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ten thoughts on 2010

Discussion in 'Miami Dolphins Forum' started by the 23rd, May 26, 2010.

  1. the 23rd

    the 23rd a.k.a. Rio

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    Ten Thoughts on how the season could shape up:

    1) Offensive Line: there will be three starting guards: Donald Thomas, Dimitri Tsoumpas & Richie Incognito. the Bookends: Long & Carey & the Center: Jake Grove will create the Orca-6 in 2010 w/ plenty of depth to spare.

    2) the Defensive Line will alternate between a 3-4 & 4-3: Jared Odrick will win a starting position & Paul Solai will have a banner year. It will be a big, strong & aggressive defensive line.

    3) the DefensiveBackfield: CB’s- Smith & Davis, SS- Bell, FS- Will Allen (Jason Allen & Chris Clemons get a shot @ FS) FreeSafety is our Achilles Heel, our weakest link on defense. Coach Nolan has to figure out a viable solution before he can work his magic in Miami.

    4) LineBackers: Wake, Dansby, Crowder, Anderson (Moses, McCoy, A.J. Edds, Misi)
    If Coach Nolan can fix the FreeSafety, he will revolutionize the defense moving it from the bottom to the top tier in the NFL in 2010.

    5) QB’s - Henne, Pennington, Thigpen: excellent depth. the 3rd yr. for Chad Henne should prove a charm.
    6) Pat White will stick w/ the WildCat, Special Teams Unit & as an emergency backup @ QB. might also begin to work as a WR, Slot or ScatBack. He’ll find his notch this year & contribute or parish.

    7) WR’s start to finish: Marshall, Hartline, Bess, Grice-Mullen, Camarillo

    8) TE’s: Fasano, Haynos, Nalbone (an attempt to convert Patrick Turner to TE & Lyndon Murtha to H-Back)

    9) Running Stable: Ricky, Ronnie, Cobbs, Polite, Tristan Davis/Hilliard

    10) 2010 holds tremendous promise. I predict a play-off berth & if things fall into place, w/ a little luck a shot @ the Big Enchilada. The offense will continue to pound the ball, looking for a 2000 yard season. The passing game will finally become a reality as Henne takes command of an offense w/ no apparent weaknesses. The sky is the limit. My only concern remains the FreeSafety position.

    have fun with it! :up:
     
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  2. cdz12250

    cdz12250 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    I'm going to do my best Joe Namath impression. If I know this front office the way I think I've come to know it, by the time the season starts the Dolphins will have a viable free safety. I guarantee it.:wink2:
     
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  3. larfo2224

    larfo2224 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    I love the optimism. I agree with the prediction about a playoff spot and hope the rest comes around. The only concern that I really have is the free safety slot also, but I believe that the FO has a plan in place and we must trust in them.
     
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  4. Rick 1966

    Rick 1966 Professional Hipshooter

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    If we run the wildcat, Thigpen would be the #2 QB and Penny would be #3.
     
  5. Onehondo

    Onehondo Senior Member Club Member

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    I don't really have any concerns coming into the 2010 season. This team has really made changes and improvements all around in two years. If we recognize a weakness at FS then you know Parcells, Ireland, Sparano and Nolan have all recognized the same thing and have made plans already. The plans they have made may not fit what we want or imagined but I bet they take it very seriously and will address it as such.
    We have come a long ways since the 1-15 season and the dark years, and we have a competitive team, other teams can no longer take for granted.
     
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  6. NJFINSFAN1

    NJFINSFAN1 Premium Member Luxury Box

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    Patrick Turner a TE???????????????????? :huh1:
     
  7. the 23rd

    the 23rd a.k.a. Rio

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    Patrick Turner WR??????????????
    1) got the size & hands to play TE
    2) probably would not be a great blocking TE, but could serve as the RedZone threat or on a slant over the middle @ TE
    3) we need to find some answers @ TE. we failed to do so in FA & the draft
    4) he w/ a high draft pick & I think they will explore different possibilities before calling him a bust
    5) he wouldn't be the first over-sized WR to turn TE
    6) its as much a possibility as using Murtha @ H-Back, both could happen
     
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  8. Ohio Fanatic

    Ohio Fanatic Twuaddle or bust Club Member

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    Not bad 23rd. But I'm not believin in either Turner at TE (does not fit the mold of TEs that regime likes) and Grice-Mullen isn't our 4th WR. At best, he's our full time returner.
     
