Can Foster Be > Moreno?
Miami is hoping Foster is history repeating itself in Moreno — sort of.
Moreno & Foster are different types of runners, but both were an upgrade.
In a way, the Miami Dolphins are seeing history repeat itself. This time though, Miami is hoping the 2016 Arian Foster can be greater than the 2014 Knowshon Moreno in just one category — durability.
Two seasons ago, a “injury prone” vet in Moreno was brought in to compete with Lamar Miller. He competed all right, he competed so well, he took over the role of starting running Back.
Moreno was everything Miami needed at Running Back — everything, except durable.
Flash forward to this season. When the Dolphins failed to resign Miller, they automatically promoted Jay Ajayi to the starting running back position. However, in-house, Miami was still uncomfortable with relying on Ajayi for the lion’s share of the running back duties, so they tried very hard to sign a veteran running back and struck out a few times. In the end, they drafted a running back, and then just before training camp began, they signed veteran Foster.
Foster was still recovering from an Achilles injury, but he has quickly showed the coaches that he still has something left in the tank. Yet, the depth chart still reflected that Ajayi would be the starter, even after the preseason was completed.
Miami has now announced that Foster has leapfrogged Ajayi and is “officially” the Miami Dolphins starting Running Back.
Moreno 2014 and 2016 Foster have come to a nexus point.
Here though is how history might be altered.
1) Coach Adam Gase is going to use multiple running backs during the game, so even though Foster has been labeled as the starter it does not mean that Ajayi is not going to get playing time — this could help set a new course on fate, so that Foster doesn’t repeat Moreno’s path of a heavy load early.
2) Also, Foster is a different type of runner than Moreno. Moreno was more a Cambell type of fierce contact, where as Foster is more the Allen type and uses shiftiness to deflect and evade contact. This is a big one that could turn the course of history in Miami’s favor this time around.
3) Miami’s line is better than the 2014 cast and this should offer Miami more options on downs and better holes, so Foster will likely see a bit less abuse than Moreno.
4) Moreno was noted as having less than stellar work-out regime, where as Foster is a consummate pro in keeping himself in top form.
These last two are bit more subjective. But, I feel they are valid.
5) Philbin was a cursed item to the Miami Dolphins organization and brought bad mojo to anyone wearing orange and aqua.
6) My fingers (and Fin Fans everywhere) are crossed this time due to Moreno’s 2014 stay in Miami, making the fan base prepared to give a collective rebuke to “no whammies” in 2015!
Okay, maybe not valid — but would you believe semi-valid? Okay, how about remotely possible?
Although most pay per head sportsbook fans would agree that reasons 5 & 6 are less than concrete, rationales 1-4 definitely are bonuses that Moreno didn’t have. Yes, there’s a load of luck involved, but skill of staff and player does play a part. Awww heck, I’m going to be positive on this one simply because…because, it’s the start of the 2016 season, and my wife and kids are going away, so I get to be home alone — me and my Fins! So Fin Fans, let the warm and fuzzes reign — at least for now! Go Fins!!!
I feel the key to this game will be defensive discipline. Whenever I watch Russell Wilson make a big play is usually with his legs as the pocket collapses. The defense will pursue and break contain for a big first down, on worse a long throw down the field given the extended time for receivers to get open. We have got to get to the quarterback. Interior pressure will be big. If we can stop the run and keep RW in the pocket, we have a chance. I feel the offense will score more points than they did last year. Even if we can’t get a running game going early, which would be nice, I think Gase will be a better play caller than anyone in the last for years. How many times last year did everyone watching the game, starting with the opposing defense all the way to your casual observer now Tannehill was going to pass the ball. Worse, how many times did we go away from the running game when it was actually working earlier? The last regime was a real pile of dog sh!t. How many games in the last four years, aside for the Patriots game with Moreno, did the Dolphins start out aggressively ahead? TEX, TEN last year are already on the Interim Campbell regime, who did his best, but was overmatched for the job.
If we can get to the quarterback on a team with Superbowl aspirations, and a reported weak OL, I think we will change the script on many of the so called panel of experts. Week 1 will let us know if we can hope for change or just expect more of the same, win or lose, if the game is competitive.
Admin Just another Update on Sankey who will be their starting R/B by mid season or sooner? A classic New England Patriot strategy move!
The Patriots added Sankey to their practice squad Sunday after he was released by the Tennessee Titans and and cleared waivers. He’s even making the practice-squad minimum $6,900 per week, according to a source.
