Looks like it'll be a run oriented offense complimented by a more opened up passing game...... both with a greater ability to pick up "chunk yardage". Maybe Sparano & Ross have found a happy medium to their wants. http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/teams/report/MIA/14858630/sticking-to-running-the-ball If Ireland truly does like Lex, and Tony wants an explosive, complimentary game-changer, then maybe Ingram isn't in the cards as much as much as many people deduce. I can assume we'll be targeting a quality COP back and a playmaking #2 TE and/or WR. (too bad we didn't take the mentioned Best when we had the chance so we wouldn't have to worry about this now. ). So we're going to stay run oriented, just not the "run oriented" that we've been used to with Ricky and Ronnie. Yay. I'm curious what exactly he and Daboll have in mind. Hopefully this means we've finally moved out of the strictly conservative, overly possession-based offensive mentality.
by "looking different" I hope he means gaining yards...... if so, I hope it looks a "lot" different, not just a little. lol.
Any Qb has to enjoy the ability to move the chains and not have to force the ball in the air. A good running game would open the the field up for the whole offense. I'm all for making sure we can run first.
If by looking different he means no more play action on third and thirteen, hooray. Or being a running team that actually gives the ball to the running backs a couple three dozen times a game. Or doesn't try halfback option passes on third and goal. Or celebrate field goals.
They've been throwing this "chunk yardage" phrase around the past 2 seasons. I'll believe it when I see it.
I just want touchdowns. No more happy go lucky 6 fg's a game. I want a killer instinct from this offense.
I think the whole "breakaway runner" is indicative of a committee attack. How many starting runningbacks do you see around the league that truly have elite speed? Chris Johnson is really all I can think of. Even Jamaal Charles and DeAngelo Williams were in near 50/50 splits. Such is the case for the rest of the homerun hitters; Felix Jones, Darren Sproles, Jahvid Best, etc. That said, you need a tough runner to complement a scatback, unless you're lucky enough to find that once in a generation guy who has all the skills. In other words, I'd say these comments better the chance we draft Ingram.
Sparano's words very much describe the offensive approach of the New York Jets. And I would be just fine with that kind of offense. The Jets run the ball more than anyone in the league. And they're quite good at it. Yet they take their shots and pickup those chunk yards and big plays in the passing game. NYJ does it with an offensive line full of first rounders, capable backs, speed at TE and size (Edwards) and speed (Holmes) at WR. Say what you want about Sanchez, but he's decisive and will pushing the ball downfield. The Jets also have one hell of an X-factor in Brad Smith, the big, athletic former college QB who runs their Wildcat type packages in addition to returning kickoffs. Again, I use the Jets as the model because it sounds like that's what Sparano wants to do and they're in our division. To achieve this, we need a new QB, an overhaul at RB, a second TE and one more WR (speed). Not to mention the X-factor guy. The offensive line COULD be in place with some guys returning/improving/moving, but Carey could well be at the breakdown point.
How do you get "Mark Ingram" out of Sparano saying he wants to find a runner with breakaway speed? lol. It seems like you're trying to read into what he's saying rather than taking it at face value. He didn't say "I want a breakaway runner.......... so we're gonna circuitously target a power guy first to compliment the playmaker that I really want.". lol. We already have our bowling ball--- Lex..... and Ireland likes him. If he's 1 half of the committee, then where does the "breakaway speed" come into play when the other half of the committee is also a pounder? All that does is gives us another R&R type duo, which is what Tony said we wont be. IMO it means he'd rather go Oline over Ingram to boost the ground game from the inside out....... and then look for a game-changer after that.
I agree with all of this except, I believe we need a pass-catching TE, not a 2nd TE (Fasano). Dustin Keller was a huge part of the NYJ offense (55-687-5), and I just don't think Fasano can be that guy. DJ Williams can be, though...
I was thinking either the Jets or the Giants. I agree with all of it except needing a new QB, but that's an each his own sorta thing.
Did you read anything I said, or were you searching for something on Google in another tab? The implication was that breakaway runners are solely complementary backs (with very few exceptions--Chris Johnson). Combined with the fact that we don't have a well-balanced/tough runner, our priority shifts to first acquiring a guy who can carry the load, NOT a guy who can get a couple of 80 yard touchdowns and break down (JAHVID BEST, REGGIE BUSH, FELIX JONES, JERIOUS NORWOOD and the list continues, my friend). The notion of Lex being that guy [to carry the load] for us is laughable. I'm not saying that we're going to contend this year (one can hope!), but we will never contend with Lex Hilliard as our starting runningback. His only success would be in a fullback/situational goalline option role a la LeRon McClain. ...Lex Hilliard? Really?
