As you may already know, my column in The Herald today shares the feelings the Dolphins have about all the moves and boasts the New York Jets have made this offseason. I talked with cornerback Sean Smith to gather information for the column and I wish to share here some of the material about Smith I didn't use in the column.
Smith, who started all 16 games at cornerback as a rookie, is locked in a competition with Will Allen and Vontae Davis -- three men wanting two starting jobs. My opinion is Davis is going to win one of those jobs and it will fall to Allen or Smith to decide the other.
So what does Smith think of how he did in his rookie season with hindsight giving him clearer vision of 2009?
"I think I did some real good things out there," he said. "I don't think there was a game where I was getting my butt whipped all game. I would say there wasn't any receiver that had my number for a whole game. I think my coverage was solid for the most part. Even though I didn't have any interceptions, I'd say my play was above average for a rookie."
The zero interception statistic is obviously one Smith isn't thrilled about. He says, indeed, guarantees that number will change in 2010.
"I guarantee that will change this year," he said. "Guaranteed. No way I will go another year without an interception. It's impossible."
Smith might have thought he was going to be an interception machine after collecting two in the 2009 preseason. But the real games are different and the higher stakes obviously affected Smith's coverage plans.
"The first year I moved to corner from wide receiver, I had four [interceptions]," Smith said. "So I was like, 'It's not really that hard, I don't see how guys struggle.' Next year I had five. Then I had two in the preseason and I thought, 'We'll keep rolling.' But then you get in the game when it really counts and you don't want to be that guy that messes up.
"At times I was being a little bit too hesitant. And we were in some close, close games and if I gamble one time and I get beat, I'm like, 'No way. I'm not bearing that on my shoulder.' You can't play like that."
So how far does Smith believe he's come one year into his career?
"I'm a lot more comfortable," he said. "I'm talking out there. I'm more vocal. I'm able to disguise things. I'm able to feel like a real vet, you know what I mean? I got the rookies asking me things. It's good to give advice instead of asking all the time."
Smith is also being smarter about his body and training regimen. Last year, he'd eat fast food and not concern himself with massages or icing down. Now he's eating more vegetables and fruits and staying away from fast food.
He hopes that will help him avoid the letdown he felt the final five or six games of last year when he felt somewhat worn down.
"I seen guys getting ice the first couple of weeks and I figured, 'I'm fresh I'm good,' " Smith said. "But after a while I had to take their advice. It was tough but I got through it.
"As the year went on I started to get the feel for body language of the receivers, learning how he lifts when he's going to break down. When you're watching things from the side you can tell when he's going to stop but when you're watching things from dead on its harder to tell when he's going to (drop) the hips."
It should be an interesting competition at cornerback.
[Check back throughout the day Saturday for updates from Day 2 of minicamp.]
Haha that was funny you turd. Good job ruining this blog.
Posted by: THUNDERBOLT | May 28, 2010 at 11:22 PM
Bwahahahahahhahahhahahhhahahhahhaha
Posted by: Turd | May 28, 2010 at 11:25 PM
Davis should win easily, but I wouldn't be too surprised if Allen beats out Smith for the other spot.Should be a good battle though.
Posted by: beerndrums | May 28, 2010 at 11:33 PM
Fake thunderbolt fake aloco
fake home fake carlito. You have nothing to offer this blog. Ur an ignorant fool who if ur not a Jet fan u may as well be. Actually you prob are a Jet troll. Ya hear that any dolphans who care. A turd Jet troll is ruining ur blog. Lol you dirty scum sucking jet crap. Have at it punk.
Posted by: THUNDERBOLT | May 28, 2010 at 11:38 PM
Smith starts. No competition here. Youth. Parcells guy. Allen is nickel.
Posted by: Jimmy Jam | May 28, 2010 at 11:39 PM
Fake THUNDERBOLT at 11:38
Posted by: THUNDERBOLT | May 28, 2010 at 11:40 PM
Any word about Turners injury?I hope this doesn't end up being another Roth psycho injury like last year.Also about Ronnie Brown and his contract situation....he really needs to have an injury free,1000 yard season if he expects a big pay day,and I'm not convinced it will be the Dolphins giving him that big check.
Posted by: beerndrums | May 28, 2010 at 11:40 PM
I never thought about it from that angle Jimmy.I stand corrected.
Posted by: beerndrums | May 28, 2010 at 11:43 PM
Fake THUNDERBOLT at 11:42, watch this guy, he gets nasty
Posted by: THUNDERBOLT | May 28, 2010 at 11:44 PM
Smith and davis will be the starters this year. Allen will play the nickel and that will be alot playn the pats n jets twice vikes n packers. Plus allen is coming from knee surgery. why dont we wear the aqua jersey on top of the aqua pants anymore? Does anyone know?