And based on comments from Patriots coach Bill Belichick, the team likes what it sees in the running back after just two practices.
“That’s another guy we did a lot of work on in the draft a couple years ago,” Belichick said Thursday. “He came out with James White. A player with good skill, running game, passing game. We’ve used him in the kicking game here in the last couple days. That showed up. He can run, he’s athletic. Another smart kid who seems like he can handle a decent volume of information.
“It’s been good. We’re getting to know him, getting to integrate him into our system. It’s been positive. I like having him.”
Billacheat is the king of such moves. Sankey may very well be a starter at some point. However; there is no merit from week to week w any starting RB for the Pats, that is just how they roll. 20 carries one week, zero the next regardless of name or salary. I believe that the other 31 teams have similar information of their own on 90% of players cut/released. Unlike the other 31 teams, Billacheat believes that he can get more out of a player than you (or former team), and most the time he is right. Billacheat is always going to take the positive approach and say such encouraging claims. Then again, Billacheat has been infamous for picking someone up just for information, just a fact. DJ Foster is a name you will hear from the Pats camp, he is receiving RB, just what Billacheat likes!
Can you tell I like to refer to the Pats coach as Billacheat? It just rolls off my tongue for some reason.
Ack!!! Sorry to hear it Lemmus…30 miles isn’t bad though. Some nice wings, a fat burger with Bleu Cheese and some fries…and it’s all good. Yeah, Miami’s run game concerns me. 3rd and long would be very bad against Seattle. Although, I think Steen brings much more in the run game than Pouncey – alot. Not sure if it’s enough, though. One of Seattle Guards is banged up and missed alot of practice this week..that will help some. IF Miami can limit Wilson and IF they can be respectable running the ball, I think they can pull it off. Those are big ifs of course.
…ramblings
…first game for an almost entirely new staff with a new HC who insists on playing OC instead of focusing on managing the game …expect clock screw-ups and substitution delay calls that Carol on the other sideline got over years ago …betting Gase gives up calling plays by the 4th game unless of course he somehow pulls it off …if he does, look out
…going 2 days early was his call …has its possible pros but a lot of cons as well
…Tannehill is the singular remaining hallmark of Philbin’s tenure …if Gase chooses to bench him for not getting it done, it won’t be a major negative for Gase in Ross’s eyes …so I think unlike the past four years, if Tanny has a bad game going, Gase may bench him …and it might not be for Moore …not likely for several games yet but if we’re 1-5, then look for the gong …Gase kept 3 QBs for a reason
…I expect our run game to hit a brick wall against Seattle …watch the play calls in the 2nd qtr to see if Tanny starts to unbalance things …and if Gase reins him in
…the game’s not on here and all the bars within 30 miles hate the fins …might have to drive down to Palm Beach for the weekend just to catch the game …or wait for it to show up on Dish TV’s nfl red zone channel …misery is no cable tv in the boonies 🙁
There can not be any worse clock management than last years crew. I also believe that Gase will be prepared for whatever game situations occur. That is where his OC experience (in BIG games) will benefit Miami. What does worry me a bit is the defense calls/adjustments. Gase is the Head, and sometimes the Head needs to interject. Special teams not much worry w/Rizzi making the calls (years of experience). I don’t think the game will be to big for Gase. Anything will be better than the last crew, the were totally inept in all phases. Was just sickening to watch. I just don’t see that with the current staff. Maybe, at least I’m hoping.
Lemmus
The fins insist on letting the defensive dogs lose on their QB for almost 3 decades. This season has to change!
Foster – Pead and Drake will dictate how this game will play out against Seattle.
Tannehill I cannot put enough emphasis that he has to take charge of offense.
Lemmus, Admin, Jimmy and Dunner:
Tony Lippett given some play time as wide receiver will benefit the Dolphins with his Toughness. Can we agree that Lippett is Tough? Lippett can catch? He proved this in college! I have not seen him catch a single pass on offense. He was more of a wide receiver than corner back in college.
Admin
Clearly Foster will have no competition to replace him while healthy. Base on your assessment of Foster maintaining his body is key to his durability.
Unless the Key R/B is injured I would not used multiple R/B’s. The more times an “ELITE RUNNING BACK” has the ball the better they get in a game.
We really have know choice but to used multiples R/B’s due to their durability issued?
The Key to beating Seattle is to stop there run game! Have Aggressive Miami Dolphins Corner Back defense.
