looking forward to Friday night's preseason game against the Carolina Panthers.  

Coach Sparano also focused his attention on the running game.

"I'm seeing more and more out of [the running backs] every day in practice, but I really need t see it in the games, at a consistent level here," he said.  "And it's hard because you're running out of quarters but, I mean, we've got to see it."

With that in mind, the Dolphins are expected to play Reggie Bush during Friday's game, his first game action since being traded from the New Orleans Saints.

Finally, Sparano also noted on right-tackle-moved-to-right-guard Vernon Carey after practiced.  

"I think he's done a nice job to date right now," Sparano said. "I see him everyday kind of getting a little bit better at something. He's a hard guy to move in there so he's good, he can keep the quarterback's feet clear between he, Richie [Incognito] and [Mike] Pouncey. That core is pretty solid in there and hard to move that way."

The Dolphins hit the practice field for the final "open-to-the-public" time on Wednesday at 11am.  If you are planning on attending any of the training camp practices this year, today is your last chance.  The Dolphins will have a private walk-through tomorrow before hosting the Panthers Friday night.