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Wilkinson is big addition
By Jeff Darlington
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
DAVIE — As if the Dolphins didn't already have enough size and experience along their defensive line, they have managed to lock up more of both.
Free agent Dan Wilkinson signed a three-year deal with the Dolphins on Monday, adding 340 pounds and 12 years of NFL experience to the unit. His arrival also quells any depth concerns resulting from the potential loss of backup Manuel Wright.
Wilkinson, the No. 1 overall draft pick in 1994, will compete for the starting job with Keith Traylor - another large, aging veteran at 36 years old and 337 pounds. The combination of Traylor and Wilkinson could lead to a potential rotation.
"(Wilkinson) is certainly a guy that could be a potential starter for us down the road when he figures out and learns what to do," Saban said. "We're going to give him a little time here to evaluate his conditioning, not just throw him to the wolves."
The Dolphins will give Wilkinson several practices to get himself into shape and adjust to the intense South Florida heat. Wilkinson said it won't take him long to grow acclimated.
"I ran pretty well today, which was a good conditioning test," said Wilkinson, who spent Monday morning's practice running sprints along the sidelines. "After a couple of days of football drills and moving around, I'll be ready. I've been playing so long it doesn't take it much."
The Dolphins began courting Wilkinson nearly two months ago - long before Wright's future with the team was in question - but Wilkinson wasn't in a rush to sign any contracts. He asked for his release from the Detroit Lions in the off-season after a three-year stint with the team, landing him on the free-agent market.
Despite immediate calls from several teams, Wilkinson said he wasn't contemplating retirement during his time off as much as he was simply resting his body and spending time with family.
"I wasn't in a big rush," Wilkinson said. "When I was released by the Redskins (after the 2002 season), having that extra time off really went well for me physically and mentally. Now I'm refreshed. I'm back, I'm excited."
The veteran hasn't necessarily lived up to his expectations as the No. 1 overall pick by the Cincinnati Bengals, but he still remained healthy and consistent as a starter in Detroit.
Wilkinson has missed only seven games during his career, and he is capable of playing multiple roles.
"We thought he played well (last season)," Saban said. "He's got some quickness for an inside guy. He can pass rush a bit and push the pocket."
After the arrival of coach Rod Marinelli to Detroit in January signaled a change in defensive schemes, Wilkinson decided he would be better suited elsewhere - and the Dolphins fit the mold he was looking for.
"This is a team that's right there to make that next big step and I definitely want to be a part of that," Wilkinson said. "This is a team that's right there, with the right nucleus, the right players and the right coaching staff to take it to that next championship level."
"What better way to finish my career?"
Wilkinson's new teammates were equally pleased with the veteran's addition, considering the wealth of experience he brings to the unit.
"We still have Traylor, Kevin Carter and all them, but this is just another amazing guy to add on," linebacker Channing Crowder said.
"If you don't have any (offensive) linemen in front of you, all you have to do is chase the running back around. That goes back to backyard football - run and tackle."DT Dan Wilkinson
The basics
Size: 6-feet-4, 340 pounds
Age: 33 (born March 13, 1973)
Hometown: Dayton, Ohio
College: Ohio State
Drafted: First overall in 1994
Pro teams: Cincinnati, 1994-'97; Washington, 1998-2002; Detroit, 2003-'05
The details
Durability: He hasn't measured up to being a No. 1 overall pick, but he has started an average of 15 games per season.
Bringing the heat: In his first game for Detroit, against Arizona, he had five quarterback hurries and a sack. He had eight sacks in 1995 and '99. He had three last year.
Long score: He once ran 88 yards for a TD on a tipped pass (against Chicago in 1999).
DDN
Wilkinson signs with Dolphins
Associated Press
Twelve NFL seasons taught defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson that there was no reason to hurry into a contract agreement with the Miami Dolphins.
Wilkinson, the former Dunbar High School and Ohio State star, missed more than two weeks of training camp before he said yes to a three-year deal and joined Miami's sweltering workouts Monday.
