Sparano making a good first impression

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http://www.miamiherald.com/616/story/521115.html

Sparano making a good first impression

BY JEFF DARLINGTON
Miami Herald

Watching from the sideline as his protégé coach orchestrated a minicamp workout this weekend, Dolphins vice president of football operations Bill Parcells hollered in the direction of Tony Sparano with a quick evaluation.

''You're starting to sound like somebody else I know!'' Parcells said.

On Sunday, Sparano also said he has a pretty good idea of who Parcells was referring to.

''I think he was referring to himself,'' Sparano, in his first season as an NFL head coach, said. ``And that's not a bad thing.''

No, it certainly is not. Parcells, a two-time Super Bowl winner, apparently liked what he saw from Sparano's first effort.

Sparano also was satisfied with what he was able to accomplish.

''I was just happy to get back to work, honestly,'' Sparano said. ``I was really happy to get back on the field. It's where I belong, so I can't wait to get back out there now that you get a little taste of it. I was comfortable out here doing what we did.''

Other than the quick comment from Parcells, the on-field interaction between the coach and the vice president was minimal, Sparano said. Parcells is saving any advice he has for Sparano until after the practices are over.

''When we get upstairs, I'll go by and see him in the morning, usually, and just visit with him a little bit and kind of pick his brain, more on personnel than anything else,'' Sparano said. ``Other than that, that is really our interaction right now. It has been personnel. He'll give me some tips as he sees things every once in a while.''

A DIFFERENT LOOK

It appears more and more probable that Miami eventually will commit to a 3-4 defensive system-- but it remains to be seen whether it will arrive this year or next.

For most of the weekend, the team was implementing a 3-4 system, mostly because of the rookies aboard.

Of the three defensive ends Miami drafted, two weigh about 300 pounds, and even second-round pick Phillip Merling is a bulky 272. Big bodies like that are ideal for the 3-4, which would complement the addition of nose tackle Jason Ferguson.

Merling, who came from a 4-3 system at Clemson, said he enjoyed the new role in a 3-4 -- but he knows it will take some getting used to.

''I didn't know I was going to be in a 3-4, but I like it a lot,'' Merling said. ``I think I can do a lot of things to help out the team in the 3-4 because of my quickness. I have to learn how to play in close quarters now, like in a phone booth. I'm learning how to shorten my moves and make myself quicker and more powerful.''

WELCOME ABOARD

Sparano had some solid things to say about former Miami Central High standout Anthony Toribio on Sunday, noting that Toribio, a newly signed defensive tackle, came into his tryout this weekend in great condition.

''To his credit -- certainly not to ours -- he came in here, and he was in outstanding shape,'' Sparano said. ``He was in good shape, and he's physically a strong guy.''

Toribio called his opportunity with the Dolphins ``a dream come true.''