In the third installment of HBO’s Hard Knocks, a glimpse into the direction of the future of the Miami Dolphins begins to take shape. The show starts when first year head coach Joe Philbin meets with some veteran players over the choice to release WR Chad Johnson, and finishes with the start of a new era in Miami, rookie QB Chad Tannehill is named the starter for the Dolphins opener in week one at Houston.
MDD Staff Writer: Chad Pullen
Reggie Bush assumes the role
Whether by default or nomination, Reggie Bush appears to be the collective voice of the team this season. It was Reggie who approached coach Philbin about talking over the decision to release Johnson, and in that meeting he brings fellow veterans Karlos Dansby and Jake Long.
As a group, it is decided that they may begin to meet weekly and go over team issues with coach Philbin as a way for Philbin to keep tabs on the mood of the team, as well as send veiled messages through the lockerroom. It will also allow the players to have a voice with the head coach as well for any matters that may come up during the season. After the meeting, Bush was seen working out on his own after practice and later talking about his goal to lead the NFL in rushing, something the Phins could surely use this season.
Third round picks struggle
Two players were featured prominently featuring their struggles in camp so far. Both, third round picks of the Dolphins, slots in the draft that should be automatic starters if not borderline pro bowlers. OG John Jerry who was selected in 2010, and TE Michael Egnew selected this past April have both been disappointments in key positions for the Dolphins and are currently holding the offense back. RG has proved to be a huge problem area, and if Jerry can not stand up, and recent signee Eric Steinbach can’t regain his prior form, Tannehill could be in for a long season due to that lone spot on the line. Jerry is being given every chance to earn the job, if he can not, the Dolphins will need to add RG to their wish list next April.
Egnew was brought in to compliment the versatile Charles Clay and give the Dolphins two solid weapons at the TE position to help alleviate the issue at receiver. So far, Egnew has failed miserably. Not only is he struggling with holding onto the ball, he’s also had lapses in hustle and blocking, both shown in this episode. Both of these former third round picks need to step up in order for the Dolphins offense to work at optimum levels.
Vontae Davis shows signs of life
One bright spot for Miami, CB Vontae Davis appears to have gotten the message from early in camp and is starting to play closer to his potential. With the defense struggling early in preseason while a few starters round into form and ease their way back into the lineup, Davis had played himself out of a starting role at corner causing further concern for the unit.
If he can manage to get back to the level expected of him, and Sean Smith can continue his solid early play along with free agent signee Richard Marshall, the Dolphins secondary may be able to stand up to upper level QB’s like Matt Schaub and Tom Brady over the course of the season. Davis may not be the best player on the defensive side of the ball this year, but he may be the most important in terms of all the roles slotting as expected and covering as many weaknesses as possible this season.
