*** DOLPHINS TRAINING CAMP ***
Jul 17, 1997: -- Day 7 - July 16th --
TODAY'S REPORT:
On Wednesday, the Dolphins held two practices during the day,
continuing to train in the brutal South Florida summer heat. There
were no big surprises on Wednesday, but some different names were
mentioned for the first time.
Of the guys who have been impressive, Charles Jordan continues
to practice well. He beat the secondary deep twice during the morning
practice and caught a deep bomb down the sidelines during the
afternoon session, drawing appreciation from the crowd.
But most of the comments for Wednesday's practice were
reserved for guys whose names we haven't heard much this summer, such
as Karim Abdul-Jabbar, who broke several tackles bursting through the
middle of the line. Abdul-Jabbar is currently the starting running
back, but there hasn't been much news about him this summer.
Also making a positive impression is linebacker-turned-fullback
Dewayne Dotson. Apparently JJ was impressed with Dotson's performance
on Sunday, saying that he pancaked several players on blocking plays
and caught a pass for a touchdown from Craig Erickson.
The heat and humidity are taking their toll of tempers as well
as bodies during practice. Keith Sims and Darryl Gardener had a fight
on Wednesday, in which Sims pinned Gardener and ripped off his
helmet. JJ apparently put a quick stop to the altercation.
And it turns out that Yatil Green was battling the flu as
well as dehydration on Sunday during the scrimmage. Green had 2 and
a half IVs before the practice, but did go on to catch 3 passes for 48
yards, giving him the second best performance of the day for a
receiver.
JJ was quoted as saying that the battle for the starting
strong safety position was about even between Shawn Wooden and George
Teague, but went on to emphasize that both players will get a lot of
playing time regardless of who starts.
Also, the kicker battle between Joe Nedney and Olindo Mare is
going all out as well, with JJ saying that Nedney has a little bit of
an edge because of his experience.
On the other hand, another report I read in the Sun-Sentinel
says that Olindo Mare may actually be kicking a little better than
Nedney.
TODAY'S EVENTS:
The Dolphins only have one practice today from 4:15 to 6:00
PM. On Friday, they will be practicing twice from 9:00 to 10:45 AM
and from 4:15 PM to 6:00 PM. On Saturday, the Dolphins will hold a
full scrimmage at the Orange Bowl at 1:00 PM. Gates will open at
10:00 AM, with festivities including a tailgate party and the third
annual Miami Dolphins Alumni Flag Football contest at 12:00 Noon.
INJURY REPORTS:
RB Brandon Bennett (hamstring), WR Kirby Dar Dar (knee
ligament), WR Lawrence Dawsey (hamstring), TE Troy Drayton (ankle) did
not practice on Wednesday. None of the injuries are thought to be
serious.
Drayton is expected back today. DE Jason Taylor (muscle
spasm) missed the morning session. G John Bock (ankle) and FB Stanley
Pritchett (sprained knee) returned to practice on limited basis.
Irving Spikes increased his participation in practice
yesterday, but is still not quite at 100%.
EYEWITNESS REPORTS:
Unfortunately, I don't have any today.
My Comments:
I was glad to hear someone saying positive things about
Karim. I was begining to get a little concerned that everyone was
looking good except Karim.
Jordon continues to shine, proving that he has the physical
tools to be a fine receiver. However, it remains to be seen whether
or not he has the mental tools.
I wish we could hear more about the kicking duel between
Nedney and Mare. That should be one of the most interesting duels in
camp and there has been precious little news about it.
The news that Green has been sick makes me feel a little bit
better about him today than I felt last week. Even when he was sick
and required IVs before he could play on Sunday, he still came out of
the scrimmage with some nice catches.
And it appears that Dewayne Dotson may yet get the coaches to
notice him. With Pritchett sitting out, the competition between
Wilson, Nealy and Dotson must be fierce. The scrimmage this coming
Saturday should be a good one.
Related Info:
[Return to Training Camp]
Curt Fennell,
curt@phins.com, DOLFAN in New England
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