Tua is holding in, but other than that what went down?
The big news from today was Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is staging a Training Camp hold-in! I struck out on that call because I didn’t think Tua would limit his participation. While it’s not the end of the world, it’s also not an optimal situation for a successful season. Only time will tell what becomes of the Tua and Grier standoff. Maybe by tomorrow, it will get resolved? But, let’s not get bogged down on the Tua contract situation because today’s practice had plenty of interesting news notes for Phins fans to focus on.
What went on other than Tua’s hold-in?
The most interesting note in my eyes was the size of Calais Campbell and Emmanual Ogbah. Both players were reported to look much heavier than usual. Campbell was listed at 307lbs, a sizable increase from his usual 281lbs. I like the increased size because this new defensive scheme demands quality run-stopping with small personnel grouping and a lightbox. I don’t think Ogbah or Campbell are here to generate huge pass rush pressure or sacks. This defense will be better served by Ogbah and Campbell holding down the line of scrimmage with excellent run-stopping production to allow the nickel defense behind them not to get victimized by the run game.
Rookies Chop Robinson and Muhammed Kamara along with Brandon Chubb and Jaelen Phillips, when they eventually return, will provide the speed pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Also, you don’t need the best football software to know new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver will call up loads of blitzes to create pressure on the opposing quarterback. The key is for this defense to stop the run on 1st Down and get the opposition off schedule. A bulked-up Campbell and Ogbah may help make the defensive front more stout.
Another news note I found interesting was Malik Washington running over Jevon Holland. No, I didn’t like that Holland was upended and thankfully he appeared okay, but I loved the physicality of Washington. He was billed as a tough runner after the catch and on Day 1 he made a statement. We need tough runners who can punish the defense. Jonnu Smith is one guy who will run hard after the catch. It would be great if Washington is another. So far it looks like he might be as good as advertised, at least in the tough running department.
The yearly early poor O-line performance continues
It’s early–very, very early– so everything needs to be taken with a huge grain of salt. But, the Dolphins offensive line struggles every year early in camp and it looks to keep that trend going in 2024. While the O-line struggling is expected at this stage in every camp, our O-line seems to struggle more than most. Terron Armstead was riding the bike so that didn’t help matters. Head Coach Mike McDaniel said Armstead would take days off this camp and have partial and full participation. The reason is to keep Armstead as healthy as possible. The good side of Armstead taking days off is that rookie tackle Patrick Paul will get plenty of reps to work on his craft. A big key for this camp will be seeing how Paul responds.
Offensive line coach Butch Barry was seen strongly reprimanding the offensive linemen because the pass rush was heavy today especially late in practice. I’m sure newcomer Jack Driscoll fumbling a snap added plenty of fuel to Barry’s fire. Tua wasn’t involved in 11 on 11’s, so I’m sure made things worse for the offensive line.
I’m not saying we should hit the panic button in the least, but the quicker we see good signs from this offensive line the better. The offensive line has been a weak point year after year holding the team back. Let’s hope this isn’t the case this season.
So, it’s super early and things can and will change fast. Even the Tua contract situation could be ironed out in a blink of an eye. It’s only Day 1 so let’s see how things progress and stay hopeful. Go Phins!!!
