'IR Crew' misses playoffs, puts on Smiley face
January 2
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel columnist Ethan J. Skolnick
"Arrive early Sunday. You might stumble upon two significant contributors to this remarkable 2008 season, before you even enter Dolphin Stadium to watch the rest of the team take that season into 2009.
"Tell the fans to come by and say hello," Justin Smiley says. "I'll probably have a couple of beers and then go enjoy the game. I'm so excited. I'll be tailgating with Greg [Camarillo]. Donald [Thomas] is going to come with us, too. It will be the IR Crew."
Don't be afraid to ask that crew for a brew. Then you can toast the role of Smiley and Camarillo in this fairy tale that continues without them, one that has made them both "very proud."
"Their determination and heart has been amazing," Smiley said.
"The team doesn't bat its eyes," Camarillo said. "They keep fighting, keep going, no matter who is out there. It's really impressive to watch."
Camarillo and Smiley were impressive to watch for the first 11 (Camarillo) and 12 (Smiley) games this season. Camarillo emerged from the fringe to catch 55 passes before tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Smiley established himself as the Dolphins' most consistent lineman before fracturing his right leg and ankle. But in the NFL, time — and a quality team — always marches on. Like crashed cars, injured players are simply towed to the side, out of the way, so traffic can keep moving.
Davone Bess stepped into Camarillo's spot and caught 30 passes over the final five games. Andy Alleman started the final four games in Smiley's left guard spot.
The Dolphins haven't lost since.
Still, for Camarillo and Smiley, it has been tough to accept the opportunity lost.
"The first couple of weeks were really difficult, because you don't feel as much a part of the team as you did before you got hurt," Camarillo says.
"To be that close to the playoffs …," Smiley says. "And I never had the chance to go to the playoffs in San Francisco."
Smiley, a free-agent addition, felt he was playing at the highest level of his five-year career and was hoping to attract Pro Bowl consideration. "
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