Vance Joseph
“Both win,” Joseph told me. “And I’ve been a 3-4 guy most of my career. But when you come to a place like this and see the defensive personnel you’ve got, and, in my opinion, it’s not broken, you can’t all of a sudden go to 34 where you have to re-draft to a defense. That takes time. That takes too much time.
“And I don’t want to be a guy who as a coordinator, I’m a 34 guy with 43 personnel driven team. I’m not going to say, ‘Well, let’s change it,’ and set us back two or three years. That’s not smart in my opinion. That’s not coordinating. If this team had 34 personnel, we’d be a 34 defense. I can do both. For me, it’s not a big deal to be a 34 or 43 defense, it’s just numbers. It would be a shame to come to a place that’s close to being good on defense and then flip it, then you’re three years away again. I didn’t want to do that.”
Then there’s this from VJ
“Absolutely,” he said. “Because in spurts last year, you could see they put up good stats against good people. But in spurts they also didn’t look very good. But it wasn’t because of effort or I wouldn’t say even scheme. I don’t know what it was. You watch the film and they did some really good things last year. A couple of games it got out of whack. But between Cam and those guys, you have good, solid NFL players here. So we’re capable of playing good defense. And I expect we’ll play good defense.”
OK, so I’m going to get the 800 LB gorilla in the room out of the way right now, because you know my feelings on one Mr. Suh, but heading into free agency and the draft, besides having your defensive centerpiece who happens to be a 4-3 DT, what else about our defense mandated that we’re a 4-3 defense? I’ll tell you, nothing. We began to fill in our roster before the draft with a bunch of 4-3 DE’s, adding to what we already had in Cam Wake, who we obviously believe is going to be a force with the contract extension.
Dolphins building blocks DT Ndamukong Suh and DE Cam Wake
Let’s look at the timeline . . .
We cut DE Quinton Coples 2/16. Not that Coples is a franchise player, but at 6’5″ 290, ideal for playing 3-4 DE. Coples, still on his rookie contract was due $1.75M this season, and was a $3M cap hit. We signed on 3/8, DE Mario Williams, who last year was miscast as an OLB in the 3-4 defense, and is better suited as a 4-3 DE. We then on 3/9 make the trade for CB Byron Maxwell, and LB Kiko Alonso, for the price of moving back just 5 spots in the 1st RD, from #8 to #13. A very good trade if the 2 aforementioned players play well and start for the Dolphins this season. VJ got his big CB, but Alonso is clearly a 4-3 MLB or OLB, not a 3-4. The reason I point this out, is because VJ determined what kind of personnel we acquired, so in essence, him saying we had 4-3 personnel was really saying Suh is a 4-3 DT, and we’re going to build around that. I’m not going to hide my feelings on that, you know where I stand, and hopefully, it works out.
After the trade for Maxwell and Alonso, we continued to sign 4-3 DE’s, starting on 3/17 with DE Andre Branch (6’5″ 265). We then re-signed LB Spencer Paysinger, who is a special teams and depth player. On 4/5, we signed the just waived by the Browns CB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (5’9″ 195). On 4/18, we signed DT Chris Jones (6’1″ 295), waived by the New England Patriots. Ekpre-Olomu not the prototypical CB VJ likes, but Chris Jones, fits the smaller, quicker, penetrating type of 4-3 DT he prefers.
Then came the draft, and despite the fact many of us, not of all of us expected some help for the defense, the only major defensive pick was 2nd RD CB Xavien Howard (6’0″ 201). In the 6th RD, we picked up hybrid (CB/S) Jordan Lucas (6’0″ 201), again, prototypical size for what VJ is looking for, bigger cornerbacks. The rest of the draft, 6 picks in total, went towards the offense. I’ll talk about that next week, but for now, let’s stay focused on the defense.
So, pre-draft free agency came and went, and the actual draft is over too, so the only thing left now is post-draft free agency, where any player signed does NOT count against next years compensatory pick entitlement. It appears that our first target is DE Jason Jones (6’5″ 272). Once again, adding veterans to our D-line. We will not be relying on younger players in our d-line rotation, that much is clear. On the back end of the defense, that’s a different story, but it’s clear our D-line rotation will be veteran, sprinkled in with some youth. There is no official depth chart right now, but this is how I see it.
Base 4-3 defense
RE – Andre Branch 6’5″ 265
DT – Earl Mitchell 6’3″ 310
DT – Ndamukong Suh 6’4″ 320
LE – Mario Williams 6’6″ 292
WLB – Jelani Jenkins 6’0″ 243
MLB – Kiko Alonso 6’3″ 238
SLB – Koa Misi 6’3″ 255
LCB – Byron Maxwell 6’1″ 207
RCB – Xavien Howard 6’0″ 201
RS – Reshad Jones 6’1″ 218
LS – Isa Abdul-Quddus 6’1″ 201
Nickel Defense
RE – Mario Williams
DT – Jordan Phillips/Chris Jones
DT – Ndamukong Suh
LE – Cam Wake
LB – Jelani Jenkins
LB – Kiko Alonso
LCB – Byron Maxwell
RCB – Xavien Howard
NB – Bobby McCain
S – Reshad Jones
S – Isa Abdul-Quddus
I could see Chris Jones in the nickel package as a DT, but for now, I’m going to give the edge to Phillips. I could also see Neville Hewitt being a nickel LB, so that’s possible too.
I know it sounds like I don’t approve of the way we went about creating our defense, mostly because we built it around a DT who will earn over $100M when his contract is finished. While I didn’t agree with the move, he’s here, and he’s one of the best players in the NFL, but I think he can be better than he was for us last season, and I think he’ll need to be if we’re going to contend for the playoffs. As I mentioned, we have a strong veteran presence on our defense, but there is a young man who none of us are counting on, but if he comes in with the right attitude, continues to work hard, and then the kicker, actually gets reinstated by Goodell and the NFL, Dion Jordan be a factor for us. We all hope that’s the case
As far as the linebackers and secondary, it’s going to be very interesting to see if the gambles paid off with the trade for Maxwell and the draft choice of Xavien Howard, or possibly the emergence of Tony Lippett. Will Isa be the safety we’ve been looking for to complement Reshad Jones? Was Kiko Alonso the missing cog that takes our LB corps to a higher level? If the answers to both of those questions is yes, the Dolphins should be an exciting team to watch this year, especially with what we’ve done with the offense. Stay tuned next week when I discuss the offense.
Finsmob Unleashed 
Tim I guess time will tell. like I said, still 2 months away from the official TC, preseason games.
I was way off on thinking Jordan’s 5th year option was huge. Was remembering what Tannehill’s was real big.
