| Dolphins' offensive line shifting ways under Cameron |
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| Written by Admin |
| Monday, 30 July 2007 10:11 |
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DAVIE, Fla. (AP) -Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Vernon Carey was ready for an easy training camp. Then the short-handed Dolphins asked Carey to move to left tackle, the position most critical in protecting a right-handed quarterback's blind side. So much for fun and games. After struggling his first two seasons in the NFL, he blossomed at right tackle in 2006, paving the way for what he thought would be his most relaxed preseason yet. ``It was a big bang,'' Carey said. ``I was telling my wife the other day, 'If I was at right tackle right now, I would just be lounging.' I was really that comfortable at right tackle.'' The shift is one of many by new coach Cam Cameron as he revamps a line that allowed 41 sacks in 2006. Cameron's overhaul of the team is most apparent in the offensive line, where turnover and position changes may mean new starters at all five spots. Three days into training camp, the Dolphins are experimenting with different combinations, searching for the best lineup. ``We're a long way from, in terms of our offensive line, making any decisions on who starters will be and what the starting unit will be,'' Cameron said. ``There will be some different combinations working through throughout training camp. Every day is an evaluation process.'' During Monday morning's practice, the first-team offensive line was Carey (left tackle), free-agent acquisition Chris Liwienski (left guard), second-round draft pick Samson Satele (center), sixth-round pick Drew Mormino (right guard) and third-year veteran Anthony Alabi (right tackle). They've switched around a lot. ``The coaches have told us, 'Don't keep your mind on one position. You have to learn all the positions,''' said Satele. ``They aren't kidding.'' Despite being a rookie, Satele has seen most of the first-team action at center, which has bumped Rex Hadnot to right guard. Hadnot, who started all 16 games at center last season, is on the second team behind Mormino. The constant position shifts have left no job safe. ``In the coach's eye you either get better or you get out,'' Hadnot said. ``I think that's been a big difference. I've just got to go out there and go to work and control what reps I get, and that's how I'm taking it.'' When asked about his demotion, Hadnot took a deep breath, looked around the room and chose not to comment. The way things have gone thus far, he could be starting soon - there's no certainty on Miami's offensive line these days. There's no time to relax, either. ``Just cause I'm starting now doesn't mean I'm not going to get pushed back,'' Satele said. ``I'm pushing to make this team. Then I'll worry about starting.'' |
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