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Players that impressed and those that didn't vs the Cowboys.

Discussion in 'Miami Dolphins Forum' started by Paul 13, Sep 2, 2011.

  1. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    Well I was thinking about doing another good bad thread but there were so many players on the field that won't make the 53 it's not worth viewing it in that aspect. That was really a try out fest for not only the Cowboys and Dolphins but other teams around the league. I was somewhat surprised that we didn't play really any of our starters, other than Misi, Hartline, Reshad Jones/Chris Clemons. I thought I'd list the guys that impressed me vs the ones that didn't, in the hopes that I get these guys correct in whether they make the team or not. I'm not going to list any of the OL, positive or negative in that they've been so inconsistent all preseason long that I wouldn't be surprised that none of the guys outside the usual starting five (plus Jake) do not end up making the team. Although we finally saw Chisolm, maybe he'd make the PS? Was interesting when the game ended with the Dolphins / Cowboys shaking hands at midfield and realizing just how many of these guys know each other and have played with each other before. Colombo, Berger, Polite, Fasano, Daboll giving Ryan a hug, Sparano doing the same with Garrett.

    Guys I liked

    Pat Devlin. Saw him briefly, liked what little I saw of him. He seems to have a calming influence about him. Stands very well in the shotgun (to be expected considering what he ran in college). Reminiscent of a former #9, and that's not a bad thing.
    Will Allen. Gotta make the team. Broke up a pass in the endzone and caused the INT because of it.
    Quentin Spears. I say put him on the 53. He had a monster series in the 4th quarter. He doesn't have the strength at the POA yet, so he's a bit like the "young" Cameron Wake when he came here a few years ago. But his quickness and ability as a pass rusher is special. He can only get better
    Clyde Gates. Got loose and caught it this time
    Phil Livas. not only is he doing well on special team returns with his decision making (he also hasn't bobbled one yet), he caught a key fourth and five to keep a drive going in the 4th quarter from Devlin.
    Daniel Thomas. Made a beautiful catch and turned it up for a nice run after. He's got great natural hands. The team really seems to rally around him when he makes a big play. They know he has ability.

    Guys I didn't like

    Jason Trusnik. He's just another guy at OLB. Does nothing for me. If he makes it over Spears due to his ST ability, it'll be a crime.
    Nolan Carroll. Just seems to have regressed defensively. And he doesn't do anything on special teams.
    Austin Spitler. Same as Carroll. Doesn't do diddly on special teams. They combined for some terrible tackling on one particular punt return that I can recall.

    Now lets see what happens in the next few days. I have a feeling we'll see a few guys on the 53 that weren't in camp with us. I also think we'll keep the depth we have at certain positions Dline and Secondary rather than go with the standard of so many players at each position. Better to be deep in certain positions rather than one hit away from being thin at those same positions. You keep Sapp, Allen, Wilson at corner even if you keep Carroll or not. Keep six corners. So what. Keep 9 d linemen if you want to. Don't go crazy with the bottom of the roster again. We should have learned our lesson last year with regards to that and what effect it has on special teams. Certainly with the Pats up in week one. Need I remind you all of that game last year vs NE with all those return TDs? I think the only position we'd trade for would be guard. And I don't see us even doing that. Rather sign O'Hara after week 1. Take a look at Waters. And go from there.
     
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  2. MrClean

    MrClean Inglourious Basterd Club Member

    Ray Feinga impressed me at LT especially considering he never played there in games before.

    Larry Johnson impressed me with his TD run, but overall, he would just take what was there, and not try to get cute to make a big play and risk a likely loss.

    Marlon Moore...to me he is not far behind Hartline as worthy of being one of the top 3 WRs.

    Ryan Baker made some nice plays. Tackling a runner while being blocked, not to mention his sack. Saw him whipping Dallas blockers on several plays.

    All the ones you said Paul. :up:
     
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  3. Samphin

    Samphin Κακό σκυλί ψόφο δεν έχει

    Henne, Bush and Marshall didn't impress me at all. It was like they were invisible out there, and the stats sheet backs me up.
     
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  4. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    I agree with your list too. Feinga had a nice seal block coming out from that left tackle position on a running play in the first half. I don't know, the guy is Somoan right? Maybe we should just keep the guy because of that. Marlon Moore plays tall and he's not. It's an odd thing. WR battle is a good one. Marshall, Hartline, Bess, Gates are all in. Then Moore, Wallace, Livas? we keeping 7 guys?? Was interesting to see Hartline playing tonight, I'll say that much. Some are going to speculate he's trade bait. :shifty:
     
  5. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    Right?
     