  9. padre31

    padre31 Premium Member Luxury Box

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    One thing I learned from 09 is don't expect the bit players to be huge contributors, they play their starters a tonne.

    INOW, until something spectacular happens expect Pat Cobbs and DBess to handle returns, I'm beginning not dig PCobbs.

    It would not surprise me to see Turner and White get a "medical" redshirt so to speak..
     
  10. Pandarilla

    Pandarilla Purist Emeritus

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    This is the first time since I can even remember that we've had the same offensive coordinator for three years. This is the first time since Marino we've had a QB prospect that has all the tools of an all-pro. Ditto for our O-line...My point is that our offense should be better than any since Marino.
    If our new Def. Coor. can have an encore in Miami than anything is possible for the Phins in 2010.
     
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  11. Beckwith2089-ThePatsFan

    Beckwith2089-ThePatsFan New Member

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    Alright I have a few questions here. (I mean no disrespect by the way in any of these statements)
    "Paul Solai will have a banner year." Who is this guy? Honestly never heard of him. Also "It will be a big, strong & aggressive defensive line." You only mentioned two players, who are the other D-line members?
    "he will revolutionize the defense moving it from the bottom to the top tier in the NFL in 2010." The Dolphins defense was rather mediocre last year, what exactly makes you think the Phin's Defense will be "Top Tier?" Does Dansby really make your defense comparable to the Jets,Patriots,Colts,Saints,Vikings just to name a few? Also, HONESTLY PLEASE TELL ME HOW THE DOLPHINS WILL MAKE THE PLAYOFFS? Alright just as a refresher 4 divisions in the AFC 4 division winners make the playoffs, the two best non division winners make up the final 2 teams. Lets all agree it will be the Patriots or the Jets winning the division the loser between those to will have 1 of the 2 wildcard spots locked up. Where does this leave room for the Dolphins to fit into? And Don't say the AFC EAST is going to pump out 3 playoff teams (There will only be two, the Patriots and the Jets) Thank you for listening to my little rant right here.
     
  12. jim1

    jim1 New Member

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    Dude can't beat the press and break off of the line as a WR, how in the hell is he gonna play TE?
     
  13. the 23rd

    the 23rd a.k.a. Rio

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    to Beckwith2089-ThePatsFan


    PatriotLover:
    I mean no disrespect by the way in any of these statements...
    1) you will have your answers delivered in all certainty & brutality on game day.
    2) the Patriots are has-beens & the Jets are almosts & could-be's. would not surprise me to see Miami sweep both franchises this season.
    3) in case you haven't noticed, things have changed. remember you have to play us twice & it will be a very unpleasant experience both times. you won't be swimming w/the dolphins, you'll be doing your best to get away from the Orcas.
    :yes:
     
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  14. the 23rd

    the 23rd a.k.a. Rio

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    I think Turner's only shot is @ TE, the WR Corp is too competitive & there exists a need for a receiving TE. he might be better suited @ TE w/ his size & skill set. Martin made the same transition w/GreenBay before coming to Miami. the guy w/ a high draft choice. I think they will work with him. It might work. no one wants a 2nd round bust. we shall see.
     
  15. I MiZFiT I

    I MiZFiT I The Young And The Bestest

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    23rd, Giving up on Turner as a WR after just one season is ridiculous. Especially after Sparano blamed himself for Turner's slow development. I think now with Marshall on the team, Turner's chances of contributing at WR are better then ever. Not ever WR can come in their rookie season or even their 2nd season and contribute right away. IE Miles Austin. Even though Turner and Austin are two different situation with one being a first day pick and the other undrafted. I still think its a valid point.
     
  16. I MiZFiT I

    I MiZFiT I The Young And The Bestest

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    Pat White.

    Turner was 3rd round.
     
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  17. djphinfan

    djphinfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    I dont think its that farfetched an idea, turner was a third round pick 23rd, ive seen him play well in traffic,likes the middle of the field, has a body that has some room to grow, would have good speed at the position, and, with an extra 20 lbs, wouldnt be far from players in stature such a Dustin Keller, Greg olsen, and Aaron Hernandez.

    hypothetical analysis can be fun.
     
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  18. Roman529

    Roman529 Senior Member

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    You sound like a typical Patriot fan, .....overly smug and living on your past success. In case you haven't noticed let me offer a refresher: The Patriots haven't won a SB in 5+ years and their glory days are long behind them. Randy Moss has gotten old and a step slower, and Welker suffered an injury that could make him pretty irrelevant for the rest of his career.

