The Miami Dolphins' colors are aqua, orange, white and navy, but the team’s defensive line has looked pretty green in recent practices.
Miami touts a solid starting lineup of veteran defensive ends Jared Odrick and Cameron Wake and tackles Randy Starks and Paul Soliai, all Pro Bowl candidates. However, it gets very inexperienced very quickly after the projected starters. Rookie defensive ends Olivier Vernon and Derrick Shelby are listed as second-teamers and first-year tackle Kheeston Randall also is listed as a top backup.
Combine that with an injury to second-team defensive tackle Tony McDaniel, then it falls to rookie Chas Alecxih to take his place.
If you have been doing the math, that’s a second unit comprised entirely of rookies.
However, first-year defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle was pleased with the play of the reserves in a preseason-opening 20-7 loss to Tampa Bay and expects the team to build on that against Carolina on Friday.
“When our seconds got in the game, the intensity level, the execution level was terrific,” Coyle said. “They had four three-and-outs in the second half. There was only one drive that they were able to muster up anything and they got a field goal off of that one I think.”
More Moore for Miami: Marlon Moore could be the team’s answer to cutting Chad Johnson.
Moore, a third-year receiver out of Fresno State, has been practicing with the first-team since Johnson was released. During Tuesday’s practice, it was Moore running the reverses -- the same play that had been Johnson’s staple the prior two weeks.
Legedu Naanee and Davone Bess sit atop the depth chart, but Bess is much more effective in the slot and Moore is earning the majority of his reps out wide with his 6-foot, 190-pound frame. Last season, Moore made six catches for 128 yards in nine games and was a contributor on special teams.
If he puts up a strong showing at Carolina on Friday, he could be poised for an even bigger role.
When asked what he needs to see more from his young receivers, Philbin laughed: “Catch the ball consistently, get separation, catch the ball consistently.”
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Miami Dolphins from blogger Dave Carey, follow @CBSSportsNFLMIA.
