Unfortunately, for the fans, the scheduled 40-play scrimmage at Sun Life Stadium was called off because of the rain. Instead, the Dolphins were able to practice outdoors at the teams training facility a little later in the evening.

Even though the session was open to the public, the announcement came right before the workout so most fans who were planning on coming out tonight probably weren't able to make it up to Davie. A disappointing break for the fans, but nonetheless there was plenty to talk about on the field tonight.

10 sacks: Nolan's scheme that good or is O-line that bad?
I tend to think the media likes to blow things out of proportion this time of year, but the interior of the Dolphins' offensive line is really starting to worry me. Yes, I am excited for the progress Nolan has made with this defense so far, as the pressure is seemingly coming from everywhere, but let's be honest, there is no way these exotic blitzes should be this affective.

The O-line reportedly conceded 10 sacks tonight, with Karlos Dansby leading all defenders with three. Hopefully, that is a sign of things to come from Dansby, who brings play-making ability to the inside linebacker position, but bluntly speaking, the guy isn't suddenly Lawrence Taylor. The scheme and the player have to get some credit, but in reality the interior of the O-line is probably in far worse shape than we thought.

My two cents: get a starting lineup nailed down, stick with it the rest of camp, and let the group gel properly. Let the debate begin on who those three players should be, and that is a topic for another post, but the bottom line is getting things settled needs to happen sooner rather than later.

As for tonight's lineup, Nate Garner spent both practices today at first-team left guard, John Jerry was, once again, at right guard, and Joe Berger manned starting center, as Jake Grove continues to miss time with what is now being diagnosed as a bone bruise on his knee.

Running game shows some signs
Finally, a positive report about the offense. Ronnie Brown reportedly had some nice runs tonight, and the running game as a whole apparently looked pretty solid. So where has the ground attack been all camp, you may ask? Well, the Dolphins really haven't featured the ground game much in 11 on 11 drills, likely because they want to keep Ronnie and Ricky fresh and healthy and, really, they already know what they are getting there, which is one of the best running back duo's in the game.

Once again, this is also a big reason why I think the offensive struggles have been slighly overblown. Last I checked this is still a run-first team, and because they aren't pounding the ball, like they most definitely will come September, it's next to impossible to get an accurate feel for this offense.

Randy Starks moving to nose still looks like a smart move
Yes, the whole defense was getting in on the quarterback pressure tonight, but Randy Starks reportedly beating the double-team to get to Henne is still encouraging considering how much is riding on Starks' move inside. Everyone is expecting Starks' pass rush production to drop off at nose tackle, but his ability to collapse the pocket should provide a much improved interior pass rush.

How he plays the run, and his ability to command two blockers at all times will define the position change, though. According to the Sun-Sentinel's Omar Kelly, Starks is shedding blocks better than Jason Ferguson ever did. So far, so good.

Sources: Sun-Sentinel

Nate Garner works with first-team at left guard
Before this morning, Nate Garner, a.k.a. Mr. Versatile, was exclusively working at second-string right tackle, while the ongoing competition on the interior of the line continued to mix and match. Obviously, things are as bad as most suspected at guard, as Nate Garner, who was solid at just about every position along the line a year ago, got first-team reps at left guard.

Many thought Garner would be a starter at guard heading into camp, and now that nobody appears to be solidifying themselves as a starter, Garner is finally getting his chance. Hopefully, Garner stays put at starting left guard for tonight's 40-snap scrimmage, so we can effectively get a feel for how he looks, given that the media will likely evaluate the workout more extensively than they did this morning.

If this becomes a permanent move, Andrew Gardner and Lydon Murtha may have a better chance at earning a roster spot, and Cory Procter would likely become more vulnerable to the final cuts.

As for the rest of the interior O-line this morning, John Jerry continued to work at starting right guard, and Joe Berger got the first-team reps at center with Jake Grove still out with a leg bruise.

