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Dolphins 2009 Training Camp: Day 2 - Mon, Aug 3rd |  | ||||||||
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Eyewitness Reports | Future Schedule | My Comments | Related Links TODAY'S SUMMARY: The Dolphins continued training camp this morning with a 9 AM practice. The team wore full pads today and there was some serious hitting going on, although leveling opponents at Camp Sparano is not allowed to prevent injuries. There was also an afternoon practice that was closed to the public, so information from that practice was limited. The offensive and defensive starting units were the same as yesterday, with Shawn Murphy continuing to start at offensive right guard, Jason Taylor still at strongside linebacker and Eric Green continuing to start at cornerback opposite Will Allen. Sean Smith and Vontae Davis are the two backup cornerbacks right now. Andy Alleman filled in for Justin Smiley at left guard, because Smiley was absent for the birth of his son. Donald Thomas did do some individual drills, but was again held out of team practices to allow his chest to heal. Matt Roth was not on the field as he continues to recover from his illness or injury, depending on what you read. Overall, the defense dominated this morning, getting at least one interception, a couple of pass breakups, one sack and several quarterback pressures. On the pick, the defense got Pennington moving backwards and he threw into Will Allen's hands. Channing Crowder broke up a pass to Anthony Fasano while Akin Ayodele blew up an end around play. Also, at the end of practice, the offense had two bad exchanges and a couple of pre-snap penalties. Coach Sparano said he was not pleased with how the team finished today. But not everything went the defense's way. Ted Ginn, Jr blew past rookie Sean Smith on one play and Devone Bess made a one-handed grab during position drills. But mostly, this was a day for defense. The team also worked on special teams today and Ted Ginn Jr., Brian Hartline, Devone Bess, and Chris Williams all fielded punts. Williams, unfortunately, dropped his first punt, but Devone Bess and Brian Hartline looked good fielding the ball.
There were a couple of plays today that caught the eyes of onlookers during the practice sessions. In the cornerback battle, Vontae Davies showed some impressive closing speed in coverage, while Sean Smith was roasted by Ted Ginn, Jr. on a deep route. In the afternoon practice, Eric Green reportedly dropped not one, but two interceptions that he had in his hands. Green continues to also have problems in coverage. At the wide receiver position, Anthony Armstrong dropped a pass that was in his hands, while WR Patrick Turner knocked Jason Allen completely off his feet on another play. And after posting the highlight catch of the day on Sunday, Brandon London reportedly took a step back on Monday and had some problems getting open. The only thing I've heard about Brian Hartline is that he caught a pass and then dropped it - into a defender's hands. That is not the way you want to be noticed. He did, however, get praise for his handling of punts. Pat White is continuing to learn and, for the second day, played pretty well. However, he still is making some pretty obvious mistakes once in a while and clearly has a lot to learn before he'll be ready to take the field.
None.
Matt Roth continues to stay off the field with his mystery illness. Right now, no one (other than Roth, presumably) is sure of what's going on other than he's not feeling well. It remains to be seen what will happen with him.
There is an eyewitness report from Dolphins' fan Ozzy posted in the Phins.com Phorums at Training Camp Eyewitness Report It is very long, so I won't include it here, but all fans should definitely check it out.
The Dolphins have one open practice in the morning and one closed practice on Tuesday and two open practices on Wednesday at 9 and 5 PM.
The situation with Matt Roth concerns me. When he arrived at camp, he signed a statement (like all the players) that said that he had no known physical problems that would keep him from practicing. He has explained to Coach Sparano that he just doesn't feel well. He's had a blood test which came back negative for anything serious. Unfortunately, the fly in the ointment in this case is (as it often is) Drew Rosenhaus. He reportedly stated that Roth has a groin injury. If Roth knew that going into training camp, he has lied to the team about his status. Coach Sparano said that he has talked with Roth and that there was no mention of any problems with Roth's groin. Now, Matt Roth is a good kid and Drew Rosenhaus is a slick lying son-of-a-lawyer who would sell his grandmother to make a buck. Certainly, Rosenhaus has said things that later turned out to be manure before. However, if Rosenhaus is right about Roth and Roth knew it, then Roth is going to be in some very deep kimchi when the truth comes out. I've met Tony Sparano and I would not want to get caught lying to him, especially if my job was on the line.
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