The Phins rushing attack has had as much pop as a geriatric patient low on Geritol. Poor coaching and a terrible Offensive Line are two of the more popular reasons for poor production. Now, the fans and media are calling for switching up the running backs.
However you slice it: Miami won’t be consistent until they run the ball effectively.
But is Miami’s running game a lost cause?
If not, what can be done?
First, let’s understand that the offensive line and running backs are a marriage. How well they perform depends on skillsets complimenting each other… as well as talent.
Let’s say a team has the best man-blocking center, inside zone running back, and the rest of the O-line is pretty good running outside zone, but poor in man and inside zone.
The coach decides to use outside zone as the backbone of the run game because that’s where he can the most players playing in the most optimal scheme for their skillsets. Unfortunately, the center isn’t agile enough and gets beat a ton and the running back isn’t fast enough and doesn’t have the agility to cutback. The rushing attack ends up a disaster.
The media then dubs the center and running back as hot garbage…
… But the truth is the marriage of all involved is a bad one.
This analogy is part of the reason for the Dolphins running back troubles.
While the Phins O-line isn’t talented and demotions are needed, Miami’s O-line and running backs is a group of disparate parts.
As an example, Kaylan Ballage is getting roasted by the media… and he should for his receiving, but not for his rushing skills.
Ballage is a one-cut back with speed and power that lacks acceleration and agility. In 2019, he is averaging a pathetic 0.4 YBC (Yards Before Contact). That means he is getting less than a half a yard before he is hit. No back with Ballages skillset would thrive in this environment. This is a bad marriage.
Now, the more agile back Drake is getting 1.7 YBC because he can pick his way through the bad blocks. This is why Walton and his 2.8 YBC would be even better suited for this line. You could add Laird in the mix as well.
While Ballage is only 2 down back at this stage of his career, he’s a potent runner in a one-cut, man or inside zone scheme. The problem with running this scheme is Daniel Kilgore doesn’t have great strength or technique to overcome his ‘small’ size of 6’3” 291 lbs.
Miami has tried to compensate for his shortcomings, as well as Isidora and Webb’s, with loads of motion and pulling to given them leverage through play design. This though increases the difficulty level of the play tremendously… and that adds more problems than it fixes.
Still, this Kilgore weakness cripples this run game as it pigeon holes their options. He must have help with a double or slant block on a defender away from the play. Other than that his likelihood of missing the block is very high.
It’s time to move on from Kilgore at center… if Flores wants to win.
Kilgore is weak and constantly dominated by power
Even smaller DTs dominate Kilgore and he can’t even outpower an LB on a pull block
There are so many issues with Kilgore on this critical play
This is designed cutback to the left as the pulling guard indicates and the fact that the DT in the A-Gap isn’t chipped by Kilgore.
With this play design, WHY on earth does Kilgore take an outside step right first and aim for the right side of the MLB? His job is to cut off the MLB left on the cutback. This was a terrible read.
Sadly, these are just some of the poor plays that go into Kilgore’s horrific PFF run-blocking grade of 45.5.
The ‘fixes’ from Coach Phinsnews
It’s time for Kilgore to be the team captain he is, take his $9mill for the season and accept a demotion with a smile. He missed Wednesday and Thursday’s practice and was limited Friday. This is the perfect cover to have him to transition to a backup.
Evan Boehm is listed as a C/G. He is a big man who could handle power at the point as the center. Either he or Reed needs to step in. If it’s Reed at center then Boehm at right guard.
Still, Boehm and Calhoun might be better in the long run.
You can bet with the pay per head sites history will repeat itself until he is removed.
If Davis doesn’t play removing Kilgore will be more difficult. But, so far it looks like Davis will play. If this ends up the case, bench Kilgore, add Boehm, run inside zone as the scheme backbone, and sprinkle in some new backs to see if they have some juice.
Go Phins!!!
P.S. To our awesome Phinsnews readers: Sorry for not covering the Phins this week in a proper fashion… I was sick as a dog.
1st Round: To get Taylor in the 20’s would be a steal when he is ranked the number 3 player in the country. Johnathan Taylor: https://youtu.be/-4XCg-ijETw
A very good center will change the complexion of this offense. The LT isn’t the key piece it used to be. Interior pressure is now the premium… I’ll check into them thanks… still on the mend.
Good to hear that you are feeling better. Some times it take a minute to regenerate your body.
Tyler Biadasz Wisconsin is listed as the top center in college but I would not draft him in the 1st round. Here’s the dilemma I see with the Dolphins. The Fins need to address every position, how far should they reach for a need vs the best player at that would be picked?
On paper the order may differ but the top five are consistence.
1. Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama, Jr.
Jeudy is the crown jewel of what is shaping up to be a special 2020 class of receivers. He’s the best prospect at the position in almost a decade.
