Fortunately for Dolphins, left tackle position seems set

Nice work. I was under the impression Carey had played pretty well, I don't understand why there are so many calls for him to be pushed back to right tackle. Our o-line could be a real strength on this team if we can add a good player or two.

I think Carey's play tailed off in the 2nd half of the season after a very strong start. I think he's much better suited to playing on the right side.

Carey didn't play bad at all at left tackle for a good part of the season. But the question is, how much would it improve the line by getting a very good left tackle and putting Carey back on the right side? I'd say A LOT. Carey is more comfortable there, and while he was servicable at LT, I'm sure he'd be the first to tell you he'd be more comfortable on the right and an even better player. And getting a "natural" left tackle with the quick feet and sound fundamentals there, it only helps the QB feel more secure from his blind side.

I don't necassarily have a problem with Carey playing there if need be. But if we have an opportunity to upgrade the LT spot and are able to move Carey back to his suited position, then we're all the better for it.

I thought he was ok at the left tackle spot. As with every other position on the team if we can upgrade the position we should do so.

The only problem I had with Carey was he allowed DE to get too deep in the backfield on pass plays, his run blocking is what it is, he's good at it, L or R side. But he needs to improve his technique a little better on pass protection, but it was a good start for him in his first full year at LT. Now can we get two good Guards and a RT. BTW, did you do a break down on Shelton, I'd be curious about his stats this year.

"Hugo Guzman wrote:

Now that you're armed with the facts on Carey's season, are in agreement that we're set at the left tackle position?

No. I agree with Boomer that Carey's play slipped mightily as the season progressed. He started off surprisingly well and ended up being mediocre. In addition, stats are a tricky thing when it comes to the offensive line. Carey might not have allowed a lot of sacks, but (especially during the 2nd half of the season) was beaten too regularly, causing the QB to hurry his throws or to scramble.

Actually, I think we are far from being set at the left tackle position. For one, superb LT play elevates your offense to a degree that no other position is capeable of - see Cleveland and Joe Thomas for a perfect example. The rule of thumb is the same as it's with quarterbacks: if you don't have a franchise LT, find one. And unfortunately, Vernon isn't a franchise LT. Secondly, Vernon is too good an RT to let him play at a position he's not going to be more than mediocre at. Essentially, getting a "true" LT would elevate our line not only at one position but at two. We would be able to get rid of Shelton and let Carey play the position he dominated in 2006. A guy like Otah at LT, Satele at center and Carey at RT - now that's a scary thought. Pick up a promising guard in the latter rounds and you'll eventually wind up with one of the best lines in the business.

Here is the problem with Carey moving to RT, he will be a FA in 2009, he will want Lt money even if we move him back to RT, so if we pick up a LT this year, we more then likely will lose Vern Carey.

Just a thought.

Carey does make it look dangerous cause he tends to ride the DE around the back of the QB. However I think the slight drop off in his play can be attributed to the decline of the LG spot. I've been calling for a LG upgrade all season.

Plus even Carey himself said he was at maybe 80% comfortable. Remember he played well in his 2nd season at RT, and it was his 3rd that he got comfortable and played like an All-Pro. I would seriously like to see how he plays next year. Plus it's easier to dig out RT's in the 2nd round then it is LT's. Even if they do grab a LT, have him play RT for a year before making the switch if it's necessary.

"Vendigo wrote:

No. I agree with Boomer that Carey's play slipped mightily as the season progressed. He started off surprisingly well and ended up being mediocre. In addition, stats are a tricky thing when it comes to the offensive line. Carey might not have allowed a lot of sacks, but (especially during the 2nd half of the season) was beaten too regularly, causing the QB to hurry his throws or to scramble.

Actually, I think we are far from being set at the left tackle position. For one, superb LT play elevates your offense to a degree that no other position is capeable of - see Cleveland and Joe Thomas for a perfect example. The rule of thumb is the same as it's with quarterbacks: if you don't have a franchise LT, find one. And unfortunately, Vernon isn't a franchise LT. Secondly, Vernon is too good an RT to let him play at a position he's not going to be more than mediocre at. Essentially, getting a "true" LT would elevate our line not only at one position but at two. We would be able to get rid of Shelton and let Carey play the position he dominated in 2006. A guy like Otah at LT, Satele at center and Carey at RT - now that's a scary thought. Pick up a promising guard in the latter rounds and you'll eventually wind up with one of the best lines in the business.

What are you basing your conclusion on? Why is he not a franchise LT? The guy allowed three sacks, run blocked like an animal, and committed zero holding penalties, while playing alongside multiple stiffs at left guard, but still managed to allow less sacks then all four of this year's Pro Bowlers at the tackle position. Oh, and it was his first year at the position. What more do you want?

And good question MDFINFAN...Shelton's statistics were really bad. I was actually shocked when I saw his numbers.

I'm make sure to do a profile piece on him in the near future!

Carey has too much excess weight for playing left tackle. He lacks stamina and gets sluggish. He'd be a lot better off if he lost about 30 pounds. Otherwise he needs to be a right tackle or guard.

He's 6-5 and 335 pounds. That's prototypical for his position. If he lost 30 pounds he'd look more like a power forward than an NFL left tackle.

"Hugo Guzman wrote:

He's 6-5 and 335 pounds. That's prototypical for his position. If he lost 30 pounds he'd look more like a power forward than an NFL left tackle.

