Miami Dolphins might have a cornerback issue, or not
MIAMI GARDENS — There’s no Dolphins cornerback crisis. Let’s get that straight up front.
There’s no drama, no controversy, no upheaval.
Or is there?
Change winds might be blowing. But it’s not known whether any change might be made in time for Sunday’s game against Denver.
The starters in the base package, Xavien Howard, the 2022 Pro Bowl selection, and Kader Kohou, the 2022 rookie sensation, are set.
However, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said they’re going to “consider all options” when it comes to possibly replacing cornerback Eli Apple, the starter on the boundary in the nickel package (Kohou shifts to the slot in the nickel).
And there doesn’t appear to be a strong candidate for the boundary job among rookie Cam Smith, the second-round pick who has been a core special teams player, Kelvin Joseph and Parry Nickerson.
That’s the deal with the cornerbacks.
Is it a big deal?
You decide.
Kohou is rated No. 10 in the league among cornerbacks by ProFootballFocus, Howard is No. 113 and Apple is No. 118.
The Dolphins are considering options partly because Apple drew two pass-interference flags in a four-play stretch last week’s 24-17 victory at New England. Both flags came during a nine-play, 75-yard fourth-quarter drive that allowed the Patriots to whittle their deficit to 24-17 with 6:25 remaining.
“Eli had a tough game for him,” Fangio said. “He did contribute some good plays. Right now, this early in the season, we’re going to consider all options.”
Told that Fangio said they’re going to “consider all options,” Apple took the comment in stride.
“I think I’ve been solid,” he said. “It’s always (more) plays I know I can make, the tackling in the open field, stuff like that you want to clean up, especially some of the penalties late in the game.
“But I think I’ve been solid. I’ve definitely picked up everything fast and just want to continue to play at my fastest.”
The cornerback situation is just another example of how the knee injury to All Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey must frustrate the Dolphins.
If Ramsey was healthy, it would be Ramsey and Howard as the boundary cornerbacks in the base defense, with Kohou playing the slot in the nickel. The Dolphins would have one of the best cornerback duos and trios in the league.
Perhaps that dream comes true later in the season when Ramsey returns, but the Dolphins must deal with reality right now.
Smith’s reality is he wasn’t ready to contribute from scrimmage in either of the first two games.
But he’s showing promise.
“He’s progressing,” Fangio said. “He’s progressing. He got more practice reps (Wednesday). We’ll continue to try and get him practice reps and hopefully when he’s called upon, he’ll be ready to play.”
Fangio isn’t alone in saying things are headed in the right direction with Smith.
“I like the way he’s preparing,” passing game coordinator Renaldo Hill said. “He’s sitting next to Jalen in a lot of the meetings so he’s asking him good questions.”
So that’s the cornerback situation.
Oh, wait, there’s also an issue with Howard drawing flags. He has four in two games.
Howard has been flagged twice for pass interference, once for holding and once for illegal contact.
“Yeah, it’s a concern,” said Fangio, one of the most candid coaches on staff. “You’ve got to be able to cover without fouling, to use a basketball term.”
At least Kohou has been good. Actually, Kohou has been really good.
He got a glowing review from Fangio as both a boundary and slot cornerback.
“I have very good confidence in him at either position,” Fangio said, later adding, “He’s played well these first two weeks, no doubt about it.”
Fangio even complimented Kohou’s ability as a tackler, calling him a “good tackling cornerback.”
“I think the big thing with tackling is mindset and technique,” Fangio said. “You’ve got to want to tackle, and he likes to tackle.”
And even though Ramsey remains sidelined, he’s been highly visible during practices and games and active in meetings. He’s still very much part of the team, to the point he’s been giving tips on what to look for from Denver quarterback Russell Wilson, who Ramsey has faced a few times.
“He’s giving all the tidbits of his experiences, and it’s really helping our guys,” Hill said. “And those guys are receptive to it, they’re asking good questions on the back end, and he’s just been dialed in.”
So, you decide whether the Dolphins have an issue at cornerback.
Things aren’t ideal, but there are reasons for optimism.
Kohou is third on the team with 13 tackles and he has one sack.
Howard is fourth on the team with 12 tackles and he has an interception, which came on the Dolphins’ 3-yard line to stop a New England drive.
Apple has nine tackles with two passes defended.
Most importantly, everyone, including Apple, seems to have a good attitude at this point.
“I’m just going day by day, trying to continue to improve my technique and be the best I can be to help the team,” Apple said.