Tanny’s was worth $16 million and he got drafted after Jordan did. Not sure if that is because they are negotiated or a new CBA came in or something.
Maybe it has something to do with all the money he lost in bonuses due to the suspensions.
Is it calculated by position, so a QB salary is more?
Has to be more than just position, even if that might be part of it. Back of my mind remember thinking when the last CBA came in that they screwed the top rooks to get more money out of the cap for vets in FA. Not sure when that came in……but might be mostly what it is.
Jordan’s only been in the league 3 yes, draft after RT. It goes by position.
The salary for the fifth-year option is also different for two types of players: those selected in the top ten picks and all other first-round selections.
The option for top-ten picks is set at an amount equal to the salary of the Transition Tender (set in Article 10, Section 4 of the CBA) for the player’s fourth contract year. This salary is calculated, basically, by finding the average of the top ten highest Prior Year Salaries for players that played the same position. Positions are defined by the spot a player spent the most plays at during the previous season (Sec. 7, (a), 31).
They both went top ten though. That one sounds exact right for Tanny, but no way three-something mil for Dion is right for the average of a top ten DE.
Maybe Tim had it right and the year suspension turned the fifth year option on Jordan into what the fourth year of his contract would have been.
Yes, see below
Nut going great minds think a like…..but if that is right then he actually lost a whole lot more money by getting suspended than what was taken out of his paycheck at the time. Should make him hungry though. Maybe less sun vacays and more time training.
My guess is that Tim is right, he must have lost some of that money due to not playing out his entire contract, and whatever time he was suspended, was then pro rated out of his 5th YR option money
Oh he lost bonus money for two years, the first two suspensions – the 4 game and the additional 2 while he was already suspended making it 6 games in 2014. Then the entire 2015 season.
Mike E,
I put this up yesterday.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25296326/agents-take-the-real-costs-behind-the-nfls-suspended-stars
In there it explains how salary is accounted for (payments denied).
They use Trent Richardson (PED violator) as a primer on contract matters.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25296326/agents-take-the-real-costs-behind-the-nfls-suspended-stars
According to the article I posted, the base salary is what is denied when a player is suspended and then a pro-rated portion of the signing bonus (relative to base salary forfeiture) is also forfeited. The player also violates complete terms of the contract terms and loses all future guaranteed $.
^
And he did lose that. Seems his 5th year option amount was changed as well…..but maybe that goes with voiding the contract and Goodell saying what is going on after.
Thanks Al – I missed it yesterday
According to this, http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/miami-dolphins/dion-jordan/fines/ , Fuckface has already lost 7 mill of the contracted 20 or 1/3 of his pay. That would definitely offset some of his future contract. That is good since he’s been completely worthless compared to his salary.
As much as he fucked up if he’s ready to resume his NFL career he also did us favor down the road monetarily. We weren’t a good team with or without him so if he can add to the DE rotation in 2016 and gives us some solid production that would be great.
And apparently we can have him for 2017 for a huge discount as well. He would go from a “prove you ain’t broken” year to a contract one. He’s got more worth that I knew. Maybe they should hire away Dez Brant’s babysitter for him.
Lou, we started off last year with Ajayi on IR, we had Miller, LaMike, and Williams, that combination sucks running the ball on a regular basis. The only upside was Miller he’d have a streak where he ran for 7 10 20 and 8 yards, then he’d run for 1 2 -1 -2 1 3 0. That type of running killed the offense. When Miller was running good the O was very good, but when he wasn’t the O sacked. Williams not being a threat to run it made us one dimensional, when he was in the game. You need an RB to be able to run the ball.
yes, the 3rd string rb was the reason we couldn’t run the ball. gheeeeeeessshh!
Do you have a problem with your reading comprehension?
this is as bad as the people who are telling me Jordan Phillips sucks.
Yes, the ‘pro rated’ portions of the contracts are what’s KEY!
When you’re suspended & lose base, workout bonuses, etc., then the proration keeps adjusting downward as time goes by, relative to time left on overall contract.
So this is why he’s only good for about $3M next season now, whereas other DE’s like Ziggy Ansah who was taken @ #5 that same draft & his 2016 salary is $2.9M, but Detroit already picked up his 5th Yr option which is said to be $12.7M…..
So seems Dion FF stands to lose $9M…OUCHY!
He already lost a lot of it.
Yes of course….he’s been suspended a long time, so Ross hasn’t had to pay him.
…meant to say Ziggy’s 2017 5th yr option is @ $12.7M
Plus Dion already lost the suspension pay and pro-rated bonus as well. But then we’d be assuming his reg 5th year would have been picked up. Even if it wasn’t…..he’d be worth a lot more than $3 mil.
Kids — Nancy Reagan had it right.
Ireland sucks.
I blame Dion not Ireland. Jordan is talented but he fucked up.
LOL
whats up oinkers!
What up squiggly piggly?
Good write up Mike
But Piggy loves the 4-3
LOL @ GDP – That’s funny
Piggy
It’s not that I don’t like the 4-3, it’s that I don’t agree with the logic that we had more personnel for the 4-3 than the 3-4. We could have went either way, before free agency and the draft, but that wasn’t going to happen with Suh here.
There would have had to been more turnover at DE and LB.
We signed about 15 DE’s, how much more would we have signed if went to a 3-4? lol
LB yes, we probably wouldn’t have done the trade for Alonso and Maxwell, and Misi and Jordan would probably be more in the mix.
Why doesn’t someone tweet his agent and ask whether reinstatement was applied for? The agent has been hyping him up for the last month.
You’d think that has been done, or that someone with credentials could inquire with the NFL executive offices to find out if his status is currently under review for reinstatement.
Then shouldn’t the answer already be out there? Everyone’s been talking about it like a mystery.
Mike, 3-4 DEs are typically 6-4+ 295+ and we don’t have those classic edge OLBs or even the stout guys inside other than Misi. Most of our LBs are 4-3 types. We can’t go into the season relying on Jordan and McCain who have the right makeup as the OLBs because they haven’t proven they are legit.
What you saw in FA was after we decided we’d be 4-3. Some of the guys we already had on the roster were better 4-3 fits being that what we’ve been for 4 years, not 3-4, so yes we would had to totally change to those bigger anchor type guys than 4-3 edge guys, and add new types of LBs.
Then what did they think of Mitchell and Phillips as NTs?
Is LDE in a 3-4 the best way to play Suh? Kind of like do you play a 4-3 with LT on your team? He’s not a DE and in a 4-3 he wouldn’t rush the QB as much. Suh is better getting up field which the new scheme is all about rather than taking on double teams and holding ground as a 3-4 DE.
