FloridaToday: Dolphins hope to have new safety net for Dallas

[tr1]

BY CARL KOTALA
FLORIDA TODAY
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070913/SPORTS/709130335/1002/SPORTS

DAVIE - Lamont Thompson and Donovin Darius are trying to do this week what it usually takes players a full season or more to do -- learn the complicated Miami Dolphins defense.

"I made sure I stayed around one of the coaches, so that way whenever I had a question I could try to get an immediate answer and register all the information," Darius said. "It's coming along."

The big question, which won't be answered until Friday, is whether or not one or both of the team's new safeties will have absorbed enough of Miami's scheme to be ready to face the Dallas Cowboys in Sunday's home opener.

Miami found itself in need of help at the safety spot when Yeremiah Bell, the team's best playmaker in the secondary, was lost for the season with a torn left Achilles' tendon in the Dolphins' season-opening loss to the Washington Redskins.

Rather than signing one player to fill Bell's role, the Dolphins decided to double up their efforts. Miami has veterans Renaldo Hill and Travares Tillman on the roster, but until Thompson and Darius arrived, the depth behind them consisted of special teams ace Cameron Worrell, undrafted free agent Courtney Bryan and practice squad player Tuff Harris, another undrafted free agent.

"We had, in our mind, the room to do it," Dolphins coach Cam Cameron said. "It's early in the season and as physical as Yeremiah Bell was, we felt like bringing two guys in, that's a unique opportunity. We've got a lot of games left. Had it been later in the season, you never know which one of the two guys would be available if you had a problem, much less (if you could get) two of them.

"We still think both guys are good football players."

Thompson, 29, is in his sixth season. The 6-foot-1, 215-pound veteran started 45 consecutive games for the Tennessee Titans over the past four years, but was cut in training camp. He's known for being good in pass coverage and had nine interceptions and 20 passes defensed in his first five seasons.

"I was confident that I would be picked up, because I worked hard in training camp and showed some teams what I'm capable of doing in the preseason," Thompson said.

The 32-year-old Darius was known as a big hitter during his nine seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, but was cut in a surprise move prior to training camp. He signed with the Oakland Raiders, but was cut once again.

In what had to be an awkward meeting, the two men were on the same flight from Oakland to Miami for Tuesday's tryout. Neither man said there was any tension between them, but at the time, they thought they were trying out for one spot.

Imagine their surprise when they were both signed.

"I think we just hugged each other and thanked God," Thompson grinned.

While Thompson is younger, Darius has the early edge in terms of possible playing time Sunday because of his familiarity with Miami defensive coordinator Dom Capers' system. Capers was the Jaguars' defensive coordinator from 1999-2000.

"Some of it is (the same)," Darius said. "It's a lot different and a lot more complex because he plays a 3-4 here. When he was in Jacksonville, we played a lot of 4-3, kind of 5-2. There is some carryover, though."

With a Dallas offensive contingent that includes quarterback Tony Romo, wide receiver Terrell Owens, tight end Jason Witten and running backs Julius Jones and Marion Barber coming to town, time is definitely of the essence for the Dolphins defense.

Help is on the way . . . at some point.

"Those guys are experienced," Dolphins defensive tackle Vonnie Holliday said. "(They bring) leadership. Those guys have a lot of work ahead of them because of this defense . . . you see guys who've played in it for one or two years still struggling because of the complexity of it all. These guys have been around. In fact, I was just talking to Donovin. He's a smart guy. Hopefully, he'll pick up on it. He's got some good guys to help him with it.

"Hopefully, Yeremiah Bell will continue to be around. I've seen him in meetings and he has been helping these guys along. Hopefully, they'll catch on faster."

[DWinzit]

If Romo were to beat up on the Dolphin DB's, what's the chances our Dallas friends would acknowledge a brandy new S! And when comparing to the Redskin game, fail to mention they faced the Dolphins "best playmaker in the secondary"?

[KLJ]

If Romo were to beat up on the Dolphin DB's, what's the chances our Dallas friends would acknowledge a brandy new S! And when comparing to the Redskin game, fail to mention they faced the Dolphins "best playmaker in the secondary"?
i knew the excuses would come out after romo has a good game.. i just thought the skins fans would at least wait until the game was over..:laugh:

[DWinzit]

i knew the excuses would come out after romo has a good game.. i just thought the skins fans would at least wait until the game was over..:laugh:I guess you missed the "IF". :rolleyes: Take off those Star shaped glasses and read the whole post.

[Riggo#44]

I guess you missed the "IF". :rolleyes: Take off those Star shaped glasses and read the whole post.

