BRIEFLY: Training Camp's First Week

Monday, August 7, 2006
Alistair Henderson
MDBW Staff Writer
Talk about this in MDBW Forums

It started with a rain storm and an early showcase of the Bubble, and ended with a growing list of injuries.

The first eight days of Dolphins training camp were probably the most anticipated and closely watched for many years. The main excitement revolved around Daunte Culpepper, of course, but there were many other sideshows, including Marcus Vick, the secondary and the offensive line. As the week progressed other things came up to pique our interest, such as Manny Wright’s attitude, Ronnie Brown’s fitness, and who might win the third receiver battle.

You have asked for a summary of camp to date, so here are a few of the news items which stood out from the first 8 days:

• It’s HOT!! Day 2 was particularly sluggish as the players struggled to deal with the extreme heat and humidity after Day 1 in the air-conditioned Bubble.

Culpepper is looking strong, doing some running, but no cuts yet. He throws accurately both deep and short, but has been intercepted a few times, which is not surprising at this stage of everyone’s learning cycle.

Harrington is struggling in a new system. He has made some good completions but clearly needs more time to build his confidence. Cleo Lemon seems solid, but there is concern about the situation if Culpepper is not game fit.

Marcus Vick continues to take some snaps at QB, but is mainly used as a receiver. He has impressed with his route running and ability to catch the ball. He has a definite chance to make the squad after starting camp very much a long shot.

• In the secondary, Will Poole has struggled to pick up the system and is apparently not as far ahead physically as we all had hoped. He ended the week with his surgically repaired knee in a brace watching practice. Daniels also was injured, with his twisted ankle in a cast for protection. Will Allen has played well, but didn’t help his reputation for dropping possible interceptions by not hanging on to two during the week.
• First Round pick Jason Allen remained a holdout through the first 8 days of camp. Initially his agent said it was because he wanted a five year contract instead of a six year deal, but by Friday he was comfortable with a six year deal but unhappy with the overall terms. Bottom line is that Allen will likely not be ready to start at strong safety for Miami, as anticipated, which must be an irritant for Nick Saban and Don Capers who clearly expected big things from their No 1 pick.
• The offensive line has not received a great deal of press, other than changes dictated by injuries and heat related absences. Rex Hadnot has apparently taken over at center, and Seth McKinney played right guard until sidelined with an injury at the end of the week. Rookie Joe Toledo has been given a chance, taking McKinney’s place and Vernon Carey looks fit and sharp at right tackle.



• Manny Wright came into mini camp looking like the Goodyear blimp, full of Mama’s cooking, and to his credit has worked hard in the weight room to get back in shape. But he clearly frustrates the coaches and his teammates with his lack of responsibility, and has missed some practice days for health and personal reasons this week. He has the talent, but there remains question marks about his resolve.
• Ronnie Brown looks in great shape, as does Fred Beasley.
• Zach says he’ll be spending less time studying film this year and more time preserving his ageing body. He also looks in great shape.
• The receivers have all had their moments. Chambers and Booker are of course locks for Numbers 1 & 2, and the chemistry developing between Chambers and Culpepper has been noted. Reports indicate that Derek Hagan has improved significantly through the first 8 days, and may have the edge for No. 3 at this stage. Kelly Campbell’s speed has impressed, and Wes Welker is described as deceptively fast. Vick is doing better than expected and a surprise has been the performance of Cliff Russell who catches everything thrown near him.
• Injuries. By week’s end there was a growing list of injuries which had coach Saban somewhat irritated, seemingly questioning players toughness. In addition to Poole, Daniels, McKinney and Manny Wright, Jason Taylor, Kelly Campbell, Josh Shaw, Michael Lehan (CB) and Jason Rader (TE) were also sidelined along with Eric Kimble and Rodrique Wright. With Jason Allen a hold out and the coaches being careful with some of the older veterans, fielding enough players to have meaningful practices was becoming a challenge.

Nick Saban turned down a dinner with President Bush at Joe’s Stone Crabs on Sunday night because he had previously scheduled team meetings after the late practice. Manny Wright take note!