In Week 2 of the 2014 NFL regular season, the Miami Dolphins are up against the Buffalo Bills, a team they lost to twice in 2013. Lets check out their depth chart.
Offense
Position | 1st String | 2 d String | 3rd String | 4th String |
QB | EJ Manuel | Kyle Orton | ||
WR | Robert Woods | Mike Williams | Chris Hogan | |
WR | Sammy Watkins | Marquise Goodwin | Marcus Easley | |
TE | Scott Chandler | Lee Smith | Chris Gragg | |
RB | C.J. Spiller | Fred Jackson | Boobie Dixon | Bryce Brown |
FB | Frank Summers | |||
LT | Cordy Glenn | Chris Hairston | ||
LG | Chris Williams | Kraig Urbik | ||
C | Eric Wood | Kraig Urbik | ||
RG | Erik Pears | Cyril Richardson | ||
RT | Seantrel Henderson | Cyrus Kouandjio | ||
TE | Scott Chandler | Lee Smith | Chris Gragg | |
RB | C.J. Spiller | Fred Jackson | Boobie Dixon | Bryce Brown |
FB | Frank Summers |
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On offense, one of the biggest surprises when the Bills released their depth chart, was the listing of Robert Woods as the starting wide receiver opposite Sammy Watkins. Woods saw reps on both first and second team offense during preseason, and was pushed really hard by Chris Hogan. CJ Spiller is also listed ahead of Fred Jackson, but don’t discount the Bills splitting their reps evenly come Sunday. Jackson will be expected to pick up those tough yards, and will see plenty of playing time. At quarterback, EJ Manuel will be under the spotlight this season and must deliver. Failure to do that could open the door for Kyle Orton during the season.
Defense
Position | 1st String | 2 d String | 3rd String |
DE | Mario Williams | Jarius Wynn | |
DT | Kyle Williams | Stefan Charles | |
DT | Marcell Dareus | Corbin Bryant | |
DE | Jerry Hughes | Manny Lawson | Jacquies Smith |
WLB | Keith Rivers | Randell Johnson | |
MLB | Brandon Spikes | Ty Powell | |
SLB | Preston Brown | Ty Powell | |
LCB | Leodis McKelvin | Corey Graham | Ross Cockrell |
S | Da'Norris Searcy | Duke Williams | |
S | Aaron Williams | Jonathan Meeks | |
RCB | Stephon Gilmore | Nickell Robey | Ron Brooks |
The defensive unit had an impressive game against the Chicago Bears, forcing the Chicago Bears to turnover the ball three times, and enabled the team to rack up 13 points in the process. Of course, any franchise with Mario Williams in the team shouldn’t be treated lightly.
Special Teams
Position | 1st String | 2nd String | 3rd String |
K | Dan Carpenter | Jordan Gay | |
P | Colton Schmidt | Jordan Gay | |
KR | C.J. Spiller | Marquise Goodwin | Sammy Watkins |
PR | Leodis McKelvin | Fred Jackson | Nickell Robey |
LS | Garrison Sanborn | ||
H | Colton Schmidt | Jordan Gay |
And, finally, on special teams, C.J. Spiller has replaced last season’s starter, Marquise Goodwin, as the lead kick returner. Bills head coach Doug Marrone has intimated that he isn’t worried about the risk of their star running back picking up an injury while on special teams duty. Miami will need to keep an eye on Spiller come Sunday.
Of course, the Bills will release their injury report later this week, which may result in the depth chart changing. Stay tuned on The Phinsider to find out more.
Alex Parish is an Associate Editor at The Phinsider. Be sure to follow me on Twitter @AlexParish89.