National Football League

Dolphins cornerback Vontae Davis having big impact

Published Sep. 24, 2010 5:07 a.m. ET

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Vontae Davis receives a harsh critique from his Miami Dolphins teammates, who say the hard-hitting, fast-talking clampdown cornerback has room for improvement.

His play is fine. Davis helped the Dolphins' defense dominate in their first two games, both wins, and he hopes to shine in prime time Sunday night against the New York Jets.

But the way he celebrates a big play?

''Terrible,'' linebacker Cameron Wake said. ''We've got to teach him up, because it's unacceptable.''

The demonstrative Davis caused some head-scratching last year when he celebrated an interception return for a touchdown by putting a finger to his lips, as if hushing the crowd. The problem: The game was in Miami.

Last week at Minnesota, Davis made a bone-jarring tackle and reared back with a jubilant scream, then hunched over in pain, clutched his left shoulder and wobbled to the sideline.

''He tried to get up and celebrate,'' running back Ronnie Brown said with a giggle, ''and realized his body wouldn't let him do it.''

Davis missed only one play because of a shoulder stinger, which he blamed on the tackle rather than his celebration.

Teammates laugh at his exuberance but love it, calling him ''CP'' - short for crowd-pleaser. The second-year pro is quick with a smile and a chatterbox on the field, although he talks faster than some can hear. That includes fellow cornerback Jason Allen and secondary coach Todd Bowles.

''I don't think too many people understand what Vontae's saying,'' Allen said. ''One day he was screaming something from across the field, and I asked coach Bowles to translate for me. He said, `I don't know what he said either.'''

The way Davis has been playing speaks volumes. He charged into the middle of the line to help stop Adrian Peterson on fourth and goal at the 1 late in the Dolphins' 14-10 win over the Vikings. Davis also made an interception at the 1, broke up two other passes and earned a postgame compliment from Brett Favre.

''No. 21 I felt like was one of the best corners in this league, especially that no one knows about,'' Favre said.

''Wow,'' Davis tweeted a few hours later. ''Thank u Brett.''

Favre might not know his name, but notoriety will come if Davis and the Dolphins can sustain their fast start. Miami is 2-0 for the first time since 2002, and a win over the defending AFC runner-up Jets would strengthen the Dolphins' case as playoff contenders.

Davis might be the best cornerback on the field Sunday, since injured All-Pro Darrelle Revis won't play for the Jets.

''Brett Favre had it right - he's probably the best cover guy you haven't heard of yet,'' said Jets linebacker Jason Taylor, who played with Davis last year. ''He came in as a young kid, and he's going to do young-kid stuff and make mistakes, but it's great to see him continue to grow up and mature and play well.''

A three-year starter at Illinois and a first-round draft pick in 2009, Davis broke into the Dolphins' lineup as a rookie only after veteran Will Allen was sidelined by a knee injury at midseason. Davis was part of a secondary that gave up lots of big plays and managed few takeaways.

He worked hard during the offseason to polish his technique, with mentoring from Bowles, and for the 2010 opener, Davis was one of only three defenders still starting at the same position as last year. In two games, the revamped unit has allowed just two touchdowns, one on a 1-yard drive following a turnover.

Davis was quiet in the first game at Buffalo because the Bills rarely threw his way. But he made a big impact against the Vikings and said he feels like a much different player thanks to a year's experience.

''I still have a long way to go, but it helps to have one season under your belt,'' he said. ''It's like going from elementary school to junior high school. I understand what to do to take care of my body, how I should feel before games. I think differently than I did last year.''

And in time, his celebrations should improve.

Said Allen: ''Get used to him making a bunch of big plays.''

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