Urbik And Bushrod Are Likely Dolphins Starting Guards

Urbik will look godlike compared to the poor play of Dolphins guards in 2015.

Urbik And Bushrod Are Likely Miami Starting Guards

Just about every Fin Fan wanted the Miami Dolphins to move mountains to make a huge upgrade at guard in 2016. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but that massive upgrade likely isn’t happening. It might not even happen in the Draft, unless the draft presents a good one, gift wrapped with a bow, because the Dolphins have zero intention of reaching for one. I’m not saying I like it. I don’t. But, that’s what the tea-leaves are saying: Urbik and Bushrod will likely be Miami’s starting guards.

Should we all scream out like Bill Paxton’s character in Aliens 2 : “That’s it! Game over, man! Game over!”

Look, I’m not going to blow smoke up your tailpipe, there is no silver lining saying all is well with Miami’s offensive line. These new guards aren’t going to the Hall Of Fame anytime soon – unless they buy a ticket. The Dolphins three best O-linemen Albert, Pouncy, and James have been down so much they remind me of the Life Alert commercial where senior citizens are shouting “I’ve fallen down and I can’t get up”! Football gambling fans are smart to bet that this season will likely repeat the trend in some form.

Urbik And Bushrod are competent, reasonably priced stop gaps.

While some of the reservations about the “new” guards are true, some are not.

First, both are not old. Yes, they are in the final years of their prime, but not old. Bushrod is 31 and Urbik 30.

Second is their skill level, while not stellar, they aren’t the trash Miami had last season.

Kraig Urbik is a veteran guard and a big fella at 6’5”, 324. Last year, the Bills moved from Zone to Man blocking and Urbik didn’t fit the new scheme as well. Urbik ranked 48 out of 81 guard and is an immediate upgrade. Sad as it is to say, a solid starter is light years better than what Miami fielded last year. On the bright side of things, I found an interesting note on Urbik that showed, he has some flash.

Pro Football focus’ 2013 ALL AFCE Team: “Urbik continues to fly under the radar as one of the league’s solid guards. He ranked 21st overall at the position, including a +4.8 pass block grade that ranked 19th. He also came in eighth in Pass Blocking Efficiency at 97.3.”

Bushrod is another big guy at 6’5” 320lbs, and while spending his career as a tackle, he is a former Pro Bowler – though many would say they are “Pouncy” esq awards. His main weakness throughout his career has been speed rushers. The move inside will eliminate much of that issue issue. He has practiced in all five line spots in front of the current coach, Adam Gase. Since Gase went full on to get him, Bushrod will be a strong indicator of Gase’s acumen in evaluation. Bushrod is a solid starter and upgrade over Thomas.

Will they dominate – very, very doubtful. Will they be competent – likely.

The downside, Bushrod has recurring shoulder problems, and Urbik or Bushrod aren’t getting any better.

Fin Fans, management is spending this season regrouping, stocking picks, clearing up the cap, and getting the foundation set. Next year, they will be loaded with compensatory draft picks and a ship shape cap and that’s been the goal of this regime. We all wanted to build through the draft. We all wanted to get the ship headed in the right direction. This is want rebuilding looks like. Adam Gase has stated: “We are more than one player away.” Truth hurts, but it’s the truth. Go Fins!!!