7. Who Starts Opposite of Brent Grimes at Cornerback?
Entering the offseason one thing was clear: Pro Bowler Brent Grimes would start at corner. What was not: Who would replace the retired Cortland Finnegan?
The Dolphins knew this was a position that needed an upgrade and made multiple moves to address concerns. While Jamar Taylor and Will Davis, both drafted in 2013, appeared ready to compete for a starting spot, Miami brought in players both young and experienced to vie for the job. In the draft, the Dolphins selected corners Bobby McCain and Tony Lippett and, in free agency, Miami brought in Brice McCain and Zack Bowman.
When the depth chart was released, Taylor was listed as the starter opposite Grimes and Brice McCain and Will Davis are part of the second unit, although Brice is really the starter at nickel and Bowman the second team boundary corner.
Brice McCain was expected to start as Miami’s nickel corner after finishing 2014 as one of the best at the position. He brings 86 games worth of experience in six seasons of work, five with Houston and last year with Pittsburgh. Yet, he started the scrimmage in front of Taylor at the boundary position and is still competing for the job. He left practice early Tuesday with a groin issue, but Miami doesn’t believe it’s serious.
“He has played good football since he’s been here,” Philbin said of Brice McCain, who at 5-foot-9 is the Fins shortest corner. “He’s competitive. He’s got good recovery speed. He’s picked up the system well. He’s going to get opportunities to show if he’s the second-best, third-best, whatever it may be. We will take all the body of work, preseason practices and games, and see who’s the best.”
Bobby McCain is backing up Brice in the slot, and has been impressive in camp. In the scrimmage he had two pass breakups, including one in the red zone against the first team offense, and an interception in the end zone on a pass intended for Jarvis Landry.
Will Taylor, who started the final four games last season, or Brice McCain make the decision easy or will this continue throughout the preseason?
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