THE EXTRA YARD: WEEK #2 DOLPHINS CAMP REPORT

Week 2 has come and gone, and due to the restrictive nature of the NFL reporting rules this year, I cannot offer detailed analysis, but I can give you an overview of each position group after one week of training camp.

QUARTERBACKS

This week had the look of a hard charging Tua Tagovailoa making an attempt on Ryan Fitzpatrick’s job, but since there are no preseason games for Tua to cement his position, it might just be a futile attempt to supplant Fitzpatrick as the week 1 starter against the Patriots. Tua completes week 2 with (very rough estimates) numbers that look like this in 11v11: 40 completions in 64 attempts (63%), 12 TD’s, 2 INT’s, (1 INT on a 2 pt. conv. on batted ball), 5 sacks given up, and 2 delay of game penalties.

RUNNINGBACKS

With Kalen Ballage gone, the picture on this unit is clearer. As Patrick Laird nurses an injury, Myles Gaskin makes a run at that #3 spot as it was obvious to everybody when they were acquired, and more obvious now as to who the top 2 are. Jordan Howard has been a steady performer, and Breida is electric. So far, so good on these two pickups.

WIDE RECEIVERS

This was Mack Hollins week. Great week for the 4th year guy out of North Carolina. If he is used in 11 personnel along with Parker and Williams, it would make for the biggest set of WR’s in the league. He catches it cleanly, and is not afraid of contact. He plays up to his size. Jakeem Grant returned to practice Friday and was back to his old training camp tricks as he made a circus catch on a seam route for a 41 yard gain from Ryan Fitzpatrick. Isaiah Ford, Chester Rogers, Matt Cole, had uneventful weeks, save for Ford’s moments with Tua on Monday.

TIGHT ENDS

Mike Gesicki continues steady work, but the highlight film is bare. Adam Shaheen caught a beauty for a 15 yard TD on an out route from Tua on Friday. Durham Smythe joins the “good body” club as he has a slimmer, more toned build this year. Chris Myarick had some communication issues with Tua.

OFFENSIVE LINE

This unit continues to impress, and Solomon Kindley seems to be a find, as he is on pace to contribute right away. Austin Jackson has battled Shaq Lawson admirably all camp, but this week goes to Lawson as he beat him for an important sack on Friday. Ted Karras has been steady, and you can see what they saw in him. He is an intelligent type, that offers leadership, and sound technique for what they want to do on offense. Ereck Flowers has been very good all camp, and for such a large group,I have been impressed with the lack of “dragging ass” I have seen. It’s HOT out there and the energy has been good for this unit.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Raekwon Davis looks to be a top contributor and as I said on the podcast, I feel as if all of his reps versus lessor competition are wasted as he just tends to dominate. His battles against Ereck Flowers are worth your time and attention. Shaq Lawson showed some pass rush chops this week, Wilkins put in good work against the run, and Ogbah is the steadiest of them all. Jason Stowbridge has had a better week, and Tyshun Render is a great looking athlete, but he has trouble finding people to hit in space (special teams). This is a good looking group, in what has been a very good camp

LINEBACKERS

Elandon Roberts continues as a front line contributor, and Jerome Baker is Jerome Baker. Kyle Van Noy nursed an injury all week, but it does not look to be serious as he has participated for most of the week. Sam Eguavoan has been lost in the shuffle as Kamu Grugier-Hill, and Calvin Munson are top contributors on special teams. Andrew Van Ginkel has taken a big step forward as a contributor in the absence of others due to injury.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Noah Igbinoghene continues his great camp, and it’s obvious by now that he will be an importnat piece on this defense. Xavien Howard returned on Friday, but did not participate in 11v11. It’s going to be interesting to see how they play these guys as this unit looks to be the deepest on the team. Nik Needham, welcome to training camp. Great week for the 2nd year guy. Kavon Frazier looks to contribute everywhere, as well as Special teams, but you can tell they like the rookie out of Texas, Brandon Jones. There will be tough decisions to make on this unit, or maybe they just keep an inordinate amount?

SPECIAL TEAMS

Jakeem Grant returns to punt return duty, and is now joined by Noah Igbinoghene on kick off returns. Punt coverage, and Kick coverage units got thorough walk thrus and live action this week.

Alfredo Arteaga (@Alf_Arteaga) is one-third of the trio that does the Three Yards Per Carry (@3YardsPerCarry) podcast.