Miami Dolphins plan to regularly rotate receivers
By Omar Kelly South Florida Sun-Sentinel
September 10, 2009
DAVIE - Miami Dolphins coach Tony Sparano warns not to read too much into the team's depth chart, and encourages you not to pay attention to which receiver starts Sunday's road game against the Atlanta Falcons.
That would explain why Greg Camarillo, who is listed as a backup on the depth chart, continues to hold onto his role as one of the team's starting receivers.
But Camarillo, who started 11 games last season before tearing the ACL in his left knee, might only be out there for the initial snap during Sunday's 1 p.m. season opener before getting replaced by Davone Bess, who started seven games as his fill-in last season.
Sparano stressed that it really doesn't matter which receiver lines up opposite Ted Ginn Jr., the team's primary deep threat, because they'll all play. Each has an assigned role, working with different formations and sets.
"We've had a steady rotation," said Camarillo, who caught 55 passes for 613 yards and two touchdowns last season, his first as a starter. "The coaches are mixing it up, and we're interchangeable. Whoever lines up in the game can get it done."
Bess, who is presently working as the slot receiver, said the constant rotating encourages each receiver to "stay on top of our game."
"Anytime we get a ball thrown to us we've got to make the most of it because it may not happen for another couple of weeks," said Bess, who contributing 54 receptions for 554 yards and one touchdown. "You've got to be as productive as possible."
Rookies Brian Hartline, who started two games in the exhibition season, and Patrick Turner, are paired together with the second unit.