Posted by: John | May 28, 2010 at 11:46 PM
John, that's your contribution tonight? Why don't we wear aqua jersey on aqua pants? Thanks for stopping by. Deep blog John
Posted by: THUNDERBOLT | May 28, 2010 at 11:50 PM
There is no way fake thunderbolt is a dolphins fan. U must have a personal vendetta against armando. Every day same garbage. Dude ur such a loser go get laid. Serously even if you have to pay for it. Armando till u fix ur blog i Wont be buyin the new app. Just sayin.
Posted by: THUNDERBOLT | May 28, 2010 at 11:52 PM
Wow, Thunderbolt won't be paying $1.99 for new app. Way to take a stand and hurt the Herald. Just sayin
Posted by: Tommy | May 28, 2010 at 11:56 PM
You thought your wife was selling Avon?
Posted by: Tommy | May 29, 2010 at 12:01 AM
The real one is here. Tommy dont pay attention to the other one
Posted by: THUNDERl3OLT | May 29, 2010 at 12:03 AM
I'm gonna kill that biatch!!!!!!
Posted by: THUNDERBOLT | May 29, 2010 at 12:03 AM
John, because aqua on aqua is bush league. It looks too generic, and its just not traditional Miami Dolphins. I also do not like when they wear the orange tops. I understand the desire of some to change it up every now and then but this isn't high school, its the pros, lets keep it traditional. Especially for a team that has such a rich tradition.
Posted by: Ron Burgundy | May 29, 2010 at 12:13 AM
That being said, I could honestly give two chits what kind of uniforms they don, as long as they play like champions.
Posted by: Ron Burgundy | May 29, 2010 at 12:15 AM
Sean Smith sounded very good and intelligent there. I have seen people post some of his twitter blurbs, and from what I had seen, I couldnt say intelligent. Not that I thought he was a dummy, it's good to see he has been putting in the time and he has a grasp that the mental aspect is equally important to the physical part. All that being said, after rewatching every game, I am strong in my opinion he is a boundary corner, and will struggle to be elite. He will start, but I believe this is as much with his skills as it is his inability to be effective in the slot. From what I have seen, Davis could be elite, but if Smith turns out to be, I'll be surprised.
Posted by: Bootang25 | May 29, 2010 at 12:21 AM
"As the year went on I started to get the feel for body language of the receivers, learning how he lifts when he's going to break down. When you're watching things from the side you can tell when he's going to stop but when you're watching things from dead on its harder to tell when he's going to (drop) the hips."
This statement is a sign things are "begining" to slow down for him. Then there's this statement:
"but when you're watching things from dead on its harder to tell when he's going to (drop) the hips."
This part of the statement tells me the game still hasn't slowed enough for him to completely dominate opposing wr's. But when he is able to tell when the wr is going to "drop his hips" he will know exactly when to drive on the ball and become an interception machine.
Right now he seems to still be in "reaction mode" which still isn't so terrible because he realizes that's where he is. Guessing gets db's into more trouble than anything else. It's better for the wr to make the catch and the db to make the tackle than give up 7pts.
Posted by: DyingBreed | May 29, 2010 at 01:29 AM
Sean Smith's words have no credibility yet. He told me to get used to him making interceptions after a highlight reel pick last pre-season. I'm still waiting to get used to it. Less talk. More action.
Posted by: mrmikejohnson | May 29, 2010 at 01:41 AM
Y'all suvk my big black dddj
Posted by: WickyRilliams | May 29, 2010 at 02:45 AM
Another busted miami draft. How the hell do you let a once in a generation talent like Dez Bryant go? Now we have a bunch of special teamers.
Posted by: Ryan Tallerguy | May 29, 2010 at 03:55 AM
Dez who? HaHa now that's funny.
Did you hear the Dez Bryant interview on ESPN?
Barely literate. The guys IQ is like 80!
Another busted Dallas draft. He will fail in droves.
This years Miami draft will be better than the last 2 which is says A LOT!
Get used to it losers
Miami Wins the AFC East again
Posted by: Joeswilly | May 29, 2010 at 04:16 AM
"Once in a generation talent"
What type of drugs are you doing really?
This guy is not smart enough to make it in the nfl. He could get by in college when the talent was not as condensed. In the nfl you need smarts . . . at least a little. Dez falls chort of at least a little. Let him collect his money from Dallas a Roy Williams did (another Dallas bust) and fade away back to the getto
Posted by: Joeswilly | May 29, 2010 at 04:20 AM
Did you hear the Dez Bryant interview on ESPN?
Barely literate.
Posted by: Joeswilly | May 29, 2010 at 04:16 AM
With all due respect Joeswilly, you give him too much credit. SERIOUSLY, he more than qualifies as illiterate.
