Well it certainly started off with Lightning Thunder and lots of Rain, loads of it in South Florida. It might’ve been a factor in Todays practice but that’s not the biggest Headline from today.
Xavien Howard
The Day started off with the Xavien Howard situation and many wondered if he would show up- Brian Flores questioned it too. By the time Minicamp started, Xavien Howard was not in attendance and it may look like we have a contract dispute between Xavien Howard and the Dolphins organization.
This will be a story to monitor this offseason. Will he be at Training Camp this season, Will the Dolphins renegotiate a deal or wait till 2022?
“This is a little bit unique,” Flores said. “He was extended so we’re talking about a renegotiation. A very unique situation with a potential renegotiation after one year so those turn into longer conversations and we understand that. We obviously have had a lot of talks.”
Coach Flores on the Xavien Howard Situation
Participants
Emmanuel Ogbah was in Minicamp attendance today as he also seeks to get a new deal this offseason. Ogbah’s camp and agent Drew Rosenhaus have expressed interest since the end of last season.
Mike Gesicki was also at camp and seen in a red no contact jersey as he had offseason surgery on his shoulder that sidelined him last season. Gesicki is part of the 2018 Draft class with Jerome Baker, who just signed an extension a few days ago. With a loaded TE room it’s worth noting he has not been extended yet and is a free agent after this season
Elandon Roberts was dressed but not participating during onfield drills, as was Preston Williams who both are rehabbing after injuries last season.
Start of Minicamp
As mentioned above the downpours came into 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 plays. It went like this
Certainly, many people claim this as a cause for concern on the offensive side of the ball. You have to remember this is a Brand new offensive system being installed and put onto the field against a returning Top five defense who added more weapons and a returning secondary who is the defensive identity.
When it comes to Mini-camp, historically the defense wins the day.
Talk about Tua’s interceptions of the day, it’s better to take risks now, learn and adapt at practice. Practice is to perfect the skill and master the playbook. You want to see this happening in the middle of June rather September time, or worse- on a push for the playoffs.
The Rebound
Both Tua and Jacoby Brissett started to heat up after the rain passed and played with good pace to get down the field.
Conclusion
The Xavien Howard situation is worth monitoring, either he comes to camp, renegotiates a deal, or simply plays on his current contract and talks are postponed to 2022
The overreaction will continue this offseason about Tua and the Offense as a whole works out the kinks in Practice. The Wide Receiver room looks stacked and is building chemistry with Tua, especially Will Fuller
Defense looks stellar and will continue to build on a successful 2020 season with added depth and new defensive rookies
Minicamp will resume Tomorrow
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