  6. Ohio Fanatic

    Ohio Fanatic Twuaddle or bust Club Member

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    I thought Edds played decently at times. He was at least there consistently to get carried.

    Will Allen is so much better than Sapp. I just worry about his health. but still worth the gamble, IMO.
     
  7. CrunchTime

    CrunchTime Administrator Retired Administrator

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    Since they didnt play and were sitting on the bench the handwriting is on the wall for them.They will be among the first cuts.
     
  8. DePhinistr8

    DePhinistr8 Season Ticket Holder

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    Hehehe..

    Just wait, I'm sure someone will be in with something Henne did wrong while standing on the sideline.
    "he didn't look poised over there"
    "he could've listened to this playcall in his helmet but he didn't"
    "i don't think he shaved today!"
     
  9. MrClean

    MrClean Inglourious Basterd Club Member

    Feinga is Polynesian, but whether he is Somoan I'm not sure. Could be Hawaiian or Tongan background. I think Matt Kopa is too for that matter.
    If you feel up to it, go back and watch Kopa in the past few games. I think he blocks really well and hope we can at least get him on our PS. I'm curious if you see anything noticeably positive about him. Like does he catch your eye, or as Tony says, do ya feel Kopa out there. ;) I was feeling him, especially in the Carolina game. :up:

    Checked Feinga's BYU bio and his parents are from Tonga.
     
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  10. MrClean

    MrClean Inglourious Basterd Club Member

    I think we need them both though. We can never have enough good cover men and those two are 3rd and 4th. Jimmy will be there in the foreseeable future I think and hopefully Carroll. I'd keep 6 CBs and 3 safeties.
     
  11. bg12dm13cp10

    bg12dm13cp10 New Member

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    Devlin was great 3/3 would have been 4/4, but the penalty. Was poised and had a perfect pass over the middle to Livas in stride on 4th down.

    Livas is an outstanding punt/kickoff returner. Makes the right decisions and never makes mistakes. I know he will be a good receiver too.

    Spears looks good.

    Gates showed why we brought him in.

    Brett Bracket looked solid in the few plays he was in late in the fourth quarter--caught a couple nice passes.

    Aside from the TD, not too impressed with Larry Johnson. What happened to Hilliard? Is he injured? Havn't seen much of him in preseason.

    O'Connel looked lost out there.

    Not really impressed with Ikaika Francis.

    I think Devlin and Livas made the team tonight. Hopefully we keep Brackett instead of Mustred, Epps, Schuler, even though he didn't get much playing time this preseason--he showed nice hands for a TE and good running ability.
     
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  12. xphinfanx

    xphinfanx Stay strong my friends.

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    Sparano is on the suck for Luck campaign, its obvious now that he's already benched Henne.

    Enjoyed the early morning laugh Sam thanks.
     
  13. arsenal

    arsenal Sunglasses and advil

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    i just think Gates is gonna have a lot of big plays for us this year... he is so fast its ridiculous... you watch that replay from his catch, the CB tried his hardest but couldn't even get a hand on him...
    http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d821e3c43/Gates-42-yard-catch

    as his route running develops i can see even more of the big play potential out of him... i wouldn't be surprised if he supplants Hartline as the starting WR opposite Marshall going into next season...
     
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  14. xphinfanx

    xphinfanx Stay strong my friends.

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    Gates outran his coverage so bad he had to slow down a bit to catch the ball.
     
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  15. arsenal

    arsenal Sunglasses and advil

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    yeah if it was thrown out in front of him, that was 6... Safety had a small angle but i dont think would have caught him
     
  16. xphinfanx

    xphinfanx Stay strong my friends.

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    I think your right.
     
  17. xphinfanx

    xphinfanx Stay strong my friends.

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    I liked the experience shown on Larry Johnsons TD run he had just enough patience for the blocks and a great eye to find just enough room to find the endzone.

    Wasn't happy with Edds tackling he is there but wasn't impressing on useing his body or wieght to make a solid fast tackle.
     
