http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/...dary-ready-to-grow-up-20120723,0,610036.story "Will the members of Miami's secondary show they are ready to stand on their own two feet, serving as a reliable last line of defense for Miami's defense? Or will communication breakdowns in the backend handcuff the Dolphins? I do believe there needs to be some growing up to do by both our corners, the talent is there, their former leaders are not, it's sink or swim time for Sean Smith, he's in a contract year, hasn't show anything special from a coverage standpoint, and absolutely is a bad run defender imo who shys away from contact, in a contract year, there really needs to be a jump in play and mentality for me to want him on the team.. Maybe our new dude Marshall will show him how to play the run a bit, considering this player has been at the top or near the top of the league for tackles by a secondary player. Reshad Jones or Chris Clemons, who will be the communicator of the defense should be very interesting to watch come preseason, one of those players needs to step up into a leadership role, cause I don't see any other option there in terms of leadership. There might be a chance that Marshall, exemplifies leadership and communication skills during the preseason, and puts himself into the safety conversation based on those principles alone, he did play half his snaps there last year, and did well, some respected analysts think his game is more suited there..We shall see if our very young secondary is ready to grow up.
I don't think playing the run has been an issue with our corners, especially Vontae. It's all about consistency vs the pass.
If you ask me the two players that have the most pressure to perform this season, I'd say its Vontae Davis and Sean Smith.
Richard Marshall: Miami Dolphins Nickel is Worth Millions http://www.rantsports.com/miami-dol...hall-miami-dolphins-nickel-is-worth-millions/
No one said anything negative about Vontaes tackling ability..I think he can become the most explosive corner against the run in the league with his ability!, his quick twitch and aggressiveness in the run game are very impressive.
It's always been mental with SS. He plays as if he thinks dominant CB play is just going to "happen" for him. He needs a complete change of mentality / approach and determine that he's got to MAKE himself into the player he envisions he can someday become. No one is going to do it for him and it doesn't just "happen".
Some people question why I give him a hard time, and it's because of exactly what your talking about..The way he conducts himself in the action, and I mean that literally, during the action is sometimes downright wussfull, but yet acts like its all good baby..Personally, I'm tired of the act..but, I hope he now gets it and understands that he can't just stay status quo, his game has to elevate, otherwise it's not good enough Imo.
