Sports Buzz: Dolphins options, solutions to fix run defense

Just pertaining to the front 7 here, but I think this year's defensive missteps amount to a combination of having a hodgepodge of personnel being asked to do things they're not comfortable doing; bad schematic problems (again, front 7 only); and players not having mastered particular fundamentals. In short, the whole thing stinks. However, Miami made use of its impact players - Wake, Grimes and to a certain extent Chris Clemons - fairly well, and I think that kept us in a lot of games.

We also saw certain players make big plays despite having overall down years (Ellerebe's INTs, Jones Pick Six, Dion Jordan's coverage/pass-rush).

The key I think is to get everyone on the same page schematically and fundamentally (coaching) and getting players that fit the scheme better (general management) and getting to perform on a consistent basis. Kevin Coyle and Jeff Ireland have failed in both regards. Thus why I've iterated in several different places that despite Miami ranking 8th in points allowed is a bit of misnomer as to how good this defense actually is (should be). For example, there were times this defense couldn't get itself off the field to save its life.

All that aside, there are far MORE issues with the offensive side of the ball, both in terms of schematics and personnel.

The pure and simple answer to these problems, albeit the most difficult solution for Steve Ross to make, apparently, is to clear the decks of Jeff Ireland and this coaching staff. There's a severe disconnect as we've learned through certain threads, and that's a problem that needs remedied. Badly.

I fear that if Ross gets rid of one or the other between Ireland or Joe Philbin, and staff, these same problems are going to fester back in with whomever comes in next at the position that got whacked, with special respect to Ireland being the one that stays.

 

Vernon
Wake
Odrick
Shelby
Jordan
Re-sign Soliai
Misi
Wheeler
Jenkins
Ellerbe

Grab a Brandon spikes type LB and pick up another DT or a PS guy steps up.

Coyle should be able to make a nice front 7 out of that

 

He didn't.

 

We need a MLB, IMO

 

Right, but as a player it isn't that simple. If you arr struggling vs the pass you may over compensate which will imoact you ability against the run

More simply...if you dont have confidence in what you are being asked to do (because it hasnt beem working, or have previously been average at it) it will impact your entire game in some way.

I'm not saying he is the greatest LB of all time whrn used properly, but he is average to above average and certainlt better than what we saw out there.

My two cents of course.

 

He did fine his last year with the Colts too and was never nearly as bad there as he was this past season. I don't know why you think he wouldn't be better in a Tampa 2 than in our scheme, but it's all a matter of opinion, and I disagree.