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Marcel Louis-JacquesESPN
MIAMI — One theme this summer for the Miami Dolphins Take advantage of the opportunities.
This is why Mike McDaniel, Mike’s first year coach, has kept his practices shorter than the two-hour limit. It’s about making each rep count.
He stated, “That’s the way the team must be the team we all want it be.” “This means that everyone recognizes each rep as an opportunity and uses it to its full potential.
Starting cornerback Byron Jones The Dolphins are still on the physical unable to perform at the end of the fourth week and have begun looking for a replacement at cornerback Xavien Howard. Former first-round picks were joking for the spot throughout the summer. Noah IgbinogheneFree agent signee Keion Crossen A former undrafted agent who is now free Trill Williams — Williams tore the ACL on his left knee against the Tampa Bay BuccaneersMiami is now even smaller at cornerback.
Jones has been given the most opportunities to replace Igbinoghene in the short-term, but despite the praises of his teammates and coaches, Igbinoghene has struggled in practice as well as Saturday’s match. It’s not easy to be a Dolphins receiver. Tyreek HillHowever, Igbinoghene was intentionally targeted during the team’s joint practice with Tampa Bay and was the closest receiver on a 23 yard touchdown pass from Blaine Gabbert To Jaelon Darden.
Although it is difficult to discern who is at fault, I am not certain what Brandon Jones’ responsibility was for this play. https://t.co/JaCjDMzx4o pic.twitter.com/9xI8RNl2if
— Marcel Louis-Jacques (@Marcel_LJ) August 14, 2022
McDaniel claimed responsibility for the play that Igbinoghene played outside leverage on Darden. It also left Darden with too much cushion. McDaniel said he hadn’t adequately prepared his players for this situation. He did, however, describe the play to the third-year corner as a learning opportunity.
McDaniel stated, “It’s an issue that if it occurs again, I will be more critical on.” “I spoke to Noah during the match and he was able to let loose, see what he sees and not be as conservative. It was definitely an educational moment.
Auburn product Igbinoghene was a wide receiver in college, before switching to cornerback. The Dolphins will not be able to pick up his fifth-year option in May 2023 at this rate.
Igbinoghene said, “You’re going to not be able to end everything.” He’s trying to not let the consequences of his mistakes linger. “You won’t be able beat everyone every time. In this league, everyone gets paid. Everyone is a professional athlete, and everyone is playing in this league.
“I have to do my job well and do the count in and out. That will show how dominant I am. I just put in the effort and can’t wait to show it off.”
Miami placed Williams on injured reserve Monday. Crossen was able to intercept a pass in Saturday’s game, but the team decided to add depth at the cornerback with the addition of Mackensie Alexander.
Alexander was used primarily as a slot corners last season for the Bengals. McDaniel however stated that Miami considers him versatile enough to play any cornerback position and challenge McDaniel for a spot on their final 53-man roster.
McDaniel stated that Jones will be back for the Dolphins’ season opener against the Patriots. Although he hasn’t been able to practice since March after undergoing surgery to his left Achilles tendon, a source said that he would be available for training camp. McDaniel stated that Jones is exactly where he was supposed to be after his March surgery on his left Achilles tendon. He is now incorporating some change-of direction drills into his rehabilitation.
McDaniel did not give a time frame for Jones to be ready to play, but did mention that the eight-year-old veteran reduces his transition period.
In the meantime, there is no starter. This is a major concern for a team who can’t afford to begin the season in a hole after going 1-7 in 2021.