Gore Film Study: ‘Tank Sure Ain’t Empty!’
Gore has lost some speed, but his Gatorade must be filled from the fountain of youth
I thought Gore was washed up… till I watched his tape
At 35, Frank Gore will play for the Miami Dolphins.
What a joke of a move by this inept franchise–right?
I had enough of ‘old backs’ with Arian Foster’s crash and burn in 2016. My first take was that this was a meh move at best… if it came cheap. Problem was, I hadn’t watched Gore in 2 years (when the Colts beat the Phins in 2015).
Before ‘tape time’, I grabbed a bottle of beer labeled with ‘Trooper Eddie’ from Iron Maiden that I’d saved for a rainy day. I hoped it would help me stay positive.
I did a review of the Colts last two games against the Texans and Ravens (13th and 15th ranked run defense respectively). Old backs and their old legs fade over the course of games and seasons. Right? Right!
Week 16 Against the Ravens: 17 for 68 yards
The clip below is the same as above but at half speed. The full speed clip shows his current speed, but the half speed allows a closer look at his technique. Please watch it and observe the nuances of a master technician.
The Colts have a terrible Offensive Line and the Ravens have a solid run D’s, so 17 for 68 must be viewed in context. Remeber, Jay Ajayi only gained 23 yards against this same defense.
There’s a reason Gore is # 5 All-Time Rushing Leader
Gore has elite level patience and recognition of the defense. Notice how he picks his way between the tackles gaining every drop of free space before contact. He keeps hard hits from defenders to a bare minimum with excellent agility and evasion. Just about every shot is a glancing blow or hits his shoulders. He almost always has leverage and falls forward picking up extra yards after contact. This type of smooth play and angling reminds me of Marcus Allen during his time with the Chiefs. Given this tape, it’s obvious why he’s only missed 1 game since 2010.
This next clip is his game against the Texans… does he look done? Again, each and every snap, he makes the most of what’s given to him. Yes, he lacks a top gear to tear off large gains, but he’s by no means slow.
Week 17 against the Texans: 24 carries 100 YDS
In the 4th Qtr he gets dinged (first play below). After sitting out a series, he comes back in and finishes the game. The two plays that follow the injury are the biggest gains after his return. Notice how he knows exactly where the 1st Down is and makes sure to pick it up. He could have easily run out of bounds. The man’s a consummate pro.
Don’t bet with the pay per head services that he’ll rack up 1200+ yards, but he isn’t Foster on his last legs either. What is Gore then? He’s a 1st ballot HOFer still able to grind out a quality season. No one on the Dolphins has done more in the NFL. His ferocious work ethic with certainly have an effect on the younger players. Beyond leading by example, he will put up quality snaps with Miami’s rebuilt Offensive Line and reduce Drake’s workload. Also, if you have watched Kenyan Drake closely, he has similar qualities as Gore: elusive, has good moves in close proximity to defenders, and excels between the tackles. Drake could never replicate this type of teaching without playing beside Gore… if he embraces it. For the price, the talent, and leadership it’s a steal. I’m glad he wanted to come play for his hometown team. Go Fins!!
Great picks Dunner!
Top 3 pick scenario:
1) Smith/Edmunds/Vander Esch = LBer
2) Hurst/Bryan = DT
3) Andrews/Hurst/Thomas
Your picks above are Definitely day one starters. This season we cannot go into battle with too many project players.
Fourth round for Freeman/Walton/Wadley would be solid starters for the fins not sure that Penny can carry this team when they get In trouble with their passing game. Freeman a positive Rookie Pro Bowler.
Freeman would be icing on the cake with the above scenario.
Steve, I enjoy reading your take(s) on college players. You turned me onto a few players the past couple years that I was not familiar with. Much appreciated!!!
Because I believe this team can win now. I too believe this is not the draft to take project players in the first 2/3 rounds.
