Last year was a disappointing year for our offense. We only managed to score 19.4 points per game, and averaged only 331.7 yards per game. Both of those are too low to be anywhere near playoff contention. So let’s take a look at what we’ve done to improve our offense this season.
On February 8th, we made our first and wisest move of the offseason, terminating the contract of OT Jason Fox. On March 7th, we terminated the contract of veteran WR Greg Jennings. March 11th, we made our first effort to shore up the offensive line, signing OL Jermon Bushrod, along with OL Sam Young. Bushrod is a quality veteran OT, who played for HC Adam Gase with the Bears last year, while Sam Young was a swing tackle for the Jaguars. Both moves to improve the depth at OT, and in Bushrod’s case, maybe add in another challenger at the OG position. On March 16th, we re-signed backup QB Matt Moore.
We then signed WR Griff Whalen, formerly with the Colts, and the next day, signed OG Kraig Urbik, who started a lot of games early in his career for the Buffalo Bills, but in the last 2 years, has been a depth player, but still saw action in every game, but only starting 13 out 32 games. On 3/29, we signed TE Jake Stoneburner, and 2 days later, signed OT Ulrick John, formerly of the Colts. On April Fools Day, no kidding, we signed RB Daniel Thomas (now truly DT3, as this is his 3rd time with the team), RB Isaiah Pead, and also signed TE MarQueis Gray, formerly of the Browns, Vikes and Bills. Our last move for the offense was signing ERFA WR Matt Hazel.
It was pretty clear, this organization was not happy with our offense, and made plenty of moves to ensure the OL shortcomings of years past would not occur on their watch. Even before the draft, you have to admit we truly improved the depth on the offensive line, and would not leave our 2 tackles spots undermanned. Then came the draft . . .
Not since the dramatic fall of QB Dan Marino in the 1983 draft have the Dolphins received such a gift with a first RD pick. OT Laremy Tunsil was almost unanimously rated as the best player in the draft, although some had CB/S Jalen Ramsey rated equally or higher. Regardless, when you’re making your selection at #13 in the first round, you’re not expecting in the least to have the best prospect waiting for you to select them, but due to a social media snafu, Laremy Tunsil is ours. This was huge, not only for this season, but possibly the next decade or more. Make no mistake, despite hearing nonsensical assassinations of this kids personality, along with rumors of pre arthritic ankles, we got the best OL in this draft, hands down!
It didn’t end there though, the Dolphins were determined to improve this offensive unit, and in the 3rd RD, we selected Alabama RB Kenyan Drake. Not the workhorse of that Alabama team, that was Derrick Henry, but Drake is a very talented RB who is a shifty runner, and a good receiver out of the backfield, who also brings us special teams value, as he was the gunner on kickoffs. We then traded back into the 3rd RD, and in order to get back into the 3rd RD, we traded away TWO 2017 picks, a 3rd RD and 4th RD. The 3rd RD pick will be our normal 3rd RD pick, but the 4th is conditional, so if we are granted a 4th RD compensatory pick, that will be the pick that we give away. Either way, a steep price to pay, but I LOVE the player we got with that selection. With pick #86, the Dolphins selected Rutgers WR Leonte Carroo. Carroo is physical receiver, who compares himself to Anquan Boldin (but faster!). He has strong hands, and he scores TD’s, and was a big play machine for Rutgers. As excited as I am about getting Laremy Tunsil, I’m excited to see what Carroo can do for you, despite the fact that we have no picks next year. (j/k)
OK, so we probably went defense with the rest of our picks, right? NO! Gase was not in a daze, and his mandate to fix this offense was ringing clear in the Miami war room, as our next selection in RD 6, was diminutive WR Jakeem Grant, from Zach Thomas’ Texas Tech. Grant really is a small NFL player at 5’6″ 165, but this kid is ELECTRIC! Grant has reportedly, though not officially, run a sub 4.2 40 yard dash. The fact that he’s so low to the ground allows him to make unbelievable stops and cuts, his highlight reel is something to see.
So that’s it for the offense. NO! No it isn’t! We did draft a defensive player in the 6th RD, but never mind, we’re all about that Gase, bout that Gase, no defense . . . With our first of two 7th RD picks, we nabbed Western Kentucky QB Brandon Doughty. This kid lit it up last season, and no, not with a gas mask, on the field! Doughty completed 72% of his passes, with a high 9.4 YPA, over 5000 yards, 5,055 to be exact, along with 48 TD’s and only 7 INT’s. That’s a fabulous season in any conference, although we all understand that Conference USA is not the SEC. He has been compared to Chad Pennington, so hopefully the kid can stay healthy, unlike the great Chad Pennington. At worst, we’ve drafted Matt Moore’s replacement as Tannehill’s backup, and if the kid shows he’s an NFL caliber starter, it’s a great problem to have having 2 quality NFL QB’s.
