Pads came on Training Camp giving the first look at the truth
Day 3 of Training Camp brought pads and light ‘thud’ contact. We are inching closer to the truth Phins fans. Plenty of players look great when it’s glorified touch football. But, the NFL is and always will be about physicality.
Miami got at it on offense and defense and some surprise players made the most of today.
Brian Flores gave a revealing statement on what he wanted to see from his defensive box players: “You can’t make the tackle until you defeat the block…..If you never defeat the block you can’t make the tackle.”
You can bet with the pay-per-head best bookie software companies that this will be a key attribute for those defensive box players who want to stick… especially at linebacker.
Here’s an aggregation of Training Camp reports:
- Grant is looking very close or back to 100% of his preinjury form
- Preston Williams showed ‘something, something’ by beating Howard 1-on-1
- Jerome Baker had a fine, deep PBU in coverage
- Kallen Ballage continues to start and looked good
- Rosen struggled with the 2nd O-line unit that had plenty of protection issues. Still, he did have a few T.D.s… in 1-on-1s
- Safety Montre Hartage continues to blip on the radar
- Bobby McCain IS the starting Free Safety and is looking pretty sharp
- Chandler Cox was lit up by Kiko and CFL signee Sam Eguavoen
- Eric Rowe is looking good for the second straight day
- Albert Wilson riding the bike and doing individual drills
- Equavoen continues to start inside… could this be more than a motivational / tryout move
- T.J. McDonald off PUP and practicing
- Vincent Taylor looking very sharp
- Ryan Fitzpatrick had his worst day and was off throughout practice
- Brice Butler continues to push for a roster spot
- DeVante Parker keeps making plays
Don’t put much stock on what you see at this point… well not too much
Usually, by next week, the staff will have a decent idea about where they are at with their players. Then it will be more about guys losing their jobs than players earning them. Still, they will take a chance on some guys… and some guys play might demand a promotion. This should be the outlier situation though.
Equavoen starting in the middle and Raekwon as a backup is very interesting… but I’m on the fence with this being like it appears. Not seeing the competition, it’s hard to make an informed judgment. Most who read Phinsnews know my stance on McMillan–great guy, yet flawed as a 3-down player. BUT, I read a report today that he dropped near 10 pounds to help with his speed, agility, range issues. His limited movement talent was a huge problem last season… and this is a huge dose of remedy to help out his case.
I had big expectations for McMillan when he was drafted. He’s the kinda’ player you root for, but his play must equal his character for the Dolphins to succeed with him on the field. For McMillan’s fans, a redemption story could be coming… he’ll have to leapfrog Equavoen to get it, though.
This loss of weight and extra time passing since his injury could be exactly what the doctor ordered to help Raekwon mobility weakness. Still, beyond speed, McMillan will have to step up his play diagnosis and beating tackles will be a major factor.
Can McMillan reach the expectations he had when Miami drafted in the 2nd Round? This Equavoen and McMillan storyline is rising fast as a key camp battle. I’m greedy and hope both guys play out of their mind so Flores will have two quality backs going forward. Go Phins!!!