Phins must make changes to get the run game going
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.
This doesn’t lay all the blame of the failed run game on Kilgore. For example, in Week 2 the brunt of the reason for Miami’s failed running game was on the Tight Ends. It also doesn’t take the blame off Drake who read wrong and fumbled on that Dallas Red Zone drive. But, just as last year, Kilgore is a poor run blocker due to his small size and limited strength and technique.
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.
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