With our final pick, our last but not least, we took UCLA TE Thomas Duarte. Another exciting addition to the Dolphins offense. I’m ready to personally guarantee that this kid not only makes the 53, but that he makes a little impact. He’s essentially a large, slightly bulked up WR who will be difficult for a LB or safety to cover. I expect he will be used as a 2nd TE or even in the slot. Duarte has reliable hands, and that alone should have him making the roster.
Overall, it was a pretty impressive haul for the offense, both in FA, and the Draft. We were very careful not to allow the O-line to be our undoing this season, as opposed to seasons past. We found many different types of weapons for our QB Ryan Tannehill, from the fast, shifty RB Kenyan Drake, to the alpha receiver Leonte Carroooooooo, to the electrifying Jakeem Grant and the sure handed TE Thomas Duarte. We’ve come a long way Dolphins fans, and of course, we need to reap the fruit of the moves we made, but I have to admit, I’m very much looking forward to see what we can be this season. I’m a little unsure if we did enough on the defensive side, but I do think the offense playing at a high level takes a lot of pressure off the defense, and now, with a veteran defense with some youth sprinkled in, maybe we’ll have a stronger backbone and resolve to not break like we did last season. All I know is, the season can’t start fast enough for me, I WANT SOME FOOTBALL NOW!!!!
I expect us to run the ball more than we have the last few seasons, and really, the run will game will be a full time participant in our offense, not just a first act. I don’t think we’ll be running the ball 40 times a game, but if it can be done to close out a game with a win, maybe it happens now and again. I know Tannehill has his doubters, but I think with adequate protection, which I expect him to get this season, we’ll see some real positive strides from our still young QB. With better protection, Ajayi and Drake running the football, Parker, Landry, Carroo, Stills, Cameron, and yes, even Duarte, I think there will be plenty of targets, and lots of success this season from this offense.
Here’s to the 2016 Adam Gase led Dolphins turning this franchise around, having a successful season, and more of those to come.
GO MIAMI DOLPHINS!
Finsmob Unleashed 
I’m hoping Mr. Garrison enters into the race and fucks both candidates to death. I’m voting for a second civil war: slimy, crooked, sleazebags vs bigot, racist, sleazebags. Go Dolphins.
Any new opinions on Trump and Hillary? Yeah didn’t think so. LOL
My opinion is that if they had a baby together it would be the Anti-Christ.
The Flying Pig says:
June 2, 2016 at 2:52 pm
I just think Trumps boldly confronts people he think he can get away confronting.
———————–
Pig — and he did that with Paul Ryan and then you saw what happened. He pretty much came after with hat in hand.
Speaking of people I would like to be Pres….and not talking about Trump.
Yeah it was Paul first and Jeb Bush next when he saw the low pollnumbers
I guess there were a lot of other casualties
hey divide a conquer works well to win a primary
Will it work well to run a country?
All my friends are brown and red
KInda like the Cleveland Browns?
Spoonman…
Nice guys finish last. You have to be an ass hole to some to get others to back you.
in most races
the fastest guys wins
not the nicest guy
not the biggest jerk
the fastest
My previous comment is awaiting moderation. Clearly a conspiracy to silence my anti Trump, I mean anti-Hillary,…err our politics are a joke, rhetoric. It’s the corporations behind it all. Or I guess it could be that I signed in with my Twitter logon.
My voice will be heard.
Viva la resistance.
Go Dolphins.
