Thursday practice notes and '78 Classic Moment

The Dolphins just finished one of the most competitive practices I've seen them conduct since camp opened.

The reason this practice was so competitive is because there were team drills throughout the practice. There were two-minute team drills. Firsts against Firsts team drill. Third down team drill.

It was very interesting. And, yes, competitive.

In the two-minute drill, Chad Henne got the opportunity to run the starting offense. The situation is that 1:32 is left in the game and the offense has one time out. Oh, and you have to get in the end zone because a field goal doesn't help.

So Henne misses on his first two passes, including one in which Davone Bess is open against Vontae Davis but the ball is too high. Henne comes right back to Bess on the next play and completes the pass against Davis.

Then he's incomplete again, then he completes one to Greg Camarillo who beats Jason Allen. Then it gets tough. Incomplete. Incomplete. Incomplete. And incomplete when a blitz forces a quick throw and Chris Clemons knocks away the pass to Anthony Fasano.

One thing about this period that I noticed is that with the exception of the blitz, the defense got zero pressure on Henne. That's as it should be because it is the first team OL vs the second-team defense. But it would have been nice if Cameron Wake had mounted some pressure at some point.

In the third down work, Donald Thomas got significant snaps with the first team offense. And Chad Pennington put on a clinic.

Third and 8 completion to Bess. Third and seven completion to Camarillo. Third and five completion to Bess. Pennington tripped and was sacked on the next play. And then on third and second he completed another to Ricky Williams.

That's an 80 percent conversion percentage.

The Henne-led second teamers converted two of five.

Speaking of conversions, it was a solid day for Connor Barth and Brandon Fields. It was a tough afternoon for Dan Carpenter.

Fields converted an extra point obviously meant to show he can do it in an emergency. Then Barth connected on field goals of 42 and 46 yards. Carpenter missed both his tries from 42 and 46 yards and then was given a 61-yard attempt -- which he also missed.

As far as the obligatory Pat White update goes: He practiced, he missed half his throws, he connected on half his throws, he didn't fumble, he didn't trip, he seemed to have more velocity on the ball today than I've seen from him. He was neither great nor terrible.

And now this Classic Training Camp moment from 1978 ...

In '78 the Dolphins began to enjoy the fruits of having lost Larry Csonka after the 1974 season. The New York Giants had sent Miami third-round picks in both 1978 and '79 for the rights to sign Csonka after the World Football League folded.

And so in the '78 draft the Dolphins used that third-round pick to select defensive tackle Lyman Smith out of Duke. The Dolphins had great hopes for Smith because he was 6-5 and 250 pounds and smart as they come.

But maybe Smith was too smart for his own good. And definitely he was smarter than he was athletically gifted. Both caused problems.

Seems that during rookie hazing, Smith balked at the idea of having to sing in front of the team, or buy veterans their breakfast every morning, or carry their pads off the field after practice. He just would not join in the reindeer games like the other rookies.

And so the veterans made Smith pay a price. They grabbed him and did what any band of grown men whose sensitivities have been upset would do. They tied Smith to a tree. And left him there. And didn't go back to untie him.

I don't know how Smith got free, but when he did, he found himself facing another more depressing issue: He really wasn't that good. Smith struggled and disappointed and clearly was not destined for an NFL career.

"The guy was a terrible player and he was something of a [jerk] about not participating in the normal treatment of rookies," one player from that 1978 training camp told me Thursday. "He could have saved himself if he had been a very talented player but been a [jerk] otherwise. It would have even been fine if he wasn't that talented but wasn't a [jerk], either. But he was a [jerk] and a terrible player. He was the total package for all the wrong reasons."

And so Smith, drafted 64th overall, was cut. Can you imagine such a thing today? A third-round pick cut without making it out of training camp?

Smith was picked up by the Vikings and lasted one year with them before being cut. And that's just as well because football really wasn't his calling. But don't fret. Lyman Smith is today Dr. Lyman Smith, a board certified orthopedic surgeon.

