There are a lot of factors that will go into this O-Line this off-season. And I would love to hear from some of you draft gurus what you think will happen. There are several things to consider. Will Carey stay? Can he get back in shape and stay healthy? Will he be moved inside? What about John Jerry? Pat McQuistan is rumored to be playing center next season. What happens to Joe Berger? Incognito is still a factor. And we'll be getting Nate Garner back from injury. All this being said, our offensive line was mediocre to be kind this past season. I personally think that drafting Stefen Wisniewski with our first round pick would not be a bad idea. Barring that I think that Mike Pouncey would be an interesting guy to look at in the 3rd round. If Carey can stay in shape and play RT like we know he can, and we draft an interior OLineman with a high pick I think that will make our run game 10x more effective than this year. Thoughts?
Our OL was average-above average IMO, talent wise. The problem was that they were a poorly coached and led unit. We ran the same power play (Incognito pulling) over and over all year despite the fact that Richie is more of a drive blocker. Its like Henning didn't realize that Justin Smiley wasn't here anymore. As a whole, our run game was predictable. Lots of power, some Iso, an occasional toss, and the obligatory, poorly executed draw play on 2nd/3rd and long. Watch the Jets running game. They run power, stretch, toss, iso, trap, counter, counter trap, option, and they execute them all fairly well. They're not predictable, and they have backs who can get to the 2nd level. Our backs are slow as dirt, even when the blocking is perfect they still only get 7 yds. Another factor, CK alluded to this, is play action. No one on offense carries out any real fake. The OL immediately goes into pass blocking, that's coaching IMO. If one player or group is doing it, blame the individual, but the whole offense? That's coaching and not paying attention to detail. I'm not saying our OL is as good as the Jets', but they're certainly as good as Houston, who had the NFL rushing champ, and the Chiefs who led the league in rushing. The talent is there, the execution is not, and the play calling didn't suit the talents of the players, a microcosm of our problem on offense as a whole.
Call me crazy but I can definately see Ireland trading back again for a late 1st rounder and picking up a 2nd if there is no one there he covets. I think he would be elated to come out of the 1st round with Pouncey and a 2nd round pick. He offers versatility on an OL that is a work in progress and we will need all the flexability we can get to solidify it. Bottom line, controlliong the line of scrimage is paramount, and we failed miserably last season. Ireland will look to appease Sparano and addressing the OL will definately help after the liquidation last offseason.
Watching the offensive line wasn't as good run blocking as the year before, however they were much better pass blocking. I really liked Pat McQuistan as he was one of the best third options that I have seen in Miami for years. Nat Garner coming back should help. If there is a CBA, I would do everything I could to get an awesome left guard. With the rest of the hodge podge of guys I think there could be a good enough center and right side.
If Robert gallery does become a FA I think we'd probably give him a look, but we certainly should try to acquire some OL youth in the draft
I think we will look for playmakers in FA as they need immediate results being on short leashes with Ross. They proved that they are not afraid to pony up like they did with Dansby last year. JMO.
Well, as for draft, I think Heineken is a pretty good draft beer. In a wooden keg it just has this natural taste that's great on the palate. If you just want some beer, get Draft Budweiser. It's passable and great for parties if you just want to buy something. A local flavor where I'm from is Sands beer. It's pretty good and has a powerful taste. Ice cold from the keg is just amazing. Personally, I think the best bet for the Dolphins would be to start with a cold Coors draft in the early heat and settle down into a Corona/Heineken combo by halftime. If we're up big, fourth quarter break out the Dos Equis. If we're down, they get Gatorade.
you bet. it all begins in the trenches. get the push & the run game appears. when you run the ball the passing game opens when you dominate the clock, the defense is fresh the fix: 1) you keep the book ends, Long & Carey 2) you acquire a pro-bowl quality Center 3) you add the best guard you can draft 4) you allow Garner, Incognito, Jerry & the new guard to compete for a start on the interior-line
Good points GM. Anyone think Ronnie was auditioning for "Dancing With The Stars?" LOL Injuries and new guys hurt us a lot as well. I think Incognito was the only one healthy, and he was a new guy. When you come down to playing late in the season with a one armed LT, your LG playing C, and a couple of guys you picked up off the waiver wire, in McQuiston and Murtha, expectations are not very high. This coming season, Aqua glasses optional, Long is back to the Best, Carey is healthy and a top RT, Incognito is ripping holes at C, Jerry becomes a player, we add one, and have Garner, McQ, and Berger fighting for time as back ups. It is not all that far fetched.
Many question Carey's ability to move inside due to his lack of speed in being able to pull. Incognito was the one at C, and he really impressed me there. Pauncey is a first round pick at G, no one sees him at C. There are four first round OT's in this draft. A decision on what to due with Carey should dictate what we do. He is getting a lot of money.