"I was in no big rush," the 340-pound Wilkinson said. "I'm refreshed, I'm back and I'm excited."
Dolphins coach Nick Saban began the courtship two months ago, shortly after Wilkinson was released by the Detroit Lions. At 33, he's expected to challenge 36-year-old Keith Traylor for a starting job.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 1994 draft, Wilkinson began his NFL career with Cincinnati. He spent four seasons with the Bengals and five with the Washington Redskins before joining Detroit, where he started all 48 games in three seasons.
Link
[FONT=Verdana,Arial, Helvetica][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Wilkinson signs a 3-year deal with Dolphins[/FONT]
[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana,Arial, Helvetica]Tackle may challenge for starting spot[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana,Arial, Helvetica]
By Alex Marvez
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Posted August 15 2006
[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana,Arial, Helvetica] [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana,Arial, Helvetica] DAVIE -- The Dolphins made a big addition to their defensive line Monday, signing "Big Daddy" Dan Wilkinson to a three-year contract.
Although he may not be ready to play in Saturday's exhibition game at Tampa Bay, Wilkinson should soon be adding quality depth at nose guard and defensive tackle behind Keith Traylor and Vonnie Holliday -- provided he doesn't win one of those positions outright.
[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana,Arial, Helvetica]
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[FONT=Verdana,Arial, Helvetica] [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana,Arial, Helvetica] Wilkinson, 33, has 182 career starts and missed only seven games since being the top overall pick in the 1994 draft. He spent the past three seasons in Detroit, where the attention Wilkinson drew from opposing blockers helped fellow defensive tackle Shaun Rogers land a 2006 Pro Bowl starting berth.
"I can definitely still come in here and dominate the line of scrimmage, no question," said Wilkinson, who requested and was granted his release by Detroit in May. "That's always been my strength in my game and that will continue. I'm healthy and I'm strong. When I get on the field, that will carry over."
Coach Nick Saban said the Wilkinson signing was not related to backup defensive tackle Manny Wright's departure from the team last week. Wilkinson took a free-agent visit with the Dolphins in June and said he declined other feelers from Green Bay, Oakland, Baltimore and Philadelphia.
"We've been trying to get this done for a long time," Saban said.
Wilkinson only did conditioning work during Monday morning's practice and will be eased into football drills later this week, Saban said. Wilkinson was still sweating heavily almost 30 minutes after practice but said he should be ready to play after "about two or three days just getting acclimated."
Asked whether he intentionally skipped the first few weeks of training camp before signing, the 6-foot-4, 340-pound Wilkinson said, "No, it's really just kind of sitting back and looking at all of my options and the best situation for me. This continued to be the best fit and opportunity."
The Dolphins waived rookie linebacker Trent Bray to clear a roster space for Wilkinson.[/FONT]
Wilkinson is big addition
By Jeff Darlington
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
DAVIE — As if the Dolphins didn't already have enough size and experience along their defensive line, they have managed to lock up more of both.
Free agent Dan Wilkinson signed a three-year deal with the Dolphins on Monday, adding 340 pounds and 12 years of NFL experience to the unit. His arrival also quells any depth concerns resulting from the potential loss of backup Manuel Wright.
Wilkinson, the No. 1 overall draft pick in 1994, will compete for the starting job with Keith Traylor - another large, aging veteran at 36 years old and 337 pounds. The combination of Traylor and Wilkinson could lead to a potential rotation.
"(Wilkinson) is certainly a guy that could be a potential starter for us down the road when he figures out and learns what to do," Saban said. "We're going to give him a little time here to evaluate his conditioning, not just throw him to the wolves."
The Dolphins will give Wilkinson several practices to get himself into shape and adjust to the intense South Florida heat. Wilkinson said it won't take him long to grow acclimated.
"I ran pretty well today, which was a good conditioning test," said Wilkinson, who spent Monday morning's practice running sprints along the sidelines. "After a couple of days of football drills and moving around, I'll be ready. I've been playing so long it doesn't take it much."
