Dolphins Notebook: David Garrard still leading QB battle
Dolphins coach Joe Philbin had a simple message for his quarterbacks: the depth chart isn't set in stone.
"In no way is this competition over," Philbin said on HBO's “Hard Knocks.” "This is a reflection of what's gone on up to this point in time at training camp. Our minds are not made up at all. I hope you know, if you have a problem with that you should talk to (assistant quarterbacks coach) Zac (Taylor) about it, talk to Sherm (offensive coordinator Mike Sherman) about it, talk to me about it."
Former Pro Bowler David Garrard, who hasn't thrown an NFL pass in 18 months, sits atop the depth chart as the team prepares to open the preseason against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Friday. Garrard, 34, missed last season due to back surgery, but he still managed to beat incumbent Matt Moore and Ryan Tannehill, the eight-overall pick in April's NFL draft, for the starting job so far.
“They've got to start somewhere, and right now, I'm the No. 2,” Moore told the Miami Herald. “I'm not overly concerned it's going to wreck my play here on out.”
Tannehill, who Garrard nicknamed “the People's Choice," also hasn't given up on earning the starting gig.
“We all want to be the guy,” Tannehill told the newspaper. “It's a friendly competition, and we're supportive of each other.”
Less is more: Karlos Dansby learned his lesson.
The linebacker thought bulking up last season would be a key to his success playing inside in a 3-4 scheme. But instead of the added 25 pounds helping him power through blockers, it slowed him down and got him off to one of the worst starts of his career. This season, he opted for more laps around the track instead of more carbs at dinner and the result is a lean, 242-pound physique that is turning heads in training camp as the team shifts to a 4-3 alignment.
“When you face him you're always asking, ‘Who's going to block him?'” Philbin told the Palm Beach Post. “'How can you displace him in the formation?'"
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Miami Dolphins from blogger Dave Carey, follow @CBSSportsNFLMIA.
