Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter finally on track

DAVIE — Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter is having the opposite kind of season he did last year, but that may be a good thing. Porter looks to finish the season strong. (Sun-Sentinel) A year ago, when Porter finished with 17.5 sacks, made the Pro Bowl and was challenging for NFL Defensive Player of the Year, he started off strong but tailed off. He had just one sack in Miami’s last three games and contributed only three tackles in their playoff loss to Baltimore. This year, Porter started slow but is finally taking off. He had just 12 tackles and 2.5 sacks coming into last week’s game against Carolina and hadn’t had a full sack since Sept. 27th. Then, he went on a tear, registering eight tackles (seven solo) with two sacks against the Panthers. Meanwhile, the Dolphins have been spreading their pass rush around this year, with Randy Starks and Jason Taylor each tied for the team lead with 5.5 sacks, and Cameron Wake and Porter each adding 4.5. Porter should have plenty of incentive this week, given that he was on the sideline when Dolphins pass rushers had a field day against the Bills earlier this year. Porter was held out of the game with a hamstring injury, while  Wake and Taylor each recorded 2.5 sacks, Starks adding a sixth.

“We’re doing a pretty good job getting to the quarterback,” Porter said in a conference call with New York writers. “We feel that we could be doing better. If we put ourselves in situation where we stopped the run and give ourselves a chance to get to the quarterback a little more, I think everyone around here will be happier.” Porter has been limited this year with a nagging hamstring injury and a sore knee. This week, he was icing both knees in the locker room. But if last week’s production was any indicator, he may be ready to break out. “Everything we do right now at those positions starts with Joey, starts with Jason, then we trickle it down,” Dolphins coach Tony Sparano said. TROUBLES AT CENTER Center Jake Grove, who sustained a high ankle sprain last week, did not practice is listed as doubtful for Sunday, and his backup, Joe Berger, was listed on Friday’s injury report for the first time with a knee injury. Berger is listed as probably and participated fully in drills, according to the team. Defensive end Lionel Dotson was limited in practice with an ankle injury and is listed as doubtful. Running back Ricky Williams, who hurt a chest muscle, was listed as probable.

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Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter finally on track

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