VJ took the path of least resistance and changed the coverage scheme to press over off/zone as the base concept, and that reflects on the corners we added. That was the major change in scheme.
4-3 DT is the best way to utilize Suh, especially if you want him to be happy. As far as the LB, that’s where we would have had to replaced a bunch of players, except for Misi and Jordan, but of course, we can’t count on Jordan, and really Misi either for other reasons.
Wake could also be an 3-4 OLB
Right!
Wake has always been better hand in the ground. He wasn’t particularly good all around as a 3-4 OLB. He got his sacks but we also had him hand in the ground at LDE on passing downs a lot during the 3-4 Sparano era. Those were sub packages.
Yeah, he’s better as a 4-3 end
Carroooooooo!!!! Just feels good Carrooing.
Assuming Tannenbaum wasn’t throwing smoke…..we should she the 4-3 under next year. Set up in a 4-3 and shift to this. And yeah it has Jordan written all over it as the shift in guy..
In this formation I see:
LDE Williams/Wake
LDT Suh
RDT Mitchell
RDE Phillips
WOLB Jordan/McCain
LILB Alonso
RILB Jenkins/Hewitt
However you do it seems speed off the edge is a huge key. Not sure how that is anything other than Wake and Jordan off the edge (not that others couldn’t play that role too). Suh with a one-on-one with the RG would be interesting though. How can they double him without the LB having the widest road in you’ve ever seen?
I’m sure he’s not blowing smoke, and we’ll definitely be seeing it from time to time, but not exclusively
That’s the wide 9 with a safety sometimes joining the box.
That is basically Bill Arnsparger’s 5-2 defense with a 4-3 front but moving a weak side OLB as a rusher, or not. Back then it was Kolen and Matheson.
That’s how Seattle used Bruce Irvin #51 who has edge rush ability but he’s not really a stout set the edge DE. He’s a hybrid like Jordan and McCain.
I like safely joining the box…where is she?
Stanger, Mario can play that LDE spot, that’s what he’s been most of his career. Totally agree about doubling Suh and allowing Alonso to blow up that gap. That’s the scheme. You have to have LBs who can clean up if the opponent does that.
Mario ain’t all that fast though. This sets everything out wide. And thinking way to attack this formation is the quick pass underneath. Risk the big play, but all has to happen fast. Could see Williams as one of the guys off the edge though.
Rex thought Mario was fast enough, that he had him dropping into coverages….lol
Mario may be 31 but he’s an elite 6-6 290 guy who has size, strength and explosive quickness off the edge. Gonna have to disagree here. 🙂
I like Williams a lot and glad to have him on the team, and think he will be great for us.
Was just saying he wasn’t the best fit as a spread wide out DE in that formation (look at how far out that is in the pic). Dude is close to 300 lbs. Just don’t see him as a max speed and space rusher, particularly at his age. Wake is different. That’s what he has always been about.
I found this from last year in an article pertaining Justin Blackmon…I only pasted the pertinent parts.
_________
According to the NFL’s substance abuse policy, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has to make a decision within 60 days of a completed application for reinstatement.
Since so many have asked, however, here is the procedure for reinstatement for players that have violated Stage 3 of the substance abuse program:
First thing to know: According to the substance-abuse policy, Goodell has the sole discretion to determine if and when a player will be allowed to return. Whether a player adheres to his treatment plan during his suspension is a significant consideration, and a player must meet certain requirements determined by the substance-abuse policy’s medical director as well as other requirements.
Here are the requirements outlined in the substance abuse policy:
A player must formally apply in writing no sooner than 60 days before the one-year anniversary day of the letter he received from the NFL notifying him he was suspended. In Blackmon’s case, he was suspended on Nov. 1, 2013.
In the player’s application he must include information about his treatment, abstinence from substance abuse throughout the entire suspension, involvement in any substance-abuse related incidences, and arrest and/or convictions for any criminal activity (including substance-abuse related offenses).
Within 45 days of receiving the application, the player is interviewed by the program’s medical director and medical advisor. They will then make a recommendation to Goodell.
The player has to submit medical release forms to allow Goodell’s staff and the NFLPA Executive Director’s staff to review the player’s substance abuse history. That includes attendance at any counseling, 12-step programs, or other programs plus medical findings and treatment recommendations.
The player has to submit to urine testing by an NFL representative at a frequency determined by the program’s medical advisor.
The player then has to meet with Goodell or his representatives and agree to comply with any conditions imposed by Goodell for reinstatement.
If a player is reinstated, he remains in Stage 3 for the rest of his NFL career and submits to continued testing and treatment. Any violations will lead to indefinite banishment. However, if a player has not had any positive tests in the 24 months after his reinstatement, he can be discharged from Stage 3.
__________________________
This last paragraph can really make/keep a career going or finally break a career for good.
“However, if a player has not had any positive tests in the 24 months after his reinstatement, he can be discharged from Stage 3.”
Great info…sounds like Jordan is another bad test away from another year off for the next two years we have him for. Both a good and bad in that.
Tim, I was being funny above about Rex using Mario in coverages, not because he didn’t have the speed or quickness, more so to do with his size, it didn’t fit what Mario has been doing over 10 years in the NFL, which is get after the passer.
Stanger, BTW, Super Mario dropped jaws at the NFL combine in 2006 with a 4.66 run, a 10ft broad jump, a mind blowing 40.5″ vertical, & 35 reps on the bench with his long arms on his 6’6 291 lb body.
I know he’s not still 4.66 speed, but DAYUUM!
Go Super Mario! Eat some division QB’s ALIVE!
He was drafted in 2006. No doubt for his size it was incredible though. And again…..love him on the team. Just don’t see as him an extra-wide out speed rusher at this point. I put that to guys like Wake, Jordan……and safeties.
I see your point, but remember, in that position, you also have to have power combined with speed as well.
I thought that reply was for Stanger. I got what you were saying. Yeah make a 6-6 290 guy an OLB and drop him coverage. The same guy who had 14.5 sacks the year before as a 4-3 DE. LOL
Lou, what part of we had 3 backs to start last season that were very close in styles, none of which could consistently run the ball do you not understand? I’m not saying it was all Williams fault, but when you have a lead back like Miller, his backup needs to be able to run it consistently or you’ll end up with the mess we had.
It was a mess also mainly because how the RB unit was utilized & the piss poor play calling in which they were asked to do things that didn’t fool many defenses.
Piggy can bend way over & try to blow his conch…..
Dolphins CB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (knee) received full medical clearance Wednesday.
The Browns cut the 2015 seventh-rounder last month with a failed physical designation, but the Dolphins took a flier and claimed him off waivers. Ekpre-Olomu was viewed as a potential Day Two pick last year but tumbled deep into the draft after tearing his ACL at Oregon.