Comments

[HAL9000]

Yeah, still early, I got it. Hennes stats, yeah, got that too. What I don't get is, the uneasy feeling I get from Henne.

Don't stop looking for a QB...just to be on the safe side.

[odinseye]

Armando

Any word on T.O. signing with the Bills?

[odinseye]

Neal said Pat White fumbled again.

[odinseye]

Uh.......I mean.......Vick signing with the Bills?

[Nick]

Funny you should mention a 3rd round pick not making it out of training camp because one of those guys is on our roster! Quentin Moses was pick #65 (first in the 3rd round) and he was cut before the start of the regular season by the Raiders.

[NJ PHIN FAN]

Odinseye. NFL network just reported the bill dwny any interest in vick.

[NJ PHIN FAN]

bills deny.

[odinseye]

Omar Kelly-Word is Michael Vick's about the sign with the Bills. T.O. And Vick on the same team. Now that's scary. Bills are clearly in the all in mode
about 3 hours

Bills say they are not in the Vick sweepstakes
By JOHN WAWROW (AP) – 2 hours ago

PITTSFORD, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills say they are not pursuing Michael Vick and have no plans to do so.

Brandon said he's sticking to the statement he made two weeks ago, when he said the Bills "have no interest at this time" in Vick. The general manager said he's comfortable with the team's roster and the Bills are settled on Trent Edwards as their starting quarterback.

[Gian]

Lay off Henne. Sparano said he had been targeting defensive backs. Before practice, he instructs his quaterbacks to throw the ball against a certain CB. He also wants to see the ball thrown at WRs regardless of the coverage in order to see how they adapt to it. On some instances double coverage. Henne will show during pre-season that he is destined to take this team to the highest scenario. He is in the right path.

[odinseye]

NJ

I wonder if the "have no interest at this time" has any significance?
They could be "posturing" to get Vick at a bargain rate?

If he signs anywhere I hope it is in the AFC East. That way we get at least two shots a season to put him on his AZZZZ!!!!

[Tom hartman]

I think everyone is dreaming if they see Henne as the future.

TH

[Omar Kooky and Harvey Fialwhatever]

Word is Dolphins negotiatin' with Vernon Gholston. For real.

[odinseye]

Hartman

You sound just like Prisco WRONG!
Talk that stuff after the game Monday night.

[sammo]

marino wasn't that great a practice player . hell there were times he only practiced once or twice a week. but he always turned it on every sunday. henne will be like that.

[odinseye]

Omar Kooky and Harvey Fialwhatever

The Jets would never let Gholston get away. He's their best player.

[sammo]

i think the jets would make that trade in a heartbeat.... but only if they got pennington back!

[odinseye]

Sammo

I was a Henne fan throughout his career at Michigan. When the running game was working he was straight up awesome.
He's having a great camp. Gian pointed out that Sporano's been putting out hits on DB's. In other words Penny, Henne and White have been asked to "force" a certain amount of throws during practices. Despite this Penny and Henne are still putting up decent numbers.

[sammo]

i watched henne all his career also. when they beat florida to send carr off into the sunset i went nuts! jax does the same thing with their qb's.

[odinseye]

Armando

Pat White fumbled again and threw an interception.
Maybe you were making an ice cream run?

[odinseye]

Sammo

Jax does what same thing with their QB's?
Hits on DB's?

[sammo]

they make their qb's throw into certain coverage and to certain receivers. even if someone else is open.

[Jahndoh]

"But it would have been nice if Cameron Wake had mounted some pressure at some point.
"

Cam's gonna get pressure when Olines are sliding to JT or JPs side, or chipping/doubling those guys. On 2nd team D vs. 1st team O, he's the guy they're doubling/sliding to/chipping, and it's unlikely he's gonna get pressure all by his lonesome.