2. Chase Young, Edge, Ohio St., Jr.
The criminal justice major has been an unstoppable force for the Buckeyes with seven sacks in their first four games this season. This after he contributed 10.5 his sophomore season.
3. Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia, Jr.
The powerful, athletic left tackle is equally dominant in the run game and pass protection. Thomas was a standout against Notre Dame’s talented front-seven.
4. Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama, Jr.
Is he good enough to tank for? We’ll see. He’s currently running neck-and-neck with former teammate, Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts, for the Heisman. Tagovailoa has passed for 1,300 yards, 17 touchdowns and zero interceptions with a completion rate of 77.7 percent through four games.
5. Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon, Sr.
You can’t question Herbert’s arm talent or physical tools. However, his ability to process the entire field is still a work in progress.
Ricky Williams, Reggie Bush and Ronnie Brown were all 1st round picks. But for some reason the Fins have been hating on the Running Backs.
We have drafted one Quarterback in the 1st round in twenty some years and that was Tannehill who I always thought to be suspect for that position. Hating on the QB’s
Teams select between 75 and 100 pass plays for a game, and 15-20 running plays when assembling a game plan for a given week. I think a team like the dolphins need to have a true running back who can carry 30 or more carries a game and A QB smart talented enough to handle the ball i.e passing,screen or just run plays.
1st quarter Bills Josh Allen QB 0/5 completion, QB 1 fumble, QB 2 interception, special teams fumble Pat’s recover score 13 /0 Frank Gore 1st down, Frank Gore break long for run bout 30 yards or more Allen’s throw interception. Allen has strong arm but not moving his offense.
Frank Gore is 36 years old and 40 yards from 15000 career rushing. Only Walter Paton, Emmet Smith and Barry Sanders are in front of him.
This is why I believe in having a run first team but prefer balance. It is totally irresponsible for a
Coach to subject his team to a QB who cannot move forward and take charge. Meaning the Bill’s QB who is losing the game for them.
It’s like a Script from the Dolphins play book for 2 decades. Our Josh Rosen is fine. The organization has failed Josh.
This one college player will be a steal in the Draft. 1. What would you say about a QB who has leads two different college football programs to perfection?, But the experts keep saying he’s not NFL ready?
That players is Jalen Hurst Oklahoma Sooners – No. 1 Position Quarterback Class Senior Career history College Alabama (2016–2018) Oklahoma (2019–present) Bowl games 2016 Peach Bowl 2017 National Championship Game 2018 Sugar Bowl 2018 National Championship Game 2018 Orange Bowl 2019 National Championship Game High school Channelview (TX) Personal information Born: August 7, 1998 (age 21) Houston, Texas Height 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) Weight 225 lb (102 kg) Career highlights and awards 2018 National Quarterback Club College Quarterback of the Year (shared with Tua Tagovailoa) CFP National Champion (2018) First-team All-SEC (2016) 2x SEC Champion (2016, 2018) SEC Offensive Player of the Year (2016) SEC Freshman of the Year (2016)
Most polls don’t have him listed in the top 50 players. Asked me would I draft him? Yes! I keep saying we need to draft two QB’s. Dolphins have the option to have Tua and Hurts again together.
Great article. Thanks for all the knowledge and tape breakdown even on your sick week. Greatly appreciated. I find myself more enthralled with the minutia than any other season in years past. Seems like when you are starting from scratch you wanna see the team improve on fundamentals week to week and this type of article is crack for a crack head. Keep up the great work M.J. and Jimmy, it makes this down season all the more bearable. Favorite Phins news site by far, the quality of the articles is unrivaled.
Thank, Diego soo much… REALLY! Great pick me up in my battle with the mung! Yeah, given the ugliness of the Phins that’s the only sanity I can cling to as a fan and write the minutia. It’s why I don’t get too high or too low. I try to take the mindset of a coach. You can worry or whine just analyze and fix… I can’t fix of course other than as an armchair coach…. but you get my drift. Thanks again a ton. I do think Miami can win today.
1st round:
2020 NFL Draft – Top Centers
27th Tyler Biadasz Wisconsin https://youtu.be/g3PGMTkzWJ0
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Second round:
41st Darryl Williams Mississippi State https://youtu.be/V0G8lXDajXU; https://youtu.be/gp5uR4br0X8
47th Lloyd Cushenberry LSU
3rd round
68th Nick Harris Washington, https://youtu.be/KGdFih728NU
85th Sean Pollard Clemson; https://youtu.be/PZy1wYwKDLQ
1st Round: To get Taylor in the 20’s would be a steal when he is ranked the number 3 player in the country.
Johnathan Taylor:
https://youtu.be/-4XCg-ijETw
Round 4th the dolphins are good selecting running running backs in the 4th.
https://youtu.be/N1_0zZJ8ors
A very good center will change the complexion of this offense. The LT isn’t the key piece it used to be. Interior pressure is now the premium… I’ll check into them thanks… still on the mend.