I'd like a #2 TE who can groom into a #1 to replace Fasano when he's a FA in 2 years. For me, that's trading back once or twice and taking Rudolph........ or at least Cameron in the 3rd or 4th.
have YOU read anything Ireland has said? He likes Lex, so if you want to laugh, laugh at him. If you want to go YOUR route and make your own rules, then buy the team, fire him, and run the show yourself. lol. For right now, we almost have to assume that Lex is half of the equation b/c Ireland believes he can be a 1000 yard runner. So if Lex is half the equation, then Ingram is probably NOT the other half.
I'm on board with this, but DJ Williams over Rudolph for one reason: With so many needs, we absolutely can NOT use a first-rounder on a tight end in any scenario, regardless of whether we trade back. How much happier would the Lions be right now had they taken Michael Oher or Alex Mack instead of Brandon Pettigrew? (BOTH were projected at or higher than their pick too...) Tight end is a luxury, not something you build off of.
Welcome, ladies and gentleman to tonight's episode offfffffffffffffffffffffff CAN YOU DRAFT.... Marrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrk Ingraaaaaaaaaaaaam?! Tonight's guest is ToddPhins of Raleigh, North Carolina; how are you doing today, Todd? Todd: Great! Good to hear it! Now let's get started! For $100, what is the most glaring need on the Miami Dolphins? Is it...? A) Runningback B) Kicker C) Defensive End D) Kendall Langford's diamond earring? (Crowd erupts in laughter...) Todd: I'm going to go with A, runningback! Final answer! Computer?.... That's right! Next question-$1000! What is the best way to build a contending football team? A) Draft B) Free Agency C) Trade D) Move to the NFC West (Crowd again laughs) Todd (Laughing): I'm going to have to go with A, again, the Draft! Final Answer! Computer?.... You've got $1000! Next question, Todd! For $10000, Assuming you do not have the first overall selection, what is the best way to assure you get the prospect you want in the draft? A) Create smokescreens by feigning interest in high-key prospects, such as Cam Newton, while displaying faith in internal options B) Work out only the prospect of choice from the combine until April's draft C) Purposely leak a pre-made contract for the prospect to the local media in March D) Hire a new position coach and gut your team at the position of interest Todd: Hmmm... Can I use a lifeline? Absolutely, which would you like to use? Todd: Ask the audience, please! All right, Phins members, Todd needs your help! Pick up your buzzers and lock in your answers....
nothing new from the FO here .... back to the 'chunk yardage' mantra .... while i do like CKap and Dalton, i do think Henne can do what we need from him .... sans last year -- i'd still take him every day of the week over Sanchez. 'we' won't know where the OL stands until draft day ... namely drafting either Camiri or Pouncey in a later 1st rd pick, tells us where Carey, Jerry or Garner are in development or recovery. Ingram does not have breakaway speed ... his value is his 20 yeard burst -- and 'chunk yardage' ... not taking it to the house. Don't think there is one of those backs this year. I'm still good with Jordan Todman in rd 3 .... plus, outside of his arm injury - he has been the most durable RB of the best RBs available.
That's more or less what I'm getting at. 'Additional' TE would probably have been a better term. Really, I just don't believe we'll find anyone to unseat Fasano this year. Fasano will be the #1 TE again this year, largely due to blocking but also because he's a complete (though not 'great') player. But when we had David Martin complimenting him, Fasano (and the entire offense for that matter) had his best season. I guess I'm envisioning a lot of 2-TE sets like we had in '08. Fasano 'started', but Martin saw a tremendous amount of time, frequently split wide for favorable matchups. Almost 1a and 1b. That's more or less how I'd like to see it.
