Jordan Cameron, Tight Ends struggles continue
By Josh Pickett
The Dolphins Tight Ends are making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Jordan Cameron has continued his downward slide from last season and the Dolphins may have to minimize their Tight Ends exposure in order to maximize success.
Jordan Cameron was invisible in Training Camp this offseason and now he has gained the spotlight for being unable to make plays. Jordan Cameron (6’5, 245) had an isolated quick slant on first down from the 2 yard line against Byron Jones (6’1, 198) with no linebacker or safety help coming his way. He easily won inside leverage with his quickness and hand fighting and Tannehill delivered a perfect pass to him which bounced off his hands and hit the ground. That was the best chance Miami had at the end zone on that drive.
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What should’ve been an easy touchdown and good moment for Jordan Cameron swiftly turned into another opportunity Jordan Cameron failed to capitalize on. Jordan Cameron might be wondering how many more chances he will get to prove himself before Miami looks for a more dependable solution.
While it is just the preseason and Jordan Cameron really just messed up badly on one play, the bigger issue is he has built a record in Miami for not being able to get it done. Last year he totaled just 35 receptions, 386 yards and 3 TD’s in 16 full games. Although it’s a new year and Gase stated “what happened here before doesn’t matter… everyone will get a fair evaluation” Gase can’t be impressed by what he’s seen this far.
Adam Gase recently gave Jordan Cameron a pass when the media asked about Cameron and the Tight Ends.
"“We went through some struggles there in the spring and a little bit at the beginning of camp. The thing about the tight end position is that there’s a lot of responsibility you have. It’s just a lot on his plate.”"
That definitely makes sense as the Tight End position is one of the most demanding positions in the NFL. Players are asked to block like a Tackle and run routes and catch like a Wide Receiver. It is a job very few can do at a high level. But Cameron’s issues are more fundamental than that at this point.
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Digesting a new playbook is a lot and needing to know the assignments is daunting. Gaining separation and winning contested passes is also difficult but when a ball hits you right in the hands in the end zone, that is supposed to be the hard work paying off. That is the easy moment.
So far the Dolphins Tight Ends have been merely serviceable since the preseason has begun and while Cameron and Sims hold the two top spots, the third Tight End position has a lot of suitors.
Cameron will get some more shots because of his athleticism and previous success coupled with his high salary, but if things like this continue to happen Miami will need to find help elsewhere or avoid him more than they would like.
"“We need some big plays out of that room. That’s where your matchups are on third down. They’ve got to win and we’ve got to have some good stuff for them. We’re not there yet.” – O.C. Clyde Christenson"
Those are high expectations and a crucial role to grant your Tight Ends who so far, have not come through. Jordan Cameron said this last week before the Cowboys game. “(Coach Gase) holds us to a high standard. We’ve got to make the plays when they’re there for us.”
I think we can all agree on that.