Coaches eye rebound in Tankersley’s second year
CB remains positive despite a tough season
DAVIE — Some believe a sophomore slump is a myth in professional sports, but plenty of evidence exists to the contrary.
Cordrea Tankersley’s secondseason struggles serve as a perfect case study for the Miami Dolphins.
Tankersley, a former Clemson standout the Dolphins selected in the third-round of the 2017 NFL draft, played well enough to start all 11 games season.
From the moment Tankersley stepped foot on an NFL field he was being tested, like when future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees kept challenging him in Miami’s 20-0 loss in week four in London, and he held his own.
Tankersley contributed to wins, like the deflected pass Reshad Jones brought down for an interception to seal the Dolphins’ 20-17 win over the Atlanta Falcons, until an ankle injury shelved him for three weeks late in the season. he played his rookie
ing if he’s sore from yesterday or if he’s like, ‘Hey, let’s go.’ Cam is going to shoot me straight. He’s not going to BS around me.”
Harris and Woodard, who are both in their second season with the team, have not practiced all week. Harris suffered his calf injury last Friday and sat out the win over the Bears, and Woodard suffered his concussion against the Bears, and he would have to exit the NFL’s three-step concussion protocol program and be cleared to play before he could be available on Sunday.
McCain, who has contributed 17 tackles, one interception and five deflections this season, hasn’t played in two weeks because of a left knee injury he suffered in Miami’s Sept. 30 loss to the New England Patriots.
McCain said he’s fully recovered, but his practice participation has been limited for the past two sessions.
Torry McTyer has started the past two games as the cornerback put on the opposite side of Xavien Howard, and his play was so troublesome against the Bears the Dolphins benched him for the fourth quarter and overtime period.
McCain’s presence would give Miami back its starting secondary for the fourth game of the season. That unit hasn’t been whole since Reshad Jones missed two September games because of a right shoulder injury.
At tight end, the unit that has been affected the most by injuries, the Dolphins could possibly regain a starter, because Derby seems like he’s getting past a foot injury that has lingered since training camp.
Derby caught two passes for 35 yards and a touchdown in the three games he’s played this season. He’s practice without limitations all week.
Last week, Nick O’Leary replaced him as Miami’s starting tight end, and the former Dwyer High and Florida State standout caught four passes for 49 yards and a touchdown. He also provided a few impressive blocks that helped Miami’s offensive line prevent the Bears from recording a sack.
Before O’Leary was signed in late September and had his breakout game, the Dolphins had been struggling at that position because of the shortcomings of rookie tight ends Mike Gesicki and Durham Smythe.
Offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains referred to O’Leary as “the legend,” when addressing the four passes he caught for 49 yards and a touchdowns, and praised the tight end for toughness and versatility he adds to Miami’s offense, especially since he can be utilized as an Hback. Miami’s had to scrap plenty of those plays because of the season-ending Achilles injury MarQueis Gray suffered, which got the tight end placed on injured reserve before the season started.