🐚🐚🐚🐚🐚🐚🐚🐚🐚🐚🐚🐷
A Potential day 2 pick
He was viewed before the injury as a potential 1st rounder
One of the best cbs
But he tore his acl well before the draft
He didn’t tumble
Everyone knew he would miss his first season
So he stopped short of being I drafted
I guess he didn’t get the Jaylon smith treatment
But here comes Ifo!
🐚🐚🐚🐚🐚🐚🐚🐚🐚🐚🐚🐷
Glad he’s got a full medical clearance now….time to get up to speed in OTA’s & TC.
Suddenly we could be deep everywhere on defense except maybe LB….but there are still cuts to come from other teams, and see how our youngins are developing too.
Ifooooooooooo!!!!!
Carroooooooooo!!!!!
The NFL amazes me
A year goes by and suddenly no one gives a shit about a 2015 prospect
Imagine if Jalyon Smith misses 2016
then the cowboys waive him
same thing basically
…yeah, or a top 5 pick suspended 2yrs. 😉
Something awful sexy about a female conch blower . . .
Piggy’s squiggly probably straightens out pretty good looking at that. lol
nice conchs
Sweet! Bad conchs!
Ifo might not fit our size requirements
but I have more faith in Ifo than Howard or Maxwell
Now I have some one to pull for a TC
He can play nickel, or dime. In today’s NFL, nickel backs play a lot.
You don’t need every CB to be 6′ and over in this scheme, if he can cover he’ll be on the field.
Somewhat true, but it’s obvious they prefer guys 6’0″ and over.
getterdone says:
May 18, 2016 at 3:53 pm
It was a mess also mainly because how the RB unit was utilized & the piss poor play calling in which they were asked to do things that didn’t fool many defenses.
———————————————-
That was the problem we had last yr running the football, you’re exactly right. Not being able to fool the D is caused us to fail. That’s what I’ve been saying our RBs running the football sucked, unless they were expecting a pass and Miller broke one.
Ifo was compared to sticky slime in a 2015 Wedge Scouting Report
Ifoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
(blowing in a conch)
Ifooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Riley of heat says heat is not interested in sweepstakes for kevin durant this year.
I don’t think he would be a good fit for Miami.
i think we need a scorer besides wade and durant is one of the top.
stangerx says:
May 18, 2016 at 12:34 pm
And he did lose that. Seems his 5th year option amount was changed as well…..but maybe that goes with voiding the contract and Goodell saying what is going on after.
————-
As per Kevin Nogle from an article at the Phinsider:
“Jordan’s suspension plays games with his contract, entering a legal term where the contract is said to have “tolled,” which is essentially making it so the 2015 season did not happen, and keeping him in the third year of the contract. That would mean that Jordan’s salary cap hit from 2015 – which was not applied due to his being suspended for the year – would become his salary cap hit in 2016 ($5.36 million), with his $3.22 million hit moving to 2017. (To further explain, the salary cap pro-rate still counted in 2015, which accounted for a $3.07 million cap number for the Dolphins, but no salary counts, and in 2017, because the signing bonus was already accounted for over the original four-years of the contract, there would be no signing bonus pro-rated amount in the final season of his contract, which is why his cap number goes down in 2017, while his salary and roster bonus increase.)
Thanks. The tolled fits with almost everything. The change up was five year contract still just that but his option is now at the amount of what his fourth year would have been. And the Phins option on doing the option got delayed as well (saw that compared to the guys in his draft class), while apparently his contract did not overall get extended.
Really not sure how it actually worked out…..other than he lost the salary and prorated signing already, his fifth year is now his 4th year salarywise if the Phins decide on him whenever the new date option date is, and that no matter what his at most five years on contract if option taken is still that.
Seems clear he lost out on the average of the top-ten at position for the 5th-year option though and we save by that if we decide to keep him for 2017.
Saw this write up over CBSSports.com
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/finding-the-fits-alabamas-kenyan-drake-more-than-a-backup-plan-in-miami
Some comments on Drake:
“Kenyan Drake is a unique style player,” Saban said prior to Alabama’s Pro Day. “He’s kind of a specialty guy who is a great receiver, especially as a mismatch guy out of the backfield, but he can also go out and run routes like a receiver. And he does have some potential as a running back, which is his natural position, especially on any kind of space plays. This is a guy that some people are going to covet, especially in style of play that you have right now. Bill Belichick and I were talking last night about 60-65 percent passing in the NFL right now. Well, [Drake is] certainly a guy you could feature in an offense like that.”
Some comments on WR selections:
Given the presence of Jarvis Landry, Kenny Stills and last year’s top pick Devante Parker, Miami’s aggressive trades up for Caroo and Grant was a bit surprising. Take this as an indication of just how aggressive Gase may prove as a play-caller this season. Well-built and fast, Caroo was one of the better vertical threats of the 2016 class and perhaps no one is faster than Grant, who was reportedly clocked by some as low as the 4.1s at Texas Tech’s Pro Day.
Some comments on Tunsil:
While a remarkably gifted athlete, this position switch could be quite the challenge as the closer quarters of the interior call for greater tenacity and toughness than playing on the outside.
As noted by Pete Prisco during CBSSports.com’s live coverage of the draft, few remember that Hall of Fame left tackle Jonathan Ogden began his career inside at guard. Tunsil has the talent to ultimately be a star outside. We’ll see if he has the toughness to battle back from a humiliating draft-day experience and respond to the challenge of switching positions, as well.
I’ve said all along before the draft that I liked Drake as a bigger better Percy Harvin type.
He just needs to stay healthier more often than Percy ever did.
hopefullyall the fumbles were cured by Saban’s threat to demote him to 3rd string
You did, I remember it. I liked Drake too as a multi-faceted offensive/STs weapon, but you always used Harvin as a comparison. I’ve used a more explosive Terry Kirby. Another 3rd rd pick. 🙂
LOL @ the conch’s for Ifo and Carroooooo….
I don’t love Durant for Miami
but I think Durant is amazing
I thing OKC will make a strong push to keep him
Riley said he wanted to see how the heat would have feared full strength instead of the injuries that weaken them in the playoffs. Maybe we can get lucky with a scorer from D league.
Stanger, Mario Williams is Suh at DE. One is 31 and the other 29, they’re contemporaries. Neither is old and on the decline.
TIm — not sure how many times I have to say I thought WIlliams was an absolutely fantastic signing for the team. I think he will probably be the best FA for us of the year…..and hopefully with us for years to come.
