The offense is usually the slowest to come around in training camp.
The Miami Offense has it’s the strongest unit in WR’s – they should be able to pass, right?!
Okay, the Miami Dolphins offense has completed 7 days of training camp, and the picture is slowly getting clearer as to what this “O” will be like. Luckily, there is still five more weeks or so to get things sharper.
This team is incomplete…that’s a fact, but what team isn’t?
Look at the Patriots, Seattle, Steelers, and Cardinals, they all have holes, but they coach and scheme around them and drive opposing teams into dealing with their strengths and not their weaknesses.
So what has training camp revealed so far about the 2016 Dolphins’ strengths, and can the power of their strength past their weaknesses to have a good offensive season?
First: Ryan Tannehill has been a training camp star the last 2 years. Unfortunately, that has not translated into him being a star in the regular season. But, with a new staff, scheme and the addition of a full compliment of audibles (can’t believe it took this long) for this training camp, he has not looked that sharp. This can easily be attributed to the former rationals. So, it’s understandable the passing game is still a bit raw and out of sync. At this point, it shouldn’t be much of a concern, because reps should work out their timing and make for a crisper passing game.
As an addendum, a lot of the passing game will hinge on DeVante Parker‘s healthy – he makes the receiver core far more dynamic. So, the passing game, which is expected to be a strength, should be considered a “push” at this point.
On a final, positive note on the passing game, Jarvis Landry has been truly outstanding and he looks to have an even better season this year. Just gotta’ love that guy!!!
In terms of the tight ends, they have been eerily quiet this entire camp so far. Considering that Adam Gase likes to run a lot of two tight-end sets and get them active in the passing game, this is a bit concerning. Jordan Cameron struggled last season to develop a chemistry with Tannehill, and it looks like things have not changed since. Dion Sims excels at blocking, but he is inconsistent, and Duarte has only surfaced a few times. The TE’s so far have appeared to be the weakest group and also have the double whammy of bad history to compound the dour prognostication. So, the outlook doesn’t appear bright.
The run game completely hinges on health, so with both Jay Ajayi and Kenyan Drake having each suffered minor injuries, there is more onus on Arian Foster – who has had his own health issues. The bigger concern is the fact that this is not the first time these players have suffered injuries, which makes the best pay per head website seriously question their durability. Bottom line: if Foster can carry for 220-250 this season, this run game will be a strength. So, at this point with a big asterisk next to it, *Miami appears to have the ability to support the passing game with an above-average – good rushing attack.
The 2016 offense will be made or broken by O-Line play.
This leaves the O-line…
…THE MOST important factor!
The offensive line has been getting dominated by our defensive line on a daily basis. I’m not sure if this is a testament to how great our defensive line is, or offensive line struggles, but I would imagine its a little bit of both. Brandon Albert has been a stud – maybe he’s a glass stud, but he’s a stud, nonetheless. Tunsil is a fine back-up LT at this point, and he is gaining traction at Left Guard. Dallas Thomas has had a good camp – so far, and looks to be a decent back-up LG. The Center position with Pouncy is solid – although, a back-up still hasn’t claimed the spot. Right Guard has had Turner really step it up and Bushrod finding his way. Right Tackle has Ju’Waun James who is good, but his camp has only been above-average, so far. RT back-up is still unanswered. They tried Turner, but so far that isn’t going well. RT depth is a question mark. A surprise for me is how quiet the presence of Kraig Urbik has been – literally, I don’t think I have heard his name mentioned once!
The O-Line doesn’t seem to be a top 5 or top 10 line at this point. But, chemistry is so crucial and without a consistent starting group, it’s impossible to say what their heights could be. But, reality is, this is a much better unit than last year. Yes, that’s not saying much. But, I see this squad without-a-doubt cracking into the teens. You might say that’s it?! If they had that good of line last year, even with the dysfunction, they would have crept close to 9 wins.
So, offensively, beyond the obvious of Tannehill going down, the output depends on the health of Parker, Albert and Foster. All the areas outside of TE appear to be at least solid with solid depth and the opportunity to be even better than that. The problem is, if any other these three player go down, the dynamics of the offense change drastically. But, if these three remain healthy, this will be a good offense given it’s ability to attack all areas of the field and being powered by a competent play caller. Go Fins!!!