Camp preview: Miami Dolphins' top training camp battles
Omar Kelly
The time to talk is over. It is finally time for live action and hitting.
Friday marks the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins, which means starting jobs and roster spots will be won and lost during the next two weeks of practice, and the upcoming four exhibition games.
Here is a breakdown of the Dolphins' best training camp battles of 2012:
Starting quarterback: The Dolphins hope to have identified a starter by the middle of August, which means veteran quarterback David Garrard, incumbent starter Matt Moore, and first-round pick Ryan Tannehill have three weeks to gain comfort in the west coast offense, and familiarize themselves with Miami's weaponry. Garrard makes the quickest decisions. Moore keeps the big play alive, and Tannehill possesses the most upside. The players will support the quarterback who can lead the team to victories. The winner of this battle will need to produce regular season victories to retain the job.
Starting right guard: John Jerry's best shot of regaining the starting right guard spot he held for all of 2010 is to show up in better shape, around 320 pounds, so he could fit the athletic mold Miami's coaches want for their zone-blocking scheme. The Dolphins signed some insurance at this position on Thursday adding veteran offensive guard Eric Steinbach. Artis Hicks, a 10-year veteran who has started 71 games, is also an option. Nate Garner, or the loser of the right tackle battle, could also enter the mix. The Dolphins need to find someone who can make second-level blocks.
Starting right tackle: The Dolphins drafted Jonathan Martin in the second-round with the intentions of moving the Stanford lineman from left tackle to right tackle. But he missed most of the offseason program while attending classes and needs to get stronger to handle NFL ends. Lydon Murtha played well in last year's exhibition season before suffering a season-ending foot injury. But this three-year veteran, who has started four games in 2010, must prove he's a better fit than Martin.
Starting receivers: Davone Bess is a staple in the slot role, and should serve as Miami's leading receiver now that Brandon Marshall is gone. But the Dolphins will hold open auditions to determine which receivers serve as the team's starting split end and flanker. Brian Hartline has started for two straight years, but has never been more than the team's No. 3 target. Chad Johnson, a six-time Pro Bowl wideout, coming off his least productive season, is trying to prove he's not washed up during his South Florida homecoming. Legedu Naanee, who started 10 games for Carolina last season, catching 44 passes for 467 yards and one touchdown, has been a pleasant surprise so far. Will he continue to excel when the pads come on?
Backup receivers: Bess, Hartline, Johnson and Naanee should survive cuts if they remain healthy, and continue to produce at their usual rate. That means Roberto Wallace, Julius Pruitt, Clyde Gates, Marlon Moore, Chris Hogan and rookies B.J. Cunningham, Rishard Matthews, Jeff Fuller are competing for the final two spots on the 53-man roster, and possibly another two on the practice squad. Special teams contributions will become a huge factor in this battle between Miami's young receivers.
Starting safety: The Dolphins envision having interchangeable safeties, players capable of switching roles on any given play. That means each safety must not only be physical and instinctive, but able to cover a receiver one-on-one. Reshad Jones has earned one of the starting spots and now it is on Chris Clemons, Tyrone Culver, Jimmy Wilson and Tyrell Johnson to determine whom he'll be paired with. Improved communication in the secondary is critical to the defense's success in 2012, so intelligence and leadership will likely be a determining factor.
Starting strong side linebacker: Koa Misi has contributed 75 tackles and 5.5 sacks in his two seasons as Miami's starting strong side linebacker, but the Dolphins need to see more from the 2010 second-round pick to continue the investment. Gary Guyton started 32 games for the Patriots at that spot the past four years, and his experience could mesh well with the linebacker unit. It is possible rookie Josh Kaddu, a fifth-round pick, could also impress the Dolphins' new coaches.
Kickoff and punt returners: The Dolphins have tried to replace Bess as the team's punt returner, but haven't been able to find anyone better in four years. Last year, Bess finished fifth in the NFL in punt return yards, averaging 11.9 yards per return. The only NFL players who statistically outperformed him in 2011 were Devin Hester, Patrick Peterson, Javier Arenas and Ted Ginn Jr. But that won't stop a few youngsters from trying. Lamar Miller is expected to push Gates for the kickoff returner job. Gates, Rishard Matthews, Marcus Thigpen and Chris Hogan should view a possible returner role as their best shot at making the 53-man roster.
When: Through Aug. 15
Where: Nova Southeastern University, 7500 S.W. 30th St., Davie
Parking: Free parking is available in the garage to the east of the practice fields.
Admission: Free with seating available for the first 2,000 fans.
Schedule: Friday, 8:40 a.m.; Saturday, 8:40 a.m.; Sunday, 8:40 a.m.; Monday, 8:40 a.m.; Tuesday, off; Wednesday, 8:40 a.m.; Thursday, 8:40 a.m.; Friday, 8:40 a.m.; Saturday, 9:15 a.m. at Sun Life Stadium; Sunday, off; Aug. 6, 8:40 a.m.; Aug. 7, 8:40 a.m.; Aug. 8, 6:25 p.m.; Aug. 9, closed; Aug. 10, preseason opener vs. Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m. at Sun Life Stadium; Aug. 11, off; Aug. 12, 1:40 p.m.; Aug. 13, 8:40 a.m.; Aug. 14, 8:40 a.m.; Aug. 15, 8:40 a.m.
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