*** DOLPHINS TRAINING CAMP ***
Jul 15, 1997: -- Day Off - July 14th --
TODAY'S REPORT:
The Dolphins took the day off yesterday, to evaluate the team's
performance in training camp so far and to allow the players to rest
up from a bruising scrimmage on Sunday.
Following the first week of camp, there are precious few real
conclusions that can be drawn about the 1997 Dolphins, but there are
some indications of what the coaches are thinking and which way the
team is headed.
First of all, the offensive lineup appears to be essentially
unchanged from a year ago. Right now, it doesn't look as if Yatil
Green will be competing for one of the two starting wide receiver
spots and, in fact, is facing stiff competition from Charles Jordan
for that designated third wide receiver spot.
On the offensive line, the only change from the end of last
year so far is that they have been rotating Chris Gray with Everrette
McIver on a day-to-day basis. Despite conjecture that Jeff Buckey or
perhaps even one of the rookies would get a chance to compete for that
starting right guard spot, so far it's been all Gray vs McIver.
In the backfield, the competition at running back has been
heating up, with McPhail and Parmalee both performing very well.
However, when the team lined up on Sunday, Abdul-Jabbar was still the
starter and there was no indication that JJ was about to change that.
I have heard next to nothing about the performance of most of
the new offensive players, with the exception of Yatil Green, of course.
Jerome Daniels did lead the offensive linemen in some sprint drills
last week, but I've heard nothing about his performance on the field.
Brian Manning and James Dye have both gotten one or two
positive comments, but nothing overwhelming and Lawrence Dawsey and
Walter Reeves have also not gotten much in the way of attention.
Moving over to the defense, Jason Taylor and Sam Madison have
both been getting pretty good press and reports. Taylor, however, had
a little trouble with off-sides penalties during Sunday's scrimmage -
he had three of them - and still needs to put on some weight.
Sam Madison also got some good reviews, but has also been
beaten once or twice. However, I think it's safe to say that this guy
is not another Dorian Brew.
However, the biggest rookie story of the camp so far is
linebacker Derrick Rodgers. On Sunday, he lead all defensive players
with 7 tackles, 2 sacks and a forced fumble. JJ has been praising him
profusely and even went so far as to suggest that Rodgers is having a
better camp this summer than Zach Thomas had last summer.
In fact, speculation on Rodgers has already grown to the point
where he is practically expected to take over for Anthony Harris at
the weakside linebacker position, leaving Harris to compete with
Hollier for the starting strong linebackers position.
In the defensive front seven, the starting lineup won't change
much this year, but moving back to the secondary will show a faster,
more capable group. So far, TBuck and Calvin Jackson are still the
designated starters at cornerback and Shawn Wooden has retained his
strong safety position, while newcomer Corey Harris has taken over the
free safety position.
In nickel coverage, George Teague and Clayton Holmes were the
first nickel backs of the team this year, but others could play behind
the four starters.
I've heard nothing on the battle between the kickers at camp,
but it should be an interesting one.
Moving along into the second week, JJ will probably make a
change or two in the starters to shake up some guys and motivate
others. However, at this point in the season, it's still a little
early to be selecting a concrete starting lineup, so don't get too
upset when your least favorite player moves up on the depth chart.
It's probably only temporary anyway.
TODAY'S EVENTS:
The Dolphins have a standard practice schedule today,
practicing from 09:00 to 10:45 and from 4:15 to 6:00 PM. On Thursday,
the Dolphins will also practice from 09:00 to 10:45 and from 4:15 to
6:00 PM.
INJURY REPORTS:
Kirby Dar Dar will have surgery next week to repair ligament
damage to his knee and will probably be out for the year.
Troy Drayton sprained his ankle, but should be back today.
Also, Stanley Pritchett and Irving Spikes were scheduled to
return today, but probably won't be participating in full practice
schedules.
My Comments:
So far, it has been an exciting training camp, but don't get
too carried away just yet. A lot of things still have to be worked
out before the team can accurately be rated about it's season.
All in all, it's a good crop of rookies, although not nearly
as many will start this year as they did last year.
Related Info:
[Return to Training Camp]
Curt Fennell,
curt@phins.com, DOLFAN in New England
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