Not smart enough to make it in the NFL?
He's come a long way, but the fact is, Dez aint smart enough to make a sentence.
Posted by: odinseye | May 29, 2010 at 05:16 AM
Yep, I dont get it. Why would you prefere to live like a idiot, just to look cool? Man to bad pop-culture took over America and the "Ghetto" lifestyle is ruinnng Black America.
Poor DeZ. lol ThunderBolt,now that guy is me,myself,and Irene!!
Oh yeah the Orange uniform's are awsome, no one else has anything close, and we are 3-0 when we wore them!
Posted by: Meeeeeee | May 29, 2010 at 07:25 AM
I think that Smith will get the other job with Davis we need young corners to be more versatil, they already had one year of experience so this will be a good year for both since Mike Nolan is taking care of them
Posted by: Jose Dolphan | May 29, 2010 at 07:44 AM
i am sure smith will have a better year this year ,he's getting better and smarter .
Posted by: ALoco | May 29, 2010 at 07:51 AM
Our resident cockroach, cuban menace is back. good morning. Duhh I have been here two years and no one has ever faked my name in blue...duh eehh duuh. You f'kin idiot
Posted by: doom | May 29, 2010 at 08:04 AM
I see we're off to a good start this morning.
Posted by: beerndrums | May 29, 2010 at 08:13 AM
he seems very happy and can speak english which a good thing .
Posted by: ALoco | May 29, 2010 at 08:19 AM
Good Morning Dolfans & OTA Watchers
1st
Armando, Sorry the blog appears to have gone haywire with Imposter
None of Us
True Dolfans would ever aspire the blog to turn to this
Whatever steps we can take to Assure a Better &
Cleaner blog
Home Is On Board
Armando U Crack the Whip
We`ll Make The Trip
Thanx
and like Brandon Marshall
Lets BranGetterdon!
Posted by: Home | May 29, 2010 at 08:20 AM
I agree that Sean Smith will have a better season than he did last year...Safety play and Linebackers will be paramount!I agree with those that say he is out of position and gets turned around alot but for a rookie that is common.most of the negativity surrounding him on this blog are unfounded.Expectations are wat too high.
Posted by: Sammy29 | May 29, 2010 at 08:23 AM
"way" too high...sorry..need coffee.
Posted by: Sammy29 | May 29, 2010 at 08:24 AM
Ok sean
Know U Will Read This
U Media Ho! LOL
Stop Running Your Mouth
And Start Playing Insanely Good Football
Your Juvenile & Immature
Self Promoting BS
Is Puke Inducing
U Have Earned Nothing
Keep That Yap Shut & Play Football
Your Dumb @ss Shucking & Jiving
Is Ruining The Miami Dolphin Name
Take That Crap
Back To The Ghetto
U Need One Hell of A Bietch Slap
Vontae
Straighten This Chump Out!
Posted by: Home | May 29, 2010 at 08:27 AM
Not home?
Posted by: Sammy29 | May 29, 2010 at 08:32 AM
Does anyone know how Turner even got hurt?...splinters? Practice squad? Offseason?
Posted by: Sammy29 | May 29, 2010 at 08:35 AM
I agree with Smith that it unwise to gamble too much as a rookie corner...good way to get to the bench though if you gamble and lose.
Posted by: Sammy29 | May 29, 2010 at 08:39 AM
Good Question Sammy29
Surprised Turners Injury Has been Kept Top Secret
Posted by: Home | May 29, 2010 at 08:39 AM
IMO
Dont Think sean Can Prove He Is a starter At Any NFL Position
Vontae Will Challenge For a spot In the Pro Bowl
Who Da Man?
Posted by: Home | May 29, 2010 at 08:41 AM
Top Secret or.....he needs to rise above the pain to win a spot on this team?
Posted by: Sammy29 | May 29, 2010 at 08:42 AM
Confident
Pat Turner Will Shine
In the Miami Dolphins Sun
Posted by: Home | May 29, 2010 at 08:45 AM
Home, What's with the extreme hatred for Sean Smith?....It's like you would prefer to see him fail.It's not like he's Wilson.If you think he's a weak link that's your opinion but I don't understand yhe personal attacks(back to the ghetto?)I wish the best for every Miami Dolphin.I don't look through Aqua colored glasses though.I see alot of players on this team that have played worse than Smith and have more experience.
Posted by: Sammy29 | May 29, 2010 at 08:49 AM
I hope you're right about Turner...that would certainly change the dynamics of our passing game as I believe we have too many receivers on the roster that bring the same thing to the table on gameday.
Posted by: Sammy29 | May 29, 2010 at 08:51 AM
Will Allen will be better as the nickel guy inside. I don't see the Dolphins letting him become a "progress stopper."
