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Warming up on the sideline: Matty I from SB Nation's Miami Dolphins blog, The Phinsider.
tommasse: What training camp or preseason development would give you more confidence Miami is heading in the right direction?
Matty I: I'm not so sure there is one development that would give me more confidence, but rather a combination of a few which would help me believe this team is headed in the right direction. First and foremost would be the development of our top 2 draft picks, Ted Ginn and John Beck. As far as Ginn goes, I'd want to see how much of a receiver he is at this point. We heard all this talk leading up to the draft that Ginn was unpolished and a lousy route runner, but still, Cam Cameron and Randy Mueller drafted him. I need to see that he isn't as raw of a receiver as some believe in order for me to gain confidence in the abilities of Cam and Randy. Same goes for Beck. He's the guy that this regime have pinned their hopes on. Should he be a flop in the NFL, then it's likely Cameron and Mueller will no longer be with the team in 5 years. This camp and preseason, I'd like to see what kind of player we got with Beck. With a QB, you don't want to judge them to harshly early on, but I do want to see an accurate arm and some understanding of the offensive system.
The one other development that I'll be watching closely is the offensive line. For me to have more confidence that this team is heading in the right direction, then I'll need to see this offensive line begin to gel. I'll also need to see proof that Vernon Carey can handle the LT spot and L.J. Shelton can handle the RT spot. These players were moved to these positions by this coaching staff during the offseason. If they fail, my confidence in this regime will surely be reduced. Should they thrive, however, then I'll likely feel more confident in this coaching staff and where this franchise is headed.
For my response, click "Read More"
tommasse's retort: Well, at least the defense is in good shape. (That's what you call a silver lining. When you're about to open training camp and you're "hoping" that your offensive line, No. 9 pick wide receiver, and quarterback of the future "develop," you're not setting the bar particularly high. Maybe that's the right attitude this year. Heck, the Jets are thinking AFC Championship. Those are some big question marks, and you hope they respond with exclamation points, but little is certain in the NFL. To reiterate, I'd let Trent Green take the early beating and protect that future. But if (it's always "if") the line, QB and WR don't shine early, how long before Phins Fans rue passing on Brady Quinn and long for the days of Nick Saban?
OK, it's your turn. Step up to the Pulpit and say your piece. And if you have a question you want me to ask next week, email me, and I'll pose the best queries to our friends at Buffalo Rumblings, The Phinsider and NY Landing Strip.