Joe Philbin confident in the job the reserve linebackers can do

Written by Matthew Cannata | Twitter: @PhinManiacs
One of the crazier things the Dolphins had going for them coming into the 2014 season was the fact that they would have five new starters on the offensive line. After one game, the line looked pretty good and only allowed one sack and limited quarterback pressure. In addition, they also opened up tons of running lanes, propelling the Dolphins to 191 yards rushing on the day. However, no one expected the Dolphins to have three new linebackers in the first few weeks of the season but that’s exactly the hand the Dolphins have been dealt due to various injuries. Nonetheless, Joe Philbin is confident in his reserve linebackers and is happy with the way they have been preparing. 

“I thought it’s been good. I like the way the guys have prepared. The guys have worked hard. We brought in Kelvin Sheppard, and he seems to really be a bright guy. I really like the way he moves around. I like his attitude. He seems to fit in well. It seems like he’s a football player. I think so far, so go. We’ll see what happens. You are never sure what is going to happen, but I like the way we’ve practiced. I think the guys will be prepared. I know they will be prepared when we play on Sunday. We’ll take it from there. I didn’t expect on Sunday that (Dannell) Ellerbe would be out after 16 plays and (Koa) Misi after 18. That’s what happens sometimes.”

Some, like me, would say that the reserve linebackers are better than the starters, with the exception of Misi. Despite a report early yesterday from Armando Salguero that Philip Wheeler wouldn’t play on Sunday, things changed throughout the day and Wheeler will likely be listed as probable for the game against the Bills. He would play alongside Jason Trusnik in the middle and Jelani Jenkins on the other side.

---