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  18. Ohio Fanatic

    Ohio Fanatic Twuaddle or bust Club Member

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    I really get bugged by these kinds of statements. The guy had a really nice run and showed some real skill on his TD, and you want to just ignore it, because his other preseason plays weren't as good.
     
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  19. PHINANALYST

    PHINANALYST Well-Known Member

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    MrC ... Kopa is very inexperienced -- if i remember right he switched to the OL late in college .... so he has a ways to go, but if he is showing signs that is a positive. i thought he'd be destined for the PS, but it's hard to say - since i think we poached him late ast year from a PS. i think Jerry for sure and even Berger will be cut. Feinga is questionable, but Murtha and Garner are keepers .... which still gives us flexibility for additions post cuts. Feinga showing well should make Pads happy.

    i think Spears is more like a young JT .... i don't see him as a young Wake, like Wallace and Moore last year -- don't see us letting him go thru waivers. the choice is do you keep 9 LBers .... if so, choice is between Trusnik and IKE for the last spot. Freeny probably goes to the PS

    Mastrud probably secured his making the team with the TD .... still need to improve the position like CK has intimated though

    Talked about Hartline during the offseason and got blasted -- gotta love the blue collar worker ... but preseason performance of Gates, Moore and Wallace ... not to mention Livas puts him in a tough spot. Moore has come around much better than i thought he would.

    Will be interesting to see what happens with Hartline, Merling and Allen .... certainly wouldn't 'cut' any of them - so can only assume Ireland will be working the phones hard over the next 24 hours. We still need one more OL for the right side (G or T) and i think we can plug the other from within

    I'm not excited about LJ ..... would think we can do better post cuts

    i wouldn't keep Sapp .... unless you trade Allen - otherwise i'd stick with Carroll. Restelli, i'd put on the PS and make a decision between Alexander and Culver

    Edds was always around the ball - but just like when we drafted him .... i thought he needed to get stronger - still does

    the challenge is how to balance the guys that still need that year to be solid contributors vs keeping average guys for depth.

    overall, our roster is still 'up and coming' ... and we are very close to where we need to be less the OL, RB and TE .....
     
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  20. JMHPhin

    JMHPhin Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Post of the preseason, made me laugh out loud.

    My only thoughts are we need to keep Devlin over O'Connel, simply put Devlin played as well but is a rookie, he has more potential. Maybe not elite starting level but he could become a solid backup spot starter, I domnt think O'connell ever gets past 3rd
     
  21. SICK

    SICK Lounge Moderator

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    Don't agree. This guy has been in or around MANY tackles in every aspect of special teams all preseason. I like him, hes firery, and a good ST player imo.
     
  22. VanDolPhan

    VanDolPhan Club member Club Member

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    I get bugged by folks who let players slide because they make 1 play despite doing nothing in their other 9 plays.
     
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  23. Muck

    Muck Throwback Uniform Crusader Retired Administrator

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    Frank Kearse.

    That's two straight games he's flashed for me.

    Ireland hit on both his 7th rounders this year.
     
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  24. DePhinistr8

    DePhinistr8 Season Ticket Holder

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    Hmm...9 average plays with a nice popped run...sounds like the life of a running back to me. I'd say he did just fine.
     
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  25. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    I don't know, if it comes down to keeping Lex Hilliard (if LJ makes it) vs Trusnik, who do you keep? I think Hilliard does alot more for you besides special teams. He was playing full back last night (or Clay's Hback position). I know Sparano gave him an ear full there but I just haven't seen anything from Trusnik at that OLB spot. If it comes down to Trusnik vs Spears, I know which guy I want on my 53.

    He certainly did hit on both 7th rounders (plus Livas and Spears as UDFA and possibly Devlin too). I've liked Kearse all preseason. Guy is quick off the ball and gets incredible push. In last night's game I believe they were rotating Fields and Kearse during the same drives and there was one play that the NT got incredible penetration that I was sure it was Kearse only to find out it was Fields. That's a tough call between the two of them. I say we find a way to keep both. :wink2:
     
  26. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    Drawback on LJ is that he doesn't play special teams. If it comes to that, tough call between Lex and LJ because Lex can do so many things for you. Position flexability when you get into the guys on the bubble is HUGE.
     
  27. unluckyluciano

    unluckyluciano For My Hero JetsSuck

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    Another bash henne thread. SAme ol, same ol. Why doesn't henne throw more tds. Why doesn't henne have a better pocket prescence. Why doesn't henne start himself. The same ol arguments from you.
     