Charles Grant surpasses Tony McDaniel
After Grant's domination in Saturday's scrimmage, where the newly acquired ex-Saint tallied three sacks, he was rewarded with a promotion to second-team this morning, ahead of Tony McDaniel. Will he possibly make a run at rookie Jared Odrick now?

I still don't think so, simply because Grant has never been known for his stoutness against the run, but if he somehow continues to get to the quarterback at this pace that probably won't matter a whole lot. I do expect him to eventually get acclimated with the nickel package, though.

By the way, Grant used his extra media attention this morning to compare the Dolphins to last year's Super Bowl winning Saints. He even mentioned that Sparano is similiar to Sean Payton, in that both are all about team.

Injury report
Greg Camarillo: The groin seems to be doing okay, as Camarillo practiced this morning and seemed to be moving fine.

Patrick Cobbs: Cobbs was held out of this morning's workout with an injured hamstring, but the good news is he was seen sprinting on the sidelines, which likely means he will return to action shortly.

Offense has chance to redeem itself in tonight's scrimmage
That's right, another scrimmage is scheduled for tonight, this time at Sun Life Stadium. It's only scheduled to be around 40 plays, though, so nothing like Saturday's 74-snap exhibition. Still though, expect the offense to come out with a chip on it's shoulder, after reportedly getting dominated on Saturday.

Hopefully, Chad Henne will find his rhythm, and I would be shocked if Brandon Marshall has another disappointing performance. As always, check back late tonight/early tomorrow morning for a full recap of everything that goes down.

Sources: The Daily Dolphin, The Sun-Sentinel

Now that we are over a week into camp, and the Dolphins have a 74-play intrasquad scrimmage in the books, how the 53-man roster will shape up is starting to become a little less hazy. Nothing is settled yet, and the biggest tests for those players sitting on the roster fence still lies ahead. The upcoming preseason games will provide make or break opportunities to those hopeful to make the team, so really everything below is subject to change. Just like the weekly "Position Battle Tracker," this segment is parallel to looking at a first quarter scoreboard, not a prediction of how I see things eventually playing out.

Offense

Quarterback
Projected Possible Cuts: Tyler Thigpen, Pat White
If there is any player that has defined the phrase "the media's punching bag" it's second-year quarterback Pat White. It seems as though every practice the South Florida beat writers use words like "erratic" and "wild" to describe White's reps. White was far from spectacular a year ago, but I don't think things were ever this bad. In all fairness to him, though, we really have no idea what exactly the young man is going through in his personal life. He missed the first day of workouts for personal reasons, and who knows how much whatever is going on is affecting his performance. Meanwhile, Tyler Thigpen hasn't exactly impressed so far, but it was evident in Week 17 last season he was miles ahead of White, and judging by the first week of camp, things haven't changed much.
In: Tyler Thigpen
Out: Pat White

Running Back
Projected Possible Cuts: Lex Hilliard, Tristan Davis
The battle for the fourth running back spot was set to pick up some intensity with Kory Sheets getting some opportunities as a kick returner, but since his season-ending Achilles injury, it's safe to say Hilliard has this thing wrapped up. Of course, that's assuming the Dolphins keep four running backs again. Having said that, possible sixth receiver candidates and tenth offensive lineman hopefuls will likely provide more competition to Hilliard than Davis.
In: Hilliard
Out: Tristan Davis

Fullback
Projected Possible Cuts: Rolly Lumbala
Lousaka Polite has emerged as one of the best fullbacks in the business, and there simply is no room for Lumbala on the roster.
Out: Rolly Lumbala

Tight End
Projected Possible Cuts: David Martin, Joey Haynos, John Nalbone, Kory Sperry
Assuming David Martin can return to his 08' form, he will securely find himself as the second tight end on the depth chart. That was two years ago, though, and word has it Martin is a bit on the heavy side these days. It shouldn't take long for him to get back in playing shape, however, and the upcoming exhibitions should reveal whether or not he can still be a legitimate receiving threat. That means there will be a three way battle for the third and likely final roster spot at the position. All three have been virtually invisible so far, so things should be fairly wide open heading into the preseason opener.
In: David Martin, Joey Haynos
Out: John Nalbone, Kory Sperry