Shhhh, Cowboys fans are impervious to logic...

[KLJ]

I guess you missed the "IF". :rolleyes: Take off those Star shaped glasses and read the whole post.
the word "if" has nothing to do with my comment.. :laugh:

let the pre-emptive excuses fly!!!

[jnhay]

I think the Dolphins will win this game. The Dallas D is struggling much more than the Dolphins D is.

[Riggo#44]

the word "if" has nothing to do with my comment.. :laugh:

let the pre-emptive excuses fly!!!

What is with Cowboys fans and reading comprehension? No one was making any excuses...if Romo has a great game, the Cowboys fan trolls will be coming out of the wood work, jerking each other off, bashing Campbell, making assinine comparisons to Quincy Carter, and NONE of them will acknowledge the best player in the Dolphins secondary was out and a completely new player in a complex system was in.

Just like they are completely ignoring the horrid defense the Giants have...

[KLJ]

No one was making any excuses...

and NONE of them will acknowledge the best player in the Dolphins secondary was out and a completely new player in a complex system was in..
:laugh: no excuses at all..

[Riggo#44]

:laugh: no excuses at all..

Yep, and no one has acknoledged how piss-poor the Giants defense is. Only how great Romo is.

[mrs_pink]

They have two new safeties back there? Well not necessarily NEW but new to the team and that defense. It might be a long day for Miami then...

[mrs_pink]

You're right about that, my friend.



Yep, and no one has acknoledged how piss-poor the Giants defense is. Only how great Romo is.

[TonyRomoProBowl]

Yep, and no one has acknoledged how piss-poor the Giants defense is. Only how great Romo is.

Dude, the NY Giants D...is horrific! They are beyond bad, they suck and they cant stop, the Douglass Eagles....hell they cant stop Surratsville for that matter.....for those that dont know, those are local H.S teams in PG County, MD.

I could care less how bad they are, Dallas is 1-0 and 1-0 in the NFCE.

Many here thought Dallas would lose that game, so hey, whatever, Dallas won and thats all that matters, and i am sure you feel the same way about the Skins.

[Riggo#44]

Dude, the NY Giants D...is horrific! They are beyond bad, they suck and they cant stop, the Douglass Eagles....hell they cant stop Surratsville for that matter.....for those that dont know, those are local H.S teams in PG County, MD.

Thank you!! Unlike most Cowboys fans on here, you're not a completely unbearable homer (just partially unbearable :) )

I could care less how bad they are, Dallas is 1-0 and 1-0 in the NFCE.

You plaaay...to win the game...that's the great thing about sports!

Romo made the plays he had to. But wow, NO ONE was around ANY of the Dallas receivers. I have never seen that before. Even the Redskin DBs were at least w/in 5 yards last year. No Giant defender was with in 10 yards of Dallas receivers most of that game. Insane!

Many here thought Dallas would lose that game, so hey, whatever, Dallas won and thats all that matters, and i am sure you feel the same way about the Skins.

I hoped they would lose, but didn't actually think it. The Giants are going to be terrible this year.

[pjfootballer]

First, I knew Dallass would win the game. Home, Sunday night, bad Giants team and the refs in their back pocket.

Second, I didn't know bell tore his achilles. He's probably their best player in the secondary, which isn't saying much.

[kmd24]

If Romo were to beat up on the Dolphin DB's, what's the chances our Dallas friends would acknowledge a brandy new S! And when comparing to the Redskin game, fail to mention they faced the Dolphins "best playmaker in the secondary"?

I don't think you really want to go there.

[Jumbo]

After our game I picked Dallas to look better when they beat the fins anyway, i.e. win by a bigger margin; score more points, than we did. I think their passing offense is much further along than ours right now even without Glenn. So while I didn't expect them to romp like they did on the Giants due to Maimi's better D no matter what they change, I won't "excuse" any win on their part by citing these defensive changes. Now if they don't live up to my expectations, especially with these changes, I will be encouraged and surprised.

Aside from all this, Dallas had dropped 3 out of four to us the last two years, that's the most relevant aspect of the current bottom line to me, rivalry-wise, and I think that trend continues. I also believe our identity (overall strength level) is still an unkown though we have hints of good things from our turn against Miami.

[kevin11]

First, I knew Dallass would win the game. Home, Sunday night, bad Giants team and the refs in their back pocket.