You actually believe he is 335? That's his "listed" weight, He's obviously heavier then that. He's got a big gut on him. Those huge guys never have their true weight listed

"SCall13 wrote:

Carey didn't play bad at all at left tackle for a good part of the season. But the question is, how much would it improve the line by getting a very good left tackle and putting Carey back on the right side? I'd say A LOT. Carey is more comfortable there, and while he was servicable at LT, I'm sure he'd be the first to tell you he'd be more comfortable on the right and an even better player. And getting a "natural" left tackle with the quick feet and sound fundamentals there, it only helps the QB feel more secure from his blind side.

I don't necassarily have a problem with Carey playing there if need be. But if we have an opportunity to upgrade the LT spot and are able to move Carey back to his suited position, then we're all the better for it.

Well put bro.
I dont think Vernon made or broke us playing Left Tackle. He was by far the best we had to plug in there. I dont see us getting any major upgrades through the draft (Jake Long? I doubt it), and probably not FA either...unless some blockbuster goes through, I see Carey still at LT next year.

"Passrusher wrote:

You actually believe he is 335? That's his "listed" weight, He's obviously heavier then that. He's got a big gut on him. Those huge guys never have their true weight listed

Lol, so even though he is listed at 335, roughly just the right size you want for a left tackle, you say he is not 335?

Do you have anything to back that up with?

The problem hasn't been the rush from the outside. It's the interior rush. Teams were getting way too much of a push straight up the gut on the guards and Satele.

"phinfanuk wrote:

Lol, so even though he is listed at 335, roughly just the right size you want for a left tackle, you say he is not 335?

Do you have anything to back that up with?

Absolutely. First of all, when Vernon came to camp he weighed almost 360. If his weight was 315-320 he'd be a lot better off. I have seen him in person and he looks a lot heavier then 335 trust me. Just like Keith Traylor being listed at 337 pounds. Traylor is well over 350.

Carey has not been spectacular at left tackle. The real problem is he looked extremely promising at right tackle. So as it stands we are not maximizing the potential of our talent. Finding a true LT and moving Carey back to right would improve both the bookends of our line.

Parcells places primo value on the o-line and the front seven on D. Don't be surprised to see both addressed in FA and the draft.

"phinfanuk wrote:

Lol, so even though he is listed at 335, roughly just the right size you want for a left tackle, you say he is not 335?

Do you have anything to back that up with?

Absolutely. First of all, when Vernon came to camp he weighed almost 360. If his weight was 315-320 he'd be a lot better off. I have seen him in person and he looks a lot heavier then 335 trust me. Just like Keith Traylor being listed at 337 pounds. Traylor is well over 350.

I think he need to be a RT

"Boomer wrote:

I think Carey's play tailed off in the 2nd half of the season after a very strong start. I think he's much better suited to playing on the right side.

I'd attribute that as much to other outside factors as I would Carey himself. The non-linemen blockers were godawful as the season progessed and we cycled more and more runningbacks though.

When Cleo Lemon was out there, he had a tendency to either hold onto the ball, or scramble when unnessicary either right directly into the rushers, or just perfectly so that the linemen could not keep their blocks without holding.

When Beck was out there, teams would blitz alot, and heavy responsibility fell on those non-linemen blockers, many of whom were our runningback by committee who werent particularly good blockers.

Carey should stay at LT. Dont fix what isnt broke. The draft is heavy with 2nd/3rd round RT prospects.

If Carey performed very good at RT and satisfactory at LT it isnt rocket science is it? Carey needs to play at his best position and let a bonafide stud at LT (if we can get one) slot into that position.

"Mrtree wrote:

Carey has not been spectacular at left tackle. The real problem is he looked extremely promising at right tackle. So as it stands we are not maximizing the potential of our talent. Finding a true LT and moving Carey back to right would improve both the bookends of our line.

It took some 7-8 years since Richmond Webb to find a Carey at LT. Sure if the team comes across a situation where that would work then by all means. However, that's easier said then done.

And it wasn't a 'satisfactory' job. He played good at LT. Yet we got people talking about bringing in Mr False Start Flozell in at LT.

Bring in a RT in the draft and if the kid projects better at LT then Carey does after a year then make the swap.

Some of you guys gotta remember that it can easily backfire when you fix something that isn't broken.

As a whole, I thought our o-line did pretty well. Lemon and Beck had time to throw it for the most part.....yes, there were some occasional breakdowns, but I did not see many lineman jumping offside or committing false starts. Our blocking was decent. I think adding a Guard like Faneca of the Steelers would be nice, and hopefully Parcells will try to bring him in. Carey has done ok for a guy who hasn't been around that long.

"VanDolPhan wrote:

It took some 7-8 years since Richmond Webb to find a Carey at LT. Sure if the team comes across a situation where that would work then by all means. However, that's easier said then done.

And it wasn't a 'satisfactory' job. He played good at LT. Yet we got people talking about bringing in Mr False Start Flozell in at LT.

Bring in a RT in the draft and if the kid projects better at LT then Carey does after a year then make the swap.

Some of you guys gotta remember that it can easily backfire when you fix something that isn't broken.

No he played good at RT. He was never really good at LT...and I'm a Carey fan. He doesn't really have the speed and footwork to deal with elite rushers on the edge. Carey might make a pro-bowl or two on the right side. He is not a pro bowl LT. I do agree that finding a LT is difficult, but should we find one we dramatically improve two positions on our line.