Until today, I was smarting over the kicking game after one day of training camp. Since I absolutely can appreciate kickers, Andrew Franks hit the big kicks today versus not much of a rush.
Franks you see is in competition with incumbent third-year kicker Caleb Sturgis.
After going 4/4 on his kicks today Franks is starting to turn some heads. He nailed everything in the 40 yard range including a beauty from 46 yards out. Ahem, Sturgis missed a couple yesterday, but let’s see where this goes.
As for the Dolphins offense, things looked sloppy despite some of the bright moments with Tannehill hitting Greg Jennings on a slant. Tannehill also had fairly good chemistry with Matt Hazel and new found fan favorite Michael Preston.
However, while everything seemed to be smoother offensively, the offensive line is failing to hold up at the guard and left tackle positions.
On countless plays, Jason Fox had a difficult time handling the pass rush from Olivier Vernon and got to Tannehill. Guard Jeff Linkenbach had a rough go getting pushed back several yards by Ndamukong Suh. As a fan watching, it’s expected to see Suh get by almost anyone.
Turning to the defense, Chris McCain continues to be used in pass rush speed package situations, perhaps earning the Dion Jordan role or more importantly because McCain has struggled to cover receivers.
Let’s not forget the play of MLB Kelvin Sheppard. He has a chance to impress right now and work his way into the conversation of becoming starting MLB. Speaking of MLB, Koa Misi also had a strong showing getting in there and earning a few phantom sacks.
Overall, the Dolphins practice today was a bit more on the technical side with coaches facilitating and teaching the way they want things done.
As usual, head coach Joe Philbin was right in the middle of it watching his roster perform on the field.
Toward the end of practice, a scary moment occurred with Jay Ajayi coming off the field with a trainer holding his elbow. Ajayi was drafted in the 5th round out of Boise State to bolster the Dolphins running back corps. No word yet on what the Dolphins know of his injury.
All in all, day 2 of training camp is complete. Incomplete is the Dolphins offensive line who might need a couple of days in pads to see if signing a guard off the street is necessary.
Working on the sidelines and jogging with a slight limp was Tackle Branden Albert. Let’s hope he is able to stay healthy and make the recovery to getting back on the field. No word yet on when he’ll be ready.
Lastly, even though the Dolphins have DeVante Parker’s jersey selling in the pro shop, he’s still not ready and hopefully he’ll get a chance to crack the Dolphins talented receiving unit.
This much is known, tomorrow in pads is a very big day and the last two days were merely a palate cleanse for the fans.
Photo Credit: Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill attempts to throw over defensive lineman Earl Mitchell (90) on Thursday, July 30, 2015, the first day of the Dolphins’ pre-season training for the 2015 NFL season. (Charles Trainor Jr./Miami Herald/TNS via Getty Images)
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