Phin Phanatic
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The five most exciting things to watch in Miami Dolphins training camp

By Brian Miller

DAVIE, FL - JULY 30: Michael Dunn #70, Tony Adams #68, and Durval Quieroz Neto #69 of the Miami Dolphins performing practice drills during training camp at Baptist Health Training Facility at Nova Southern University on July 30, 2019 in Davie, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
DAVIE, FL - JULY 30: Michael Dunn #70, Tony Adams #68, and Durval Quieroz Neto #69 of the Miami Dolphins performing practice drills during training camp at Baptist Health Training Facility at Nova Southern University on July 30, 2019 in Davie, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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Byron Jones
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 22: Byron Jones #31 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts during the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles in the game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 22, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Remember when the Miami Dolphins had Patrick Surtain and Sam Madison? You probably don’t.

During the years when the Dolphins had those two corners in the secondary, Miami’s defense was one of the best and their secondary was as close to a shutdown tandem that you could get. Miami tried to find similar success with Vontae Davis and Sean Smith but it never came close.

In 2020, the Dolphins may finally have a serious contending secondary that could be the best since Surtain and Madison.

Miami made a commitment to Xavien Howard ahead of the 2019 season and while they couldn’t find a suitable option to play on the other side with him, they addressed that problem during the 2020 off-season.

Byron Jones was the top free agent in this year’s market and Miami made a financial commitement to him that beat the one they gave Howard. Now the two will form what should be a shutdown tandem in the AFC.

Jones and Howard will be joined by rookie Noah Igbinoghene who should slide into play the slot/nickel role on the defense. If he can get up to speed quickly, the Dolphins secondary, along with rookie Brandon Jones back at safety could be one of the more dominant defensive units in the NFL. Given the way Brian Flores uses his corners, these guys could become the best in Dolphins’ history and that is really saying a lot.

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