Second, I didn't know bell tore his achilles. He's probably their best player in the secondary, which isn't saying much.
#4 defense in the NFL last year? and it isnt saying much? :wtf:

[SnyderMustGo]

I see my question (http://www.extremeskins.com/forums/showpost.php?p=4121947&postcount=20) was preemptively answered.



bubba9497
Before labeling JC so bad

wait and see what Tony Promo does next week against the Dolphins

So next week if Tony lights up the Miami defense, what will be the excuse then?

We talked the last two weeks how the Miami secondary sucked and how Campbell would light them up. We talked about how Moss owns Will Allen. All we did was talk about how crappy the Miami secondary was.

Then the game comes, JC looks awful, and we start saying, "that's ok, they are the toughest pass defense in the league."

Seriously, if Romo lights up Miami next week, what are you going to say then?

[kevin11]

After our game I picked Dallas to llok better, i.e. win by a bigger margin; score more points, than we did anyway. I think their passing offense is much further along than ours right now even without Glenn. So while I didn't expect them to romp like they did on the Giants due to Maimi's better D no matter what they change, I won't "excuse" any win on their part by citing these defensive changes. Now if they don't live up to my expectations, especially with these changes, I will be encouraged and surprised.

Aside from all this, Dallas had dropped 3 out of four to us the last two years, that's the most relevant aspect of the current bottom line to me, rivalry-wise, and I think that trend continues. I also believe our identity (overall strength level) is still an unkown though we have hints of good things from our turn against Miami.
The cowboys WR are pretty good. I didnt think they would miss Glenn.

Now, when Newman comes back, I know they still will have a pretty bad defense. Henry and their nickel CBs are horrible.

RW is horrible at pass coverage and they are going to give up huge Pass Plays.

[Jumbo]

The cowboys WR are pretty good. I didnt think they would miss Glenn.

Now, when Newman comes back, I know they still will have a pretty bad defense. Henry and their nickel CBs are horrible.

RW is horrible at pass coverage and they are going to give up huge Pass Plays.


Yes, their D played far cheaper than pimped. I would like nothing better than to see Trent's excellent learning curve to soar and steal this one. :)

[bubba9497]

I see my question (http://www.extremeskins.com/forums/showpost.php?p=4121947&postcount=20) was preemptively answered.


:laugh: well if he lights up Miami, I will start believe he may be very good


but his MO so far has been... he lights up BAD pass defenses, and stinks against good pass defenses

but anyone who wants to anoint him the "Real Deal" or "No Fluke" after the Giants game is kidding themselves

seriously almost every completions was to a WIDE Open receiver, the Giants didn't cover anyone in the middle, especially Witten, and they couldn't tackle to save their soul. Romo's passes that went more than 15 or so yards were way off. and a big part of his yardage came after the catch, and even with the Giants defense suffering he still had a horrible int.



what are Romo lovers going to say IF Romo stinks it up Sunday, against a much better pass defense?


BTW for the record, I have not said Romom stinks or is bad, only it was to early to say he is as GREAT as poke fans claim, nor have I said Campbell is better but lets not let facts get into the way to just trying to label me as a homer who doesn't give a realistic thought out response :rolleyes:

[mrs_pink]

Speaking of Newman, is he playing this week? Or is it another game time decision?



The cowboys WR are pretty good. I didnt think they would miss Glenn.

Now, when Newman comes back, I know they still will have a pretty bad defense. Henry and their nickel CBs are horrible.

RW is horrible at pass coverage and they are going to give up huge Pass Plays.

[BigDFan5]

Speaking of Newman, is he playing this week? Or is it another game time decision?


He has practiced the last 2 days as well as Greg Ellis, but it is still gonna be gametime decisions I believe

[ArmchairRedskin]

Come on, it's been two weeks. Newman should be healed by now.

[SnyderMustGo]

but anyone who wants to anoint him the "Real Deal" or "No Fluke" after the Giants game is kidding themselves

seriously almost every completions was to a WIDE Open receiver

I think you misunderstand me. I'm not suggesting Romo should be annointed. I don't care about the guy. He doesn't play for the Redskins, so I could care less if he is good or not. (I think he does look good, but I really don't care about it).

My point was about Campbell, who does play for the only NFL team I care about. Everyone was using the excuse that the only reason Campbell looked bad was the Miami defense is so good. These are the same people who say Romo isn't very good. If you are going to hold those two premises in your mind, then you are in a hell of a pickle if Romo lights up Miami. Because if Romo isn't very good but he can tear up Miami, then what does that say about JC? It says he is worse than the guy you just said isn't very good.

