Dolphins Must Guard Against Past Miscalculation
The last good Guard Miami has had now plays for the Bills
The Guard position is playing a far more prominent role in today’s NFL
The Miami Dolphins have attempted every measure to fix the offensive line—and none of them have been successful. That’s why I was a bit concerned when I read two quotes from the Dolphins Front Office that ‘they didn’t understand’ fans concern over finding two Guards in one off season, and ‘it wouldn’t be hard to find Guards to fit their scheme’.
I’m a huge believer in Adam Gase—HUGE. Gase has nailed just about every move and decision he has made. But, one of his few miscalculations revolved around the Offensive Line.
Last year, Gase defied Real Bookies and bet that Billy Turner and Dallas Thomas could be successful with a good off season in the weight room, and that Jermon Bushrod could handle Right Guard. The latter carried some water, the former was a titanic disaster.
Some years ago, the Left Tackle was the preeminent position on the O-line. You had one super talented Left Tackle to guard your QB´s blindside, and the rest could almost be average and you’d be successful most of the time. A defense would usually line of their best pass rusher on the left side and rush. Whoever won that battle would usually win the war of the trenches.
Then defenses began to move that pass rusher to the right side to test the Right Tackle, to try and get an advantage. Then the Giants made teams realize the potential of interior pass rush to affect top QB’s by denying them the ability to climb the ladder and escape the outside pressure. Soon after, the big boy DT’s became more and more involved in the pass rush. Over-sized NT’s began to disappear from 3rd down… and eventually the league.
Interior pressure is the most deadly, and Guards guard against it
This has put a premium on Guards… especially the Left Guard.
Given the count on both sides, 5 O-linemen are meant to block 4 D-Linemen. If a 5th blitzer is brought–usually a LB, or rarely a DB– the RB or TE picks him up… or as the better QB’s do, they hit the open man or open zone.
With this number game, one rusher gets doubled, and one interior O-Lineman must block alone. This job usually falls in the LG. For the most part, a RG is a run block specialist and gets help from the center in pass blocking situations. Sometimes, if too many rushers come, or the scheme calls for it, the RG must block alone, but that isn’t usually considered a best case scenario or a scheme to live by.
This is the reason why last year the Oakland Raiders paid a mega contract to Kelechi Osemele. This is also the reason why Miami must not live in the old mold that has failed them again and again: you can’t throw chuck steak in the interior and expect a filet mignon offensive line.
At least one highly talented Guard must be acquired–left Guard to be specific. And given what’s out there in Free Agency, it won’t be as simple as last year when you could go out an pay for a prime cut.
I believe in this regime, but they must not repeat–again–the mistakes of the past. Miami will have a season as good as the guy lining up to the right of Laremy Tunsil. Go Fins!!!
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Admin Quite true! Given what’s out there in Free Agency?
Defense must be address 1st
Tim Williams https://youtu.be/G9wTtXm9PtA
OLB | Alabama Was on my list in November 2016 going to the Dolphins.
The second round address the OG (I was never sold on a tackle playing that position for the Dolphins.
Dan Feeney OG Indiana 6-4 305
Forrest Lamp OG Western Kentucky 6-4 309
Dorian Johnson OG Pittsburgh 6-5 300
Dion Dawkins OG 4 Temple 6-4 314
Defensively last season who did we really stop?
We cannot go past the second round gambling on OG.
If I may add my two cents? New England is winning with a 40 year old QB and A coach who can out coach 31 other NFL coaches. Its hurts to admit that! PAT Riley for the Heat continues to Win, He Wins.
I don’t believe in over paying for players, I don’t believed in trading away draft picks. In order to beat New England we need Balanced on the Defense and Offense. Everyone keeps saying the game is complicated today. Fundamentals of Football, Good blocking and tackling will get the Dolphins to the promise land.
Hey, Steve good to hear from you. As I said in the past, I’m not a draft expert. They are saying Lamp and Feeney are the top two and would be gone by our second. I know that doesn’t mean much as Tunsil never would have fallen to 13 last year. But, the issue is, if Miami doesn’t nail down at least one G who is above avg. then this season will be a disaster. I agree will you, except the over pay part. Now when I say over pay, I mean pay a lot under the current scale. You can over pay one year and then the next you have a good pay scale due to a dramatic rise in the market. This year it will be corners and wideouts that will see a major move up in pay scale. But, in general theory, you are totally correct… and sadly on the Pats as well. Good to hear from you.
Thanks Admin
Who would be the offensive line experts for the Dolphins? I would ask Nick Sabah or Irving Myers about the best college OG in the country? The so called PRO experts get it wrong each year.
Actually it doesn t matter who we get how we play, the game has all become about money, certain teams like the Patsies are sure to be in play-offs , look at our schedules, we traveled 6 times before we got to play the Patsies our first game ..it`s why we were 1-4 , the Patsies in that same time frame only traveled once …traveling takes two days out of your practice time and rest time , plus jet lag takes a few days to shake off….the Dolphins are set up to fail , we had 3 games in Cali , Patsies just one , against the weakest team on west coast, and they only traveled there because its Brady`s home town. If anyone had hit brady the way Tannehill was injured they`d be thrown out of the game and fined suspended , Tannehill didn`t even draw a flag , this game is rigged …if any of you think the Falcons forget not only how to play defense , but offense too during half time …your retards…someone maybe this limp dick President we have …laid down a lot of cash to get the Falcons to take the dive, that game was fixed during half time ain`t no doubt about it, so does it really matter who we get ….we have to travel to London again lose a home game ….32 teams in the league yet this is our 4th time going in 5 yrs ..like I said ….set up to fail!!
