Dolphins Could Take Lessons From Vikings
The Vikings have found a formula that is working like a charm for them.
Vikings have returned to prominence through a tried and true formula.
While watching the Minnesota Vikings cruise to another victory for the 4th straight time this season against a formidable opponent, it got the wheel in my head turning: the Vikings, along with the Eagles, are the only two teams remaining with an undefeated record of 4-0.
What is even more shocking is that the Vikings have done this without their franchise QB Teddy Bridgewater and All Pro Running back Adrian Peterson, who has missed the last two games on injured reserve.
So, the million dollar question is how have the Vikings been able to continue to win, and win impressively? Well, it starts from the top with General Manager Rick Spielman, who ironically enough was with the Miami Dolphins from 2000 to 2004. Spielman has done a magnificent job of building this Viking team through the Draft.
The main evidence of this can be seen in the Vikings Defense.
The Vikings Defense has been downright lights out impressive. During their first four games the Vikings Defense has only allowed 12.5 points per game (2nd best in league), sacked the opposing QB 15 times (2nd best in league), made 5 interceptions (2nd best in league), and recovered 5 fumble recoveries (tied for best in league). This defense is made even more impressive when you realize that 8 of the 11 starters on defense have all been drafted by Rick Speilman…and this doesn’t even include other notable draftees such as Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander who see a significant amount of playing time.
Then on offense, the Vikings have 5 starters that were drafted by Spielman, 2 undrafted players signed by Spielman, and 2 players such as Patterson and McKinnon that do not start, but contribute heavily to the offense…and this does not even include Peterson and Bridgewater who were also Viking 1st round picks.
Most pay per head software fans would agree that this team was clearly and successfully built through the draft by a former Dolphin who led the organization for 4 years. And that knowledge does sting quite a bit.
Lastly, head coach Mike Zimmer has done an excellent job of creating a very simple yet successful Offense. From watching last week, on most passing plays there was always a running back in the flat that was available for the quick dump off pass if Bradford was either under pressure or could not find someone open down the field. There was nothing complicated about this offense, and it’s not like Bradford is a Super star QB, but the reality is they are making positive plays and move the chains.
Vikings have set up a strong foundation in a team concept that is built from within.
Now, back to the Dolphins.
If Coach Adam Gase can prove to be the guy, then just maybe in 2 or 3 years the Miami Dolphins can emulate the Vikings success.
The Dolphins already have three of their 2016 Rookies in Tunsil, Howard and Drake making significant contributions to the team this season. They also still have high hopes for Carroo and Grant, so with a couple more solid drafts this team “could” really become loaded with youth and talent: if Mike Tannenbaum can keep hitting in the draft…and, maybe even do it without using the extra picks to accomplish it.
But, that word “could” isn’t exactly comforting.
For Gase’s part, he just needs to find a way to kick start this offense. Maybe take a page from the Vikings play book of simplifying the offense with some more quick passes and change of tempo, which could help to get this offense to begin moving the chains. Whatever it is, Gase needs to prove he is the coach of the future. Because with so many other areas in flux, Miami desperately needs stability, and since Head Coach is the anchor of a franchise, without that foundation the franchise will be set adrift — again.
If the Dolphins can just focus on minimizing the negative plays, then they can move past the ‘beating themselves stage’ (feels like they have been in that stage forever), and move on to beating their opponents.
This comes down to good coaching and acquiring players who can be coached. The Vikings have done it, maybe there’s hope for Miami?!
Albert may be gone (big $), that salary alone could just about shore up both guard positions via free agency +/-. We don’t necessarily need 2 of the top guards available, but 2 middle tier (our guard positions are and have been the LOW tier) players, while we dedicate the draft to defense (unless a QB is needed, very probable). Good O-Lines are created by cohesion to a point (still have to have players), neither: player or availability is what we have/had. 2 guards w good medical history, not their price or potential, could fit nicely w our young tackles and pro bowl center, thus; allowing us to focus on the defense. There will not be a game changing LBer available via free agency, unless he comes w a Suh price tag. Guards are not seen as game changers which keeps their price relatively low.
