Despite all Branden Albert’s injuries, he has been a top Left Tackle.
Branden Albert hasn’t played like Branden Albert all Preseason…why?
Quality Offensive Line play is a premier concern for the 2016 Miami Dolphins, and as the line’s most important cog, Branden Albert‘s play is crucial for the Fins to find success.
Right out of the gate in Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks and their fierce pass rush, Albert will be in the spotlight.
In 2014, despite only playing 9 games, Albert was ranked the 4th best Left Tackle by PFF. In 2015, after recovering from a torn ACL and playing in 14 games, PFF ranked him the 8th best Left Tackle.
But, throughout this Preseason, Albert hasn’t played as a top ten tackle — actually, he’s played quite poor. But what’s the cause?
After breaking down his play against the Dallas Cowboys and the Atlanta Falcons, alot of things jumped out at me — and most of it wasn’t pretty.
The video below will demonstrate what I saw. I originally wanted it to be a written presentation, but for the sake of succinctness, while still being thorough, film and pictures with narration seemed more digestible than the “War And Peace” version. It’s not Howard Cosell and NFL films, but it gets the point across.
As I state in the video, Albert should bounce back and correct most of his issues. And if he does, the offensive output who take a big step forward in areas, most critically in the run game.
But, the one major question that lurks in my mind is the right knee. Coach Adam Gase tried to get Albert to practice without his knee brace, but it seems he still prefers to play the game with it. I wonder if his lack of knee bend and driving power stems from the after-effects or ongoing degeneration of his injury of 2014 or possibly due to restriction caused by the knee brace?
Not even the pay per head sportsbook providers know for certain.
Maybe it was just a very rusty Preseason for him. Dan Marino had many terrible Preseason’s that led to rumblings about his professional demise…only to have those rumors be dispelled come Week 1.
Miami can only hope that this is the case.
The Dolphins need Albert to play like the Albert of 2015, at the very least. Seattle will be a true litmus test. Go Fins!!!