What did we learn from Miami Dolphins Traning Camp?

dolfan7171 · Aug 19, 2010

http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/08/19/1782597/with-most-position-battles-over.html

What have we learned from the past three weeks when it comes to who won which battles?

• Free safety Chris Clemons has not flinched under the pressure of his opportunity. Although he wasn't spectacular in the preseason opener, the body of work during training camp has created a distinct level of confidence with the coaches. Barring unexpected struggles, Clemons is the starter opposite Yeremiah Bell.

• Perhaps the rookie darling of training camp, strong-side linebacker Koa Misi has quietly made his presence known with many of the team's veterans.

Misi appears to be comfortable with the speed of the NFL, and his transition looks like it will be fluid. He is now slated to start opposite Cameron Wake, and the two players have created some reason to breathe easier at a position that looked like it could struggle.

``I've just matured as a player all around,'' Misi said. ``It feels real good. I'm doing what I can to get where I want to be. I want to play in this league for a long time, so that's what I'm trying to do.''

Translating that to the game will be crucial.

• The concerns at center might be the greatest. Joe Berger has had a solid training camp, unseating Jake Grove as the starter at this point. But expect these two to continue battling it out.

Neither player has been perfect -- which will make it important for Sparano to closely identify his guy so the team can move forward with confidence.

``I'd like to get it settled as fast as I can because I do think that's a position like the quarterback,'' Sparano said. ``You need a lot of repetitions [for one player].''

• Don't be alarmed by the team's decision Tuesday to rotate players at right guard. It was only intended to give more guards repetitions while rookie John Jerry rested his knee. Jerry, who has embraced the starting job from Day One, is still the starter.

• The left guard spot is still fluid, as Incognito, Cory Procter and Donald Thomas battle. Incognito, though, is establishing himself late in camp. It is still going to be important for the Dolphins to figure out this position in the next few days, since the line requires plenty of time to form into a cohesive unit.

``With the rotation, it's hard to get into a rhythm, but I think we've found a good fit,'' Incognito said Wednesday. ``I think I definitely got better through camp.''

• The job as the team's kick returner will likely be one spot that needs more in-game evaluation. Patrick Cobbs is the leader at this point, but Tristan Davis and Nolan Carroll could push during the next three preseason games.

• A few other more obvious points: Defensive end Jared Odrick is still slated to start; the injury to Will Allen has pushed Carroll into the nickel cornerback role; and Jason Allen could play in dime packages.
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DePhinistr8 · Aug 19, 2010

I learned that many of us (myself included) overreact to tweeted "reports".

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What did we learn from Miami Dolphins Traning Camp?

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What did we learn from Miami Dolphins Traning Camp?

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