Dolphins Offensive Line is one “Richie Incognito” away from taking a big step forward.
Beyond “Bully Gate”, Incognito’s fierce competitiveness was an essential quantity.
Miami’s scrimmage Saturday had a “no juice” offense on display with players walking around like zombies. Say what you will if Richie Incognito was there that would not have been the case. If you take just his on-field, tough-guy personality
Fast forward to today’s practice, where 1st string offense lined up against 2nd string defense with a chance to redeem themselves of the beating they took on Saturday from said 2nd string.
Sans the bubble and a switch a guards, the results this time – thankfully – was not a “Groundhog Day” replay.
It wasn’t perfect, there’s a lot to improve, but it was a step forward.
Laremy Tunsil was at Left Guard and Dallas Thomas at Right Guard.
Tunsil acquitted himself as a player with an arrow pointing up.
There were some chunk yard runs, Jordan Phillips found himself displaced by Tunsil and the rookie started to appear like he was “getting it”.
Unfortunately, Dallas Thomas did not.
He wasn’t terrible. But, it doesn’t take an expert at the best pay per head site to see it’s just more of the same.
Incognito set the tone and brought toughness to the line – something that is missing at RG.
Yes, Miami’s Wide-Nine makes perimeter runs difficult.
To quote coach Adam Gase, “That (stretch run) being a play that we are looking to be able to run, and we are doing it against one of the toughest defenses to do it against. If we can figure out a way to do it against this defense, then we should be able to do it against just about any other team we are going to play. We are going to keep repping it. We are going to rep it during the preseason, and we’re going to work it in the regular season.”
In this Wide-Nine, the inside “supposed too be” the “softer” part, especially on the stretch runs plays, where cutbacks and the backside lanes open when a team is commits too much outside. Up to this point, the Dolphins inside O-Linemen haven’t been able to make good.
Today, Tunsil had some analysts and beat writers nodding their heads in approval.
This still leaves one guard spot with a big ole’ question mark.
That’s why Miami might just be one Incognito type player away from having the line they envisioned.
Maybe it will end up being Turner who has the physical attributes to be that run-block, enforcer RG?
Maybe Urbik can awaken and make a mid-season push for it?
Maybe Bushrod is going to fill that spot once he gets used to Guard and the right side?
Maybe?
While Tunsil has shown fire and ability, and looks like he is going to make a difference this season – Miami is one guard short. There is still plenty time and several players offer hope. But, this line needs more attitude and will to “bring the bull”…and they need it a.s.a.p! This Friday’s Pre-Season game will help clarify the direction. Go Fins!!!
…Friday night at the subway station …first string starts, two series, four pass plays …Thomas at LG …Tannehill gets hit or badly pressured on three out of four pass attempts …way to go Turnstile!!!
…how’d that weight room strategy work out for ya? …oops, still have those two left feet …and you might actually be half a step slower …but your muscle-bound toes are stronger, eh …looks to me like it made the turnstile action a lot smoother, it did
…I say again, how the hell is this guy still on the roster, much less as starting LG …still looking for that insurance policy on Tannehill, I am
…first string plays as is, we go 0-4 …otoh, our backups embarrassed the starters …badly 🙂
He’s gone…Tunsil did very well and Thomas’ time is nigh…I quoted you on the next article. But, I tell you Turner at RT is almost as terrible!!!! Hey, didn’t Pead look good…really surprised me!!!
…yeah, i’d love another Incognito …the idea that Thomas is still listed as the starter at LG just blows my mind …I can’t even stomach him as a back-up …he WILL fail, big time, when the game is on
…can’t wait to see him cut or traded …but Gase seems infatuated with making him over …whatever
I think he will slowly fall deeper down the chart. He will end up as a back up RG if he stays. Turner, Thomas or Urbik will get cut McLeodin (spelling is likely off) was cut today so they are getting serious about the RG spot early. Thing will Thomas is he is cheap and okay at times, Turner is hot or cold, and Urbik and Bushrod (if they make it ) will be mid camp pushes as they are more expensive and older. Gase likely wants to do due diligence on the younger guys. And yeah, I know you despise him…I’ve been there too. Only reason I don’t despise him is he should have never been a LG to begin with- RG should have been his home from the start…but, Philbust had a plan.
…Friday night at the subway station …first string starts, two series, four pass plays …Thomas at LG …Tannehill gets hit or badly pressured on three out of four pass attempts …way to go Turnstile!!!
…how’d that weight room strategy work out for ya? …oops, still have those two left feet …and you might actually be half a step slower …but your muscle-bound toes are stronger, eh …looks to me like it made the turnstile action a lot smoother, it did
…I say again, how the hell is this guy still on the roster, much less as starting LG …still looking for that insurance policy on Tannehill, I am
…first string plays as is, we go 0-4 …otoh, our backups embarrassed the starters …badly 🙂
He’s gone…Tunsil did very well and Thomas’ time is nigh…I quoted you on the next article. But, I tell you Turner at RT is almost as terrible!!!! Hey, didn’t Pead look good…really surprised me!!!
This is just it why did we let him leave?
Ohhh Steve, you still don’t understand the Genius of Philbin’s ability to destroy a team…he is the Einstein of FUBAR!!!
…yeah, i’d love another Incognito …the idea that Thomas is still listed as the starter at LG just blows my mind …I can’t even stomach him as a back-up …he WILL fail, big time, when the game is on
…can’t wait to see him cut or traded …but Gase seems infatuated with making him over …whatever
I think he will slowly fall deeper down the chart. He will end up as a back up RG if he stays. Turner, Thomas or Urbik will get cut McLeodin (spelling is likely off) was cut today so they are getting serious about the RG spot early. Thing will Thomas is he is cheap and okay at times, Turner is hot or cold, and Urbik and Bushrod (if they make it ) will be mid camp pushes as they are more expensive and older. Gase likely wants to do due diligence on the younger guys. And yeah, I know you despise him…I’ve been there too. Only reason I don’t despise him is he should have never been a LG to begin with- RG should have been his home from the start…but, Philbust had a plan.