Heading into the Regular Season, Phins are making good moves
Phins have played their cards like an ace going into the Regular Season
Heading into the 2018 Regular Season I’ve had my foot tentatively on the brakes… once bitten, twice shy and all.
Miami showed promise this Preseason, but there have been a few aspects that caused me to ‘slow my roll’ of optimism.
Can Gase reign in the penalties?
Phinsnews has had this as the prime reason for the Dolphins woes since midway through last season.
Is there an impact, or even a competent, Middle Linebacker, on the team?
McMillan has been rated far less than stellar by the pay per head services up until this point.
Can the depth of the Offensive Line, Cornerback, and Defensive Tackle positions offer answers if injury strikes?
These are all still big and unanswered questions that won’t be solved until the regular season begins.
BUT…
It’s time for Phins fans to give credit where credit is due
…Miami has shown they can run the ball by leading the league in YPC in the Preseason. Phinsnews predicted that the ability to run the ball would improve and be a key factor in 2018. If this continues, even a close approximation, into the Regular Season, along with their improvement in discipline, Miami will be successful in 2018.
Also, Tannehill has played well, the Tight End position appears upgraded, the pass rush has been dominant (how good has Quinn looked?), the Offensive Line has been well rounded and effective, the Safety position looks to be a force… and there hasn’t been a devastating injury.
But the icing on the cake has been this last couple of days.
What has really shocked me, and has me nearly ready to jam on the accelerator, is the excellent moves over the last couple of days.
Gase and Co. rolled the dice, played hardball, and it has paid off.
Adam Gase, Chris Grier, and Mike Tannenbaum couldn’t have played their cards any better. The trio has been nothing short of outstanding.
The only move that makes me squirm, and was a shocker, is the release of Sam Young. Since they didn’t need to make this move with Jake Brendel and Mike Hull going to I.R., it would seem they intend to bring Young back on a non-guaranteed contract. I’m nervous about this one, but if they pull it off, it’s a feather in their cap–some pun intended.
Can you remember a practice squad this good?
Remember the questions of Carro or Ford? Well, they cut both and then snagged both for the Practice Squad… AND added 6’6” 230lbs Seahawks/Saints WR Tanney McEvoy.
Wow!
Remember Miami needed a young QB? They picked up Titans rookie Luke Falk on the active roster, getting intel for Week 1 and youth, all in one fell swoop.
Booyah!
They also stashed most of their young players they cut: OG Isaac Asiata, CB Jalen Davis, DE Cameron Malveaux, DE Jonathan Woodard, LB Quentin Poling, and RB Jeremy Langford on the practice squad.
This is the best-looking practice squad Miami has had in my memory. Not saying it’s THE best, but I can’t recall one better or at least one that worked out so well for Miami.
Just about every player on the practice squad offers a legit possibility to eventually get on the active roster.
Yes, the table is set very nice, now Gase must serve a good meal
Now all of this ‘success’ just means that Gase and Co. have done the best with what they received post-draft. They still need to make it happen right out of the gates Week 1 against the Titans. But come on, most Phins fans couldn’t dream the roster would work out this well. I for one have been infused with serious positive mojo. Go Phins!!!