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*** DOLPHINS NEWS ***

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Aug 31, 1996: -- Scott Miller to Start Sunday --

DOLPHINS NEWS:

The Miami Herald is reporting this morning that WR Scott Miller, a 5 year veteran of the Dolphins and a consistent if unspectacular player, will start at wide receiver Sunday opposite OJ McDuffie.

This news comes as a shock, with everyone thinking that Randal Hill or one of the other deep threats would start. However, JJ has decided that Miller's consistency and hard work this summer will be rewarded on Sunday with the starting position.

In other news, running back Irving Spikes strained a hamstring in practice on Friday and may not start on Sunday against the Patriots. If he doesn't start, rookie Karim Abdul-Jabbar will get the call as the starting tailback.

Placed on the inactive list for Sunday's game were DT Norman Hand, OG Everett McIver, CB Tim Jacobs and WR Fred Barnett. The Herald is also reporting that WR Charles Jordan may join the inactive list, with the Dolphins being required to place 4 more players on the inactive list.

And last, but not least, OT James Brown will start at right tackle on Sunday, but will rotate at that position with Billy Milner. Apparently, the Dolphins will allow Brown to play three series and then insert Milner for 2 series. Brown has graded out higher in the preseason and is the better run blocker, while Milner is thought to be the better pass blocker.

My Comments:

The decision to start Miller on Sunday bears out what JJ has been saying all summer - that the players who practice the best and work the hardest will play on Sundays. Players who are inconsistent or who don't work up to JJ's standards will not start.

It's an interesting choice and it appears to bear out what JJ has been saying about playing a conservative game. With Miller as the second wide receiver, there will be two possession wide receivers starting.

Still, it's almost too obvious. It would be unlike JJ to tip his hand so obviously in advance of the game. Keep an eye open for a few surprises tomorrow.

On another topic, I have said little about the renaming of Joe Robbie Stadium for the paltry sum of $20 million. That is because the only things I could think of to say about the deal were both vulgar and forbidden on most internet service providers. And since I have a certain reputation to uphold, I chose to remain silent.

However, I will continue to refer to the home stadium of the Dolphins as Joe Robbie stadium, as my own little protest against the overwhelming commercialism that runs rampant through all phases of modern professional sports. I have no objection to Wayne Huizenga making money, but there are limits on everything and, IMNSHO, he has exceeded those limits with this deal. There should be some room left for tradition and there should be some respect accorded to those who have built the franchise that now supplies Wayne Huizenga with his generous profits.

Related Info:

Miami Herald:

Dolphins Notebook

Miami Herald:

Miller a Starter? JJ Thinks So...

Miami Herald:

Milner, Brown to Rotate at Tackle