The offseason competition for a starting cornerback spot on the Miami Dolphin defense has ended with Brice McCain being named the starter. McCain was in the competition with Jamar Taylor for the starting spot opposite Brent Grimes. When the Dolphins line up in their base defensive package it will be Grimes and McCain on the outside at the corner positions. Both McCain and Taylor have remained very diplomatic throughout the process and have both stated that the competition has not affected their off-field relationship.
Taylor was slowed this preseason by a quadriceps injury, and acknowledged that the injury likely played a role in the initial depth chart. It is likely, however, that Taylor will see significant playing time on defense. While the team has not laid out its plans officially, most reports indicate that Jamar Taylor likely will enter the game in nickel situations. In addition, Taylor is likely to play one of the outside corner positions along with Grimes. McCain, known as one of the best slot-corners in the NFL is expected to slide inside during nickel situations. The players avoided questions about the specific lineup outside of the base defensive package when asked Wednesday.
McCain, a seven-year NFL veteran from Utah was signed by Miami during the offseason. He was originally drafted by the Houston Texans with whom he spent his first five seasons. McCain spent 2014 with the Pittsburgh Steelers and had a career-high three interceptions. Miami Head Coach Joe Philbin looks at the decision to go with McCain as a starting point and seemed to suggest that the starting position could be a fluid one based on how well McCain plays.
McCain will get tested right off the bat this Sunday by a Washington Redskins receiving corps that includes the speedy DeSean Jackson. Washington has decided to go with Kirk Cousins at starting quarterback over Robert Griffin III. Cousins will be dealing with a Dolphins pass rush that is expected to be formidable and should take some of the pressure off of the Dolphins secondary. Cousins has shown flashes of stellar play but mistakes have plagued many of his experiences in the NFL. Looking at the Miami Dolphins schedule, on paper, it appears the Dolphins defense will be able to ease into the season somewhat as they don’t face any quarterbacks in the first six games with a career passer rating of over 80. The second half of their schedule looks much more difficult. The team will be leaning heavily on both McCain and Taylor, no matter who is starting.