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!!!