I disagree. This offense needs to improve one of the worst ranked ground games in the NFL, one of the worst passing teams in the NFL, it needs to improve one of the worst TE units in the NFL, and it needs to improve one of the worst scoring offenses in the NFL. It's not a luxury pick if one guy can help out EVERY ONE of these areas listed below, which Rudolph does. 1. We can now run stronger 2 TE sets that are also less predictable b/c Kyle is a dual threat TE. <helps both the run AND pass game> 2. He more than satisfies a need for a #2 TE, and even though he doesn't have elite speed, he can still get behind LBs and contort his body to snare the acrobatic catch. This combined with his size and length make him a QBs new best friend. He's Gronkowski 2.0. TE is now a strength instead of a weakness. 3. Our offense needs playmakers, and the last time I checked, this guy is capable of making them (including an improvement to our lacking redzone capability). 4. If we want Bess on the field, it means we'll be using more 3 WR sets to do so. If that's the case, then <if possible> the TE in these sets needs to be outstanding at both blocking and receiving b/c he's the lone one on the field. DJ Williams is not the inline blocker you want to rely on in this role. Rudolph is. Fasano is a decent blocker, but he's merely average in the passing game. Anthony's contract buys us 2 years so there's a seamless transition for Kyle becoming the starter. 5. A major need of this offense is to draw more coverage or create more space for Marshall to make plays so that coverage isn't draped all over him preventing any YAC. In order for this to happen more often, a better #1 TE needs to be on the field more often, especially if we're running more 3 WR sets. Fasano doesn't maximize Brandon's play, so he needs to be upgraded. Rudolph has to be accounted for and will help Brandon. With #1 TE upgraded, we can then fill the #2 spot with a true pass catching TE....... and voila----- now we have both spots upgraded rather than just the one that will be on the field less often. 6. We don't need a LT so I'm not sure your point about taking Oher over Pettigrew. But I will ask you------ are you crazy?!! Have you seen what Pettigrew does for that offense?! lol. Pett isn't a burner, but, like Rudolph, he's a massive target who can pluck passes anywhere near him when he's not acting like an extra tackle in the ground game. Pett caught 722 yards and 4 TDs as a sophomore, and dual threat Gronkowski showed just how much of a non-luxury his skill set is to the Patriots. Rudolph can be every bit as good.
I'll tell you what Pettigrew doesn't do; protect their $72 million quarterback's blindside. He's only played 13 games in two seasons--being on his back every other play is the direct cause of this. As for Gronkowski, if you are suggesting we have the offense the Patriots did when they drafted him, I will direct you here. The point is, we have other needs, not "we need a left tackle". Stop simplifying what I'm saying. We DO need an interior lineman, a right tackle and two capable runningbacks before we think about tight end. Oh yeah and a quarterback
You have heard of such a thing called an offensive line right <outside of the thing you tell a girl to get her to slap you>?.... you know----- the guys up front who do all the dirty work for RBs and make their job easier?...... Sometimes easy enough that you DONT need to spend a 1st round pick on a back who doesn't provide the "breakaway" ability you're looking for? Remind me again what Ronnie Brown got us. lol.
Gotchya..... so now you're trying to parallel that Jake Long is a crappy blind side protector?! You don't have to direct me anywhere to show me what Gronkowski does for an offense and its QB, unless you're directing me to the numerous games I already watched him impact..... b/c then I'd have to agree with you. Dude, you stop un-simplifying things. We need what will make us better..... period.......... and something that makes us better over the long haul. I'll tell you what----- I'll put my "trade-back draft with Rudolph" against your "Ingram draft", and let's see whose impacts more. Mine 2a. Kyle Rudolph 2b. Ryan Williams Yours 1. Mark Ingram I win. You lose. I have a stud #1 RB AND a future pro-bowl #1 TE. What do you got?!........ Hey, where's your TE? I basically gots mine for free (or the running back if you wanna be specific). What's that you say?------ you'll have to spend a preexisting 3rd round pick on DJ Williams? That's too bad----- my 3rd is going to Greg Little. Now I's got Ryan Williams, Kyle Rudolph, and Greg Little (and just improved my skill positions across the board)....... Whatchu got? Uhhhhh..... just Ingram and DJ I see. Dont be sad- that's nothing to be ashamed of. Good luck with that though. Yeah, you attempt to trash me for using my 1st two picks on TE & RB despite you doing the same <while missing out on an extra draft pick in the process>??? lol. Hypocrite. Remind me again how I'm an idiot in this scenario.