All I said was didn’t think he was a speed rusher like Wake. And from all his strength inside and athletic ability and football hard edge, not sure why anyone would put him not on the edge in a 4-3 but on the way outside in a five man front.
And doesn’t being like Suh mean we are better with him closer to the QB?
Just don’t think he will run the forty in the same speed as ten years ago when he was drafted. What close to three hundred pound guy is ten years later?
It’s all good. I thought you were selling Mario a bit short is all. He was 295 when he was drafted. He’s a special athlete. I think he’s an upgrade over OV and at a cost of less than 25%. 🙂
And never said anything bad about him other than did not see him as a far wide edge rusher. Loved the signing, least versus what OV went for. In that scheme, would rather see him as one of the inside five though. Maybe as right DE with Jordan lining up wide outside him.
What do you mean neither is old? I’ve been hearing all offseason the DL is too old, how are they going to avoid injury and stay on the field?
Not from me.
Just ask Pro Lou why he likes Mario.
It’s not just about sacks at the DE position, it’s about disrupting the passing lanes.
Lou hated that OV wouldn’t generate many batted balls and at 6-3, Vernon doesn’t provide the radius Mario has in batting balls down.
Vernon is not a pure 4-3 DE like Williams is, we’ve seen the difference. Vernon would be better as a 3-4 OLB because he looks and plays like a LB. LOL
Vernon wasn’t good at setting the edge last yr. Philbin thought bringing in Suh would solve the run D problem. We had 3 LBs and 2 DEs that weren’t good against the run, but having one new guy in the middle was going to fix everything.
The thing you need to figure out is how you’re going to stop the run in a wide 9 formation. You can do it, but that formation leaves certain areas vulnerable. A lot falls on your linebackers to fill gaps. As with any aggressive scheme, you’re vulnerable to traps and other plays of that nature. Our line backing corp is gonna have to play a lot better than they did last year. I’m not worried about the DL. It’s the line backers that may be the weak link. We’ll see.
It’s not like we’re going to use the wide 9 as our base, we’d be glad to have teams in a 3-10 run the ball against it for 6 yards.
Ding!
Great point on that one Randy. Passing rush lanes in are also running lanes out.
What? So the lanes our D are in going to the QB are the same occupied lanes they’ll be running in? Perfect that’s how we stop the run.
Possible lanes. You spread out the D wide and you create them in both directions. And when you do that only some will be clogged no matter which ones you choose to exploit.
For us running the ball against the wide 9 wasn’t an option last yr, thanks Lazor.
Kenyan Drake, running back, Alabama 6-foot-1, 210 pounds Projected round: Third to fourth 2015 stats: 77 carries, 408 yards, one touchdown; 29 catches, 276 yards, one touchdown; 19 kick returns, 505 yards, one touchdown Testing numbers: 4.45-second 40-yard dash, 1.64-second 10-yard split, 34.5-inch vertical jump, 10-foot, 3-inch broad jump, 4.21-second short shuttle, 7.04-second 3-cone drill, 10 bench press reps at 225 pounds Strengths: Drake was one of the fastest running backs at the NFL Scouting Combine, and it shows up in his film as a running back, receiver and kick returner. He has the versatility to line up in the backfield and split out to catch passes. He ranked third in Pro Football Focus’ elusive rating, forcing 37 missed tackles in just 106 touches as a senior. Drake only fumbled once in 2015 but still fumbled seven times in just 298 career touches at Alabama. He could do the most damage in the NFL as a kick returner. He had a strong week in both Senior Bowl practices and the all-star game, according to Pro Football Focus. Weaknesses: For a pass-catching specialist, Drake struggled as a blocker in 2015, allowing four pressures in just 33 pass-block snaps. He dropped five passes with just 44 career receptions, showing off inconsistent hands. Drake has an injury history with a broken leg in 2014 and a broken arm in 2015. He was suspended in 2012 for breaking team rules. He was suspended again in 2014 after being arrested and charged with obstructing governmental operations after attempting to enter a crime scene to retrieve his car. Patriots fit: Drake doesn’t seem to have the ball security or pass protection skills the Patriots usually require. His 3-cone time also is a touch slow for the Patriots’ normal standards. His Alabama teammate Derrick Henry is a better fit if he falls to the Patriots’ 60th overall pick.
Read more at: http://nesn.com/2016/04/2016-nfl-draft-profile-kenyan-drake-boasts-speed-versatility/
getterdone says:
May 18, 2016 at 5:00 pm
Glad he’s got a full medical clearance now….time to get up to speed in OTA’s & TC.
Suddenly we could be deep everywhere on defense except maybe LB….but there are still cuts to come from other teams, and see how our youngins are developing too.
‘suddenly’???? come on, i mean i get some of you guys finding hope in every little move but to think they suddenly are deep cause they picked up some other teams failure that got a medical clearance is just reaching for straws.
WTF?
Buffalo Bills PR @BuffaloBillsPR 2h2 hours ago
The @buffalobills have placed RB Dri Archer on the Reserve/Did Not Report list.
He’s too small to play in the NFL with his toughness level.
M13 does a double flip and says… what?!!! LOL
https://twitter.com/MDCheer/status/733053077868163072
https://twitter.com/MDCheer/status/733053142045216769
FFR, zeroing in on one ‘word’. Ok, by suddenly didn’t mean he’s the reason the secondary will be good or not…just was trying to emphasize that we are now getting deeper there, and could still add Leon Hall. Our secondary may not be as bleak as first thought.
Ifo does have talent if he stays healthy now….so yes, good low risk signing!!!
Care to play word game with anything else here? (rolling my eyes)
I kind of like Maxwell and Howard at CB and Jones and IAQ at S with McCain and Lippett in the mix. I wouldn’t write off Aikens and Thomas yet either as extra DBs.
‘Ifo does have talent if he stays healthy now….so yes, good low risk signing!!!’
sure he has talent, i mean that is why he was released. all teams release players with talent so the fins can fill their needs.
you can get all the huffy and puffy you want but why not just admit that you are going all homer and hoping it works out instead of trying to say how the fins picked up a talented player.
‘just was trying to emphasize that we are now getting deeper there, and could still add Leon Hall.’
and once again. how are the fins getting deeper there by picking up a player cut from another team? like i said one thing to hope something works out and say if things work out problem solved a whole other to say they are getting deeper there by picking up some other teams cuts
Hall is 5’11” and only 31, he had a cap hit of $9.6M last yr, with 2 ints (1td), 9Pdef and 55 tackles. I don’t see how you can argue that he wouldn’t provide depth, the cut was probably due to the Bengals not wanting to pay him what he thought he was worth, upwards of $5M. I don’t know how he played last yr, and don’t remember seeing him on the field, so all I have to go by are stats that show he played a lot. For comparison Jamar Taylor had 48 tackles 4Pdef and 0 ints. Maxwell 64 tackles, 2 FF 1 FR, 10 Pdef, 2 ints.
