Miami Dolphins’ Safety Duo NFL’s Best?
Nov. 15, 2012; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Miami Dolphins free safety Reshad Jones (20) before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Going into the 2012 season, the Miami Dolphins had a huge question mark at the safety position. Many were concerned about who would step up and fill the void left by former Dolphin, Yeremiah Bell.
Once the season began, the Dolphins found their leader in strong safety, Reshad Jones.
Jones had quite a break-out season collecting 94 (73 solo) total tackles, 1 sack, 2 forced fumbles and 4 interceptions. Jones was quite instinctive throughout the season and looked the part of a ball-hawking safety, which is something the ‘Phins have been missing for years now.
Jones’ partner in crime, Chris Clemons, was not exactly playing at the same level to begin the season showing horrific field awareness and tackling ability – take a look at that screen pass….notice who took a terrible angle?…Clemons… After a below average start to the season, however, Clemons finally put it together in the final 8 games of the season and played the best football of his short career. Clemons collected 98 total tackles (72 solo) and 2 interceptions throughout the season.
Why am I bringing this to your attention? The Bleacher Report‘s Matt Miller has named the Dolphins’ safety duo the best in the league. Miller’s support of Miami’s young duo is somewhat surprising given the young duo of Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor out in Seattle, but the combination of Jones and Clemons definitely has the potential to be something quite spectacular.
That being said, Clemons needs to become more consistent. In his short tenure with the ‘Phins, Clemons has given just about every Dolphins fan I know a huge headache. He has been wildly inconsistent in just about every faucet of his game.
Jones, on the other hand, needs to continue to break-out. I know, I know, “Reshad Jones broke out last year, dude.” While that is somewhat true, I believe Jones’ best football is still ahead of him. Jones has all of the tools needed to be one of the league’s top safeties.
If these two can become more consistent and continue to play at a high level, Miami may very well have one of the league’s better defenses for the next few years.