I went in and approved all pending comments
I think aything you posted should be up
but you may have to repost if you are a victim of the page turn
I think its funny that you guys think bc Trump talks tough he will act tough and see the US through foreign and domestic policies that Washington has long ignored
His past does not show that
Everyone knows about the Univision fight I assume
Univision refused to air the Ms Universe bc of his statements (“They’re racists”) which I mentioned yesterday
Trump sued Univision for damages and breach of contract
Trump and Univision ended up settling
Sure, the perception might be there that the tough position Trump took brought Univision to its knees and they parties settled
Its not the settlement that is in question
Its what he did with his interest in the Miss Universe Pageant
He bailed
He sold his interest to another company
As it turns out Trump will have nothing more ever again to deasl with Miss Unvierse
http://www.newsmax.com/TheWire/trump-univision-lawsuit-settlement/2016/02/12/id/714016/
He made a lot of money
Good for Trump
But Univision was successful in outsting Trump form a program they air annually
That’s a big win for Univision
This is the typical Donald Trump routine
Puff your chest out
let everyone see it
then fail and leave everyone cleaing up the pieces
One of the greatest Presidents of all time, Theodore Roosevelt, said “speak softly and carry a big stick”
Trump is the antithesis of that
“Speak boldly and carry a tiny stick”
that is who Trump is
not a guy who will get stuff done
if you haven’t watched ESPN 30 for 30 on the rise and fall of the USFL you should check it out
Same Trump routine (he was an owner of the NJ team)
He encouraged and pushed the owners to play games on Sunday and compete with the NFL
He insisted on competiting with the best
They finally did it
They failed as a result
Oh boo who, because it was said on TV it must be true right? The opposition to Trump is coming from the scared good Ole boys club, and the sheeple are biting, hook, line and sinker. It’s not about what he’s done in the past, unless it’s really bad, but what he can do…
“The opposition to Trump is coming from the scared good Ole boys club…. It’s not about what he’s done in the past, unless it’s really bad, but what he can do…”
Call me part of the “ole boys club.” While saying I find him a distasteful person….I could put up with that. My big problem is I don’t know what he can do. Only thing I know is that it will not be business as usual and am quite convinced he has Narcissistic personality disorder.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/narcissistic-personality-disorder/basics/definition/con-20025568
The 30 for 30 Documentary came out well before Trump was running for president
it wasn’t meant to be a political position
If the other owners in the USFL felt that Trump killed the USFL
and went on record stating so
that is worth something
You can see it for yourself
Everyone time some one criticizes Trump the response is generlizations about who is criticizing Trump
I’m talking about very specific things
His sale of his interest in the pageant is public record and can’t be disputed
the settlement with Univision is confidential but the fact that there was a settlement is public record and cant; be disputed
The other USFL owners opinions on Trump being responsible for the fall of the USFL are opinions and not facts
but they are opinions from people who were in business with him and should have some weight
Trump likes to puff his chest out and posture
it doesn’t mean he will get things done or make a good President
Thanks, Pig. The system was acting funny on my with my wordpress logon, so I went Twitter, and I guess it saw me as a new person.
Who ARE you?
Who who… who who… I really want to know!
LOL
I’m Batman.
What’s happening Kong? Too long, no see
Howz it going, Mike? How is life treating ya? I’ve been good. Taking my usual offseason break from all things football. I pop in and read a few lines here and there on occasion. Seems like same ol same ol. I did see mention of some sort of minor reconciliation between the two blogs. I didn’t delve into what that meant though.Does peace, happiness, and the spirit of harmony abound?
It’s not really a blog-wide accord per se, it’s more of a couple of people are just willing to look past what happened many months ago. Not everyone on either side is on board with this. I spoke to M13, and we’ve talked things out, but it’s really an individual thing. I would like very much if all the people from both blogs could once again interact, but I think that has as much chance as a 3rd party winning this election.
Things are good Kong, life is constantly changing, and I will soon be an empty nester. Shocking to me, and I’m not sure how I’m going to handle it, but I do love my wife, and I think we both enjoy each other’s company, so I think we’ll be OK, but it will be quiet, except when I’m watching the Mets or Dolphins. 🙂
Empty nester…I am getting close to the same. Our youngest daughter (only one still in the home) is 15 and has serious aspirations of going to college on the east coast which means we only have a few years left.
My wife has already told my of her many ideas to infest our house with all sorts of mangy animals as a coping mechanism. I’ve been able to keep the critters out of the house during all our years of child-rearing, but I believe I have no chance in stopping this once the last child has taken wing. Personally, with the exception of the animals, I’m looking forward to a little piece and quiet, and no more sleep-overs with 6 flippin teenagers tearing up the place, lol.
So Batman does exist? 😉
Okay
I’m hanging up my wings for the day
so the Trump bashing is over
Catchup later humans
It’s funny, I’ve never seen Trump say anything bad about pigs, or building a wall to keep pigs out, or an extra pig tax, or anything negative regarding pigs.
cue the hillary joke
Its only a matter of time
He’s just exhausted from insulting everyone else so much
give him time
LOL Kong – Totally hear that. I started off this spring with my older son’s return from college, with no internships set up, no job aspirations, but a thirst for liquor and beer as he turned 21, and the desire to share with ALL his friends in MY basement. I go down to MY man cave one day after one of his little sleepovers, and not only are there bottles everywhere, but plates with crumbs on them, bowls with half eaten sauces and a in general, a total disregard for MY man cave, and I went upstairs and told him, OK, I screamed to him that one of us isn’t going to make it through the summer.
