Dolphins coach Adam Gase takes shot at Demaryius Thomas to motivate his own WR
The Miami Dolphins went into training camp with an outstanding group of wideouts. Jarvis Landry is among the best slot receivers in the NFL, Kenny Stills is a weapon as a deep threat, and DeVante Parker is a big, fast target for Ryan Tannehill.
Two of those players have been great thus far, but the other has had trouble staying on the field. Parker, a second-year pro, has dealt with a hamstring injury this preseason and training camp that has greatly limited his production and availability. This hindrance comes one year after he started just four games as a rookie due to a foot injury.
New coach Adam Gase attempted to motivate Parker to do everything he can to stay on the field, and in doing so, he took a shot at his former receiver in Denver, Demaryius Thomas.
Thomas has been extremely durable in the last four years, but during Gase’s time in Denver from 2009-12, he wasn’t. Thomas missed 11 games in his first two seasons before erupting in Year 3.
“I do think he’s a little frustrated,” Gase said of Parker. “He’s been the odd man out all the time. Eventually … he will know how to push through certain kinds of pain."
Parker can be a productive player in Miami so long as he can stay healthy. He has all the tools – size, speed, hands – but durability has become a frequent problem for him. If Thomas’ career arc is any indication of what Parker’s will be, he’ll be in good shape.
Thomas has put up four straight seasons of at least 1,300 receiving yards and six touchdowns, including three straight seasons of 10-plus scores.