I don’t know if Hall has anything left in the tank, but it won’t cost much to find out. This is the time of yr when teams like the Cheats go to work, signing vets for low $$ for 1 yr. I like that approach compared to having too many young guys with no exp. We seem to be always looking to sustain something in the future, but doing nothing in the present.
steve
I don’t believe I said we were. How you stop the run is still a question. It’s probably more about the talent you have at linebacker, but I am curious how they go about addressing the rushing defense….which was a big issue last year.
You don’t believe you said we were what?
I see, use the wide 9 as our base. I don’t expect to see the wide 9 on 2nd down unless it’s 2nd and 10+, and unless we miss a lot of tackles we have every gap covered. So why are you worried about stopping the run in the wide 9?
FFR, you’re like talking to a shoebox sometimes…..lol
He’ll probably say thank you, he’s got some interesting things in his shoebox 😉
Yes of course….lol
The problem with the wide 9 stopping the run is, if you miss a tackle its off to the races, but on the most part the gap D is like a goal line D, except the 2 LBs are off the line.
Signing Isis helps there too.
getterdone says:
May 18, 2016 at 6:45 pm
FFR, you’re like talking to a shoebox sometimes…..lol
do you often talk to shoeboxes? i know i dont. but hey i am sure if the fins signed a shoebox leftover from another team you would say the fins have added talent at the shoebox position
Yes, well as long as there was something interesting in the shoebox 🙂
Heck yeah, well as long as there was something interesting in the shoebox 🙂
steve,
Teams are in passing situations, what, 60-65% of the time? I’m guessing, of course, but that would put us in the Wide 9 often. Teams can always make adjustments at the LOS too.
I think the better scheme for the secondary that VJ will employ will help out as well, as compared to last year under Coyle soft approach.
so basically as long as the fins sign any other teams cast off or scraps they are adding talent and depth.
hell, now i got to say mike e is full of shit. who needs draft picks trade all those away just sign the players did didnt make other teams.
Yeah exactly….and what’s so strange is that the 31 other teams do the same thing…Now that’s a conspiracy!
I was just sitting here flipping through the channels and a commercial for linzess comes on and in typical medicine commercial fashion in a pleasant woman’s voice they say linzess should not be given to children under 6 should also not be given to Children 6 through 17……
I’m sorry but I just have to say what the fuck!???
getterdone says:
May 18, 2016 at 7:58 pm
Yeah exactly….and what’s so strange is that the 31 other teams do the same thing…Now that’s a conspiracy!
i am not sure why you think it is a conspiracy but go ahead.
and i am sure there are fans of those other 31 teams who think others waste adds depth and some other fans that think, if that guy works out it adds depth. but i guess you still dont get that point, you just rather say i am confusing
Yeah, what’s your point?
We need depth!
Some FA signings are encouraging based on a players past, or that fact he may fit our system, where he didn’t somewhere else.
We can’t possibly get it all from a draft! We need 90 to go to camp with!
We hope they sort out the best 53 from there!
Oh, And Rob is wrong
D-Bolt
If you’re around, just heard the Knicks are going to sign Jeff Hornacek as their Head Coach
What a waste signing someone else’s cast off….smh 😉
The Knicks need a lot more than a Head Coach, in fact, what they need is less, less Carmelo Anthony. No Carmelo Anthony
Per Rob’s logic there are no good players availableeven frmo the draft. Every draft player after the first pick is somebody else’s cast off
getterdone says:
May 18, 2016 at 8:15 pm
Yeah, what’s your point?
really? now you ask? do you often go off on busting balls when not knowing someones point. i thought it was simple. you said signing that Ifo dude that was cleared added depth. i said i dont get how signing some teams cast off adds depth, i said i can see saying if he works out it does but not this everything signing is perfect and adds depth. sorry if you couldnt grasp that point
Rockphin says:
May 18, 2016 at 8:21 pm
Per Rob’s logic there are no good players availableeven frmo the draft. Every draft player after the first pick is somebody else’s cast off
again, this isnt rocket science. i am sorry you and gdp cant get this. i said nothing about signing others teams casts off, i said saying it adds depth as it is a certain thing is ridiculous. i get it is a confusing thing for you two to get but it isnt a conclusion signing some teams other player adds depth.
mike
dont worry about the knicks signing Jeff Hornacek as their Head Coach according to a few on here it is a great thing a foregone conclusion it will work out for the knicks and be a great signing
LOL Rob – There are the eternal optimists. God Bless ’em actually, we need that balance.
Mike E. says:
May 18, 2016 at 8:31 pm
LOL Rob – There are the eternal optimists. God Bless ’em actually, we need that balance.
that was kind of what i said in my first post about this. but oh well according to rock i am wrong. anything the fins do is great. i mean that is why they have sucked so bad for so long.
Rockphin says:
May 18, 2016 at 8:21 pm
Per Rob’s logic there are no good players availableeven frmo the draft. Every draft player after the first pick is somebody else’s cast off
LMMFAO. i sure as hell would like to understand where in the hell…..wait, i know i never said anything close….. i mean i sure would like to understand what happens from what you read to what your mind comprehends to think i said anything close to that. that is too funny.
thanks rock i needed a good laugh
DEPTH is always assumed with any backbup player on any team until until that player plays and fails. For that matter projecting how any player in the league will play in the future is all conjecture Aaron Rodgers very well may suck this year it’s possible. It’s also possible that it will become a star or that the guy that you are discussing will we don’t know until it happens
I just remembered why I usually scroll past your post as fast as you scroll past Mike Es articles. I’m glad you had a laugh carry on
Rockphin says:
May 18, 2016 at 8:36 pm
DEPTH is always assumed with any backbup player on any team until until that player plays and fails.
oh so basically you are saying you and gdp post like women. i am supposed to know what you mean even though you didnt say anything like that. ok got it. will have to remember when i read you two it may not be what you actually mean.
Rockphin says:
May 18, 2016 at 8:38 pm
I just remembered why I usually scroll past your post as fast as you scroll past Mike Es articles.
lol, only someone like you would think i actually scroll past mike e’s articles. i am sorry i got your panties in a bunch, even more sorry you read one of my post. i guess i am just not all rah rah like you and take everything with the fins so serious. you have a good time moving on now.
steve,
you said originally Williams sucked running the ball. I responded with a fact that he only ran the ball 16x all season so there’s nothing to base your opinion on. It’s not like he was in there in the beginning of the season running the ball 8x a game and was getting nowhere.
