Will Allen loves how the rookie cornerbacks developed, with Sean Smith starting all season and Vontae Davis starting nine of the final 10 games after Allen's injury. But if you believe Allen, only one of those young corners will be a starter in 2010.

``I'm starting,'' Allen declared last week. ``You can put that wherever you want. I've started every year. I don't expect that to change now.''

Allen, who tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee Oct. 25 against the Saints, said he will be healthy long before the season. Regardless of who starts, all three will play.

So how do their numbers compare? ESPN's KC Joyner said Davis finished 72nd among 100 qualifying cornerbacks with a 39.5 percent success rate on passes thrown with him in coverage. He allowed 10.7 yards an attempt, ranking 94th.

Smith had a 49.2 percent success rate (27th-best) but allowed 10.8 yards an attempt (95th).

Allen was better -- 55.6 percent success rate (seventh) and 7.0 yards an attempt in six games in 2009; 51.3 percent (18th) and 7.2 in 2008.

Joyner, who studies every play, said Davis and Smith were hurt because ``they couldn't count on consistent over-the-top coverage from Gibril Wilson.''

The Allen/Davis/Smith cornerback troika should be one of Miami's strengths. ``I hope it turns into something great,'' Allen, 31, said. ``They learned so much last year.''

I think if Allen starts, Davis will be on the other side. When they go nickel, Davis and Smith will play the outside and Allen will move to the nickel spot. That's what I'd do anyway...I don't see Smith as a nickelback.

Vontae might get burned more but he makes more plays than Smith.

Sam Madison was the same way.

that's the type of attitude I like.

It's fine to like it, except that Davis gave up a lot of big plays and allowed a lot of completed passes, even though he got those interceptions. He has to be more fundamental in his coverage.

Absolutely. But the guy was a rookie going up against Randy Moss, T.O., Lee Evans, Andre Johnson, Hines Ward, THE Steve Smith, Braylon Edwards....and with really no pass rush or help over the top. For him to have the attitude and maintain that swagger, and continue to make plays throughout the season, I think says a lot about him.

Lol. Thanks for nit-picking Rich....

The point PR is making is that he was lined up against several talented Wide Receivers. I agree with PR, your nitpicking.

The point PR is making is that he was lined up against several talented Wide Receivers. I agree with PR, your nitpicking.

It's fine to like it, except that Davis gave up a lot of big plays and allowed a lot of completed passes, even though he got those interceptions. He has to be more fundamental in his coverage.

The point PR is making is that he was lined up against several talented Wide Receivers. I agree with PR, your nitpicking.

Rich nitpick?

Nah!! You're imagining things.

I don't think it's nitpicking...when you say Davis is good because he covered Andre Johnson you're wrong.

Really?