Miami Dolphins Update: Is The Secondary Going To Derail Their Playoff Hopes?

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With the recent move to put cornerback Will Allen on injured reserve, the Miami Dolphins defense was dealt a major blow. Up until this weekend the thought was he would return by week two. That leaves second-year cornerback Vontae Davis as the only clear-cut starting cornerback on the roster.

On the opposite side look for veteran Jason Allen to begin the season as a starter, ahead of Sean Smith, who has struggled greatly in the last couple of preseason games.

Benjamin Volin, of the Palm Beach Post, reported that Smith has lost his starting job to Allen this past week. Behind those three is the recently acquired Benny Sapp (from the Vikings) and rookie Nolan Carroll.

Although the preseason is meaningless from a win-loss standpoint, Smith showed no signs of progress from his rookie season. He was beat several times on the long ball, including last week's 43-yard touchdown catch by the Cowboys’ Sam Hurd. Hurd isn’t even one of their top three wideouts.

Defensive Coordinator Mike Nolan calls for an attacking scheme where quality cornerback play is critical. Often times the corners will be left in one-on-one situations with no help over the top. If the pass-rush doesn’t get there in time, the cornerbacks are very vulnerable. I’m not confident that Smith or Allen can handle the constant island coverages.

When the pass-rush is also a question mark at this point, things aren’t looking so great for the Dolphins defense. Now even more pressure will be thrown onto the shoulders of linebacker Cameron Wake. It is absolutely pivotal that he become a consistent force off the edge.  Because if not him, then who will get after the quarterback?

Look for Nolan to cover up the weaknesses in the secondary. He could utilize a safety in a deep zone behind Allen or Smith, to help prevent the offense from attacking those corners on deep routes.

Allen makes a great fourth corner and solid third.  But, as a number two? The Dolphins defense might hinge more on new starting safety, Chris Clemons than anyone else. If Clemons becomes a playmaker back there, it will go a long way.

Smith is still very raw and young and has the skill set to be a solid starting corner in this league. Allen has improved greatly, but it remains to be seen whether he can handle the opponent’s second best receiver every week.

Although I still expect Miami to make significant improvement this season as a team, there are some significant unresolved issues in the secondary.

Click HERE for today’s press conference with coach Tony Sparano.

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