Good to hear that you are feeling better. Some times it take a minute to regenerate your body.
Tyler Biadasz Wisconsin is listed as the top center in college but I would not draft him in the 1st round. Here’s the dilemma I see with the Dolphins. The Fins need to address every position, how far should they reach for a need vs the best player at that would be picked?
On paper the order may differ but the top five are consistence.
1. Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama, Jr.
Jeudy is the crown jewel of what is shaping up to be a special 2020 class of receivers. He’s the best prospect at the position in almost a decade.
2. Chase Young, Edge, Ohio St., Jr.
The criminal justice major has been an unstoppable force for the Buckeyes with seven sacks in their first four games this season. This after he contributed 10.5 his sophomore season.
3. Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia, Jr.
The powerful, athletic left tackle is equally dominant in the run game and pass protection. Thomas was a standout against Notre Dame’s talented front-seven.
4. Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama, Jr.
Is he good enough to tank for? We’ll see. He’s currently running neck-and-neck with former teammate, Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts, for the Heisman. Tagovailoa has passed for 1,300 yards, 17 touchdowns and zero interceptions with a completion rate of 77.7 percent through four games.
5. Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon, Sr.
You can’t question Herbert’s arm talent or physical tools. However, his ability to process the entire field is still a work in progress.
Eyes on the Fins run game!
Ricky Williams, Reggie Bush and Ronnie Brown were all 1st round picks. But for some reason the Fins have been hating on the Running Backs.
We have drafted one Quarterback in the 1st round in twenty some years and that was Tannehill who I always thought to be suspect for that position. Hating on the QB’s
Teams select between 75 and 100 pass plays for a game, and 15-20 running plays when assembling a game plan for a given week. I think a team like the dolphins need to have a true running back who can carry 30 or more carries a game and A QB smart talented enough to handle the ball i.e passing,screen or just run plays.
Bills beat Patriots today! Defense!
What was I smoking!
1st quarter Bills Josh Allen QB 0/5 completion, QB 1 fumble, QB 2 interception, special teams fumble Pat’s recover score 13 /0 Frank Gore 1st down, Frank Gore break long for run bout 30 yards or more Allen’s throw interception.
Allen has strong arm but not moving his offense.
Frank Gore is 36 years old and 40 yards from 15000 career rushing. Only Walter Paton, Emmet Smith and Barry Sanders are in front of him.
This is why I believe in having a run first team but prefer balance. It is totally irresponsible for a
Coach to subject his team to a QB who cannot move forward and take charge. Meaning the Bill’s QB who is losing the game for them.
It’s like a Script from the Dolphins play book for 2 decades. Our Josh Rosen is fine. The organization has failed Josh.
Allen has a 2 cent brain… ashame… he could be so good.
Brady the best at handling pressure.
This one college player will be a steal in the Draft.
1. What would you say about a QB who has leads two different college football programs to perfection?, But the experts keep saying he’s not NFL ready?
That players is Jalen Hurst Oklahoma Sooners – No. 1
Position Quarterback
Class Senior
Career history
College
Alabama (2016–2018)
Oklahoma (2019–present)
Bowl games
2016 Peach Bowl
2017 National Championship Game
2018 Sugar Bowl
2018 National Championship Game
2018 Orange Bowl
2019 National Championship Game
High school Channelview (TX)
Personal information
Born: August 7, 1998 (age 21)
Houston, Texas
Height 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight 225 lb (102 kg)
Career highlights and awards
2018 National Quarterback Club College Quarterback of the Year (shared with Tua Tagovailoa)
CFP National Champion (2018)
First-team All-SEC (2016)
2x SEC Champion (2016, 2018)
SEC Offensive Player of the Year (2016)
SEC Freshman of the Year (2016)
Most polls don’t have him listed in the top 50 players. Asked me would I draft him? Yes! I keep saying we need to draft two QB’s. Dolphins have the option to have Tua and Hurts again together.
Great article. Thanks for all the knowledge and tape breakdown even on your sick week. Greatly appreciated. I find myself more enthralled with the minutia than any other season in years past. Seems like when you are starting from scratch you wanna see the team improve on fundamentals week to week and this type of article is crack for a crack head. Keep up the great work M.J. and Jimmy, it makes this down season all the more bearable. Favorite Phins news site by far, the quality of the articles is unrivaled.
Thank, Diego soo much… REALLY! Great pick me up in my battle with the mung! Yeah, given the ugliness of the Phins that’s the only sanity I can cling to as a fan and write the minutia. It’s why I don’t get too high or too low. I try to take the mindset of a coach. You can worry or whine just analyze and fix… I can’t fix of course other than as an armchair coach…. but you get my drift. Thanks again a ton. I do think Miami can win today.