The Dolphins began courting Wilkinson nearly two months ago - long before Wright's future with the team was in question - but Wilkinson wasn't in a rush to sign any contracts. He asked for his release from the Detroit Lions in the off-season after a three-year stint with the team, landing him on the free-agent market.
Despite immediate calls from several teams, Wilkinson said he wasn't contemplating retirement during his time off as much as he was simply resting his body and spending time with family.
"I wasn't in a big rush," Wilkinson said. "When I was released by the Redskins (after the 2002 season), having that extra time off really went well for me physically and mentally. Now I'm refreshed. I'm back, I'm excited."
The veteran hasn't necessarily lived up to his expectations as the No. 1 overall pick by the Cincinnati Bengals, but he still remained healthy and consistent as a starter in Detroit.
Wilkinson has missed only seven games during his career, and he is capable of playing multiple roles.
"We thought he played well (last season)," Saban said. "He's got some quickness for an inside guy. He can pass rush a bit and push the pocket."
After the arrival of coach Rod Marinelli to Detroit in January signaled a change in defensive schemes, Wilkinson decided he would be better suited elsewhere - and the Dolphins fit the mold he was looking for.
"This is a team that's right there to make that next big step and I definitely want to be a part of that," Wilkinson said. "This is a team that's right there, with the right nucleus, the right players and the right coaching staff to take it to that next championship level."
"What better way to finish my career?"
Wilkinson's new teammates were equally pleased with the veteran's addition, considering the wealth of experience he brings to the unit.
"We still have Traylor, Kevin Carter and all them, but this is just another amazing guy to add on," linebacker Channing Crowder said.
"If you don't have any (offensive) linemen in front of you, all you have to do is chase the running back around. That goes back to backyard football - run and tackle."DT Dan Wilkinson
The basics
Size: 6-feet-4, 340 pounds
Age: 33 (born March 13, 1973)
Hometown: Dayton, Ohio
College: Ohio State
Drafted: First overall in 1994
Pro teams: Cincinnati, 1994-'97; Washington, 1998-2002; Detroit, 2003-'05
The details
Durability: He hasn't measured up to being a No. 1 overall pick, but he has started an average of 15 games per season.
Bringing the heat: In his first game for Detroit, against Arizona, he had five quarterback hurries and a sack. He had eight sacks in 1995 and '99. He had three last year.
Long score: He once ran 88 yards for a TD on a tipped pass (against Chicago in 1999).
DDN
Wilkinson signs with Dolphins
Associated Press
Twelve NFL seasons taught defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson that there was no reason to hurry into a contract agreement with the Miami Dolphins.
Wilkinson, the former Dunbar High School and Ohio State star, missed more than two weeks of training camp before he said yes to a three-year deal and joined Miami's sweltering workouts Monday.
"I was in no big rush," the 340-pound Wilkinson said. "I'm refreshed, I'm back and I'm excited."
Dolphins coach Nick Saban began the courtship two months ago, shortly after Wilkinson was released by the Detroit Lions. At 33, he's expected to challenge 36-year-old Keith Traylor for a starting job.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 1994 draft, Wilkinson began his NFL career with Cincinnati. He spent four seasons with the Bengals and five with the Washington Redskins before joining Detroit, where he started all 48 games in three seasons.
Link
[FONT=Verdana,Arial, Helvetica][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Wilkinson signs a 3-year deal with Dolphins[/FONT]
[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana,Arial, Helvetica]Tackle may challenge for starting spot[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana,Arial, Helvetica]
By Alex Marvez
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Posted August 15 2006
[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana,Arial, Helvetica] [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana,Arial, Helvetica] DAVIE -- The Dolphins made a big addition to their defensive line Monday, signing "Big Daddy" Dan Wilkinson to a three-year contract.
Although he may not be ready to play in Saturday's exhibition game at Tampa Bay, Wilkinson should soon be adding quality depth at nose guard and defensive tackle behind Keith Traylor and Vonnie Holliday -- provided he doesn't win one of those positions outright.