Key this season: Dolphins Offense needs to score 4 touch downs and kick 3 field goals a game! Can we accomplished this?
…now wait just a minute there …you want us to AVERAGE 37 points PER GAME?
…good god gerty, the defense would have to 3&Out the opponent on practically every possession just to give our offense that many opportunities to score
…you’re asking for a ’72 repeat, you are
…dreamer 🙂
…by the way, admin …yes, they did keep Urbik, thank god …I misread the cutlist when I saw OL Ulrik John’s name …my bad
…but they also kept Tommy Turnstile …their bad!
…if Albert goes down, Tunsil moves to LT and Thomas becomes the starter at LG …unless a giant dose of common sense smacks Gase upside the head and he plays Urbik instead …we can always hope
…I just can’t reconcile positive views of Gase with Thomas still being on the roster …short of having to believe that nothing and no-one hit the trade or waiver wires that was better than him …and that’s just not possible imnsho 🙁
Lemmus
I enjoy reading your posts. I am a diehard fan, however, I have my doubts about my beloved Phins pulling out a win in Seattle. But I don’t think the spread is what they say.
It’s hard to say anything at this point. Week 1 will reveal alot. Although, a loss isn’t doom. This is a game will reveal competence and character – win or lose, and both of which, if revealed to be positive, will ultimately be greater than a single “L” – although a WIN would be super sweet!!!
Lemmus
I here you! I remember Don Shula telling his teams that if we can score 21 points the defense can hold.
Fundamentals of football:
A. Solid Tackling
B. No Penalties’
C. Solid Individual Blocking, Solid collective Blocking wide receiver
etc. Everyone must block on the offense.
D. Take what the Defense gives you keep the chains moving.
E. Prevent starting on the 80 yard line.
F. Put a fullback in the back field for those tough yards
our R/B’s are injured.
The little things done correctly win games over trick plays.
Lemmus, if we average 37 points/game, we are in the Super Bowl, and yes, if we score 37 that game we will win it as well.
Lemmus, I second everything you said. I believe that rushing yards will NOT come easy. However; if this new O-Line keeps Tanny clean there very well could a upset in the making. If Miami can rush for 81 yards or more w/18-20+ carries.
2 keys to me that will dictate the outcome:
The lines: D-Line; must create pressure while limiting rushing yards (yards per attempt).
O-Line; must keep Tanny clean while providing some running lanes (believe Gase will run the ball regardless of success/failure).
If the 2 lines establish both, could be a major surprise to all except us Fin fans (OK, even us).
**Just watching the preseason, hearing Gases’ interviews, and observing the roster and starters/back-ups this staff has put together in a matter of months(6), shows me how inept the previous staff really was in all departments of a successful football/coaching staff.
…we best pray hard
…Seattle is going to be a bitch …they’re the top ranked team on everyone’s board, their run defence led the league giving up only 81 yds per game last year …injury wise, it’s Albert that concerns me more than Foster …Albert goes down and Turnstile Tommy becomes an OL starter …no matter who the RB is at that point, woe is us …the Seahawks have a stash of prepaid subway tokens
…we have the widest point spread of any Sunday game …10.5 pts according to the experts putting their money where their mouth is …evidently no one other than die-hard finatics think we belong on the same field …add to that we’re flying the longest possible distance …Miami to Seattle, ugh
…so we win, eh 🙂
…good to see Dunner back
Yes! Good to see Dunner Back in the Saddle this season.
I def. try my best to remain objective…especially since I became part of this blog – to my Fin-aide can come back and bite you from readers with memories.
SO, I’ll say this:
Miami has a hill to climb. Crowd noise, travel, new regime, new system, new coaches, Wilson, top 3 defense and former champions – all of which would make this win epic. Now, that said if we come from Seattle’s perspective: unknown quantities, top flight talent on the DL facing an inferior OLine and solid pass protection matched up with quality WR core (if only Parker were playing) and an athletic QB that is dangerous on the run and out of the pocket.
It isn’t a gimme. Seattle is also poor starters.
The pendulum is swinging there way for sure, but I give Miami 35% to win based on what we have witnessed. BUT, we don’t know what this team is yet. Gase may have some serious ability to make calls and that could turn things on his head.
I look at this week as a week that the Dolphins must compete and make a game of it well into the 4th. That would be a good step forward and one that would bring confidence.
“the Seahawks have a stash of prepaid subway tokens” Great line.