I understand completely what you’re saying but your assessment of the situation is incorrect.
It’s not incorrect, he sucks running the ball. He’s had 52 carries in his carrier, and he’s done nothing to show me he can run it. We desperately needed someone to run it early last yr when Miller struggled, but had no one. We could’ve kept Gilleslee who ran it pretty well in Buff. last yr.
How many carries do you need to see someone get before you can tell? It doesn’t take me even 16, it’s a position you either have it or you don’t.
If there’s a guy who has SHOWN he’s done nothing to warrant being on a roster right now it’s Thomas and you’re saying Thomas should be one of the guys on the final 53 sharing carries with Ajayi and Drake.
I forgot. it’s incorrect. Williams doesn’t suck running the ball.
Tim,
I would write off Thomas. His only claim to fame was the Brady interception an he’s been living off that for too long. time to come up and tackle instead of standing there and waiting for the player with the ball to get to you.
But he hasn’t had that many chances, how can you say he’s done?
Actually his situation is different, because it takes longer to play DB, but I agree he’s got nothing.
I agree with what Randy said about stopping the run in the wide 9. you need to have really good LB’s to do it; I’ve said as much before. If you watch the two games against the Jets they destroyed us with the run because of how much we were in the wide 9. we weren’t only putting our ends out wide on definite passing downs like 3rd and long, we were doing so on a lot of run downs too and it killed us.
You better have at least one good one at the Mike, but everyone has to do their job and stay in their lanes, and tackle.
Well I wanted to draft ifo a year ago
And ifo is a conch bearer
So he has 2 things going for him
I am probably almost excited about Ifo on this team as I am abiut the Mario Williams signing
Those are my favorite two moves of the offseason
One problem for ifo is he is not the tall bc they are looking for
But maybe they play him as a nickel
But what about good ole Bobby McCain
😦
This must be kick each other in the balls night…lol
Anywho, I hope, like the rest of you Phin fans, that our 2016 team & beyond, under Gase & Tanny, can go a long way! 🙂
Looks like Rob has his dog trained well, and Ken trying to leave the basement.
This is the miami I grew up with. Check out 4-5 minute mark—-That’s my buddies joint.
I think the victoria station was on 36 street.
Yes 36th st. My brother worked there, we lived in Miami Springs.
Crab stuffed shrimp and prime rib, on the house of course;)
cunning…Someone who will have access to nuclear launch codes within 10 ft and can’t decide same thing between 12 and 3pm . Flip flop
This would make moving down 5 slots look like a genius move –
http://www.miamidolphins.com/news/article-1/Alonso-Predicted-To-Earn-Pro-Bowl-Honors/34a5cab5-1579-4022-9199-f4a490ff32da
With Suh occupying blockers Alonso should be running free, so hard to disagree.
I want Suh occupying QB’s
He could also miss a lot of tackles and still finish with over 140, so the missed tackles is the key to how his season goes.
Come on Mike follow along here, I’m talking about running plays and screens.
Dolphins sign 2nd RD pick CB Xavien Howard
Steve
Dolphins not getting the respect from your area . . .
You didn’t read the first line? The number comes from how they perceive the bettors will bet. It has nothing to do with what Vegas thinks of a team.
This line? Release of season win total wagers offers look at how teams are perceived
I guess it’s not as clear as I read it to be, but I’ve said here many times, that the betting lines are based on what the bookmakers think public perception is. The idiots on the radio always say Miami -3 at home, Vegas thinks these teams are even, they don’t seem to understand how a line is derived.
All the LB’s are going to have to tackle a lot better than they did last season.
That would be nice, but if Alonso returns to form we’ll be OK. You can’t ask for miracles, and expect all of them to happen.
Steve
The initial line is basically what they think, combined with what they think will generate action. The line then moves as the betting increases on one side or the other, but if the betting is even on both sides of the line, the line doesn’t move. That’s my impression, am I wrong?
It has really nothing to do with what the bookmakers think. The idea is to get even money on both sides, they want to make money on the vig/juice only.
Omar Kelly ✔ @OmarKelly
LOL. Grimes can out-power lift Dolphins defensive linemen and linebackers. Sad what you folks think you know.
_______________________________
The 3-Way love affair continues….let them eat cake!
Did that help him cover anyone at the end of the season? Why is that even relevant, and I also tend to doubt its veracity.
just look at the green bay game from 2 years ago and what jordy nelson did to grimes on that 4th down play with the game on the line. I thought he should have been cut last year. after that play,.
How long before that is retweeted by Miko…..or are she and Omar actually one and the same?
So you and your buddy Rudolf take a visit to the Island of Misfit Toys and see Billy Turner, Dallas Thomas and Jamil Douglas. Only room for one under the OL tree……..which is it?
Omar should go cover the Bucs, and his misfit cake eaters.
Stanger
I think Turner has a shot at getting it, and I also think Douglas does too. Thomas on the other hand, looks like a depth player at best.
Yeah — I’m thinking Douglas, but mainly only cause he has had the least time of all them not to show it. Funny how with our guards more experience is a negative.
steveccnv says:
May 19, 2016 at 9:26 am
Yes 36th st. My brother worked there, we lived in Miami Springs.
——————————————-
Did you know the Amode brothers wayne and guy. Father worked for eastern. Maybe the pettersons who worked for eastern before they closed and then Mrs. petterson and a group of management started Miami Air charter service. They sold it 5-6 years ago. Mr.Petterson owned Sno White dust control in Hollywood. They had a son named Curtis who I knew from FIU college when I was trying to get a MBA.
here’s wayne’s business —- https://www.hitechweldingfl.com/
and Guy had a electronics shop. Both were set up by father with his connections in the aviation industry. Wayne a me used to be heavy duty party animals,he was considered the black sheep of the family. His brother was the complete opposite.
‘The idiots on the radio always say Miami -3 at home, Vegas thinks these teams are even, they don’t seem to understand how a line is derived.’
steve,
i think most of us get the line is set for betting only. not who vegas thinks will win, but it is like most those idiots say on the radio. they just say what it takes to get people to listen or improve ratings. they dont really care about facts
Mike E. says:
May 19, 2016 at 12:12 pm
Omar should go cover the Bucs, and his misfit cake eaters.
yep, and he can move in right next to me. that way i can tell women, ‘i live right next door to a real living braided troll’ and they will beg me to take them home and show them what a 3’4″ braided coconut looks like
Everyone is underestimating the phins this year. With good reason.
One thing I’m pretty sure about is that we won’t finish last in our division this year. I think we finish at worst 3-3 in division.
I can see that (or better)
It just doesn’t feel like any are going to be Juggernauts this year!