[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana,Arial, Helvetica]
LocalLinks [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana,Arial, Helvetica] [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana,Arial, Helvetica] [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana,Arial, Helvetica] Wilkinson, 33, has 182 career starts and missed only seven games since being the top overall pick in the 1994 draft. He spent the past three seasons in Detroit, where the attention Wilkinson drew from opposing blockers helped fellow defensive tackle Shaun Rogers land a 2006 Pro Bowl starting berth.
"I can definitely still come in here and dominate the line of scrimmage, no question," said Wilkinson, who requested and was granted his release by Detroit in May. "That's always been my strength in my game and that will continue. I'm healthy and I'm strong. When I get on the field, that will carry over."
Coach Nick Saban said the Wilkinson signing was not related to backup defensive tackle Manny Wright's departure from the team last week. Wilkinson took a free-agent visit with the Dolphins in June and said he declined other feelers from Green Bay, Oakland, Baltimore and Philadelphia.
"We've been trying to get this done for a long time," Saban said.
Wilkinson only did conditioning work during Monday morning's practice and will be eased into football drills later this week, Saban said. Wilkinson was still sweating heavily almost 30 minutes after practice but said he should be ready to play after "about two or three days just getting acclimated."
Asked whether he intentionally skipped the first few weeks of training camp before signing, the 6-foot-4, 340-pound Wilkinson said, "No, it's really just kind of sitting back and looking at all of my options and the best situation for me. This continued to be the best fit and opportunity."
The Dolphins waived rookie linebacker Trent Bray to clear a roster space for Wilkinson.[/FONT]
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Wilkinson gets 3-year deal
A source said the Dolphins signed defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson to a three-year, $6.31 million contract. Wilkinson received a $500,000 signing bonus when joining the team Monday and will earn $810,000 in base salary in 2006.
Wilkinson's base salary jumps to $2 million in 2007 and $2.5 million in 2008. He also is due a $500,000 roster bonus in the 2008 offseason.
The contract's structure would seemingly indicate the Dolphins are looking at Wilkinson as a one-year fix for their aging defensive line. Wilkinson, though, said Monday that he isn't approaching his signing as a short-term situation.
"This feels like I'm 22 again," said Wilkinson, 33. "Fortunately, I've been very healthy throughout my career. I'm looking forward to getting going."
It's unknown whether Wilkinson will play Saturday night at Tampa Bay.
Wilkinson gets 3-year deal
A source said the Dolphins signed defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson to a three-year, $6.31 million contract. Wilkinson received a $500,000 signing bonus when joining the team Monday and will earn $810,000 in base salary in 2006.
Wilkinson's base salary jumps to $2 million in 2007 and $2.5 million in 2008. He also is due a $500,000 roster bonus in the 2008 offseason.
The contract's structure would seemingly indicate the Dolphins are looking at Wilkinson as a one-year fix for their aging defensive line. Wilkinson, though, said Monday that he isn't approaching his signing as a short-term situation.
"This feels like I'm 22 again," said Wilkinson, 33. "Fortunately, I've been very healthy throughout my career. I'm looking forward to getting going."
It's unknown whether Wilkinson will play Saturday night at Tampa Bay.
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Adding 'Big Daddy' could be huge move for Dolphins
By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com
One quarter in one preseason game isn't normally considered ample time to assess a player's positive impact on a team. But if the performance of defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson on Saturday night was any indication of what he might bring the interior of the Miami front four, the Dolphins made a wise move in signing the 12-year veteran.
The man known as "Big Daddy" could, indeed, make a big difference.
Dan Wilkinson
Defensive Tackle
Miami Dolphins
Profile 2005 SEASON STATISTICS Tot Ast Solo FF Sack Int 26 20 6 0 3 0 "He's got some quickness, which helps us inside, because it gives us a pass-rush presence," coach Nick Saban said after Miami's 13-10 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. "It's good to see him out there playing for us and having some success."
In a little over a quarter -- and after having just two full practices last week with his new team -- Wilkinson recorded three tackles, 1½ sacks and two quarterback pressures.
