Apologies if it's been discussed already, I haven't read anything about it. I noticed Donald Thomas was missing from most of the game.
Just wondering if there was something I missed? Is he hurt?
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http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/sfl-askharvey,0,5741223.story
If Thomas is hurting, he hasn't made it to the injury report yet. I asked Tony Sparano what kind of year Donald was having last Friday, and he gave a very long, thoughtful answer that touched on the need to preserve this talented young player's mental and physical energy. Here's a portion of that answer: "He's had a good year. I think it's been a heck of a learning experience for him right now, as for a lot of people out there. You have to realize Donald Thomas has done very little of this in his career. I kind of made a statement to the staff the other day, saying, 'This is really uncharted territory for this guy right now.' … He obviously didn't play a whole lot in college. From a physical standpoint, I think it's different. From a mental standpoint, what you're being asked to do every week, the mental grind of preparing every week for this long is a little bit different, so sometimes you can probably see it getting a little bit long for him. He's done a good job of battling through it, really good job, and is eager. This guy is probably one of the most eager guys that you're ever going to see."
Per Mike Berardino
Just answered my own question.Califin, CashInFist, Zanno and 4 others like this. -
I did notice Nate Garner playing a lot of RG as well. Phil Simms said during the broadcast that Miami was rotating their offensive line. Might as well play the hot hand, and right now Nate Garner is it. Thomas did start and played, but I didn't notice him much in the 2nd half.
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Carey and Long are the only guys who are set in stone on our offensive line. Honestly, LG C and Rg have been different guys for the past few weeks. its definitely interesting.
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Yes
Big money players are going to play imo.The rest are playing for their jobs and Coach will put the best players on the field.Send a message that losing or mediocre play will not be tolerated.
Even JT was a little bummed that he's been playing the 1st two downs.
Pasq. pulled JT from that last play that Wake had the sack.
Like many have said,Wake needs more reps.So do the Offensive players who are performing. -
Essentially he's hitting the rookie wall.
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More like the wall wore cleats and stomped across his back......oh wait that was Aiken.
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Could be hitting the rookie wall.... (I know he is not a rookie)
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I don't get how come ppl are being so critical of Smith. I mena sure he has gotten beated from time to time but that happens to the best CB's in the NFL. On the Aiken play, Aiken just made a great play and that is going to happen when NFL athletes step on the field. On the Aiken play Smith was in perfect position he did everything right up to the point that Aiken pushed him from behind. Aiken made the play, tip your hat... doesn't mean that Smith is playing poorly.
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His level of play has declined a bit the last few weeks. Doesn't mean he is trash, but he is allowing some completions on balls he made plays on early in the season. It happens, and Davis will likely see the same wall in about 3 weeks as he was only used sparingly to start. Smith has been de facto since training camp.
It happens to every rookie, even Jake last year looked a little slower as the season ended. It happens. -
Donald Thomas needs to improve on his pass blocking.
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Smith needs to learn the physical aspect of CB ... and he needs to learn how to stay with a WR across the middle. whether its scheme or not -- all the opposition has to do is throw an in on him every time ... its terrible to watch.
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Actually, there was a technique error on that play, but I don't think it was necessarily his fault. Instead of staying in Aiken's hip pocket once he had the trajectory, he should have peeled off the route and made the play since he has a sizable height and leaping advantage on Aiken.
But I think that was standard corner coaching (nobody really knows how to coach a corner that tall) and his receiver mentality coming into play. -
depth
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actually, i don't think this is a bad thing ... Garner has really come on in the last 6 games, still having Thomas allows us some flexibility with Smiley ... this is a good news story - just depends on how you sell it.