Dolphins Watch: 14 Days
August 27th, 2017
Joe can already see the drool on Dirk Koetter’s chin
One preseason game remains for the Bucs, but now it’s all about opening day on Sunday, Sept. 10, against Miami at Hard Rock Stadium. Daily, Joe will bring you a nugget to two on the Dolphins to prime you for the big day (and the night before) in Miramar.
The Dolphins are a good team, but they’re also a mess in multiple areas.
One of those is cornerback, where subpar play has led to a fresh and exciting buzz (exciting if you’re a Bucs fan). It looks like three-year Bucs bust Alterraun Verner could be starting for Miami in two weeks.
Here’s a snippet from a story on the subject out of the Palm Beach Post:
[Head Coach Adam] Gase complimented Verner’s play since signing as a free agent.
“Consistency,” Gase said. “Knows what to do. He has been a pro since the day he got here. Competitive. He just is always as tight as you need him to be. He’s always close. Hands are on the ball. He just makes it really tough for the quarterback. And I really like what I’ve seen from him. I know the defensive staff does, as well. For signing him as late as we did, we feel really good with where he’s at right now.”
How great would that be — 5-foot-10 Verner trying to compete with Mike Evans or run with DeSean Jackson? Puh-lease! Can you say “mismatch?”
Verner, 28, was given every shot to impress with the Bucs the past three years and couldn’t pull it off. The former Pro Bowler sat on the free agent market for months until Miami signed him just before training camp.
Joe remembers hearing Verner say on SiriusXM NFL Radio that he had a couple of offers but chose Miami because he thought the coaches would give him a fair shake to compete.
It seems he got just that.
August 27th, 2017 at 9:04 pm
I keep telling myself it’s just a bad dream the Bucs first team (and 2nd and third) can’t get to the end zone. Last night it was rainy, without Evans and DJax and Grimes and GMC and Kwon, etc, and a bad call on Dye’s TD, but that’s the nature of the game for any team. And I keep telling myself from watching the Browns last week their Bounty Huntin’ Greg Williams D is really pretty good. And I keep telling myself that there is no way Cutler will be a good QB and RB Jay A. can be stuffed. I know this Bucs team can be very good, but can they do it consistently and come out on opening day and do it? Yup they can. Will they? This is where I think Dirks and Smitty’s coaching style will squeeze all the juice possible out in Miami.
August 27th, 2017 at 9:46 pm
We shall see soon. GO BUCS!!!
August 27th, 2017 at 9:48 pm
Just keep telling yourself. It was all planned this way. It was only preseason. No game planning. No showing their hand. Everything is vanilla. Then try and figure all the excuses you can as to why the starters could only score 6 points in 3 games!! And Jackson was mainly never used so that does not fly for last night. The only real main starter out other than Dotson was Evans. 6 points? What other
starting offense scored 6 points in preseason?
Do they look Miami ready?
August 27th, 2017 at 11:05 pm
I think the rain affected ppl and not wanting to get hurt
August 28th, 2017 at 7:30 am
@DBS
The Falcons only scored 6 points total against the Cards. You think they are worried, I don’t
August 28th, 2017 at 9:21 am
@Rrsrq
That’s one game not 3.
August 28th, 2017 at 9:44 am
@RrSrq
Can’t compare a team with the league MVP, All Pro WR, 2 good RB’s and a consistent track record of top performing offense to a team with a turnover prone young QB, a shaky run game and young players at key positions.
If you aren’t worried about the starting offense only scoring 6 points you are foolish and probably believe in Santa still.
August 28th, 2017 at 10:21 am
Reading about half the posters here I can’t wait to see the opening line.
According to that 50% the ‘Fins will be 15 point favorites!!!
We have a bad QB who can’t throw a TD…a bad OL that can’t block…no DE’s…can’t rush the passer…poor CB’s…worse Safeties…
According to about half the posters here we’re simply wasting jet fuel even bothering to fly down to Miami!!!
Forgive me but I think I’d rather see the outcome of the contest than trust about half the posters here. Waaaaah we have NO chance…the sky is falling!!!
August 28th, 2017 at 10:23 am
@DBS
I’m pretty sure the starting offense walked down the field on the bengals and DMartin skamperd in for a TD. That’s 6 points alone.
August 28th, 2017 at 10:49 am
@ Alan
Can you read? They scored 6 points in 3 games total. That is all the starters did.
Nobody said they had to win all these games. But what starters have ever put 6 points TOTAL not including the kicker and gone to the playoffs??