Incidentally, you note that Romo shouldn't be praised because he hit wide open WRs. I'm fine with that argument. But again, my concern is JC. When JC was throwing to a wide open target, he threw it 15 yards over ARE's head. So I won't compliment Romo for doing what a QB should do--hit wide open WRs--but I will be critical of a qb who misses wide open WRs. And that's my concern.

At some point the excuses wear thin. JC shouldn't be needing any more rope. He isn't a rookie. He has gone through 3 training camps. It's his third year. He shouldn't be making mistakes. If the Cowboys can get more out of an undrafted FA, former 3rd straing QB then we can get out of a guy we spent 2 #1s on, then something isn't right.

Hopefully JC will light up Philly and Miami will shut down Romo. Then the storyline that it was just Miami's great defense that caused that game from JC will make sense. If it doesn't happen that way and JC looks bad against Philly and Romo tears up Miami, then I think we need to start being concerned about the QB position.

[DWinzit]

the word "if" has nothing to do with my comment.. :laugh:

let the pre-emptive excuses fly!!!Admirable attempt to twist!:doh:

[DCranon21]

Aside from all this, Dallas had dropped 3 out of four to us the last two years, that's the most relevant aspect of the current bottom line to me, rivalry-wise, and I think that trend continues. I also believe our identity (overall strength level) is still an unkown though we have hints of good things from our turn against Miami.

A lot of Poke fans sure do miss this stat line Jumbo ;)

[slogriff]

Romo's passes that went more than 15 or so yards were way off.


I beg to differ on this statement. I previously rewatched this game and charted every Cowboy pass to prove TR1 wrong in his assertion that Romo "dink and doink" in this game.
Following are every pass that Romo threw that went in the air 15+ yds past the LOS. (yardage doesn't incl. YAC) In chronolgical order-

20 yds - Inc
15 yds - Comp.
20 yds - Inc
19 yds - Inc
23 yds - Inc
18 yds - Comp
23 yds - Comp TD
20 yds - Comp TD
17 yds - Comp TD

Thus, he went 5/9 or 55.5%. Though not fantastic numbers, I don't think this would be considered "way off" % for passes 15+ yds downfield. (for reference JC hit 57.1% of all his passes)

I would agree that Romo had 2-3 passes that were "way off" towards the first of the game. So far off there must have been some miscommunication somewhere. I don't know who was at fault- Romo or the receiver. He started off poorly on the longer throws but game back and finished strongly, as the final 3 TD passes would illustrate.

[THEHEREAFTER]

:laugh: well if he lights up Miami, I will start believe he may be very good

I'm gonna hold you to this.


but anyone who wants to anoint him the "Real Deal" or "No Fluke" after the Giants game is kidding themselves

Alot of people had their doubts because they thought he spent all offseason "partying it up" and "burning the candle at both ends"... Some believed that he had been "figured out" after the second half of last year which would suggest that he would never have a great game. Why wouldn't a "bad" NYG defense look "good" or "better" against an all hype QB who simply parties and is no good. Especially since everyone has film and has figured him out. Something has to give. The excuses will soon run out and major crow will have to be eaten. I will be here front and center to witness.

seriously almost every completions was to a WIDE Open receiver, the Giants didn't cover anyone in the middle, especially Witten,

Do you think the Giants huddled up and said "let's not cover anyone" or do you think that Garrett had a good game plan and a ton of weapons to cause favorable matchups and problems for the Giants D? At least TRY to be objective once in a blue. Sam Hurd was not WIDE open on the game sealer. TO was not WIDE open on his second TD nor was Witten on his first. Romo is accurate and was hitting receivers in stride ALLOWING them to run after the catch so seamlessly.


Romo's passes that went more than 15 or so yards were way off. and a big part of his yardage came after the catch, and even with the Giants defense suffering he still had a horrible int.

What is a good INT? The Giants defender did a great job in disguising and in recognition. Most of Romo's completions were over 15 yards even before YAC. Unbelievable.



what are Romo lovers going to say IF Romo stinks it up Sunday, against a much better pass defense?

What will the haters say if he is efficient and productive again? Let me answer that... MORE EXCUSES, MORE SPINNING, MORE RATIONALIZING, MORE EXPLAINING, MORE HATRED, MORE JEALOUSY, MORE DENIAL.


BTW for the record, I have not said Romom stinks or is bad, only it was to early to say he is as GREAT as poke fans claim,


How great do we think Romo is? Answer that for me.



lets not let facts get into the way to just trying to label me as a homer who doesn't give a realistic thought out response :rolleyes

Your "facts" are always a tainted skewed and biased bunch of BS hatred.