Brian,
I have to kind of agree with you. The league is set up to have the Patriots win! Yes their schedule is proof. It’s all about money, and the Patriots in the big game and championship game is big money for the league! I too have wondered about big games being fixed. Look back at the Seattle Super Bowl and that ridiculous play call on the goal line by Seattle. Marshawn Lynch runs from the 6 to inside the run. Seahawks have 2 plays pound it in for a TD. No way Pats stop Lynch 2 times, yet the opt to throw and it is an interception. Makes you really question. Patriots have been GIVEN their last two Super Bowls. I love my Dolphins, but to be honest, the NFL does not mean to me what it once did. So sick and tired of seeing the same teams like Patriots win and have preferential treatment. The Dolphins will have to “earn” the right to have special treatment.
“ain’t no doubt about it” Brian …Santa must have left a turd in your stocking this year instead of his usual load of coal …talk about a negative Nellie!
…you really believe more than 100+ Atlanta players, coaches, and staff agreed to take a dive at half-time and not one single word of it has leaked? …really?
…just call me “retard” eh
I try not to go there. There is so much money involved it’s hard not to believe there is some shady stuff… BUT, I try to play dumb so I can enjoy the game.
While I understand the reason you got rid of Albert , I think you should of had a replacement first , yes Tunsil will replace him at that position , but who will fill in where Tunsil was?….Tanneill is only a productive QB when he has protection , he does not scramble well at all , and with a damaged knee it will be worse….I think not having the surgery on his knee was a big mistake , he takes way too may hits rely on scar tissue to shore up the knee, a Brady type QB who is protected by the officials could get away with a weak knee, Tannehill uh uh……dirty teams like the Patsies will be going after that knee every down.
I agree Brian. Young though proved a to be fairly solid for a short term replacement… I was very surprised at his pass protect. Long term, no he isn’t the answer. They do need to get someone back there who could be a better longer-term solution. I think a cheaper vet is where they will go. Not sure if James is a long term solution either. So, this year they need to fill this line out. I like Urbick & Tunsil and that’s about it. James could be a good player… we’ll see. Pouncey is far to injury prone to be trusted, and then there is young who is a good 4th T, and that’s the line. As much as D needs help, so does this line. And yeah, Ol plays a huge role in the quality of a QB’s play…for sure, Brian.
Sorry Brian, I must disagree. Tanny’s knee should be fine, otherwise surgery would have been provided. Every team is going after the opposing QBs, regardless of believed weakness.
I also think Tanny is a decent scrambler. Tann’y issue is when to scramble, not how. He likes to hold the ball a bit to long, though I did see improvement under Gase’s tutelage.
Getting ride of Albert was the right move in every sense. His replacement was on the roster already. Albert’s salary will be allocated towards a new guard or two. I understand nothing is guaranteed in free agency, but Miami can easily get one guard if not 2. Reminder; unlike previous years, I believe Gase has created an environment that free agents will covet. I would think Miami has had enough with this guard situation, thus; signing guard(s) will be a priority.
I do agree that New England is dirty though.
Admin, I believe that Pouncey is on his last year here w Miami. He stays in 18′ if and only if he plays 16 games.
I think the stem cell injection is super science and has rejuvenated his tears. Peterson ran pretty well after a similar procedure and Kobe played a full season.
Your historical perspective isnt all that accurate. It wasnt Gase that selected either of the two bums that played G, Turner and Dallas. It was Gase however that cut them. So his judgement is not suspect because he recognized the problem and took appropriate and decisive action.
Gase thankfully is no Dennis Hickey or Jeff Ireland, but Im not so sure about Tannenbaum.
” Dallas Thomas could be successful with a good off season in the weight room”
Never said he selected them… didn’t even allude to it. History: Gase said he could make something of them with an off season in the weight room. He had drafting pull. He had final say on control of the roster. It took him until the first quarter of the season to get them out.
I don’t see that as inaccurate.
And yes he took action, as I and jimmy have spoken about numerous times before, but far longer than he should have. It was a mistake. Not condemnation, but a reality. So, yes thankfully there isn’t Hickey or Irleand–and like you, I’m not totally sold on Tannenbaum–but, the thesis is: There is a belief it won’t be hard to find two Guards–I and history disagree.
Admin, I believe that Gase was being generous in giving both Thomas and Turner the opportunity, and providing optimism for both early on. After all, it must have been Tannebaum that ultimately believed in them. Word was that both were terrible practice players, when that translated to the field (every time) Gase had enough and released both.
One thing with Gase, you must have good practice habits and/or lights out on game day. If not you will find yourself in the dog house (See week 1: Ajayi, week 4: Maxwell), and if that isn’t enough, see you later!!! Accountability, gotta love it.
I try to be fair brother. Gase is the man calling the shots. All his wins I gave him credit. If I say this isn’t his fault, then who’s is it? I think he fell into the trap f interior linemen not being as crucial. He could have grabbed a G mid round and he would have been better than those two. They could have spent more money to help out the spot. Instead they went with Bushrod who was solid, but wore out quick. I could see him trying to do something with Turner, but Thomas was a mess, through and through. I think the whole management department dropped the ball.
…don’t think Gase was calling the shots upon arrival …they put on a united front but if Tannenbaum was sold on the turnstile twins, Gase would have had little choice but to make the best of it …which he did to his lasting regret
…after 4 games, Gase’s job was on the line …it was put up or shut up …so he fired them …could have just as easily been Gase that was canned instead …who knows what the internal tussle was but you can bet firing two starters after 4 games wasn’t a simple thing to make happen
…whatever the internal dynamics, it was Gase in charge from that time forward and Tannenbaum won’t ever have that kind of power over him ever again …which is all to the good imnsho