    The Jets have gotten better on defense but have also lost a lot of guys who were key pieces to their team. They have brought in a lot of big names like LT and JT, but most of these guys best days were years ago. Many "experts" have the Phins ranked ahead of the Pats and Jets, so don't be ordering your SB tickets just yet. :lol:
     
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  19. Trowa

    Trowa A world of pain

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    A few objections/questions. Where is John Jerry in your offensive line "pod" as insist on calling it? What makes you think Paul Soliai will have a banner year? There is zero indication that Will Allen will even attempt to play FS this year. All that has been created is stuff by the media and the posters here. The coaching staff has said nothing of the sort. So declaring it at this point seems premature. I honestly don't see Patrick Turner being tried out as a TE. I think, if he can get healthy before TC that he'll compete for a roster spot at WR and ultimately earn his spot as the 5th WR. I wouldn't be surprised to see us carry 6 WRs this year.
     
  20. the 23rd

    the 23rd a.k.a. Rio

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    Friend Trowa:

    1) 'Where is John Jerry in your offensive line "pod" as insist on calling it?'


    he's sitting on the bench behind three, maybe four certifiable starting guards. the real question may be: Why draft another guard & not a FS or TE Which is an area of need?

    2) 'There is zero indication that Will Allen will even attempt to play FS this year.'
    the FrontOffice never tip their hat . everything w/ them is on a need to know basis. we still have a shot @ acquiring an experienced FS. if it falls through, I think you will see both Will & Jason Allen get a shot to step up @ FreeSafety. this is not a job for the inexperienced. it is the last line of defense & sports the best vision of the field. a FreeSafety has to be able to make the right call & that has more to do w/NFL playing experience than potential that must be developed.


    just an opinion :up:
     
  21. rafael

    rafael Well-Known Member

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    Soliai is a young NT whom I believe is entering his 4th season. He is a space eater, a two-gap type run defender with a limited pass rush. He'll probably play primarily on first and second down.

    As for the defense, the Dolphins were ranked 15th two seasons ago and 9th in in scoring defense (which I think is a more valuable stat). The talent on the team was comparable between 2008 and 2009. The main differences talent wise were that we started two rookie CBs (Davis and Smith since W. Allen was injured) who most everybody agrees have top tier talent but lack experience, our ILB Crowder played injured and we changed FSs. Wilson was more physically talented than Hill but he wasn't as good at getting the secondary to play as a unit. You also have to factor in the young CBs. Some people cite the decline in Porter's pass rush, but the reality is that our pass rush as a whole was stronger in 2009 than 2008. We just lacked the one guy who got the headlines.

    So the talent was comparable between 2008 and 2009 but the scheme was a poor fit. By most accounts Nolan is considered a a very good DC who will get the most out of his players and he has a history of quick defensive turnabouts. IMO our talent level with the two CBs entering their second year, the return of W. Allen, who was a borderline pro bowl CB in 2008, the addition of Dansby, the return of a healthy Crowder and a few other additions (most notably Wake as a pass rusher) is higher going into 2010 than it was going into 2008. So the question is the scheme. If Nolan can accomplish what he's done in the past, then I don't think it's far-fetched to see this defense return to a top 10 - 15 unit. With some luck (as all teams need), it could end up in the top 5 - 10 range.

    As for the playoffs, I think it's a three team race in the AFCE between Miami, NE and the Jets. NE is clearly a team on the decline due to encroaching age and a horrid drafting record over the last few years. Frankly there were several times last year when that defense just looked old and slow. They have been able to continue to win though b/c of a great passing attack since it is after all, a passing league. But that defense is another year older and they have clearly fallen closer to the pack.

    The Jets unquestionably have a great defense. Their questions revolve primarily on how Sanchez develops. They were able to protect him last year with that defense and running game but they lost their best back. So that protection may be diminished. They also seem to have improved his receiving targets. If Sanchez doesn't develop they may take a step back. If he does they may take a step forward.

    The Dolphins unquestionably had a great running game. Similarly their questions revolve around the development of Henne. He's entering his third season and the weapons around him should be improved. Even if he were to falter Pennington returns from the injury he suffered in 2009. As mentioned above there are considerable reasons to think that our defense could/should return to at least the level it was in 2008 when it was good enough to win the division.

    It's easy for the short-sighted NFL fan to forget how good the Dolphin's defense was in 2008, but anybody with a broader view will see that this year it will be a three team race in the AFCE. All three of those teams are close enough that luck (injuries and bounces) and what young players develop will probably decide the winner.
     