[John Becks Agent]

Hey Mando, how's Pat White vs. John Beck working out for ya?

[odinseye]

Jahndoh

Erik Walden, Cameron Wake and Nate Jones registered a sack during the 11-on-11 session.

[odinseye]

Hey John Beck's agent

Mr. White's 10 years younger than John Beck.

Give it time.

Pat White's Agent

[NJ PHIN FAN]

Odinseye, Gholston is their best player ? LMFAO ! Are you kidding me ? So far gholston has been a collossal bust. He had 5 tackles and 0 sacks last year. He has no instincts for the game of football. For the record i think leon washington is their best player.

[odinseye]

NJ

It was a joke. I was cutting on the Jets. Their best player is a bust Ha ha.

[odinseye]

Vick signs with the Eagles.
Wonder how McNab feels about that?

[NJ PHIN FAN]

ODINSEYE. geez , I was hoping it was a joke. My god ! Vick signs a 2 year deal with the eagles.

[GetterDone Phins]

Yep just heard that Vick has been offered a deal by the Eagles.
It is for the Vet minimum, so he will be subsidizing his income by holding cock fights with the team Mascot.

[me.yahoo.com/a/kfda.ZZl1fOusMwkhC3dczU2vSqdF8GBORcLbreVyACRo7Cf]

Everyone has an opinion on Chad Pennington,Henne and White. All Real Dolphin fans no the crap that followed Marinos lendendary career. Fiedler,feeley,lucas,sage,gus, to name a few. My question is where does Pennington rank on Dolphin alltime list of qbs?
Marino is number 1. enough said.
Griese and 2 superbowl wins number 2.
pennington number 3???

Don Strock was a good backup ,so was earl m.
David woodley went to a superbowl but wasnt on his arm. I saw Chad make throws with that so called weak arm that hadnt I seen since Dan retired. Until Chad H proves Bill was right and takes over and becomes the next great quarter back ,its Chad Pennington. So set back and enjoy a real pro for at least 1 more year. Like him or hate him,hes the best we have right now and maybe third best ever to wear that great uniform we all love so much.

[mR742]

Vick signed by Philly...WTF?

[GetterDone Phins]

Yep, just heard the Eagles offered Vick a deal.
It is for the Vet minimum, so Vick is said to be subsidizing his income by holding kock fights with the team mascot.
The same mascot that fought with Jim Carey in the original Ace Ventura pet detective movie.

[mR742]

lol, nice one!

[miamidolphinsbuzz]

Well at least Lyman found his calling. I wonder if his patients call him a jerk?

I think Chad Pennington is just like Bob Griese. Arm not strong but accurate, great field general.

Chad Henne and Pat White still must prove themselves and I'll give Pat White the ball more so he can learn in the pre-season.

[GetterDone Phins]

I bet McSlab has to be wishing that he had gotten the heck outta Philly already!!!

What a distraction with Vick, and the Eagles are half injured, no offensive line, everyone is old, plus the real Jimmy Johnson died, so they are gonna suck, maybe last in division behind the Foreskins or Cowpokes.

[perspective]

Who's beeter on kickoffs?

[perspective]

sorry, meant better.

[perspective]

First pre season game coming next week. It'll be nice to see how they do against other teams. Right now, it's either this player or that player looks good or bad. Or the offense is looking better than the defense. It makes it hard to cheer when all the players are on the same team which we all support. Well, not all, I forgot about the jet fans that seem to have been banned from their own jet blogs. Let's all hope for an excellent season.

[sammo]

pennington has to be 3rd best qb miami has ever had. he has enough of an arm to get the job done. and he is more mobile than people think, in one game he had two 20 plus yard runs in a row called back by penalties. he also developed chemistry quite quickly with his new receivers. not to mention he has a quick release. question to all here who do you think has the quickest release in the nfl? me shaun hill.

[Pete Prisco, Jr.]

Any word on the Nalbone-Wilford battle royale?