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  28. DePhinistr8

    DePhinistr8 Season Ticket Holder

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    It wouldn't shock me at all if Polite was axed and we saw Lexy as a full time FB. I don't actually think that will happen, but it wouldn't shock me. Then you have Bush, Thomas, and LJ...which, if they stay healthy, could be a decent set of backs.
     
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  29. Southbeach

    Southbeach Banned

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    Nice run down again Paul, and agree on all. I think LJ is competing more with Polite's roster spot than Hilliard's. I believe we keep Clay and Lex, along with LJ, as for now.

    I also some some good things from "Starvin Marvin" Mitchell at LB. He's a ST's stud, and good depth with flexability at LB.
     
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  30. SICK

    SICK Lounge Moderator

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    Could you imagine if Moore is running onto the field, and then Henne jogs on the field and gets into the huddle also.....

    Moore: ok guys (cut off by henne)

    Henne: ok guys, Z right, 35 belly on 2......(cut off by moore)

    Moore: (louder) y left, 48 toss right on 1....

    Henne: (yelling over moore) READY...BREAK....ok guys come on....*runs towards line of scrimmage with no one following*
     
  31. unluckyluciano

    unluckyluciano For My Hero JetsSuck

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    Moores eyes fill up with tears and he runs off crying yelling out "What the **** Chad"
     
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  32. ckparrothead

    ckparrothead Draft Forum Moderator Luxury Box

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    Sounds like Phil Livas finally got a chance to show something as a receiver, which I'd been hoping for since Week 1 of the preseason. I think he needs to make the team.

    Pat Devlin though...I don't know. I have a tough time believing he wouldn't make it through waivers to the practice squad.

    I'll have to make sure I watch the game as it seems like Quinton Spears did some good work. He's one I would want to see make the team.
     
  33. ckparrothead

    ckparrothead Draft Forum Moderator Luxury Box

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    I'll have to take a second look at Frank Kearse. He and Ronald Fields are in direct competition for me and I like Fields better as of right now.
     
  34. pacadermng67

    pacadermng67 New Member

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    One person I thought is very hit or miss is Wilson, there were some plays throughout preseason where he was out of position or just got beaten like a drum. Then again, he plays with fire and hopefully they were just rookie mistakes.

    I think last night made it harder to make the final calls when it comes to cuts.
     
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  35. SlyFoxxx

    SlyFoxxx Sorry for Party Rocking

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    So no one was impressed by the QB Moore?
     
  36. ckparrothead

    ckparrothead Draft Forum Moderator Luxury Box

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    Matt Moore had some great stats in the game. If you look at all the QBs in the offense they've all had great stats this preseason which speaks really well to Brian Daboll's offense...so far.

    It's interesting looking at who played and who didn't. There were 23 players that never hit the field. Most of them were starters but some were not. Jason Taylor, for instance, never played. Koa Misi did. On the offensive line, six guys didn't play. The were the starting five, but the sixth? Lydon Murtha. Anthony Fasano didn't play, nor Lou Polite...but you know who else didn't? Charles Clay. Brandon Marshall and Davone Bess didn't play, but Brian Hartline did. Just some interesting things to take note of, I particularly found the fact that Murtha sat out to be interesting as I wonder if they really are considering him an option at RT with Jake Long back, if Colombo still isn't cutting it.
     
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  37. SlyFoxxx

    SlyFoxxx Sorry for Party Rocking

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    This system seems very QB friendly...hopefully it lasts all season.
     
  38. 5thAmendment

    5thAmendment Banned

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    Aren't the Fins a sponsor for Tobacco Free Florida? So why is Henne chewing a dip? SMH...
     
  39. 5thAmendment

    5thAmendment Banned

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    In addition to that, he also cleared the entire sideline out for Hartline to make a couple decent catches from the slot early in the game. Teams seem to know about his speed at this point, so even if he doesn't put up big numbers he's going to create space for our other WRs to work.
     
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  40. 5thAmendment

    5thAmendment Banned

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    Not much to it, Murtha and Clay are nursing injuries. They haven't practiced since last week. If Columbo struggles then I definitely think we'll give Murtha a long look at RT. I think Sparano prefers Columbo b/c of his physicality but if Henne's getting beat up then he may not have much of a choice.
     

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