What if this staff sees Steen as serviceable as Pouncey considering his medical history (I could understand), and lets him walk. Between Albert and Pouncey that is a whole LOTZ of $ (I know the spelling). Those players are two of the top 5 paid players on this team. Albert 10 million and Pouncey 8.9 million for the 17 season. Essentially 19 million dollars, which could get you 2 of the top guards and then some to go along w James 2 years at 2.6 million per, Steen at basement price (525,000 this season, not a typo) and Tunsil 2.8 million per for next 4 years. Just a reality based thought!!!
How about a Chance Warmack and a Kevin Zeitler at combined price of 16 million per for the next 4 years?
Day dreaming…………….
Agree totally. Albert and Pouncey need to be let go. Tunsil LT, Steen C (he just needs some more grooming – ever see that guys legs!!! Tree Trunks compared to Pouncey), James has now become a BIG ?, which is surprising. Both G’s need work – one good vet at LG and a rookie at RG.
…guard, guard, guard, guard, guard, repeat ad infinitum ad nauseam
…yes we need defense
…and barring a miracle level transformation at QB, that too
…there is no “win now” for this team …its win 2-3 years from now …else they’ll mortgage our future once more in a futile search for another Suh, etc
…well aware that’s not what we’d like but I’m convinced anything else is doomed to more of the same …and I’d be a lot happier 2 years out if we aren’t exactly where we are today
…btw, grats on the site move …I just gave up posting when the captcha kept screwing up …3 x 4 IS 12 no matter what Bubba says 🙂
Thanks, they were terrible…I’d post an article on FB and if the traffic was good, the site would go down for 2 hrs. I was getting some grief from Jimmy…I figured out it was the hosting company, and now things are running much smoother. Fingers crossed, of course.
I’ve said for awhile it’s about the foundation…playoffs would be a stellar accomplishment. I wanted this regime to set up a system that is beaten rather than beats itself. And during that process weed out those who are not for the future…with special emphasis on T-Hill.. But, so far coaching has been one of my biggest concerns. It has shocked me. Some miscues are to be expected, but this has been FUBAR. This week I begin my Case for Gase as not the future if they are beating themselves once again. I’m not saying he won’t be a good one, but maybe far too green at this time. This week and 4 games stretch is huge!!!
Ohh, I think they need one G who is a vet with grown-up, man strength and exp. One rookie would be fine. I think Steen is the future at C, Tunsil LT, but James is now a ? now and both G’s need filling.
I believe that we had a very good draft this year, Carroo w end being a beast, grant gives our special teams that game breaking element, the first four (including Carroo) are going to play in this league for a long time (health withstanding), and at a pro bowl level possibly.
The next 2 drafts need to be HEAVY defensive drafts, unless we need to spend our first round pick on a QB (down w that). Our DEs are old (though a glimmer of hope in D.Jordan, would be HUGE), need a whole new LBing core, a few difference makers. And, you always have to draft at least 1 CB and 1 D-Lineman regardless of depth/situation.
This years draft was/is a good start, but that was basically on the offensive side of the ball. If we are going emulate the Vikings and Spielman it needs to start w the defense. Absolutely need a blue chip LBer, period!
Future looks promising, but I am sick of waiting for the future w our Dolphins, for me and basically the rest of the NFL, the future is now!
I agree to a point…jury is still out for me. Alonso needs to fill the middle better and then it will have been a good one. MLB, LT, CB seem good, but Isa being demoted at his price is a big hit. He was a nice IF in my opinion…hope he bounces back. Carroo should end up good and Drake has flashed, but after Drake only Grant seems to have potential — with a big ? on Doughty. A few pieces need to become consistent before I say “we done good”. It’s still early, but this nosedive need to end before a proper eval can be made.
I’m starting to have maybe not doubts but concerns about gase. The first few weeks they couldn’t get the running game going. Fine, but last week they only ran it 13 times when they were having success. Ajayi looked pretty good and only got a handful of carries. The defense was only giving up fg’s so we were in the game. Maybe the running game would have opened up the pass because the Bengals were dropping everyone back and going after the qb…. Dared us to run and we never even tried
With everything bundled up, inexperience, new scheme, new gig, new personnel and a line influx…I gave some lee-way. This week against his former team with time to prepare, I will start heading into the “concerned group” if the O lays another egg. This week and beyond is critical. So far, Tannenbaum has had some misses, but he has also made some nice hits. It was a solid off season, not great but solid, so far on his end. But, Gase and Co. need to step up big time…big time.