We have the best offensive lineman in the game, average guards and center and an above-average (when healthy) right tackle. There's room to improve, but it's certainly not the problem. If I recall correctly, Ronnie Brown's best stretch was with an offensive line of Carey-Liwienski-Hadnot-Stevenson-Shelton. Ronnie Brown, if not for injuries, was an elite player. Lest you forget, we took him 2nd overall for a reason. Obviously, the offensive line is required for all facets of an offense to run properly, but you can't say "Oh well, if we have a great offensive line, anyone we stick back there will be a probowler". It's just not true. Not logically, not in actuality. Here are some line rankings... Nevermind him calling us the league's best run-blockers going into last year, how did the rushing attacks fare for the other top lines? Largely average. Something else you notice? None have standout runningbacks. Are you going to sit here and tell me that teams like Pittsburgh and St. Louis have good lines? Pft. I'd kill to have Mendenhall or Jackson on our team.
If it puts you in the pokey and the Steelers out of the playoffs, then I'm all for it. Don't really see the drawback here.
You can mix and match all you want but if they are depending on Hilliard or Sheets to be the go to running backs, its not going to work. Add to that a need for much improved play at the QB position also. Neither Ronnie or Ricky are the answers either. They better know something the rest of us do not know about an available RB or in the draft of Tony and Ireland will be on the unemployment line this time next year, maybe sooner.
Joke all you want; there's nothing mockumentary about the impact of Ryan Williams, Kyle Rudolph, and Greg Little...... unless you're a Wayans brother; then I'm sure you could figure something out.
But we also have evidence that Sparano is not oppossed to throwing. Afterall, the Dolphins threw it over 100 times more than they ran it last season. Now if they can get a running game going, and be more efficient passing (by that I mean things like in the red zone and less silly Int's), I'm down like 4 flat tires on a Semi...
Well considering that you want to stock the rest of the team with mediocre talent, as opposed to acquiring elite players at position of need, I'd say you do need redirecting; here you go! You know what I don't get, Todd? How are you 36 and can't read? I mean, I know dat dem Callina folk aint be duh smartust, but hoot diggity doogie! I'm not paralleling anything; I even went out of my way to say that the issue was that the Lions were drafting BPA instead of drafting by need. It's easy to say in hindsight, because they were a lot closer to contention than people (themselves included) originally estimated. Hopefully people like you aren't running this team, because we're close and I'd hate to piss away a prime opportunity to get into the playoffs. Are we going to kid ourselves and take a week off from work to arrange a flight to Indianapolis? No, I wouldn't... but why can't we be a wildcard team in '11-12? There's no reason to think we won't be. You think Gronkowski opened up that offense? Are you kidding? Aaron Hernandez was having a similar year.... Deion Branch revitalized his career.... Randy Moss lived up to his potential (in years past and before telling Biebs to cut his hair).... Wes Welker became relevant... What is the one constant there? TOM BRADY. If you think Chad Henne is Tom Brady or has half of Tom's ability: please leave the forum, as you're lowering all of our IQs. If you want to continue adding extensions onto your argument, then you can argue with someone on your level... again, that link should be good for you. As for your draft? Bro, you're almost as good as Kiper! I'm jealous. Yours was better because you have more players lol... I could just as easily say "oh well it's my players plus Ahmad Bradshaw" I mean, I have an extra roster spot, right? Lol you are ridiculous. Oh and by the way, good luck getting 2 late firsts/early seconds with the 15, because you're going to need them to get Williams AND Rudolph. I'm going to ignore the ignorant (and fallacious, as I just exposed) conversation with yourself and focus on your last statement. How DARE you call ME a hypocrite? You're the one who opened this thread about getting a breakout runner in the first place, and then you want to draft a guy who is .03 seconds faster than Ingram (AND make fun of me for wanting Ingram!!!). Is there any gravity in Toddworld? Clearly, there's no logic.