That’s crazy that Shaq Lawson could miss most of his rookie season with shoulder surgery.
Told ya I wanted Dodd 😉
So you knew this?
We knew he had a bum shoulder pre-combine….but actually the main reason as you may remember is that I thought Dodd had a bigger upside & would be more forceful against NFL OL.
Boulder & Wyo, every season there is a surprise team or sometimes 2. That rises from the ashes & gets on a lil run.
I can see Miami as one of those teams, especially with the concentration on the offense to be a real scoring threat.
If we can average a TD more than last season’s 19pts per gm, then we can put some opponents behind the eight ball with 25+ points a game & get some W’s!
The KC Chiefs avg’d 25.3 last season, & their Qb & offense isn’t exactly a juggernaut…but they RAN the ball, Top 6 in Rush yards…Phins were bottom 10 Rushing the ball.
The Carolina Panthers were #1 in points per game @ 31.3, but many of those points came off of running the ball where they were ranked #2 in rushing!
Gase needs to get us running….it opens up the rest of the offense & it really does help the defense too, as the Panthers D got a lot of blow time!.
Go 11-5 Phins!
The Panthers were also tops in turnovers with 39 which really helps an offense.
Yeah, keep a Defense fresh running the ball, & the Defense can go out & be aggressive. Good call.
Exactamundo!!!
Steve
Ah, but it has everything to do with what the bookmakers think. You just said it yourself, although with different verbiage, but we’re basically saying the same thing. They think that’s a fair assessment of where our team will be, and therefore will get betting on both sides. That’s the only way that can work Steve
GD, my post wasn’t about Lawson vs. Dodd, I just didn’t think his shoulder was that serious. I knew he had an issue but he said something like he’s played with it for awhile and it sounded like a minor injury. Missing most of the season is no so minor. LOL
Yup, the Phins couldn’t afford another Parker scenario in the 1st round, & especially @ DE as we’re still smarting over Dion FF!
mike,
it isnt the bookmakers are moving the line based on what they think about a team, it is more they are moving it based on what they think the betting public thinks about a team
https://www.yahoo.com/news/patrick-willis-crunching-data–not-ballcarriers–at-tech-startup-140753519.html
Least according to one Vegas sports book…..and we do play the Chargers, Titans and Browns. Bills and Jets twice each too.
ODDS TO WIN 2016-17 AFC CHAMPIONSHIP (1/22/17)
Patriots 4/1
Steelers 6/1
Broncos 7/1
Bengals 15/2
Colts 10/1
Chiefs 12/1
Ravens 17/1
Raiders 17/1
Jets 20/1
Texans 20/1
Bills 20/1
Dolphins 30/1
Chargers 40/1
Jaguars 40/1
Titans 40/1
Browns 100/1
1st year head coaches should not get great odds
either should teams coming off losing records
30/1 seems fair to me
the thing that drives me crazy is the random 15/2
why do they have to fuck up the math for the rest of the group
The Bengals are somewhere between 7/1 and 8/1 odds
just call them 7/1 and reep the savings if you win Vegas
LOL on the Bengals at 15/2…..guess just to prove it a science.
No doubt on the change of HC. Another one that hit us is not doing the huge signing win in the offseason. Guess the bettors (or maybe media) thought signing Wallace or Suh meant we were Superbowl bound. Can’t say this team is better or worse…..but the odds sure are.
GD, maybe our fortunes are changing for the better. We couldn’t have asked for a better player to fall to us in Tunsil. Sure it was under bizarre circumstances but the kid never failed a drug test and that video was years ago.
he still had issues concerning him asking for money for his mother’s rent and utility bill which he sidetracked twice during his 1st press conference with fins.
How does that effect him as a pro?
OMG, a poor kid in college on a sports scholarship got financial help from a big booster member. He should be canned to a bloody pulp in the streets…oh wait, that’s Saudi Arabia & several far east countries.
ugh– no respect for what is right or wrong. It is a character issue maybe
good for him
asking to get paid while he makes billions of dollars for the university
imagine a world where people are paid for their work
the NCAA does not have that imagination
so lets pretend this makes Tunsil a bad person b/c the NCAA seeks to exploit him and every college athlete
he took money from coach and yes probably boasters. At some point people have to respect the rules and laws.Let’s hope he changes.
You mean he was given money. Yeah that’s a real unprecedented event. LOL
Tim Knight says:
May 19, 2016 at 1:43 pm (Edit)
The Panthers were also tops in turnovers with 39 which really helps an offense.
Reply
getterdone says:
May 19, 2016 at 1:45 pm (Edit)
Yeah, keep a Defense fresh running the ball, & the Defense can go out & be aggressive. Good call.
Tim Knight says:
May 19, 2016 at 1:48 pm (Edit)
Exactamundo!!!
*************************
Aren’t we not built to do this?
Didn’t we just build a team to throw a lot?
Did you guys know that the starting 3 LBs of the Panthers are former first round picks
you really think we can be similar to them and then argue while we are fine with Jenkins, Misi and Alonso and 2015 UDFA LBs behind them
I would love to build a team like the Panthers did
we built a team to use very little TOP
if our defense gambles
then our defense gives up a lot of points
bc our defense will probably be on the field a lot even if we score a lot
SMH, here we go with the comparisons argument!
I was not comparing the Panthers to the Phins….the context was about getting our scoring average up to about 25pts a game, especially by running the ball more like the top teams did….thus it helps the defense be more aggressive & get TO’s as well….they compliment each other if we run good sound systems on both sides of the ball.
I didn’t say you compared teams
but you said run the ball and keep the defense fresh
and I don’t think we built a team to do that
more like pass the ball and give the defense a cushion and create turnovers to add to that cushion or take the risk of giving up a lot of yards on defense
How do we know this yet? Just because we added more talent for the passing game doesn’t mean we won’t run it. You don’t have to draft a bunch of RBs to run the ball, and we did draft one in the 3rd rd in Drake and we have Ajayi.
I wasn’t saying we’ll force that many turnovers, I just pointed out how that helped the Panthers offense.
we know what they added
we don;t how they will use those pieces
we should be able to speculate based ont he pieces added
we aren’t built to be a run heavy team
this offseason they made choices
you can’t chose to do it all
they chose a path to build the team
we don’t know if it will work or not
we will see
but I’m not buying that the plan is to run the ball and keep the defense fresh
it doesn’t look like that to me
We added the best OL prospect in the draft at #13 and drafted a RB in the 3rd so we’ll see. I don’t think we’re going to be a run heavy team nor did I suggest we were. I just agreed with GD’s point. I’d like to see us join the middle of the pack as opposed to being last though.