I think the LB’s are getting a bit of too much high pro glow over them and are being locked in as more sure fire than what they are… just my opinion. Smith can’t shed at all… unless he is covered and a scheme is built to protect him he will be a liability. Also, he was given a medical red flag at the combine for his shoulder. He ran and that’s it. Not sure if he benched at his pro day… searched everywhere and couldn’t find the info… if you guys find out I’d appreciate the knowledge. Little guy and bum shoulder who can’t shed is a big red flag… now if Miami clear him and he is fine and they play him at the Will and protect him like they did Thomas… the guys a star. But this insane talk of him playing Mike that I hear is nuts.
Edmunds is so raw as raw in the cerebral part and technique part as he is talented. If his tech and knowledge part gets even near his physical talent he could be a generational LB. But he will be a liability in the run game early and might be a spot player who comes in on passing downs. He misses so many angle and he bites so much he isn’t a lock.
I do think they can be elite, but they both have strong warts. If Edmunds develops and Smith is healthy and given a specific scheme around him with the right talent… then both will be awesome.
Now Vea too has his warts, conditioning, plays high at times, isn’t an elite pass rusher, but his floor is higher in my opinion… James and Fitz are the best picks at #11 in my opinion… if they fall. I don’t see Edmunds making to #11. Smith likely will and maybe one of the Safeties.
So far, I see 3-4 QB’s going in the top 10 with Edmunds, Chubbs, Nelson, and either / and Fitz / James gone by #11.
I’d much prefer Edmunds #11 and Vander in a trade back… more and more Steve I do like the trade back IF Fits or James isn’t there. Mayfield is intriguing, but I have strong concerns. Big hit or miss… then there is Vea. This interior D is a big concern and this draft is thin on talent and depth at DT… one injury and we are back to 2016 run D. Vea fills a massive hole, but as I said he does have some concerns on his ceiling. I do like a couple others later though. I like Settle / Hill to play the 1-0 tech and Phillips and Godchaux to pay the 3 tech. Hurst gets eaten alive on the run and then there’s his heart issue. Don’t know Bryan need to watch him–more work, thanks Dunner 🙂 I still have big reservations on Smith… I’d think the 2nd might be on QB if they don’t grab one at #11. A TE in the 3rd sounds about right. Now with all these new linemen, I don’t see the need for a O-linemen until late. I do see FS as a big need though too–could be a niche player…I’m still a newbie at the draft, so there’s that as well.
Great points fellas, I too wold like a trade back, though I do not see it happening in this years draft unless a QB needy team comes up for one. This draft is just to deep at several different areas for teams to move up for a specific player/need. There are however, a handful of players that teams may trade up for, maybe that could be our trade scenario. I want extra picks via trade down, I just don’t see it happening this year.
LBers Smith or Edmunds at #11, and if those 2 are gone at #11 then trade back slightly (while getting another third or forth) and select Vander Esch. With the second rounder get your DT, either Maurice Hurst (Mich.) or Taven Bryan (Fla.), both whom should be the third a forth DTs off the board and may still be there at our second round selection. Now you’ve started to lay the ground work for a really good draft. In the third grab your TE, Andrews – Oklahoma (hopefully) or Hurst (S.Car) or Fumagalli (Wisc.) or Thomas (Indiana) all which very well could be there in the third round. The forth round is where you can grab your RB – Freeman/Penny/Walton/Wadley, as well as your QB – Falk/White/Woodside/Lauletta. There is a exception in the forth round, if Brett Toth (OT, Army) is there I am taking him with one of the forth rounders. I know he has a 2 year duty that he is going fulfill, but if that weren’t the case he would be one of the top ranked OTs in the draft. Why him, in 2 years will be Tunsil’s option year. If Toth is all that, you could have a trade scenario for Tunsil, a page out of Billacheat’s book, good teams are smart.
Top 3 pick scenario:
1) Smith/Edmunds/Vander Esch = LBer
2) Hurst/Bryan = DT
3) Andrews/Hurst/Thomas
Now if your Miami and you came away from the first 3 rounds with said players, you would be ecstatic (I would think). You may have just addressed areas of need, not to mention drafting 3 possible day 1 starters.
