OTA’s Provide Little Answers But It’s Still Football

Yes, I am still on vacation but I’m addicted and can’t stop trying to find out what the hell is going on in Miami with the Dolphins.  As Patrik pointed out yesterday the Dolphins held their first OTA of the season and while the OTA’s themselves have done little to answer any lingering questions, it was still football and that is something that every fan needs when they are walking across the desert known as the 0ff-season.  It’s a quenching drink.

So what did come out of the OTA’s thus far?  Well, we know that Brandon Marshall had another surgery, this time on his other hip.  Last year he had a clean up job on the other side while in Denver.  It didn’t keep him from posting a 100 catch season and a Pro-Bowl birth with Kyle Orton.  Shouldn’t be a concern in Miami.  However, keep in mind that a hip for a receiver is a big deal and later in his career it will become an issue when arthritis starts to set in.  Especially if he continues to have “clean ups” on it.  Just something to think about when his contract comes up again.

So with Marshall on the stationary bike, eyes turned to the back-field.  On both sides of the ball.  Offensively, it was the return of Ronnie Brown who did some light running and foot shaking.  A good sign that he is on schedule to return from his Lisfranc injury of a year ago.  Ronnie didn’t run full throttle and he didn’t overly test his cutting ability, but the fact he was out there was enough considering there are still 2 months until training camp.

On the defensive side of the ball, Tyrone Culver lined up as the number 2 strong safety behind Yeremiah Bell and Chris Clemons took the reps as the starting FS.  The position has been a point of contention for Miami fans the last few years as the Dolphins have been torched by poor play from their free safety.  It’s still expected that Culver, Clemons, and rookie Reshad Jones will compete for the job.  It’s also possible that Will Allen, who earlier this week said he would be open to a switch, could also compete for the starting spot.  Some also still think that Miami may pursue OJ Atogwe after June 1st.

The Dolphins haven’t finished forming their offensive line either.  They are hosting free agent G/C Cory Proctor formerly of the Cowboys.  Proctor was released a few days ago and visited New England yesterday.  Proctor started 11 of 16 games two seasons ago before moving to a reserve role last season.  He is a big lineman who can move the pocket but fell out of favor in Dallas.  He would likely be a back-up in Miami as well.

In other Miami news Jason Ferguson has told his critics that his suspension is for stupidity and not cheating.  Ferguson has been suspended for the first 8 games of the season for violating the NFL’s performance enhancing drug rules.  Ferguson maintains that his failed drug test was the result of a chemical in blood pressure medication he was taking.  He said that the substance was on the list and that he failed to check before he began taking it.

No word if he will appeal.

O.k. that’s it for now…back to the beach where I am still trying to master the art of surfing.  O.k., I’m actually trying to master getting on the board…once!