Yup..... Ryan Williams, Rudolph, and Little are mediocre talents. "roster spots"? We got a bunch of those. lol (Maybe you prefer them to continue to be occupied by practice squadders). I can read just fine...... you're the one mentioning some Lions offense mumbo jumbo that is completely irrelevant to us. Not sure how you rationalized us not taking a TE b/c the Lions couldn't protect their QB's blindside. Have you been watching too much Charlie Sheen? You're right----- Gronkowski sucks. He's a bum if not for Brady. No way he does stuff like posing as a massive & reliable target if not for Brady.... or running over and dragging Laurinaitis 5 yards for a TD if Brady isn't there to pull him in........ nor is he a stud in the ground game if Tommy boy isn't pushing on him from behind for extra leverage (no pun intended). Yup..... all Brady. Fine.... if you want to add Bradshaw, then I'll add DeAngelo Williams. Now I have the Williams & Williams express. I win again. You can't say my draft was better b/c "it had more players". If it's better, it's better. lol. And you do realize that running backs as a whole aren't a huge priority this draft, right?..... and that Williams had 1 year of success and then an injury? It's very plausible he's available through the mid-late 2nd round. ".03 seconds faster"? You must be referring to that 40 yard dash thing b/c you can't be referring to the .44 second differential in the shuttle between Ingram and Williams, the 10 inch difference in broad jump, or the 9 inch difference in vertcial....... you know, the stats that have more to do with explosiveness. It's ok. You can find solace in Ingram, a #2 TE like DJ Williams, and Marlon Moore..... b/c Marlon's totally worth a roster spot. I must be crazy for giving his spot to a talentless, unathletic Greg Little.
I have no problem taking Ingram & DJ Williams b/c they would improve our offense, but they wouldn't be my first route if I had the option of trading back.
I explained to you why I brought up the Lions twice already. I was wrong in saying you cannot read; your problem is with comprehension. I did not say Gronkowski sucked; I said Hernandez put up similar statistics and that neither was causal for the offensive success. Correlation ≠ Causation. Again, ridiculous. Mark Ingram, DeAngelo Williams, DJ Williams > Ryan Williams, DeAngelo Williams and Kyle Rudolph. I'd say you're grasping for straws at this point, but quite frankly, you took the last one about 2 hours ago. Yes I am. Williams has the advantage in the shuttle, but then again, Ingram had a better 10 split. Look, we can continue to go over arbitrary combine stats all you want, but two things won't change: Ryan Williams isn't noticeably faster than Mark Ingram (the only point I was trying to make with the 40) and neither's speed is elite. You're just making up things to be upset by at this point. Stop it.
Don't let me get in the way of your amusing bantering, but I find it quite funny that someone who loathes Cam Newton desperately wants Greg Little, who has never seen a pro route he liked and a block he didnt hate. Quite inconsistent, aren't we?
There's a reason its not popular to be a run oriented offense. Its because the rules let you throw the ball with more and more ease. Throwing the ball gains more yards than running the ball. Gaining more yards generally leads to scoring more points. And scoring more points leads to winning more often. Its not difficult logic. I think Sparano saying that its his nature to run the ball is either a blind faith to an outdated philosophy or just something he is saying to cover up the fact that he doesn't believe Henne is good enough to carry the offense by throwing the ball. I can completely understand what he says if its the latter. If its the former he should not be a head coach or even an offensive coordinator in the NFL.
Sparano said run first, not run most. Like I pointed out, the team passed more than they ran for the last two seasons. They just did not pass effeciently enough.
remind me how you bringing up the Lions taking a TE when they needed a LT has anything to do with us. You're right. I'm not comprehending that. right.... b/c it's clear from watching games that Hernandez has no talent if it weren't for Brady. lol. Face it----- Aaron & Rob are 2 outstanding prospects. The players allow the QB to succeed. If they didn't, teams wouldn't be surrounding their franchise QBs with top talent......and nor would most of the elite winning QBs over history be surrounded by talented guys who allow them to succeed. How many examples would you like?..... or was Jerry Rice an overrated receiver made into a star by Montana.... and then again by Young? Thanks for excluding the extra pick in this scenario----- the one who gives us Greg Little instead of Marlon Moore. I see you're now switching from Ahmad Bradshaw to DeAngelo Williams. How can I take you seriously if you're pulling switcharoos like this? lol. The difference between Ingram/DeAngelo & Williams/DeAngelo is so slight that it's amusing you're saying it as if Williams/DeAngelo would be a poop fest...... like the difference would be so great that it'd compensate for DJ Williams & Marlon Moore instead of Rudolph & Little. No he didnt..... unless by "10 split" you're referring to a bowling term. Not sure what that has to do with running the pigskin, but I'm ears if you care to explain. No, the point you were trying to allude to is that Ingram is as explosive as Ryan Williams when that's simply not true. Who's upset? I'm not the one wondering how I ended up with Marlon Moore when the other guy <me> still gets a great running back tandem, a stud TE, AND a playmaking WR.