I can only dream for 1) LBer-Smith 2) Hurst 3) Andrews
Giants will be a major determiner on the draft… either will take either Allen or Saquon. They had to be offered 3 2nds to move to the Jets spot. They refused. Either because they want Saquon to give Eli one last run or to get Allen to sit behind Eli for 2 years to be groomed. If Allen goes #2, then the Bills will jump ahead of the Fins to get Mayfield… that will push a lot of talent down to us… I realy want Fits or James even more than Vea. Still not crazy on Smith… Edmunds yes, but he’ll be gone before then. If 4 QBs go before us then trade back is far less likely.
Doing a re-look and study of Hurst… this PFF article had me do a double take… he may very well be an excellent option @#42…
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-what-to-look-for-in-a-run-defender
I had read Hurst struggled against the run, but now I see this. That’s what I get for not doing the study and relying on hearsay… looking forward to watching his tape…
Admin
We all know their are many scenario’s:
Up to now the Fins are making 50/50 decision with their trades etc.
It appeared that they are still getting the short end on these deals. My thoughts are the Dolphins should not play cards/trading with better card playing teams. We are still getting the joker card on some of these deals with the positioning of the picks etc.
The Dolphins 11th spot worth 1250 points
Trading to
22nd spot worth 780 points = we gain 470 points enough to warrant their second rounder @ about 360 point + 4th,5th and 6th 7 rounder. or they send us players off their
roster?
Scenario:
22nd spot worth 780 points = we gain 470 points enough to warrant a second rounder @ about 360 points with the option for 4th,5th,6th and 7th rounder.
Very likely the players of the Dolphins interests will be on the board still and giving us more picks.
1st round picked: Vea at the 19th picked or DA’RON PAYNE, DT, ALABAMA, RASHAAN EVANS, STACK LB, ALABAMA LAMAR JACKSON, QB, LOUISVILLE, MIKE MCGLINCHEY, OT, NOTRE DAME, etc.
2nd round picked D.J. MOORE, WR, MARYLAND https://youtu.be/_nhwT5pxCKk
(should be selected before a tight end he has too much talent to passed on.
2nd round picked 42. WILL HERNANDEZ, G, UTEP we can’t passed on Will either for the future.
I do like the trade back more and more. As I said above to Dunner, “Giants will be a major determiner on the draft… either will take either Allen or Saquon. They had to be offered 3 2nds to move to the Jets spot. They refused. Either because they want Saquon to give Eli one last run or to get Allen to sit behind Eli for 2 years to be groomed. If Allen goes #2, then the Bills will jump ahead of the Fins to get Mayfield… that will push a lot of talent down to us… I realy want Fits or James even more than Vea. Still not crazy on Smith… Edmunds yes, but he’ll be gone before then. If 4 QBs go before us then trade back is far less likely.”
But I’m still very high on Vea. With him over the ball he will destroy C’s and for the double, leaving God and Phillps at the 3 1-on-1 and let Miami move on from Phillips in 2019 if he tries to high ball his contract. I’m just not sold on Smith… not with this front protecting him. Don’t like his red flg for injury at the combine and hate his ability to get physical. I think he would be elite with the right personnel… just not sure this is it. I just can’t imagine him in the nickel. He will get blown up when they audbile him into the mike backer…and we don’t have the front right now to protect him. Maybe if Phillips finally fuly wakes up…but when you see Smith getting mauled by block after block, it’s hard to forget. I think only his good side is being portrayed. I even hear people say play him at the Mike… nuts in my opinion. Now I guess he’ll get picked and be an ALL Pro Mike 🙂
Admin you mentioned that the Fins need a tight End we all agree. On a serious note the Dolphins can walk out of the draft with a tight end in the 3rd Round.
46. MIKE GESICKI, TE, PENN STATE
61. DALLAS GOEDERT, TE, SOUTH DAKOTA ST.
73. IAN THOMAS, TE, INDIANA https://youtu.be/MF_CgpnRBnM;https://youtu.be/FFY0G3cU5eU
Also a tight end maybe in the 7th round or undrafted pick catergory.
Maimi Dolphins needs to trade after this season more players so that we can draft:
My favorite Tightend Ethan Wolf Tennessee TE—https://youtu.be/7ZlogjJgvy4 or
Dalton Schultz Stanford TE Best Blocking Tight End in the PAC 12 5-7 rounder
A quality TE that can inline block will take up a lot of the slack lost to Landry’s departure.