The performance suggested that Wilkinson, released by Detroit on May 22 after he spent much of the spring contemplating retirement and sitting out the Lions' offseason conditioning program, can still, at age 33, be a dominant defender in stretches. And it demonstrated that the Dolphins' perseverance, in pursuing Wilkinson for more than two months, may have been justified.
Miami signed Wilkinson to a three-year, $6.31 million deal Aug. 14, nearly two months after the team first brought him to South Florida for a visit and initiated contract talks.
There was speculation Wilkinson dragged out the discussions because he didn't want to subject himself to the rigors of early training camp, particularly in the South Florida heat. He dismissed such rhetoric after Saturday's game. There is little doubt, though, that Saban wasn't going to extend the courtship much longer, because he felt Wilkinson needed to get into camp and get himself into football shape.
"I've been healthy and I've been in good shape my entire career," Wilkinson said. "I knew coming out [on the field] that I was ready to roll."
The addition of Wilkinson, who will back up starting nose tackle Keith Traylor for now but could challenge for the starting job in the near future, provides the Dolphins an aging but effective tackle trio. Traylor, "under" tackle Vonnie Holliday and Wilkinson average 33.3 years of age and 11.7 seasons in the league.
"Once I decided I still wanted to play, I had no doubts that I still could play." Dan Wilkinson
Saban had hoped one of the team's younger tackles would step into a contributing role this season, but no one has shown signs of doing so. The most physically gifted of the young tackles, Manny Wright, left the team, citing depression and the desire to be traded or released. His future is in limbo.
Enter Wilkinson, who demonstrated no sign of slippage in his three seasons with the Lions.
"Once I decided I still wanted to play," Wilkinson said, "I had no doubts that I still could play."
The first overall choice in the 1994 draft, Wilkinson played four seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, then was traded to the Washington Redskins in 1998 for first- and third-round draft picks. Wilkinson was designated as the Bengals' franchise player at the time of the trade. After five seasons in Washington, he signed with the Lions in the spring of 2003.
In 185 regular-season games, Wilkinson has registered 374 tackles and 54½ sacks. He has missed just seven games in 12 seasons, only once sitting out more than two games in a season.
Adding 'Big Daddy' could be huge move for Dolphins
By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com
One quarter in one preseason game isn't normally considered ample time to assess a player's positive impact on a team. But if the performance of defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson on Saturday night was any indication of what he might bring the interior of the Miami front four, the Dolphins made a wise move in signing the 12-year veteran.
The man known as "Big Daddy" could, indeed, make a big difference.
Dan Wilkinson
Miami Dolphins
Profile 2005 SEASON STATISTICS Tot Ast Solo FF Sack Int 26 20 6 0 3 0 "He's got some quickness, which helps us inside, because it gives us a pass-rush presence," coach Nick Saban said after Miami's 13-10 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. "It's good to see him out there playing for us and having some success."
In a little over a quarter -- and after having just two full practices last week with his new team -- Wilkinson recorded three tackles, 1½ sacks and two quarterback pressures.
The performance suggested that Wilkinson, released by Detroit on May 22 after he spent much of the spring contemplating retirement and sitting out the Lions' offseason conditioning program, can still, at age 33, be a dominant defender in stretches. And it demonstrated that the Dolphins' perseverance, in pursuing Wilkinson for more than two months, may have been justified.
Miami signed Wilkinson to a three-year, $6.31 million deal Aug. 14, nearly two months after the team first brought him to South Florida for a visit and initiated contract talks.
There was speculation Wilkinson dragged out the discussions because he didn't want to subject himself to the rigors of early training camp, particularly in the South Florida heat. He dismissed such rhetoric after Saturday's game. There is little doubt, though, that Saban wasn't going to extend the courtship much longer, because he felt Wilkinson needed to get into camp and get himself into football shape.
"I've been healthy and I've been in good shape my entire career," Wilkinson said. "I knew coming out [on the field] that I was ready to roll."
