Running Backs Receiving Crucial To Offense
Running Backs volume of catching the ball is expected to rise in 2017
Running Back’ receiving, especially screens helps slow the pass rush
It’s hard for most NFL fans to say they aren’t impressed with Coach Adam Gase.
In one short season, he has begun the turn around of a franchise that’s been a doormat for most of this century.
Yeah, Gase might be young, but his ability to connect with his players, intelligence, and refreshingly creative offensive mind has Miami Dolphins fans and players alike believing in a bright future.
One key to the success of 2017 season that Gase has mentioned is the backs must be more involved in the passing game.
Miami RB’s had a few big catches for Miami in 2016. They made the difference in a couple of games and made a couple others close.
So, how big an effect would there be if the backs receiving production sees a sharp rise?
Gase was aware that he was limited at the positions of Tight End and Running backs, and the pass catching production suffered as a result. He made it a point to address the TE position with Julius Thomas, and during OTA’s is putting more focus on getting the RB’s better at catching the ball.
In the modern game, RB’s assignments entail far more than just running
It would be a massive understatement to say that if Miami utilizes the Running Backs in the passing game more effectively this year it would be a good move.
When backs are used correctly in the passing game, then it’s not only a very dangerous weapon, but opens up the second and third levels. Just look at the Patriots.
If defenses are forced to key in on all four levels of the passing game and every receiving threat, especially given the talent of Miami’s wide outs, then opponents will be stretched to the limits. Tendencies to blitz will diminish, and one crucial aspect of this is it will lend strength to the Dolphins Offensive Line… and we all know that they can use all the help they can get.
So it’s not entirely surprising that when Offensive Coordinator Clyde Christensen was speaking about Jay Ajayi, he was most impressed with how improved he’s become at catching the football. Don’t forget that in Ajayi’s last season at Boise State he had 50 receptions for 535 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns, which clearly shows he has the ability to be a threat in the passing game.
If the rumours are true, Gase must giddy about expanding his play book.
Most pay per head review sites will agree that an expansion of the Running Back screen game will be a huge benefit to Miami’s offense… and to Ajayi’s overall game and him reaching superstar level.
Backs that excel at running and receiving are key to the modern game
However, it doesn’t end with just Ajayi improving in the passing game. Reports are coming out that both Damien Williams and Kenyan Drake have also been working on their pass catching skills as well.
Williams was tendered this off-season, because he was one of our most dangerous weapons in the Redzone, accumulating 6 touchdowns last season (3 running and 3 receiving). He was our most effective pass catching running back. Williams was one of two backs to not drop any passes targeted his way–he hasn’t dropped a pass in two seasons. Gase will continue to find creative ways to get him the ball.
Drake was used sparingly last year. However, he has the biggest chunk yardage threat ability of any of our backs, and what better way to get him quickly into open space then with screen passes, swings, or flats?
Gase has a much bigger vision for his offense this season. And while this is just one small piece of the big picture that he will install… it’s small but crucial. What are the rest of the Miami Dolphins News fans thoughts about the Dolphins incorporating more passing plays to their Running Backs this season?
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A little write up of the leagues undrafted free agents that are turning heads BR
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2713916-which-undrafted-free-agents-are-turning-heads-in-otas?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=nfl
Theres that guy (rookie), Morgan
I would love to see Ajayi more in the passing game. After his numbers in college I expected him to be decent out of the backfield. He looked lost out in the flat sometimes. But he is a hard enough worker to get better. Williams is already a good receiver and drake can be. But the guy who is on the field the most being a good receiver would make a big difference
I believe you will see Ajayi catch 40 +/_ balls this season. When he gets rolling in the open field,,,,, ouch, watch out, hes hard enough to bring down between the tackles, let alone in the flat one-on-one, or 10 yards down field by a CB???
I also think that Drake can be special when it comes to catching passes. With his size and speed, he has the perfect combination for mismatch heaven.
