Sep
10
Dolphins vs. Redskins: Full Miami Game Preview
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Albert, Parker Expected to Play Sunday
As noted on the previous slide, Miami’s first-team offense was very good during the preseason despite missing two of its key players.
That’s expected to change come Sunday, as Adam H. Beasley of the Miami Herald reported that Branden Albert will play on Sunday, while wide receiver DeVante Parker is expected to play.
The decision to play Albert was first announced by Albert himself when answering a question about him starting. “We all know the answer. I don’t think I have to say too much more. I’ve been starting with the first team all week. I’m going to continue. So there goes your answer,” he said.
Head coach Joe Philbin would confirm this later on in the afternoon.
“He’s absolutely full-go. He’s progressed on a daily basis,” he said. “Like I said when we started out, we’ll do what’s best for the team, best for Branden Albert. We’ve communicated with him and he’s communicated with us throughout the entire process. We feel like it’s the best decision for the team.”
The stats from 2014 confirm that starting Albert is the best decision for the team. Albert graded out at 17.5 and allowed only five quarterback hurries while starting at left tackle. His replacement, Ja’Wuan James, graded out at minus-23 while playing left tackle and allowed 24 quarterback hurries and four sacks.
As for DeVante Parker, while the expecations are that he will play, there is some doubt. Miami has six receivers on the team and will have five active for Sunday. Parker has worked out with the first team all week, and in his one preseason appearance, he made a catch for 11 yards.
If he doesn’t play, it will be as a precaution—one that I wouldn’t mind seeing the Dolphins take with their No. 1 receiver of the future.
Kelvin Sheppard to Start in the Middle, Koa Misi on the Outside, Chris McCain Hopes to Play “Jack”
Miami released its depth chart this week, and one thing you’ll notice is that Koa Misi is back outside with Kelvin Sheppard playing in the middle.
Where does this leave Chris McCain? Per Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, McCain hopes to play the “Jack” role in Miami’s defense, the one originally meant for the suspended Dion Jordan.
McCain claims the role is a “fun job” because it allows him to “do a lot of things” including rushing the quarterback and dropping back into coverage. He has experience in the role, as he played it well in 2014 during Miami’s Week 1 victory over New England.
The role is a limited one, though, averaging about 20-30 snaps per game. Defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle has been noncommittal about whether McCain would take that role, but considering his experience at the position, it would make a lot of sense.
Brice McCain Starts Over Jamar Taylor at Cornerback
One of the biggest training camp battles has been the battle at second starting cornerback between Jamar Taylor and Brice McCain, and for Week 1, McCain has the advantage.
Andrew Abramson of the Palm Beach Post reported that McCain beat out Taylor for the starting job, but Taylor had expected the move:
I knew it was coming just ‘cause I’m hurt. When you get hurt you got to expect the next man to carry the flag. It comes with playing the game.
If I was healthy who says it couldn’t have been me? I know I was hurt and they need the best man to play in the game.
Taylor is still nursing a quad injury suffered in the second preseason game against Carolina, an injury that occurred after he picked off Cam Newton. Prior to the injury, Taylor had played very well in practice and in the preseason and looked poised to take the starting job.
McCain is normally a slot corner, so the shift to the outside will take some time to settle into, yet he should be able to adjust quickly. McCain played outside during the preseason, at times alternating with Taylor in the slot.
As for Taylor’s injury status for Sunday, that’s still up in the air.
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