True Middle Linebacker
Before coming into last season the Dolphins decided to make experimental changes with the line-backing group, instead of looking to free agency or the draft to find their answer. As a result, the Dolphins moved Misi to the middle but still failed to find a solution for their line-backing issues.
Most free bookie software sites would say that one of Miami’s biggest needs is finding a true middle linebacker for next season.
There is no one on this roster that would fit the mold of a true middle linebacker, such as what we once had in Zach Thomas. There will be some options in free agency and the draft, but it is the Dolphins’ job to actually go out and get one of these tackling machines, especially one that is also good at stuffing the run.
One player that is extremely good against the run is Buffalo’s Brandon Spikes. He finished last year with 54 tackles, 1 forced fumble, and 1 sack. Yes, those are not huge numbers for a middle linebacker, but Spikes is excellent at stuffing the run and some of the things he does are not always seem on the stat sheet. Buffalo will be getting Kiko Alonso back from injury next season, and they might have a hard time finding a role for him considering they just paid him over $3 million last season.
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The biggest knock on Spikes is that he is not very good against the pass, and Buffalo even went as far as taking him off the field on passing plays. He only played 46.4% of the Bills defensive passing plays. Personally I would prefer a middle linebacker that does not have to be taken off the field on passing downs, however, if Miami can not land a solid DT then they will need to add a player that can make a difference in the running game, and at least Spikes has that ability. Adding Spikes could be similar to the game show The Price is Right. If he can be attained at the right price, with the right type of deal, then he should be considered. Does the rest of Phins fans think Spikes can do a better job at the middle line-backing position, than anyone else on our roster, or do you think we can find better in free agency?
The issue at middle line backer (for Misi or anyone else) is not size or speed as much as it is mental. The MLB has to read the signs on the other side, figure out what they are doing, organize everyone else to respond then move to the key point himself. Neither Buoniconti nor Thomas were huge or fast but they did not have to be as they saw what was coming and had plenty of time to get where they needed to be. Buoniconti was brilliant at this and basically would walk over to where he needed to be and almost always be in exactly the right space by the time the ball was snapped. Misi does not appear to have the head for it.
Actually, Misi has prototypical MLB size. But he lacks elite speed. I really don’t think that the MLB issue hurt Miami as bad as the strong side LB. Philip Wheeler is just not good. I regret that we will likely never see id Ellerbe is the player that Ireland thought he was. Ireland missed on a great many draft picks but he was usually decent in choosing his Free Agents well. Because of cap issues, I believe the DT position should be met in the draft. If Miami can resign Odrick in a way that both he and the team are well represented that will be great. But I don’t think overpaying him is worth it. The DT’s available in FA this year are bountiful and talented. There is Suh in Detroit who can change an entire team, Terrance Knighton in Denver, Nick Fairley in Detroit (Detroit has DT issues) Damon Harrison with the Jests, Cory Redding with the Colts and Cedrick Thorton in Philly not to mention a large number of mid level guys. So Odrick is not likely to break the bank. If Miami can get a Run Stuffing DT in either draft or FA, solve the linebacker issues, and get a CB to either come out of the guys we have developing or draft one… They will have done well on Defense. But I still think that first pick should be spent on a player who can open a game up on Offense. An elite RB or 6’3″ WR who has speed and strength….
Next to a physical force at NT/DT, the MLB is the greatest need on defense. I agree, we should not have let Soliai go. However, Soliai is not a good fit for the 4-3 defense. The 4-3 does require a more athletic NT. Mitchell is not bad, in fact, he was darn good at times when the team was healthy. I don’t think he is the answer at NT. I have said in previous postings, we need to do all that we can to bring in Suh or at least Dan Williams on Arizona. Both guys require 2 people to block them. Move Mitchell with his athletic ability to DT. Now we have a solid back-up at NT is Suh, Williams or whoever gets hurt. In all fairness, Misi was never healthy enough to gauge if he would be a good fit. My feeling is no! Move him back to OLB. Draft the best MLB in college and sign one of the above 2 mentioned NT. Terrence Knighton from Denver is another name who would be decent, but he is not the “man-eater” that Suh or even Williams are. BJ Raji when healthy requires 2 people at times to block him too, but he is older, and has had some injury problems. So Suh and Williams would be the best bet. I say, personally, do whatever it takes to land Suh. There is no one better for a rookie stud MLB out of college to play behind. This would make the new MLB’s job much easier. Suh is in a class all by himself. Bottom line, this team needs to be much more of a physical force in the interior of the DL AND the OL too!
MLB is crucial in a 4-3, so the fact that Ireland/Hickey/Philbin/Coyle have let that position slide is very concerning. I also prefer how JJ liked his 4-3 DL – 2 huge run stuffers at DT with Bowens and Gardner, and then the pass rushers at DE. These smallish dudes we have at DT now just get worn down and pushed around towards the end of the season.
Agh the Misi experiment. Another failure of this coaching staff. Another reason Coyle should have been fired. Let’s not bring up the stupid decision to let Solia go to Atlanta. Ya wonder why find can’t stop the run? Look there.
This D style can’t work without two plugs at the DT position. With the DE’s we have there is no need for “the more athletic type” at DT.
A crucial flaw in Philbin/Coyle philosophy.
That and no FB or thumper at RB position makes this regime marginal at best in philosophy.