The addition of Wilkinson, who will back up starting nose tackle Keith Traylor for now but could challenge for the starting job in the near future, provides the Dolphins an aging but effective tackle trio. Traylor, "under" tackle Vonnie Holliday and Wilkinson average 33.3 years of age and 11.7 seasons in the league.
"Once I decided I still wanted to play, I had no doubts that I still could play." Dan Wilkinson
Saban had hoped one of the team's younger tackles would step into a contributing role this season, but no one has shown signs of doing so. The most physically gifted of the young tackles, Manny Wright, left the team, citing depression and the desire to be traded or released. His future is in limbo.
Enter Wilkinson, who demonstrated no sign of slippage in his three seasons with the Lions.
"Once I decided I still wanted to play," Wilkinson said, "I had no doubts that I still could play."
The first overall choice in the 1994 draft, Wilkinson played four seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, then was traded to the Washington Redskins in 1998 for first- and third-round draft picks. Wilkinson was designated as the Bengals' franchise player at the time of the trade. After five seasons in Washington, he signed with the Lions in the spring of 2003.
In 185 regular-season games, Wilkinson has registered 374 tackles and 54½ sacks. He has missed just seven games in 12 seasons, only once sitting out more than two games in a season.
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Wilkinson makes immediate impact
By Dana Oppedisano (Contact)
Monday, August 21, 2006
TAMPA — Big Daddy's no longer a Lion because of what he calls "philosophical differences" with the defense being implemented by the new coaching staff in Detroit.
Apparently, Rod Marinelli's plans for the 6-foot-4, 349-pound veteran were more complex than "see hole, plug hole."
On Saturday, less than a week after he signed a three-year deal with Miami, Dan Wilkinson put to rest questions of conditioning or comfort in the Nick Saban/Dom Capers system.
"I've been healthy and I've been in good shape pretty much my entire career," said Wilkinson, who has practiced just five times with his new team but has missed only seven games over a 12-year career. "I knew coming out here I was ready to roll."
The former No. 1 overall pick, whose status was unclear, even by Saban's tight-lipped standards, entering the 13-10 win over the Bucs, made his debut on Tampa Bay's first possession — and his massive presence was felt shortly after.
Wilkinson rotated with starter Keith Traylor, the soon-to-be 37-year-old he could eventually supplant, at nose tackle, between bookends Kevin Carter and Vonnie Holliday in Miami's 3-4. On the first play of the Bucs' third possession, Wilkinson forced Chris Simms into a tuck with a wave of his right paw, then he shed top pick Davin Joseph to bear hug the Tampa Bay quarterback at the line of scrimmage for the first of successive sacks.
A play later, he beat Toniu Fonoti on the left side and, though the stat was split between he and defensive end David Bowens, delivered the more violent half of the contact, slamming Simms' back to the Bucs 29-yard line. Think that didn't intimidate an offensive line that returns four starters from a year ago?
Joseph jumped early on the very next snap.
"They have a good defensive line and we had some long developing routes down the field," Simms countered. "I think maybe it was a case of me maybe holding the ball a hair too long, just waiting for guys to get open downfield."
Possibly, but Saban's betting that the addition of the former Bengal, Redskin and Lion, who has 54½ sacks since leaving Ohio State after his sophomore season in 1994, will give an aging defensive line a bit more depth this season.
"He's got some quickness of his own, which helps us inside because it gives us a pass rush presence," said Saban, who returns five 30-and-older linemen to a front that produced a franchise-record 49 sacks in 2005. "It's good to see him out there playing for us and having some success."
Wilkinson, for his part, seems to have no problems with the philosophy in South Florida.
In fact, the 33-year-old, who had 30 tackles and three sacks in making 16 starts for Detroit last season, is hoping it gets him to the playoffs for just the second time in his career.
"It feels great getting out here playing with the guys and playing in this defense with all the playmakers we have on this team," he said. "It's a privilege and an honor. I'm glad to be here."
Wilkinson makes immediate impact
By Dana Oppedisano (Contact)
Monday, August 21, 2006
TAMPA — Big Daddy's no longer a Lion because of what he calls "philosophical differences" with the defense being implemented by the new coaching staff in Detroit.