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  22. gunn34

    gunn34 I miss Don & Dan

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    1.) Hopefully Grove can stay healthy and Long or Carey stay healthy too.
    4.) Wake and Dansby are good. The rest wouldn't start on any roster.
    6.) White brings nothing to the game.
    8.) None of them scare anyone.
     
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  23. the 23rd

    the 23rd a.k.a. Rio

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    Friend Gunn34:

    1) a good preseason, time in the weight room & conditioning program should assure their overall health. however, there are good days & bad days... should one of them go down this year we are covered w/ talented backups ready to make a statement & save the day.

    4) I think Wake & Dansby are far beyond just good & Crowder & Anderson are both legitimate NFL starters. great depth & competition across the board @ linebacker. Moses, McCoy, A.J. Edds & Misi have the potential to contribute immediately & challenge for the start by mid-season, maybe sooner.

    6) unfortunately, you might be right on this one. having said that, I think the FrontOffice & CoachingCadre will try to find a spot for him this year to contribute to the team. he has a very large upside as a football player & can do more than one thing on the field.

    8) I think they are all scared, big-time & they should be. there will be blood in the water & an OrcaFeedingFrenzy with every game. this is going to be one brutal season & the more physical it is the better it will serve Miami.:yes:
     
  24. Larryfinfan

    Larryfinfan 17-0...Priceless Club Member

    Well, these thoughts are definitely looked at with aqua and orange colored glasses. It would be tremendous if half of them materialized.

    1) Orca 6 is a horrible name for the OL. Just doesn't fit...but, you are right about the depth we'll have behind whoever ends up as the starters. A surprise change could be Berger at C and Grove traded....just a thought, but Incognito has played C, Berger played very well in Groves' absence last season and Garner can also play C if pressed. Speaking of Garner, he may have something to say about Tsoumpas as the #3 G, but that is only a good thing. Did I tell you I dislike the name you gave them ??

    2) I agree that the DL will be improved. Odrick has the ability to fill in where Starks was last year, with his move to NT. I'm not as assured as you are that Soliai has seen the light just yet. To develop into what this regime sees as a NT, he'll still need another couple of years playtime and a serious wake up call to mature on the field and as a pro post haste or he'll be gone.

    3) I think you over-estimate the secondary. Will Allen is not a FS. However, better pressure from the front seven will minimize the weakness at FS, be that Clemons, Culver, Jones or whoever. A wildcard that might solidify the secondary is Atogwe...

    4) Anderson and Q Moses scare me as our starters. I certainly hope Misi can jump into the SOLB role from day one... Edds will need some time, but in packages will be a valuable coverage addition to the LBer corps. If I were Crowder, I'd be a little concerned about Dobbins. Both are about the same as thumpers, with Dobbins having less experience. Crowder has shown a propensity to play better with better players beside him (Zach), let's hope he does again. As much as Wake progressed last year, he still has a long way to go to be a complete LBer. That said, Nolan made his name off of developing packages with the players he had to maximize their strengths and get the most from them. Let's hope he can do the same here.

    5) Couldn't agree more there.

    6) Who's spot on the roster is White going to take ?? A third TE ?? A third RBs ?? A 5th WR ?? For a guy that showed absolutely nothing, we seem to have to give up a lot to keep him on the roster. However, they selected him #44 overall, and he stays...not that I want him to, but he'll be there somewhere in the final 53 taking the place of a decent prospect somewhere....

    7) We'd better hope RGM is there, he's the only decent returner in the group. I'm not as big a fan of Bess as most are but he probably stays. The question is going to be whether RGM can show enough as a WR to justify keeping him on...His return skills are good enough, since we let Ginn go, we have no one there....save for a slow-footed Bess.

    8) TEs - My guess is we see two guys here, since White has to have a spot somewhere. I'll be really disappointed if they trade or release Thigpen to make room for him. Nalbone has time available on the PS...

    9) RBs - The only issue here is Cobb and Brown coming off injuries. We can't let RW carry the load again.

    10) If everything falls into place, a playoff berth is possible. FS may be less of an issue, if the pressure from the front 7 is there. My biggest concern right now is the LBer corps. A lot of young guys and a few journeymen (Moses, Anderson, Walden, Wake) that have to come thru until the youngster develop. We are banking on at least one of the group (Misi, Edds, McCoy or even Spitler) to start and play well from day one. Wake is still a project but must show his wares starting now. It's really a scary proposition to see Anderson and Moses as our starting OLBers...
     
