Dolphins move CB McCain to outside
Camp struggles by Tankersley, Lippett prompt decision.
DAVIE — The Dolphins made Bobby McCain the highest-paid nickel corner in the NFL this offseason, with a four-year, $27 million deal.
In Thursday’s preseason opener against the Buccaneers, they moved McCain to outside corner.
This is not to say that McCain will stay there. Of course, it’s a reflection of McCain’s versatility and his ability to do be versatile in a pinch.
However, if the Dolphins don’t come up with a better option, he may have to play there this season.
“We have guys that can play a lot of spots,” McCain said. “Everybody can play everywhere. They want us to learn everything at the end of the day. I’m cool with that.”
But it seems clear that in an ideal world, the Dolphins would leave McCain where they know he’s quite good. It’s just that since last season ended, neither Cordrea Tankersley nor Tony Lippett has emerged as a sure outside starter opposite Xavien Howard.
Asked about Tankersley last week, coach Adam Gase said: “I think we’ve had ups and downs. That’s the hardest thing about playing corner at this level, it’s the consistency. It’s being able to come back from getting beat, because you’re going to get beat at this level. I think he’s had good days where it looks like ‘here we go,’ and then we’ve had days where he’s probably wanted them back.”
Tankersley is a physical player. He exceeded expectations as a rookie by playing tighter coverage than the jettisoned Byron Maxwell. But Tankersley has continued to work on his fluidity, transition from backpedal to turn and run, and adjusting to deep balls in the air.
McCain is only 5-feet-11. But he’s feisty and relentless.
Still, wouldn’t a move from inside to outside be a big adjustment?
“The outside is a lot more running,” McCain said with a smile. “You do a lot more running but inside you have to be more of a navigator, more of a facilitator. I guess you can say an extra coach on the field, getting the guys in the right positions and making calls. Outside, you just have to line up and play football. There are going to be some dogs out there, and there are going to be some dogs inside.”
The Dolphins are challenging Tankersley and Lippett, especially Tankersley, to be better. Gase challenged Tankersley this offseason to hold onto the starting position he seized last season and not let it go.
“Really, it’s about getting our best 11 on the field,” Gase said of the McCain move. “If that’s what it is, that’s what it is. We’re just going to keep competing. I think that’s something that Bobby, he’s the one guy that’s able to do that. He can give those receivers fits because he’s aggressive at the line of scrimmage. He can run with them and he can get his hands on the ball. He’s very aware of concepts, which gives him an advantage over a lot of corners.”