Frank Gore will bring sustainability, competent’s in the Miami Dolphins offensive Back field.
Frank Gore college days https://youtu.be/RSu0BtLH4iQ
The Miami Dolphins must create a run game that can carry this team. Many of us are “TAPPED OUT” ON THE MIAMI DOLPHINS INTERPRETATION OR THEIR VERSION OF A QUARTERBACK. NOT SURE IF I CAN HANDLE ANOTHER YEAR?
ALONG WITH DRAKE AND GORE WE NEED TO DRAFT ANOTHER RUNNING BACK WITHOUT A DOUBT CAN CARRY THE DOLPHINS.
Royce Freeman IS AWAITING FOR THE DOLPHINS TO DRAFT HIM. RATED AS A LATE SECOND ROUNDER.
https://youtu.be/tP6FQN4pXGc
http://heisman.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=376&path=aspirants_
https://youtu.be/l9bm20hsess
Royce Freeman –
MANY FANS WILL SAY WE DON’T HAVE THE PICKS ETC. THIS IS WHY 2018 DRAFT WE NEED TO TRADE BACK TO AT LEAST SPOT 19TH TO 23RD PICKED GIVING US A SURE ADDITIONAL SECOND TO FOURTH, 5TH ROUNDER ETC.
I was very surprised that Gore could still play… I thought he was Foster 2.0 till I watch his tape. I like it a lot and think many Fans have the same opinion I did before watching the tape. He will be a big plus. I do think they draft a RB, but I’d say TE in the second might come first. I think they grab a QB in the 4th and a RB / LB / FS with the other 3rd and 4th. I still believe they go DT or trade back at #11. DT is weak this year in height and depth at the position. At #11 they can grab the #1 DT… I also think Edmunds and James will be gone… I can see Minak dropping to us at #11. If so they might grab Minka or James instead then. Need to spend more time watching Smith… he came in much bigger than in college, like 10+ pounds… I need to reevaluate. But this draft is deep and wide at RB, Miami should Grab a RB at some point. I do like Perry… him and Smith can fight it out for #4. Haven’t watched the RB’s in the draft yet… will start soon… thanks Steve. Also, with the resign of Young I’m not sure they get a OL before the 6th RD.. if at all. Gore had those knee problems and was a real shock to last as long as he did… guys a marvel. I think Ronnie had potential, but wasn’t used right and when he started going with Cameron he blew his knee out.. ashame.
Thanks for your reply back Admin!
I can understand your admiration for Vea he will bring a lot to the Dolphins. The experts are thinking he may be selected around number 19th or later picked. But their are about 6th other Defensive Tackle who are plug and play day 1 for the Dolphins.
Vita Vea*, DT, Washington
1st rounder between 11th and 19th picked
Vea needs to show improvement in the pass rush during 2017. The junior needs to develop some pass-rushing moves to go with his bull rush. He has to become more consistent in creating pressure and laying hits on the quarterback in order to be a highly in-demand draft prospect. Otherwise, he could be viewed as just a nose tackle.
The measurable didn’t always add up to dominance (though they sometimes did), and he’ll need to be rotated out more often than you might like, but Vea has a Dontari Poe-like blend of size and movement skill that rarely come into the league.
Da’Ron Payne*, DT, Alabama 1st rounder
What the stats don’t illustrate is that Payne can be physically dominant. He dominated his one-on-ones last year when he was lining up over guards. Payne causes disruption and makes his teammates better. Payne’s contributions helped the sacks totals of Allen, Tim Williams and Ryan Anderson. Payne could be poised for a big junior year.
His performance in last year’s College Football Playoffs (showing talent on both sides of the ball against Clemson, then dominating against Georgia in the title game) solidified Payne’s spot in Round 1. His brute strength and athleticism will make him a dominant run defender, though he’s still a work-in-progress as a pass rusher.
Harrison Phillips, DT, Stanford 2nd to 4th rounder
As a junior, Phillips had 46 tackles with 9.5 tackles for a loss and 6.5 sacks. He missed his sophomore season with an injury after backing up as a freshman.
