I've never claimed to be far reaching in what I know as for movies. Like the song says, "I'm not aware of too many things, I know what I know if you know what I mean. "
I think you can take pretty much any OL shift in its context and explain it. And I'll come up with some other adjective synonymous with obtuse, once I find my thesaurus!
- adjective slow to understand Synonyms: dense, dopey, dull, dumb, imperceptive, insensitive, opaque, slow on uptake, stolid, thick, uncomprehending, unintelligent Antonyms: bright, intelligent, quick, smart
Well, Tony admitted he did too much shuffling of linemen on the OL last season and that it effected continuity, said he learned his lesson and won't do it again this season. Words to that effect anyway. We shall see how well he can resist the urge to do so. As I recall, last season the biggest question was center. They tried to give equal chances to Grove and Berger and didn't decide till the last week of preseason who would be the starting center. Am I remembering right?
FWIW I think Tony Sparano in one of his most recent press conferences stated that he's not moving Mike Pouncey away from the Center position. He's used a lot of "right now" language recently with respect to a lot of things, most notably the QB position, but when he said that about Pouncey, he didn't qualify it I don't think. That's part of my thinking that when/if O'Hara signs, he could just have Shaun compete straight up with Pouncey and move Berger over to Guard. The idea would be for Pouncey to see a real pro Center in action, a man that can read the defense and make the right protection calls, and learn from him. O'Hara's problem with the Giants in 2010 was that he couldn't stay healthy. Tony Sparano has made it clear that he wants to settle his OL as quickly as possible, which means that if everyone gets their wish and O'Hara becomes the starting Center, then Pouncey would immediately move to LG sooner rather than later, while Incognito moves to RG. If that happens, and Pouncey is working at LG all through camp, what happens when O'Hara gets hurt during the season, as he seems wont to do? Everyone just assumes oh well you put Pouncey in there, as if it's that simple. But he still has snapping issues he has to work through and more important he has to learn the position and make the calls. He's not going to do that while working at LG all through camp and preseason. It's a rational move. It might not be the correct move in everyone's eyes but I could see it being the correct move in their eyes. I think the assumption everyone's making that might be a bad assumption is that O'Hara wouldn't come here if he weren't going to be the starter. He got cut and it's very possible there's not much interest in a 34 year old Center that couldn't stay healthy in 2010. And if he does start, I know it seems unconscionable to not start their rookie #15 overall pick but I think that could happen.
There was a competition, but I don't think it was really up in the air. Berger started 1, 2, and 4, Grove 3, and I think Berger outplayed Grove pretty notably. At a certain point I feel like they just had to give Grove a shot because he played so well the year before.
The other possibility, and this could even be a stronger possibility than a Pouncey/O'Hara position battle, would be for O'Hara to play Right Guard and to make all the line calls for Pouncey until he's ready. Now that I think on it, this seems even more likely.
Before last season he has been very durable so I don't see how one can say that. If we feel pretty sure last season was a fluke, why worry about him getting hurt more than anyone else?
If O'Hara was going to play G, why not move Richie to his more natural RG spot and insert O'Hara at LG? O'Hara considers C his more natural position and he has gotten Pro Bowl and All Pro notice there in recent years, so seems more sensible to me to use him at C and Mike at LG.
To me, it runs contrary to all prior behavior and evidence. It's possible though. Let's hope Tony grew from his mistakes. Great coaches do.
All rabid speculation. Tony is thinner, more articulate and beady eyed as ever. I think Tony is turning Japanese right before our eyes, I really think so. Chotto Matte Kudasai...
Now I remember, James Whitmore's character carved that in the wall in the room where he stayed after he got out. Duh. No wonder Vendi was ribbing me about it.
i'll keep banging the Kreutz drum until either he 'officially' retires - which i doubt, or we sign O'Hara or another OL instead. Admittedly, if we are looking for a C to move to G in ordert to mentor Pouncey - then Olin is likely not the guy we want.
Having a talented center start their first year at guard is decently standard. The last thing that would do is stunt his growth. Still, looking at his college videos, he seems to be such a waste at center.
OmarKelly Omar Kelly Dolphins rookie center Mike Pouncey said he's instructed Paul Soliai "keep going as hard as you can to make me the best player."
I believe this could be it. It's hard to be a starting center in your first year. It just doesn't happen often. Now add the fact you have a month to get ready for the season and it becomes damn near impossible. They need a guy who can make the line calls and I don't see that in Incognito or Jerry.
I understand there's something very "standard" about a Center prospect starting out early as a Guard. But given that Tony Sparano seems to view the Center position as one that can constrain what you do on offense...it would make sense if he'd want to keep Pouncey's pure ability on at Center while taking the responsibility of making the calls off his shoulders. For whatever reason Jeff Ireland has made statements to the effect of, if you don't have a great Center, then it really limits your offense...something like that. Did he mean mentally? Or physically? Seemed like he meant physically.
I think an O'Hara signing makes sense, but I'm just looking at the numbers and something doesn't fit. #1 Jake Long #2 Vernon Carey #3 Joe Berger #4 Lydon Murtha #5 Mike Pouncey #6 Ritchie Incognito #7 Nate Garner #8 Marc Colombo #9 Ray Feinga #10 John Jerry #11 Shaun O'Hara? I mean there are going to be some decisions that need to be made there. FYI: Any reason why Nate Garner isn't listed on the Official Roster on miamidolphins.com?
I found it odd. He wasnt on the roster being handed out at training camp... so I wasnt able to watch him play. Didnt know what number he was...
Ughh..... who ever thought someone would be able to legitimately say that about our franchise. It's what happens when you've been an afterthought for close to a decade. I loathe that guy but can't really find fault with him feeling that way. Hopefully we give him a reason to regret the quote.
I believe that Garner, Hilliard and maybe Sheets are not on the official roster because they are restricted free-agents and probably don't become part of the roster until Thursday.
Good point fin. OT: saw you in the UCF rivals board posting. Don't think those guys were prepared for your questions on whether Kelly was ready to be an HC. They are a little raw on that board. I agree with you though.
The most interesting tweet from Darlington on O'Hara came earlier, when he said: "Already hearing Shaun O'Hara has proven to be a good fit with the Dolphins only a few hours into his visit. Should just come down to contract." I thougth that was interesting.
so if Tony thinks the C position can constrain what you do on offense, Id love to get his thoughts on QB
Not likely. His visit supposedly went well and he checked out medically, he's just returning home to discuss the offer with his wife.
you made that up, i read that on some guys twitter account and he did put it like it was just said by him after a jets practice ?
True or not, usually when they leave without agreeing to a contract, they never come back and sign later? Seems like that to me. I know in this case, O'Hara gave a supposedly logical reason, but still, it will be interesting to see what happens.