Apparently, Rod Marinelli's plans for the 6-foot-4, 349-pound veteran were more complex than "see hole, plug hole."On Saturday, less than a week after he signed a three-year deal with Miami, Dan Wilkinson put to rest questions of conditioning or comfort in the Nick Saban/Dom Capers system.
"I've been healthy and I've been in good shape pretty much my entire career," said Wilkinson, who has practiced just five times with his new team but has missed only seven games over a 12-year career. "I knew coming out here I was ready to roll."
The former No. 1 overall pick, whose status was unclear, even by Saban's tight-lipped standards, entering the 13-10 win over the Bucs, made his debut on Tampa Bay's first possession — and his massive presence was felt shortly after.
Wilkinson rotated with starter Keith Traylor, the soon-to-be 37-year-old he could eventually supplant, at nose tackle, between bookends Kevin Carter and Vonnie Holliday in Miami's 3-4. On the first play of the Bucs' third possession, Wilkinson forced Chris Simms into a tuck with a wave of his right paw, then he shed top pick Davin Joseph to bear hug the Tampa Bay quarterback at the line of scrimmage for the first of successive sacks.
A play later, he beat Toniu Fonoti on the left side and, though the stat was split between he and defensive end David Bowens, delivered the more violent half of the contact, slamming Simms' back to the Bucs 29-yard line. Think that didn't intimidate an offensive line that returns four starters from a year ago?
Joseph jumped early on the very next snap.
"They have a good defensive line and we had some long developing routes down the field," Simms countered. "I think maybe it was a case of me maybe holding the ball a hair too long, just waiting for guys to get open downfield."
Possibly, but Saban's betting that the addition of the former Bengal, Redskin and Lion, who has 54½ sacks since leaving Ohio State after his sophomore season in 1994, will give an aging defensive line a bit more depth this season.
"He's got some quickness of his own, which helps us inside because it gives us a pass rush presence," said Saban, who returns five 30-and-older linemen to a front that produced a franchise-record 49 sacks in 2005. "It's good to see him out there playing for us and having some success."
Wilkinson, for his part, seems to have no problems with the philosophy in South Florida.
In fact, the 33-year-old, who had 30 tackles and three sacks in making 16 starts for Detroit last season, is hoping it gets him to the playoffs for just the second time in his career.
"It feels great getting out here playing with the guys and playing in this defense with all the playmakers we have on this team," he said. "It's a privilege and an honor. I'm glad to be here."
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ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
The transition on the field for defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson has been seamless, but fellow lineman Vonnie Holliday and linebacker Channing Crowder said the adjustment in the locker room has been a bit slower.
''That's kind of a little touch-and-go because he is a little intimidating,'' Holliday said. "Channing Crowder, the first time, the first day [Wilkinson] was in, tried to make a side comment and the way he looked at Channing, I think the guys kind of backed off.''
Crowder said he compared Wilkinson to Miami rapper Rick Ross.
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/15337718.htm
''That's kind of a little touch-and-go because he is a little intimidating,'' Holliday said. "Channing Crowder, the first time, the first day [Wilkinson] was in, tried to make a side comment and the way he looked at Channing, I think the guys kind of backed off.''
Crowder said he compared Wilkinson to Miami rapper Rick Ross.
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/15337718.htm
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OSUBasketballJunkie
Never Forget 31-0
Scout.com$
More of the same....Wilkinson has not practiced this week due to what is described as a "personal issue".
More of the same....Wilkinson has not practiced this week due to what is described as a "personal issue".
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Dolphins' Wilkinson defending self in civil suit
By Greg A. Bedard And Jason Leiser
Palm Beach Post Staff Writers
Friday, September 15, 2006
DAVIE ? Dolphins defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson missed his third consecutive day of practice Thursday because he is defending himself in a civil suit being heard in a U.S. District Court in Baltimore, according to a source and court records.
The suit alleges that he didn't fulfill terms of a lease to build a restaurant in Largo, Md. The suit, filed by Capital Centre LLC in January 2004, also alleges that he was deceptive in obtaining the lease. The suit seeks $31.5 million in damages.
