The old guard is all gone now! Chop shinning in camp…again.
The Miami Dolphins’ transformation isn’t limited to what’s happening on the practice field. Changes at the top of the organization, combined with several young players emerging during training camp, are beginning to give Miami a very different feel.
The biggest organizational development is the departure of longtime Dolphins executive Tom Garfinkel. With Chris Grier also gone and Stephen Ross moving further into the background, the Dolphins appear to be transitioning away from the power structure that defined the previous era. The hope is that Miami is becoming a more football-centered organization built around substance rather than flash.
On the field, Chop Robinson continues to be one of the biggest stories of camp.
Chop Needed a Big Camp
Robinson has repeatedly created problems for Miami’s offensive tackles, particularly with his explosive first step and ability to attack both inside and outside. Patrick Paul had another uneven day in pass protection, but some context is necessary. Robinson’s particular skill set attacks an area where Paul can struggle, and Thursday’s practice was conducted without pads. That makes definitive offensive-line evaluations difficult.
Still, you can bet with the best pay per head Robinson’s continued disruption is becoming impossible to dismiss.
There were encouraging developments elsewhere on defense. Trey Moore continues receiving opportunities with the first-team defense and appears to fit the athletic profile Miami’s new staff wants. Kyle Louis is also repeatedly earning positive reviews while working alongside frontline defenders. Rookie Jacob Rodriguez flashed his instincts by shooting a gap and getting Ollie Gordon in the backfield.
The secondary produced perhaps two of the more interesting developments. Michael Taaffe nearly intercepted Malik Willis on a deep throw, continuing to change perceptions about whether the rookie could legitimately compete for a starting role. Meanwhile, Louis Moore keeps finding the football, adding another interception to what has quietly become an impressive camp.
Some Concerns Popped Up Too!
Miami’s right tackle situation remains unsettled. Austin Jackson is sidelined again after struggling to remain healthy, makingJamaree Salyer a critical player of the eventual solution. But he too needs to get healthy. The Dolphins must find stability there before the regular season.
For now, two developments stand above the rest: Miami’s old organizational structure is disappearing, and Chop Robinson looks increasingly capable of becoming one of the faces of the new one.
