Dolphins' rookie DE pushes back

[DolFan619]

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/football/miami-dolphins/story/621296.html

Dolphins' rookie DE pushes back

BY JEFF DARLINGTON
Miami Herald

The punches flew fast from Dolphins defensive end Phillip Merling's fists, which led to a few more shoves, which led to his teammates quickly breaking up the first squabble of training camp Monday morning.

''I kind of liked it a little bit,'' said coach Tony Sparano, who said a day earlier it would take ''a tough guy'' to make this roster.

So, Coach, how's this for tough? Not only did Merling -- a rookie -- choose the biggest dude on the team to challenge to a quick post-play quarrel, he also picked someone who he later said was one of his closest friends, left tackle Jake Long.

''But he's my man off the field,'' said Merling, in an unexpectedly bashful tone. ``I think he was surprised I hit him, because everybody knows we're good buddies off the field. I just threw a quick 1-2 off of instinct, I guess.''

Don't worry, says Merling, who is 6-foot-4, 290 pounds. The defensive end had no plans to fight off the field or during games, which is probably why Sparano actually seemed OK with his rookies getting after it.

''Coach said he liked it?'' Long joked afterward. ``Maybe next time I'll swing back!''

BIG AND TOUGH

Keep in mind, this little fight -- if you can even call it a fight -- was by no means a big deal. But it appropriately provided a perfect visual for anyone wondering what type of hard-nosed player the Dolphins picked up with their second pick in this year's draft at 32nd overall.

Merling isn't only a tough guy. He's a big one, too. And a strong one. And precisely the type of player worth envisioning when you hear someone ask what a prototypical player under this new hierarchy should look like.

Consider Long's description of his fellow rookie on the other side of the ball, and keep in mind that Long stands 6-7 and 310 pounds:

''At first, I really didn't think he was that big,'' Long said. ``Man, he's huge. And he's strong. He has quick hands. When he gets his hands inside of you, it's over. He definitely works hard. He's a strong guy with huge legs. Definitely a solid player.''

For now, Merling has been playing behind veteran defensive end Vonnie Holliday, who serves as an ideal mentor, given their similar frames and expected roles in a 3-4 system.

The mentorship already seems to be paying off, as Merling has apparently made some solid strides since joining the team in late April. After a strong three-year career at Clemson, Merling might actually have the type of frame that's better suited for the NFL, especially in this type of system.

''I love his movement,'' Sparano said. ``I think the guy moves really well out there. He's got a nice knack with his hands. He can get off a block. He doesn't stay blocked for long periods of time that way, which is a great quality when you're inside as a defensive lineman.''

`COMING ALONG'

Merling still has a fair share of improving to do before he can develop into an every-down starter. Mainly, his teammates say he needs to gain more consistency.

After five practices of training camp, that seems like a fair sentiment, since he has still been locked up by opposing linemen on enough occasions to balance out the times when -- for a rookie -- he otherwise looks exceptional.

''He's coming along,'' linebacker Akin Ayodele said. ``He's definitely a guy we're going to be looking toward to make big plays. He has made his presence known. For him, it's going to be about being consistent. And he's working on that. You can see that he wants to learn and he wants to play.''

Ayodele, who played for two seasons in Dallas under this same regime, added that players first need to be able to physically dominate opponents with natural toughness before being able to do anything else. In this defense, that's a must.

And given the early impressions of Merling -- from his scrappy fists to his enormous frame -- toughness is one quality this rookie most certainly possesses.

''I want to be a solid player this year,'' Merling said. ``I want to be somebody they can depend on to make plays and somebody they can depend on to give them everything they've got.''

[fyo]

I think my main problem with all these top-pick rookie evaluations is that you never hear anything bad. That's especially the case when coaches speak, but even reporters tend to do the same.

[YoFuggedaboutit]

You've gotta be tough, smart, or crazy to just suddenly up and go after a guy who's got 3 inches and 20 pounds on you. 

If Merling is as good as advertised, it's gonna definitely help Jake Long go against speedy edge rushers in the regular season. 

[Jim Gray]

I think my main problem with all these top-pick rookie evaluations is that you never hear anything bad. That's especially the case when coaches speak, but even reporters tend to do the same.

If you want to see some extreme examples of "rose colored glasses", go to the official Dolphins website and look at the player bios.  I bet you didn't know how great our players really are.   Of couse this is what you expect from the team website, and I'm not being critical.....only pointing out how good the professional "turd polishers" really are. 

As for training camp hype, I've bought into it too many times.  No more.  I'll wait until we see results in the games that count before I get too excited.  That said......I'm a little excited......I just can't help it.