Phins #2 Cornerback IS a Big Question Mark

Howard is the answer at CB on one side, but who’ll be the Phins other Cornerback?

The Miami Dolphins 2019 Season is only a couple of weeks away. Unlike many fans of NFL football, I see the Phins trending in the right direction. But, I’d be a fool to not expect plenty of bumps in the road on this ride. One of the possible pot holes is the question of who’ll start at cornerback along with Xavien Howard?

The immediate answer is Eric Rowe.

Rowe is as injury prone as he is talented, so while this is the obvious solution it offers little security. Rowe will be a big hit or big miss in 2019.

The harsh reality is both Rowe and Howard have missed a ton of time in their short careers. Miami needs one or two options beyond them ready to go or swiss cheese could have fewer holes than this secondary.

Now, Miami does have an emergency lever, but it’s not optimal…

… And I think the move of Bobby McCain to safety hints at this.

Contending Defensive Backs on the roster for CB #2

Eric Rowe, PFF Coverage Grade 79, only played 4 games in 2018 and has never started more than 7 games in a season.
Bobby McCain, PFF Coverage Grade 54, not suited for extended play out wide and is being trained at Safety
Minkah Fitzpatrick, PFF Coverage Grade 59.2, best of the worst case scenarios. Pigeonholing him outside would limit his effectiveness.
Torry McTyer, PFF Coverage Grade 48.2, started 4 games in 2018
Cordrea Tankersly, PFF Coverage Grade 49.4, all the physical tools but is coming off a torn ACL and poor play.
Cornell Armstrong, PFF Coverage Grade 48.5, had ‘close but no cigar ‘play in 2018 and offers some hope.
Jalen Davis, PFF Coverage Grade of 76.9, Phinsnews like Davis a lot, but he is too small to play wide.
Nik Needham, Rookie.
Montre Hartage, Rookie.
Chris Lammons, 1-year exp but never played in a game.
Jomal Wiltz, 1-year exp but never played in a game.
Jamar Summers, Rookie.

Summing up the situation:

The Phins have issues at the top of their secondary at Safety. Of the top 3 Safeties, only Fitzpatrick is reliable enough to play single high (Cover 1) at the spot. McCain should be able too… that’s why he is being moved there. McDonald dropped some weight, so he maybe he can spell the responsibility on occasion. Often in 2018, he made the right reads but was too slow to get there. Jones is a playmaker… Unfortunately, he’s far too unreliable to stick to the plan to be the last line of defense.

Moving McCain out of Nickel only leaves Fitzpatrick and Davis as viable fills inside. So if Fitzpatrick is forced outside, Davis will start inside. Again, this isn’t optimal, but it’s not a disaster either. A strong downside will mean the unit is razor thin though.

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Still, Rowe is the best option… and then the 2nd best option is the prayer and hope that McTyer, Tankersly, or Armstrong have an epiphany this season. Beyond these three, the chances are very slim that the other alternatives will be the answer. Fingers crossed. Go Phins!

Football is a only game… and one Dolphins is dealing with unthinkable challenges

In reality, Phins fans hopes and prayers should be focused on Kendrick Norton. A 22-year-old kid has lost his arm. It’s an unthinkable situation. While thankfully it wasn’t his life that was lost, this life-altering experience is a steep challenge. Hopefully, the franchise and fans can bring some comfort to him and his family at this time.