So far, my wife hasn’t attempted to replace my kids with a dog, but I think she doesn’t want to take on the responsibility of having one, so I think unless I’m willing to do everything, it won’t come up.
My wife has mentioned dogs, cats, rats, and ferrets, and we’re still a couple of years away, lol. I draw the line at ferrets. She wants to be Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle, that’s fine, but ferrets? Cool fucking animals and pretty cool pets…if you can handle creatures that get into EVERYTHING, just like a 2 year old kid, and worse, stink to high heaven, lol.
LOL, yeah I would have had a conniption too. You have to show respect to another guy’s man-cave, especially if it’s dad’s!
Kong
What did you think of that gorilla being shot? What are the other apes saying? Is James Patterson’s “Zoo” going to come to fruition?
I think everybody is at fault.
I’ve raised 3 kids, so I know how easy it is to take your eye off a kid for a moment and they somehow manage to build a sophisticated system of pulleys and levers which allows them penetrate a supposedly impenetrable area in seconds, and thereby put themselves in danger. Still you’re the parent on duty, your responsibility.
Zoos want to give people a great experience, so the create these open enclosures which enhance the enjoyment for people, but which also creates an inherent risk. Ultimately they share some responsibility as well. Even if up to normal “standards”, you still have an enclosure which a young child penetrated in mere moments.
Lastly, the gorilla’s death was the real tragedy. It’s unclear what intentions it had, but whether it was trying to protect the kid or whatnot, it was being rough, and it could have killed the kid an literally a split-second. Unfortunately I think they made the safest choice and it was the only one they really could make. That zoo would be up shit creek, if they chose another course of action and the kid got brutally killed. I think as much as they were protecting the kid, they were protecting the zoo itself.
Other gorillas and apes aren’t really talking about this incident too much. It’s been overshadowed by fascinating American politics. We’re all consumed by Trump vs Hillary, and the death of a silverback isn’t that interesting to us as a community. Besides, he was a dick, always talking down to the other gorillas, playing the alpha-male role. That kind of shit.
That was a really shitty situation. Here’s my solution.
1. No more captive animals.
2. Eliminate all options to get to the animals in their environment.
3. See #1
We have plenty of video and films on these wonderful animals. Do we really need to see them hating their existence in some zoo?
No more captive animals is something I could get behind. Zoos are a neat experience for kids, but truly miserable for most animals. Typical human arrogance that we hold what we want captive for our pleasure just because we can.
LOL @ Kong on ferrets.
Cats are easier if you like them. They can be a pet or just do their own thing but still give you something to look after. LOL
I am really pushing in that direction. I can dig cats. I really don’t want ferrets or a little yappie dog.
WTH Man ?
Lol, well we all have that one family member we wish would just stop eating their own poop…or I guess in the case of dogs, that one dog in the family who just WON’T eat his own poop.
I like regular dogs, it’s just the little yappers that make me want to attempt a 30 yard FG.
Hey Kong. Great to see you! I’ve got a few animals I wish I could get rid of. A dog. 2 cats and 1 rat. Used to be 2 rats so at least the population is going in the right direction !
Cheers, Herd. Good to see ya. Hope life is treating you well. I’ve got a feeling your dog-cat-rat ratio is probably quite similar to what I’m going to end up with once it’s all said and done, lol.
LOL@Kong
Sorry I had to cut out, all of a sudden work decided to interrupt my blogging. So the other big dick (Trump) gets more convo than the silverback. That’s fascinating to me.
Piggy, “you’re FIRED”
😆
I’m an independent contractor!
Geez Loueez! We’re getting off cheap with our stellar WR corp.
Jaguars signed WR Allen Hurns to a four-year, $40 million extension through 2020.
The deal contains $20 million guaranteed, and Hurns can earn an additional $4 million through incentives. Undrafted out of Miami (FL) in 2014, Hurns earned a full-time role opposite Allen Robinson last season and exploded for the “garbage-time” Jaguars, parlaying 64 catches into 1,031 yards and ten touchdowns. Hurns will turn 25 this November. As he was signed for 2016 at just $600,000, Hurns is now under the Jags’ control for the next five seasons at $40.6 million. Hurns is a prime regression candidate after last year’s obscene touchdown rate.
Hurns and Robinson were a great duo last season. I think they led the NFL in plays over 20 yards. They were really big play receivers all year long.
Garbage time 😉
Our last decade save for Penny’s magic season was garbage time too then. 🙂
Pretty wild that there are 500 workers doing the stadium renovation each day, 350 during the day, and an additional 150 at night. That’s impressive
live shot
LOL
Stadium Arcadium
Mike and Brian, the Mets start a 10 game road trip tomorrow night with the Marlins (3), Pirates (3) and Brewers (4). No worse than 5-5 with the way things are going. Worse than that and you start wondering.