Wide Receiver
Projected Possible Cuts: Patrick Turner, Ryan-Grice Mullen, Taurus Johnson, Julius Pruitt, Roberto Wallace, Marlon Moore
With Marshall, Bess, Hartline, and Camarillo already settled as members of the 2010 team, baring serious injuries of course, the six remaining receivers will battle for the final job opening. Patrick Turner is the early favorite, and if he can maintain a level of consistency throughout the remainder of camp and in the preseason I don't see him getting the axe. Then again, if Taurus Johnson or Ryan-Grice Mullen flash big-play ability in the return game and show they can also contribute at receiver, we could have an interesting scenario on our hands.
In: Patrick Turner
Out: Ryan-Grice Mullen, Taurus Johnson, Julius Pruitt, Roberto Wallace, Marlon Moore

Offensive Tackle
Projected Possible Cuts: Andrew Gardner, Lydon Murtha
With the Dolphins only expected to keep nine offensive lineman, and with the starting tackles being engraved in stone, things are starting to point to only three tackles making the team. And with Nate Garner's versatility guaranteeing him a job at backup right tackle, Andrew Gardner and Lydon Murtha could both be on the outside looking in when final cuts are made.
Out: Andrew Gardner, Lydon Murtha

Offensive Guards
Projected Possible Cuts: Cory Procter
Procter is really a borderline possible cut. Based on his past, you would think he is the least likely to start among the four guards, but he has been rotating off and on with the first-team throughout camp. That probably won't last much longer, as John Jerry and Richie Incognito now appear to be the front-runners, but with so much uncertainty at the position, the Dolphins will probably end up keeping all of them.
In: Cory Procter

Center
Projected Possible Cuts: Jake Grove, Andrew Hartline
I only mention Jake Grove as a possible cut because if he loses the battle for starting center, Miami would be wise to rid themselves of his $30 million contract. Still though, because Grove was so productive last season, I think he eventually pulls away from Berger and Hartline. Speaking of Hartline, signs point to the reasoning behind his move to center being a motivational tool to get Grove and Berger going.
In: Jake Grove
Out: Andrew Hartline

Before you give up on this season a week in, a drastic reaction to an overall negatively portrayed offensive outing, just remember it's only a scrimmage and we are still just a week into the 2010 season. Should we have wanted to see great things from Henne and company today? Of course. But is it time to hit the panic button because the defense reportedly dominated the scrimmage? Absolutely not.

The defense is typically always ahead of the offense this time of year, and when you factor in things like the ongoing carousel competition at the guard spots and center and how the running game-still this offense's bread and butter- was seldom used, it's easy to see why today won't likely be indicative of what we see this season. And let's be honest, Brandon Marshall wasn't himself today. After being uncoverable for over a week, Marshall was limited to only two catches for 11 yards. And that reportedly came on six targets, which included two uncharacteristic drops. For some reason I just get the feeling that kind of performance from Marshall won't be the norm.

When I actually had time to look at the play-by-play report, the doomsday tweets seemed quite honestly like an over-reaction. Sure Henne was far from brilliant today, but is 12-22, 72 yards, and a touchdown really something to panic over? Looking at the last drive, Henne apparently was able to settle in, going 7 for 7 against the first-team defense, and ended the day properly with a scoring strike to Brian Hartline.

Maybe that doesn't quite redeem him from that 5 for 15 start, but once again, take a deep breath, it's early August. Don't forget either, that after the scrimmage Sparano mentioned that Henne was completing around 75% of his passes with only two interceptions going into today.

And what about the defense? Shouldn't they be getting some credit for an outstanding session? Sean Smith bounced back nicely by breaking up a long pass to Marshall along the sidelines and getting in on a sack from a corner blitz, the defense as a whole was bringing pressure from everywhere, which is a refreshing change of pace from last season's vanilla scheme, Charles Grant may have submitted a nice little resume for the nickel package with three sacks of his own, and Cameron Wake was reportedly one of the more impressive players out there today, contributing two sacks.