[sammo]

wilford has no chance. 232 pounds to small for TE. plus no acceleration. he would get snatched up by a lineman or linebacker.

[odinseye]

Earl Morral #3

He won more games than Griese during our undefeated season. Definitely one of the best back ups of all time. Could have been a starter on any number of teams during that period.

No disrespect for Penny(#4), but he hasn't been a Dolphin long enough for the No. 3 spot.

[SoiledBottom]

Dear Mr. Odinseye

"Vick signs with the Eagles.
Wonder how McNab feels about that?"

............................................________
....................................,.-‘”...................``~.,
.............................,.-”...................................“-.,
.........................,/...............................................”:,
.....................,?......................................................\,
.................../...........................................................,}
................./......................................................,:`^`..}
.............../...................................................,:”........./
..............?.....__.........................................:`.........../
............./__.(.....“~-,_..............................,:`........../
.........../(_....”~,_........ -,_....................,:`........_/
..........{.._$;_......”=,_.......“-,_.......,.-~-,},.~”;/....}
...........((.....*~_.......”=-._......“;,,./`..../”............../
...,,,___.\`~,......“~.,....................`.....}............../
............(....`=-,,.......`........................(......;_,,-”
............/.`~,......`-...............................\....../\
.............\`~.*-,.....................................|,./.....\,__
,,_..........}.>-._\...................................|..............`=~-,
.....`=~-,_\_......`\,.................................\
...................`=~-,,.\,...............................\
................................`:,,...........................`\..............__
.....................................`=-,...................,%`>--==``
........................................_\..........._,-%.......`\
...................................,
.

Soiled :)

[odinseye]

Andy Reid

Hope you saved some of that "stuff" you were smuggling to your son.
Your gonna need it!

[GetterDone Phins]

WOW, SOMEONE HAS WAY TOO MUCH TIME ON THEIR HANDS...YIKES

[SoiledBottom]

Dear Mr. GetterDone Phins

"WOW, SOMEONE HAS WAY TOO MUCH TIME ON THEIR HANDS...YIKES"

Copy and paste took forever.

Soiled :)

[odinseye]

Dear Mr. Soiled Bottom

Wow!!!! I think you nailed it.

I know it's only the first week of the pre-season, but I think you just made the Blogger's Pro-Bowl.

[goat]

WHITE, the bust
HENNE , the coming bust on monday.
VICK IS BETTER THAN YOUR BUSTS

[Pete Prisco, Jr.]

I didn't know there was an Etch-a-Sketch app. Is that on Mac?

[luggi from costa rica]

on monday the land of bust will uncover it's new bust Pat White with his mentor the old BUST Chad Henna .lol..can't wait.

[Ace]

Soiled,

That was interesting how you view McNabb would feel. You could also say, it is the way JUSTIN feels after he has been on this blog.

[SoiledBottom]

I found the image while browsing a computer tech site "Toms hardware". I thought it was cool and saved it.

Soiled :)

[luggi from costa rica]

soiled, can yo do ace as the devil

[odinseye]

Goats from Costa Rica

Talk all that trash while you can.
By Monday night were going to be talking about how Henne shreded Jacksonville's first, second and third teamer's

[Ace]

Yes soiled do me as the devil, it would be an honor...but first let me clear my throat I have a luggi to spit out.

[Ace]

Aloco/gopats/goat/luggi,

How are you doing tonight?

[Phintastic4]

Armando I cant help feeling that you may have some biasis in your reporting information about the qb's. It seems with Henne the glass is always half full and with White the glass is always half empty. When reading practice highlights from the Post you guys have the same general facts but the light shines very differently here at the Herald. I can understand not wanting to start a qb controversy but it seems a little obvious to me. White has obviously struggled some but when the guy has a good day give him the same light that you give Henne when he does well.

[luggi from costa rica]

hi ,willi.you blew my cover

[Aloco]

is every one ready for your team showing the latest bust ?