Injuries are rearing their ugly head for us right now, with Duda, Wright and d’Arnaud. Add in Harvey has been a shell of what was expected, and the fact that Washington is not going to disappear, and that spells trouble.
What’s the better airport? Newark or laguardia?
I never liked LaGuardia, and Newark has really improved. I haven’t been to LGA in a long time though.
Is this when you’re going to NYC? Is JFK not available?
Where are you going from there?
On a long strange journey.
Let’s go Warriors!!!
Markeyh
I saw your blog today
https://dolphinseer.wordpress.com/2016/06/02/is-it-to-late-for-dion-jordan/
And the answer is Yes
It’s too late for Jordan!
Actually it’s too late for me to get a refund on the money I spent on my jersey
I’m going to Manhattan. JFK isn’t available.
Laguardia is horrible SB
JFK is my favorite
But Newark is good too
LGA is actually the closest to the city of the three
But it’s crazy
One time when I was flying back from FLA to LGA
The airport overbooked
No not the Airline
The airport
There were too many planes in the runway to land
My plane flew around in circles over the airport for an hour until there was room to land
Mike E. says:
June 2, 2016 at 4:07 pm
It’s funny, I’ve never seen Trump say anything bad about pigs, or building a wall to keep pigs out, or an extra pig tax, or anything negative regarding pigs.
WHAT? Don’t you remember him saying Rosey was a pig!? That alone is a deadly insult to all pigs.
It was offensive to Hogkind
CavalierKong says:
June 2, 2016 at 4:38 pm
I am really pushing in that direction. I can dig cats. I really don’t want ferrets or a little yappie dog.
Reply
Pot belly pigs actually make pretty good house pets too.
Until you pick them up.
Well keep your hands off the pork and it shouldn’t be a problem
How could it be too late for Dion FF?
If he passes through the reinstatement process, then he has a shot at redemption.
We’ll know more in 4-6 weeks.
It’s too late for me to get the value of the jersey I bought 4 Years ago
I was leaning towards Newark, but LGA was closer. Was wondering if it was worth it.
Nope
Not IMO
dog-cat-rat ratio
That seems to be a naturally declining ratio there….
could be like a turducken
The Flying Pig says:
June 2, 2016 at 9:22 pm
Well keep your hands off the pork and it shouldn’t be a problem
What are you some kind of speciesist? You discriminate against Getterdone and his piggyfriend? Maybe she likes his hands on her? Did you ever think to ask her? I thought more highly of you than this Piggy. SMH I’m disappointed that I thought you were more open minded than that.
Jordan-Alonzo-Jenkins
That would be an athletic trio
Maybe that can come together
It’s a lot to expect from Jordan
Especially with Hewitt rotating in in certain sits, maybe, as well as Misi or Vigil….also I look for Burgess to develop quickly.
Lippett-Abdul-Quddus-Jones-Maxwell
Jordan-Alonzo-Jenkins
Williams-Phillips-Suh-Wake
If these guys can play up to their physical potential this D, if they can develop and stay healthy, could be very physical. A defense that imposes it’s will. IF
Stopped reading when you didn’t mention
ifooooooooooooo
🐚🐚🐚🐚
LGA/JFK/EWR? It’s been a while since I’ve been to NY but I really don’t think it matters. They were all a mess.
The JetBlue jfk terminal is really nice
The only times I ever went through JFK were international trips. It’s been a long time, but not a pleasant memory.
I flew into Newark 2 years ago and had no issues. Going to Spain they didn’t get our luggage on our connector at JFK. 11 day cruise and no luggage for first week.
SB7, unless you’re coming in during rush hour I’d use Newark, you can be in Manhattan within 20 minutes once you’re on the road.
Piggy:
Yes, I also agree it us too late for Dion but I still hope I am wrong….
Lol, so you agree it’s far too late, but you hope you’re wrong? So by your own admission it isn’t too late.
This site has turned into a group of Omars and Walkers
It’s more like I do nt believe but will have no problem being wrong
booked through Newark. thanks guys.
Can’t believe you guys denied SB7 the fullest extent of the NY cab driver experience….. I mean come on he is there to get that real feel ….sheesh
He’ll get it alright. 4 years ago we drove into Manhattan at 10:00 AM, through the Lincoln tunnel and it was….the NY experience, and the traffic didn’t get any better until we got to Brooklyn, but we went back through Manhattan to witness the rush hour traffic.
On our way in we passed Newark.
new blog up guys