B.J. Hill, DT, N.C. State 3rd to 5th rounder
The senior recorded 57 tackles with 5.5 for a loss, three sacks and three passes batted in 2017. As a junior, he totaled 39 tackles with 2.5 for a loss, one sack, one forced fumble and three passes batted. Hill contributed 50 tackles as a sophomore with 3.5 sacks and 40 tackles as a freshman with 1.5 sacks.
Derrick Nnadi, DT, Florida State 3rd to 5th rounder
Nnadi was expected to have a breakout 2016 season, but he wasn’t making much of an impact prior to a huge game against Miami to help lead the Seminoles to a victory. After that, Nnadi was a productive defender for the Seminoles. He totaled 44 tackles with 9.5 tackles for a loss and 5.5 sacks on the year. Nnadi was a solid nose tackle for the Seminoles in 2015, totaling 45 tackles with two for a loss and two sacks. The senior has the upside to develop during 2017.
Tim Settle*, DT, Virginia Tech 2nd to 3rd rounder
The big nose tackle totaled 36 tackles with 12.5 tackles for a loss, four sacks and one pass batted for the year. That was a big improvement over his 2016 season when he had 17 tackles and no sacks. The physical defender is probably more likely to be a second-day pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, given how nose tackles are downgraded.
Admin I do know that the Dallas Cowboys and the New England Patriots has shown a lot of interests in Tim.
3rd to 5th rounder: Rounder Also McIntosh had an impressive 2017 season and caused disruption for Miami at the point of attack. He totaled 52 tackles with 12.5 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, seven passes broken up and one forced fumble on the year. McIntosh also played well as a sophomore with 47 tackles, 2.5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for a loss. McIntosh has scheme flexibility with the ability to play tackle in a 4-3 and serve as an end in a 3-4. https://youtu.be/nfcletff2PA
due to the wide nine and our love of a 4-3 NT, Settle and Hill look like good fits. Payne is nice too… but at #11 it’s a bit of an over draft. Again, your trade back would be a nice move if they could get Payne later or Settle with the extra pick in the 2nd or 3rd. Not really sold on the smaller DT for this scheme because they set the ends out so wide. Unless you are John Randle or Donalds you are getting eaten up inside by doubles at 280-290… even Suh once he was past his prime was getting swallowed up by the doubles. Man that interior DL of the Rams is going to be beastly… excited to watch it… glad we don’t play them… do we? Need to check..
When these Running Backs were drafted the Fins didn’t have a first or second round picked. The Fins could have drafted Frank Gore but Nick Saban drafted Ronnie Brown.
The Four Horsemen of Miami
https://youtu.be/gcI4qVCu-t0
1. Edgerrin James (1999 1st round 4th picked to Indianapolis
Miami Dolphins did not have a 1st round but drafted two running backs in the second round.
2nd round 39th pick- J.J. Johnson RB Mississippi State
2nd round 43rd pick- Rob Konrad RB Syracuse
2. Willis McGahee 2003 -1st round picked 23 blew his knee out in a Bowl game against Ohio State drafted by the Bills. Miami Dolphins did not have a 1st round picked but a second round
2nd round 49th pick Eddie Moore LB Tennessee
3. Clinton Portis 2002 – 2nd round picked number 51st drafted by Denver. The Miami Dolphins did not have a 1st or 2nd round picked
3rd round 90th picked Seth McKinney C Texas A&M
4. Frank Gore 3rd round picked number 65th, 2005 to 2014 Drafted by 49 Niners, Miami drafted Ronnie Brown.
1st round 2nd picked Ronnie Brown RB Auburn
2st round 46th picked Matt Roth DE Iowa
3rd round 70th picked Channing Crowder LB Florida
That was a pretty poor 3 rounds… that draft was very light on talent in the top 5… Crowder wasn’t bad. Roth meh… more talk about his bar room brawls… I like Ronnie, but we never could get him going… We have been pretty piss poor for a long, long time when it comes to the draft… so far though, I do like 16 and 17…