Dolphins coach Nick Saban said Wilkinson's absence was excused. "I know it's important; we've talked to his attorney and all that," Saban said.
Wilkinson signed with the Dolphins as a free agent after playing for Detroit last season. He played for Washington (1998-2002) after starting his career in Cincinnati in 1994.
"We were aware of (the lawsuit) when we signed him," Saban said. "We knew that this was going to be an issue this week. We didn't know how many days it would take, but it needs to get resolved."
It was uncertain whether Wilkinson would play if he returns in time for Sunday's game against Buffalo, Saban said.
Wilkinson came off the bench in the opener against Pittsburgh and had one tackle.
A likely replacement for Wilkinson would be defensive tackle Jeff Zgonina. He was inactive against the Steelers, breaking his streak of 74 consecutive games played.
Different deal for Morris: Running back Sammy Morris, suspended through the team's fourth game for a violation of the league's substance-abuse policy, is not allowed to practice at the club's training facility.
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Dolphins Wilkinson found liable in civil suit
By Greg A. Bedard
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Friday, September 15, 2006
Dolphins defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson was found liable Friday in a civil suit in U.S. District Court in Baltimore and was ordered to pay $184,446, according to a clerk in the chambers of Judge Richard D Bennett.
Capital Centre LLC, the plaintiff in the case, had sued Wilkinson for $31.5 million, alleging that he had not fulfilled an agreement to build a restaurant in Largo, Md.
Because of the trial, Wilkinson has not practiced this week, and his status for the game against Buffalo on Sunday was uncertain. The team was preparing to go without him, but Wilkinson ? a reserve on the defensive line ? could conceivably return for today's walk-through and play in the home opener.
Dolphins' Wilkinson defending self in civil suit
By Greg A. Bedard And Jason Leiser
Palm Beach Post Staff Writers
Friday, September 15, 2006
DAVIE ? Dolphins defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson missed his third consecutive day of practice Thursday because he is defending himself in a civil suit being heard in a U.S. District Court in Baltimore, according to a source and court records.
The suit alleges that he didn't fulfill terms of a lease to build a restaurant in Largo, Md. The suit, filed by Capital Centre LLC in January 2004, also alleges that he was deceptive in obtaining the lease. The suit seeks $31.5 million in damages.
Dolphins coach Nick Saban said Wilkinson's absence was excused. "I know it's important; we've talked to his attorney and all that," Saban said.
Wilkinson signed with the Dolphins as a free agent after playing for Detroit last season. He played for Washington (1998-2002) after starting his career in Cincinnati in 1994.
"We were aware of (the lawsuit) when we signed him," Saban said. "We knew that this was going to be an issue this week. We didn't know how many days it would take, but it needs to get resolved."
It was uncertain whether Wilkinson would play if he returns in time for Sunday's game against Buffalo, Saban said.
Wilkinson came off the bench in the opener against Pittsburgh and had one tackle.
A likely replacement for Wilkinson would be defensive tackle Jeff Zgonina. He was inactive against the Steelers, breaking his streak of 74 consecutive games played.
Different deal for Morris: Running back Sammy Morris, suspended through the team's fourth game for a violation of the league's substance-abuse policy, is not allowed to practice at the club's training facility.
Link
Dolphins Wilkinson found liable in civil suit
By Greg A. Bedard
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Friday, September 15, 2006
Dolphins defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson was found liable Friday in a civil suit in U.S. District Court in Baltimore and was ordered to pay $184,446, according to a clerk in the chambers of Judge Richard D Bennett.
Capital Centre LLC, the plaintiff in the case, had sued Wilkinson for $31.5 million, alleging that he had not fulfilled an agreement to build a restaurant in Largo, Md.
Because of the trial, Wilkinson has not practiced this week, and his status for the game against Buffalo on Sunday was uncertain. The team was preparing to go without him, but Wilkinson ? a reserve on the defensive line ? could conceivably return for today's walk-through and play in the home opener.
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