Has Mike Nolan really transformed this unit into a top-notch defense in just over a week? Not likely. Today's defensive domination was probably derived from several factors. Some have already been mentioned, like the defense typically being ahead of the offense this early in camp, the offense having a lackluster, uncharacteristic day, and Ronnie and Ricky only combining for four carries. Other factors include Mike Nolan's blitz heavy scheme being a little much to pickup without a week of preparation, and players like Sean Smith playing with a bit of a chip on their shoulder after reportedly getting beat up pretty bad throughout the first week of camp.

No, I wasn't in attendance this afternoon, and maybe I'm just clinging to the optimism the Dolphins head into the 2010 season with, but I just feel the offensive struggles were slightly blown out of proportion today. And this just gives us that much more reason to get pumped up for the preseason opener next weekend. Something tells me the offense is going to come out with something to prove.

Sources: Sun-Sentinel, Miami Dolphins in Depth

Dolphins bring back an old face
With Miami's tight ends being all but invisible so far in camp, the front office decided to bring back David Martin. The 31-year old Martin had arguably the best season of his career in 2008 for the Dolphins, when he posted a career-high 450 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns, combining with Fasano for an excellent one-two punch. Fasano's receiving skills diminished a year ago, but his superb blocking will secure his starting position.

If Martin can return to form, he will likely get the nod over the third tight end to make the roster when the Dolphins line up in two tight end sets. The battle for the final roster spot is about to heat up, though. Joey Haynos, Kory Sperry, and John Nalbone are now set to go at if for the rest of camp for that third and final job opening at the position.

Clemons limiting mental mistakes
For a player who is taking over the reigns of a position that was arguably the most detrimental to the team a year ago, Chris Clemons isn't exactly drawing much attention so far in camp. Evidently that is a good thing. Sparano enlightened the media this afternoon by claiming Clemons has only made one mental mistake in 238 practice reps.

That is pretty phenomenal considering how mentally challenging the free safety position is, especially for a second-year player. Now, he hasn't been making many plays according to practice reports, but if he can just stay mentally sound, and play solid coverage all year long, it's safe to say this secondary will be miles ahead of where they were a season ago.

Injury scares
Thankfully, it doesn't appear that any of the injuries sustained today were serious. But after already seeing three players go down for the year, it's a little nerve racking when any player, yet alone a quality starer is seen limping around. Will Allen, who still could start opposite Vontae Davis, but has at least already earned the starting nickel corner job, reportedly aggravated the knee which suffered the torn ACL, but kept practicing on it, and was noticeably struggling.

Jake Grove, who is currently locked in a heated battle with Joe Berger and Andrew Hartline for starting center, limped off the field this morning, but it was later reported he only sustained a bruise. And finally Brian Hartline went down with a reported leg injury in the morning, and missed the evening session. Reports are saying it is only a minor groin tweak, though, so hopefully he will return to action in tomorrow's scrimmage. Also, Vernon Carey sat out the evening practice, most likely for rest or something minor.

Nobody can contain Brandon Marshall
I know Marshall isn't the only player on this team, and I know we have talked about how fantastic he has looked so far just about every day, but some of these reports are just too exciting to pass up. Today, Marshall reportedly got the best of Vontae Davis during 1-on-1 drills. Not once, not twice, but five times in a row. It apparantly got so one-sided that Marshall had to take time out of the workout to give Davis some much needed advice.

O-Line first-team
LG: Richie Incognito C: Joe Berger RG: John Jerry

Scrimmage time!
If you live in the South Florida area, tomorrow's 2 p.m. practice session is a can't miss. The team will undergo a live, 110 play scrimmage tomorrow afternoon, that will likely go a long way in determining some of the unsettled camp battles and will provide the best look at the 2010 team yet. Check back tomorrow night for a full recap of everything that goes down.

Sources: Sun-Sentinel, The Daily Dolphin