Phins Offensive Line was in flux… and in the spotlight today
Brian Flores and the Phins Day 6 was marked by the ‘Offensive Line Shuffle’. It seems like just about every player had a shot at every position along the O-line in today’s practice… like yesterday.
This isn’t a knock on the Phins O-line situation or staff. With a new coach, new players, and poor play along the line so far, this throwing paint against the wall is to be expected. Fans should bet with pay per head sites that there will be more of the same tomorrow as well. Friday though should have Miami putting together a semi-serious lineup for the scrimmage.
Post scrimmage should be a serious lead up to the 1st Post Season game against Atlanta August 8th.
What the O-line shows Week 1 of Preseason will start my relief or concern. Now, the line doesn’t need to be Hadrian’s Wall, but some level of coherency is an absolute.
Here’s what we saw along the Offensive Line today:
- Shaq Calhoun opened up with the starters and had issues against Wilkens who beat him for a sack.
- Durval Queiroz Nero, the Brazilian import, has been moved to guard. Either his situation or the Phins at Guard is desperate.
- Deiter continued as the starter and had a false start on a fairly disciplined day by the team
- Jesse Davis gave up pressure to Tyrone Holmes. Omar Kelly graded his day as a struggle.
- Zach Sterup worked against at right guard
- Isaiah Prince blipped on the radar
- As per Chris Perkins, the D packed the line and OL seemed confused on assignments.
- Will Holden had a go at LT
Reports from the rest of the team from Day 6
- Chase Allen, Kiko, Ballage, and Walford are not practicing today. None are considered serious injuries.
- Rosen looked good today
- Fitzpatrick struggled with a pair of picks
- Kiko should be back in a couple of days
- TE Dwayne Allen was activated from PUP but didn’t practice and had a noticeable limp
- DTs Wilkins and Godchaux, DEs Harris and Carradine were starters
- Wilkens and Carradine had excellent days
- Harris lost the edge to Gesicki
- Isaiah Ford beat McCain on a deep ball during 1-on-1s.
- Minkah Fitzpatrick working as a safety for the first time
- Jakeem Grant killed Torry McTyer for a TD from Rosen
- Jakeem Grant just left the field limping during 7-on-7s grabbing hamstring but returned for returns
- D-line stepped up its stunts and twists
- T.J. McDonald saw time at LB
- Refs were used today and it was late before the first flag flew
- Nick OLeary beat Cornell Armstrong for a touchdown from Rosen. Can you say starter?
- Smythe outshined Gesicki
- Raekwon & Van Ginkel each had a sack on tryout OL lineup
- Eric Rowe continues to look good
- Plenty of drops by receivers
- Rosen and Williams showing nice chemistry
Beyond the Offensive Line, the team is showing signs of life. The relatively disciplined day today, the defense in general, health of the team, and Rosen getting his sea legs are all good news.
The O-line is THE most difficult unit to get together in this era of limited practice. So, even though it’s concerning, it’s expected… at least for a few more days. Go Phins!!!
P.S.
Ohh, for what it’s worth, I took umbrage over an Omar Kelly tweet.
For better or worse, I’m patient zero when it comes to Mr. Davis. Anyone who has read my stuff over the last two years knows Mr. Davis had me at hello …
… and you do too Omar 😉
I’m cool with making you V.P. though…