*** DOLPHINS NEWS ***
Nov 20, 1997: -- Madison To Start --
** Sam Madison to Start at Cornerback **
The Miami Herald is reporting this morning that the Dolphins
will move rookie cornerback Sam Madison to the starting position at
right cornerback in place of Calvin Jackson. Jackson will then move
to the starting free safety position in place of George Teague, who
replaced Corey Harris at that spot several weeks ago.
The move was apparently prompted by the fine play of Madison
over the last few weeks and JJ's disappointment with the coverage
skills of Teague. It looks like Teague will still play in the nickel
and dime defensive packages, with Jackson moving back to the slot
position.
** Jason Taylor Sprains Thumb **
Jason Taylor sprained his left thumb in practice on Wednesday,
but it isn't considered serious and if he is listed on the injury
report at all, he will be listed as probable for Sunday's game against
th Patriots.
Stanley Pritchett also came back to full practice on Wednesday
for the first time, but he only worked with the scout team and that
probably means that he won't play on Sunday.
** Dolphins May Sign Tight End to Practice Squad **
The Dolphins will give a tryout to tight end Isaac Curtis
today in the hopes that they can sign him to the practice squad.
Curtis, at 6'3" and 260 pounds, is the son of former Bengals' wide
receiver Isaac Curtis and was a standout tight end at Kentucky.
My Comments:
Despite having one of their best statistical days against the
Bills, I guess JJ saw some things in the pass defense he didn't like.
This switch does come as a bit of a surprise, but it's pretty obvious
that JJ is trying to put his best 4 cover men on the field against
the Patriots at the same time.
Of course, it really doesn't make that much difference, since
the Dolphins only use a base defense about 30-40% of the time, but it
is an interesting move.
Unfortunately, it doesn't say much for the off-season free
agents that JJ signed. Corey Harris and George Teague were the two
biggest names that the Dolphins signed as free agents this year and
neither are now starting.
It is good to see Sam Madison get the start and he deserves it
after the way he has played the last 2 weeks. It remains to be seen
how well Calvin Jackson will adjust to playing the safety position.
Related Info:
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Curt Fennell,
curt@phins.com, DOLFAN in New Rochelle (almost)
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