Manning to test Dolphins’ rookie corners
MIAMI (AP) – That was a nice try by the Miami Dolphins when cornerbacks Vontae Davis and Sean Smith changed their uniform numbers shortly before the season.
Peyton Manning’s bound to find the two rookies anyway.
Davis is now No. 21 and Smith is No. 24, but they’ll both be wearing big targets Monday night against Manning and the Indianapolis Colts.
“Being rookies, I’m pretty sure he’s going to come at Sean and me,” Davis said. “It’s a challenge.”
Manning ranks fourth on the all-time NFL list with 334 touchdown passes, and a fair number have come against rookies. Picking on Davis and Smith might help jump-start the Colts’ offense, which produced only 14 points in a season-opening win last week against Jacksonville.
Miami’s revamped secondary was shaky in a 19-7 loss at Atlanta. Smith dropped a potential interception and avoided being burned for a long touchdown only because Matt Ryan misfired. The Falcons repeatedly had receivers open, especially tight end Tony Gonzalez against the safeties.
Manning figures to be a tougher test, even without starting receiver Anthony Gonzalez, sidelined by a knee injury.
“The stage is set for the secondary to make a statement,” Smith said. “We’re legit, and we can play with anybody.”
The Dolphins do believe they’ve acquired a couple of gems in their two rookies. Davis, a first-round pick from Illinois, is smaller but more physical. Smith, a second-round choice from Utah, is a rangy 6-foot-3 with a knack for getting his hands on the ball.
In the opener they took turns at one cornerback spot opposite veteran Will Allen. Despite the loss, Miami coach Tony Sparano said the rookies fared well in their league debut, and the two-man rotation is expected to continue.
“I liked their looks during the game – never rattled, no mental errors, either one of them,” Sparano said.
Sparano was less pleased with other aspects of the opener. The offensive line was dominated, and Miami had four turnovers after committing only 13 last season to tie an NFL record.
The Dolphins’ schedule ranks as the NFL’s toughest, and their rookie CBs will face plenty of outstanding QBs this season. Among those yet to come are Tom Brady, Drew Brees and Ben Roethlisberger.
The Dolphins’ home opener under new owner Stephen Ross is a sellout. The announcement came Friday that Monday’s game has been sold out, meaning the local TV blackout will be lifted.
Miami hasn’t had a home regular-season game blacked out since 1998, but Ross has said he wants to create more excitement about the Dolphins in South Florida and expand support for the team.