Top Three Storylines: Miami Dolphins Training Camp

Sceeto · Jul 25, 2014

http://nflspinzone.com/2014/07/25/top-three-storylines-miami-dolphins-training-camp/

Number 1: The Defense
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Over the past few seasons, one thing the Miami Dolphins could always rely on was their defense, particularly the run defense. The unit would consistently place in the top ten in run defense, while their overall defense was around the middle of the pack. Last season was a different story. For a better part of the season the Dolphins had trouble stopping the run. It was very uncharacteristic and something that the coaching staff will look to improve during camp. It wasn’t just the run game that struggled, though. Starting linebackers Dannell Ellerbe and Philip Wheeler drastically under-performed and, at times, the secondary was erratic.
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if they can finish in the top fifteen, I will be satisfied. The jury is still out, however. There are a lot of question marks heading into the season. Can Jamar Taylor and Will Davis stay healthy? Will Cortland Finnegan be able to bounce back after two down year’s in St. Louis? Can Dannell Ellerbe and Philip Wheeler prove they were worth the sizable contracts they received? While all of the question’s aren’t going to be answered in the first few days of camp, Kevin Coyle and his defensive group are definitely going to be practicing under a microscope.
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Number 2: Charles Clay/Olivier Vernon, One Hit Wonders?
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On the other side of the ball, second year defensive end Olivier Vernon was arguably the top defensive players on the Dolphins in 2013. His eleven and a half sacks not only led the team, but also placed him tenth overall in the entire league.
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That's a pretty amazing and unsung stat for Vernon. I'm not worried about Vernon at all. With the more chances he's received, he's only gotten better. ....and not too worried about Clay either. He will get some more attention this year, but with his talent and ability to play different positions and lining up different, etc, he will still be a solid contributor.

Number 3: Ryan Tannehill’s Progression

Last season, the team crumbled down the stretch and for the most part, Tannehill was absent during this time. I’m not saying that he is to blame for the team collapsing, but it would have been nice to see him be a more vocal leader. The good news is things seem to be changing. During OTA’s Tannehill chewed out multiple players for missed assignments. This fiery leadership is something the Dolphins have lacked in the past and is something they desperately need. This is something that needs to continue during camp and apparently, all signs are pointing to it happening.
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Unlucky 13 · Jul 25, 2014

Well, the fact that Vernon got more sacks than Wake doesn't make him better, but our DL rotation is among the best in the league, for certain.

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Top Three Storylines: Miami Dolphins Training Camp

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