Wilford under pressure for Dolphins game

[DolFan619]

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/dolphins/content/sports/epaper/2008/08/27/dolphins_advance28.html

Wilford under pressure for Dolphins game

By BEN VOLIN
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

DAVIE — Ernest Wilford signed with the Dolphins in February for four years and $6 million guaranteed, giving them a 6-foot-4 veteran receiver who could be the club's No. 1 target and help mentor young receiver Ted Ginn Jr.

Yet it is Ginn who has emerged in training camp as the top receiver with Wilford having much to prove Thursday night in New Orleans in the Dolphins' final pre-season game.

Wilford has just three catches for 12 yards in three exhibition games. He has lost the starting job - Derek Hagan is the other first-string wideout - despite solid credentials earned during four seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Even though Wilford has a significant contract, there is a remote chance that he could be waived Saturday when NFL rosters must be reduced to 53 players.

Among Miami's 72 current players, seven are receivers. The Dolphins are likely to keep five or six.

Wilford is the most accomplished Miami receiver. His 518 receiving yards and three touchdowns last year with Jacksonville would have been tops for Miami.

Dolphins coach Tony Sparano said financial considerations might be taken into account when determining the final roster. Heo also said he would consider Wilford's previous production and not judge him solely on his performance in training camp.

Still, Wilford, 29, is feeling some heat.

He made himself available to the media throughout camp until this week, brusquely walking past reporters Monday and Tuesday, saying he couldn't stop because it was time to lift weights.

Tuesday, Sparano offered encouragement to Wilford, and promised to get him heavily involved in tonight's game.

"He has practiced much better in the last 10 days," Sparano said. "It almost looks like he's got a little bit of a second wind right now. He's playing a little bit faster with more confidence."

Wilford is not the only one with something to prove Thursday night. Though starters usually sit out the final exhibition game, Sparano said almost every player will get at least a few snaps against the Saints.

That includes quarterback Chad Pennington, who still is getting acquainted with his new teammates. It also might include running back Ronnie Brown, who hopes to get a carries as he recovers from a sprained thumb and a surgically repaired knee. Brown is battling for playing time with Ricky Williams.

"Our players need to play and they'll play in this game," Sparano said. "Some of them will be in there for a handful of plays, but we'll get used to getting out of the locker room and into the stretch and out there for the first snap and doing all those things."

With position battles at tight end, running back, linebacker and safety as well as receiver, very few of the players in camp can breathe easily.

"They told us in meetings this morning," receiver Greg Camarillo said, "this final game is so coaches can confirm what you've been doing. They already know what type of player they have. But it's one final chance to prove yourself."

Even if they make the cut Saturday, some players know they could be gone Sunday.

"The bottom part of the roster, as you've already learned, won't stay the same," Sparano said. "One way or the other, until we're happy, we have to make sure that we get the right people on this team."

[Philly Fin Fan]

Dolphins coach Tony Sparano said financial considerations might be taken into account when determining the final roster. Heo also said he would consider Wilford's previous production and not judge him solely on his performance in training camp.

Doesn't this contradict what Sparano said earlier? I recall something about "players having had chances" and they needed to "make the most of those chances".

[fyo]

I've heard Sparano/Parcells quoted as saying something like "maybe we'll have to tailor some plays to his particular skills".

That's exactly what I think will happen in this last preseason game; the coaches will run a number of plays designed exclusively to get Wilford the ball. If it succeeds, Wilford is assured of a roster spot. Given the competition he will likely face, I think it's very likely Wilford will get some catches. All he has to do is NOT DROP THE BALL - and let's face it, all receivers (Wilford included) have been dropping the ball less since Pennington came to town.

[YoFuggedaboutit]

They got rid of Keith Davis.... they can certainly get rid of this guy. 

[Brian Fein]

the "chances" thing doesn't apply to a 6 million dollar cap hit.  a good pay-day for Wilford if he gets cut because he gets his 6-mil and will still likely get scooped up by another team.  What's his motivation to NOT get cut?  Anyone ever think he's being lazy on purpose cause he doesn't have to earn his money anymore?

[bsfins]

I don't see that,(as him being lazy) but I can see how he feels a little too comfortable...because of his salary....

I just think Wilford isn't the type of guy....They thought he was....