I know I am an optimist when it comes to our beloved Dolphins, but to me it seems that Gase and co. have assembled the BEST roster this team has had since the Marino days (much better than the ’08 team that went 11-5). I know, someone point it out-that our guards stink, well I don’t see it that way, Gase believes he can game plan accordingly (ala-Billacheat). Until proven otherwise, I believe too!!! I just do not see this team descending. I can understand the national media claiming that we are good for 5-6 wins (recent history), but if you follow this team, there is something going on, something larger than what most see on paper/roster. Its been so long, we have forgotten what a difference a coach and staff can make. Ross finally got it right!!!
Word on the street (Media OTA observations/Coaches words): Stills is quietly having his best campaign ever, will he improve on the 9 TDs from last year??? Coaches mentioning how he is a different player. Can you say best WR group in the league???
Timmons is a difference maker on and off the field (locker room).
Parker looks bigger, stronger, healthier. He also practices/runs at 110% every rep. Can you say BEST WR group in the league???
How can Ajayi be the most improved player this year??? That is coming from Christensen.
Phillips effort (for now) has been what they are looking for.
Safety McDonald is a player, period! Can you say BEST safety combo in the league post week 8???? He is that good (coaches words, not mine)! Long term deal to lock him up with Jones for the next 3-4 years, be nice.
Rookies: HARRIS is for real. He just may be the starter opposite Wake by mid season. Special player.
Drew Morgan (WR) continues to make plays, continues to get open, understands leverage in and out of
routes (major strength for slot WRs). Read where Morgan’s next dropped pass will be his first of the
OTAs.
MORGAN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMx3l6VmOVM
Maurice Smith keeps getting noticed. (Thats what we need, another safety)
I think we’ll be surprised at the Defense and how it progresses as far as cohesion and talent. McDonald, Jones, Thomas, and Allen will be a big upgrade as far as depth goes. This receiving core is looking very sick given Stills, Landry and Parker who appears ready to explode.. then you have Carroo, Morgan, Grant, and Ford who could all advance. Can’t keep them all, but best of the bunch would be nice and then there are trades. Still I’m going to echo Lemmus. The heights of the season will be based on the line, and specifically the interior. Lastly, Burke seems like the defense version of Gase… and if so, that would be a very good thing.
AGREE! A back that can run and catch, and is a threat at both puts HUGE pressure on a defense… then add in all the other weapons and it could be a match up hell for even the best. Also, if he can produce yard from behind the LOS, how beastly will he be if he starts 5 + yards over the LOS or with screens? Could be a lot of fun to watch, Samson.
We need more similar plays from our Dolphins this season.
NFL Best Screen Pass TDs
https://youtu.be/7rJPwewkUN4
Best “Big Guy” Moments in NFL History
https://youtu.be/LVZ4o1pbRIk
Phillips gave us a decent big guy moment in 2016… hope we get more. They are so much fun.
If we are talking about screen plays this will help the Dolphins questionable offensive line.
Maybe the Dolphins can perfect the screen pass. Most of the Dolphins pass plays I notice the R/B are open but overlooked.
‘Low-risk, high-reward’ screen passes being used more in NFL
http://pro32.ap.org/article/low-risk-high-reward-screen-passes-being-used-more-nfl
“If you have a young quarterback or an offensive line that might be struggling a little bit, those are great ways to get the ball out of the quarterback’s hand. Easy completions,” Gruden said. “Even when they don’t work, they’re usually incomplete — a throw in the dirt is fine — or even gain 1 or 2 yards.”
Some teams, such as the reigning Super Bowl champion New England Patriots, essentially use screens in place of running plays.
“It is a way to help the quarterback out. It avoids the hits. You get the ball in a playmaker’s hands and let them do their thing,” Bears offensive coordinator Adam Gase said. “Instead of standing back there, holding onto the ball and trying to take shots down the field, sometimes you can throw it short and hit home runs.”
I agree 1 or 2 effective screens open up the defense in game and in following weeks as teams are preparing for it. Miami had the nice one to Damien last year, but other than that I can’t remember a real gasher with a screen. Nice quotes, they hit home the notion. Thanks, brother.