Heineken is a pretty good draft beer. If you're looking for a colon cleanse. *The above is my personal experience, your experience may vary.
Carey is a first round draft choice. the PancakeMonster got dinged up & didn't play to potential in 2011 having said that Long & Carey are top NFL BookEnds. we need to fix the interior line: a Pro-Bowl potential Center & Guard should be on the immediate radar
The line has to be the first order of priority. I'd prefer to see a new line coach but that probably will not happen. As far as the draft goes, the Dolphins desperately need to find a player who can stretch the field to compliment their plethora of underneath talent. While such a player does not directly impact the line's performance, it will force defenses to play us more honestly. Irleand has essentially whiffed on all of his offensive selections, some of his misses have been disastrous. I find my faith in him severely tested as a result. Just looking at highlights of two WRs I'd take Blackmon over Jones.
IMHO, that is the problem with having a front office and coaching staff that is hanging on by a thread. They are going to go for the short term fixes instead of doing what is best for the team in the long run. IMO, the Fins have to fix their OL (and the coaching there of) as they were both horrid. BTW GM, I disagree that the talent level was there on the OL this year. We played all year with crap at center and RG. You can't go into the season with 2 out of 5 positions being horrible and expect to have success.
they can get playmakers that are young and can be around for the long haul. lots of nice youngish TE's in FA. the reason I get pissed off is because here we are in year 4 of this rebuild, and the O Line needs to be reworked again. they set out to build the lines at the expense of other skill positions, and yet here we go again. unacceptable.
Caryey went from a top 3 RT last year, with a PFF rating of over 19, to an average RT, with a PFF rating of -1. which still puts him in the middle of the pack. IF he reverts back to last season, with Long, we could well have the best bookends in the game. I'm also sold on Incognito. That leaves two to complete the puzzle. Jerry, Garner, who impressed, McQ, who impressed, Berger, and another from FA could well make this OL SPECIAL. When you consider the talent and circumstance, we are not in anywhere near as bad shape as some think on the OL. IF healthy.
he would be my 2nd choice after Zach Miller, but excellent consolation prize. I even like Scaife and Scheffler as cheaper signings if you strike out on some of these other guys. I also love DJ Williams of Arkansas.
Many keep saying that we now need a WR, who can STRETCH the field, and I'm not buying it. Tell me of the "Speed Demons" ripping D's to shreds? Tell me of the "Burners" who are Pro Bowlers? Having a WR with good speed, 4.5-4.6, and can get open and catch the ball over the middle is FAR more important.
While I generally agree with you this offense needs speed. There are no guys on the roster that are a threat to take a hand off for an 80 yard TD or for that matter a 5 yard pass either. For an offense to be successful you need to be able to do that from time to time. Not to mention what that does to the underneath routes.
well the dual threat is punt returns as well. even KO's. Desean Jackson ripped the Giants hearts out there. Mike Wallace allows Ward to work underneath. Dez Bryant had a nice impact on returns. We already have a guy whos a 4.5 4.6 guy and can catch the ball over the middle. Brandon Marshall. Would you take Jacoby Ford on the Phins right now? I would.
We're on the same page. A speedy RB and/or return guy would be more than welcome. Add in a speedy TE, which is a different ball game. As far as a WR, CB's are as fast or faster. The speed advantage is nill for the most part. Running routes and getting open matter. Ask Jerry Rice.
We've got to solidify the C position preferrably with a young draft pick that can hold it down for years to come. An elite LT does us no good if the rest of the line is poor to average.
Yeah, anyone see any speed demons on the Pats? I think Welker may be slower than some of the guys on the OL.
i assumed thats a given. qb play has nothing to do with guys like Jacoby Ford making impacts on ST's and end arounds though. So getting back to the original point, to me a speed wr would open up alot of things. The Phins return game has been crap for a long time now, so it cant hurt.
He looked great but, does need some work on the shotgun snaps. Oh yeah, he was looking great vs a boy named Su, not an easy task.
I agree, it wouldn't hurt. I was hoping Morlon Moore would be the punt returner, unfortunately he wasn't.
Tate does have speed but caught 24 passes this past season, not anywhere near a great impact. Ginn did better.
Id be happy with a guy you can sprinkle in on offense, and who can provide an impact on ST's. Brandon Marshall is going to see alot of balls anyway, and then Bess in the slot will get alot of looks. So really the speed guy doesnt need to be a high catch guy.
Fair point. It would be great to have someone like a Wallace in Pitt, like a change of pace RB. Hartline is a tenth or so, of a second slower but a much better WR. Not sure of Moore. Although I do like Carrol, I would have kept Ginn for the reasons you mention. Most hate the guy with a passion but, I will never forget him beating the Jets by himself.