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  25. the 23rd

    the 23rd a.k.a. Rio

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    valid analysis;appreciate your input & yes I am a Homer
     
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  26. Larryfinfan

    Larryfinfan 17-0...Priceless Club Member

    Me too, I just try to play devils' advocate as much as possible to keep my emotions in check while awaiting the season....

    Just like any year though, we have quite a few questions that can only be answered by time....Can't wait for July....
     
  27. felly smarts

    felly smarts New Member

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    I dont agree with the WRs. I put Camarillo above Bess and Hartline. Cant put the guy on the bottom for going 50 for 50 last year. Neither Bess or Hartline did that.
     
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  28. the 23rd

    the 23rd a.k.a. Rio

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    they will compete
     
  29. Larryfinfan

    Larryfinfan 17-0...Priceless Club Member

    Gotta disagree, at least in potential. I love Cammy, but he's done what he can do here. Hartline only lacks experience, but has developed a knack for being able to beat coverage off the LOS, which usually takes a WR a couple of years to develop. He is faster than Cammy and his hands are just as good. He may not be as quick as Cammy though. I think our best bet, and most disagree with me, is to have Cammy as the slot guy with Hartline opposite Mashall. Cammy is also adept at finding the holes, in fact that was the role that got him noticed in the first place here. Due to Hartline's better straight line speed, and without a real deep threat (like Ginn would have been) opposite Marshall, someone (Bess, Cammy, Turner and/or RGM are going to have to fight to get reps...
     
  30. rafael

    rafael Well-Known Member

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    IMO Cam is a consistent guy who could be your #2 but you'll always be looking for an upgrade. He simply isn't that compelling of an athlete. Ideally he'd be your #4. Hartline has far more potential. He may or may not realize it this season (or ever) but you have to hope he does as it just makes our team better.

    And Cam is no where near as good as Bess in the slot. Bess had a poor stretch last season so some are down on him but talent wise he could be one of the best slot WRs in the league. By the end of last season he was the only WR the other teams ever doubled. Cam can play the slot, but he's not a guy the other team worries about. I think Cam will be better this season, a year removed from injury, but I don't think he'll ever be the guy the opponent worries about. The best teams have several guys the opponents worry about.
     
  31. the 23rd

    the 23rd a.k.a. Rio

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    Hartline will be the #2 receiver
     
  32. Larryfinfan

    Larryfinfan 17-0...Priceless Club Member

    Are you saying that a slower and less athletic Bess is a better slot receiver than Cammy could be, who coincidentally got his start as the slot guy ?? I don't think any teams worry too much about Bess because of his physical limitations...
     
  33. rafael

    rafael Well-Known Member

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    Yes, Bess is the better slot WR. He has a feel for finding the zones and better quickness than Cam out of his breaks which are the keys to playing in the slot. And you'd be wrong about what other teams worry about since it is a fact that he was drawing double coverage by the second half of last year. That will happen when you're second in the league in 3rd down receptions.

    All the more impressive was the Patriots at times were double-covering Bess, a tactic Dolphins coach Tony Sparano noticed toward the end of their first game against the Patriots in Week 9.

    "I think that there was clear emphasis on the Patriots' part to try to take Davone away," Sparano said.

    That's right. Bess has gone from undrafted to a double-cover danger.


    http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/13650/davone-bess-the-best-wr-you-dont-know

    I also am not sure why you see Cam as a better athlete. They weigh the same. Cam is two inches taller. Bess shows better burst and better body control. Cam had the better 40 time. Neither is a super athlete but Bess' burst and body control may be elite. The only thing about Cam that could be considered elite is hands but nothing about his ability to get open is elite. That's why he doesn't have to be doubled. And even his possibly elite hands don't tend to make spectacular catches. They just make the routine catches consistently. That has value but don't make it out to be more than it is. And BTW Bess' hands are considered excellent as well. He does make the spectacular catch and generally also makes the routine catch. Basically the slot WR that has very good hands and a knack for getting open is better than the slot WR with consistent hands but less ability to gain separation.
     
  34. Dol-Fan Dupree

    Dol-Fan Dupree Tank? Who is Tank? I am Guy Incognito.

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    Teams worry about Bess more than they worry about Cammy
     
  35. Jeff

    Jeff A.S.E. Mastur

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    Miami Dolphins in 2010:

    Offense is going to be stellar
    Defense is going to be improved, a work in progress
    Special teams will be our weakness,
    IMO.
     

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