Posted by: FLPD | May 29, 2010 at 08:55 AM
Will Allen would better cover the slot in my opinion because of his experience and agility.Good post FLPD
Posted by: Sammy29 | May 29, 2010 at 08:59 AM
Sammy
Been Stirring The Pot on sean Since
Saw His Sub Par Performance In Dolphin Camp 2009
Dont Think Just Cuz A Player Is Tall
Makes Him Great
Saw Almost EVERY WR Beat This Guy In Camp
The Hype On Him is Def Not Deserving
Premature Over Inflated Ego
Home stood almost alone on this view since last June/July
Since the season started last year
Anyone that Truly Watches CB play and Reviews Tape
Would Certainly have Reservations on This Player and See How Darn Lucky He Was Last Year
Now maybe 25% of fans
Can See What home is Talking About
The Rest Of The Sheep
Just Want An Egg McMuffin & Coffee
Truth Hurts
sean Is Not That Good
ANY Good NFL QB Can Take sean To School
Posted by: Home | May 29, 2010 at 08:59 AM
That was a good column about what the Dolphins think of the Jets, Armandito. I love what Jason Ferguson said and Ronnie Brown always has my respect for his hatred for the Jets.
Posted by: Willi Chirino | May 29, 2010 at 09:06 AM
I guess I haven't noticed the ego thing.I'll have to take your word on it as you are probably better informed.I do watch corner and safety play but could probably benefit from a wider tv!I though he had a respectable rookie campaign.As I've stated before he should have a better season with better supporting cast.We will see what this year brings.I hope you are wrong about him.
Posted by: Sammy29 | May 29, 2010 at 09:14 AM
Will Allen & Vontae Davis Should Start
Chris Clemons will Rise & Deliver at Safety
Dolfans will Like What They See
Keep It Real
Wise To Quell sean & Ecuador volcano
"The Throat Of Fire"
Eruption Not Good
The Prophet
NostraHomeUs
Posted by: Home | May 29, 2010 at 09:18 AM
Will,
I saw that column, and I also saw Ronnie's interview on the team's website. He is my favorite Dolphin, but that has nothing to do with my post. I really hope he puts it all together for 16 games this year. The guy is classy (DUI aside) and he works as hard as anyone. He is unselfish, and as the Wildcat showed, smart and versatile. The injury bug seems to find him, and betrays him. With a great run blocking line, a QB that can make throws to all levels, a WR to prevent consistent 8 man fronts, and depth at the position to keep him fresh, Ronnie should have a HUGE season. The guy deserves it, he really does.
Posted by: Bootang25 | May 29, 2010 at 09:19 AM
HOME, Who plays nickel? If you don't like Smith now you'll hate him at nickel.I wanna believe you about Clemons, but.............skeptical.
Posted by: Sammy29 | May 29, 2010 at 09:22 AM
Sammy29
How Bout Who Ever Nike Nolan Tells Us
Clemons Has made Some Great Plays &
Is A Natural Ball Hawk
Know this rook tightened up in real game situation but
Consider This An Abberation
This Pup Bites
Expect some game changing plays from Clemons
Reminiscent of Troy P.
and not just the hair
Home Is Pulling for Chris Clemons
Posted by: Home | May 29, 2010 at 09:30 AM
*Mike Nolan
Posted by: Home | May 29, 2010 at 09:31 AM
There Is Another Nolan
To Keep A Serious Eye On
Rookie CB Nolan
Expect CB Nolan To Rise
***** The Dynasty Be Fins! *****
The Prophet
NostraHomeUs Has Spoken
Posted by: Home | May 29, 2010 at 09:34 AM
I am pulling for him too! He seems to be the best option we have.I like his range also.I really wanted Jason Allen to step up but that seems unlikely.
Posted by: Sammy29 | May 29, 2010 at 09:43 AM
sean smith Should Not Have A Speaking Part
With The Miami Dolphins
Respect Is Earned Over Time
seans Ints Trophy Case IS EMPTY
Y-Bell, Starkes, Dansby & Some Vontae
HAVE EARNED SPEAKING PARTS
not sean "The Poser" smith
Posted by: Home | May 29, 2010 at 09:50 AM
I am usually a descent talent spotter but my friend reminded me of my lowest moment....I said ....wait for it....."Avery is the next Barry Sanders"..."mark my words"....LOL!!!! Oh my god!That should have tasted like sh it coming out of my mouth...too funny.
Posted by: Sammy29 | May 29, 2010 at 09:51 AM
Bootang25
Good & Fair Observation @ 12:21 AM
However NostraHomeUs Sees The sean Glass
As... Half Empty
Posted by: Home | May 29, 2010 at 09:54 AM