Looks like Ajayi is struggling with more than just running so far.... http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...nbaum-if-ajayi-cant-pass-protect-he-wont-play
Strong words. While via Tannebaum, I think without a doubt, it's from Philbin. We wonder why Daniel Thomas stuck around for as long as he did. I think it also points to the importance of keeping Tannehill upright whether in play-action, etc. It may also point to the state of the O-line. This may also be one reason Miller put on a little more weight; to handle pressure from LBs or DBs. It also points to the importance of backs blocking in this offense. This isn't for motivation, IMO. It is what it is. If it motivates Ajayi, good. If not, oh well. In my own Bob Marley voice: "No blockey, no play......No blockey, no play!"
This is going to light a fire under him to make him play better. Don't be surprised to see him improve in this area. In fact, I expect him to do better in pass protection.
The good thing is like you said, it is early. So has plenty of time to learn how to do it properly and improve his chances at moving up the ranks. I am sure backup is available right now.
IMO it was intended to motivate. That doesn't mean it wasn't true. I'm sure it was. My feeling is that Tannenbaum went out of his way to tell Ajayi what he needed to improve on. Maybe I'm wrong but Tannenbaum tends to be pretty generic in his statements. He doesn't criticize individual players much and he doesn't do it specifically. This seemed like a direct message to me. I'm not sure why. Maybe he was a Tannenbaum choice or maybe he just sees Ajayi's success as particularly critical to the team's success?
I am hoping that it was intended to motivate. He may have went about it the wrong way and the media twisted his words and intentions. So hopefully Ajayi got the hint and is working on improving in this area.
I would think that pass pro for a rookie RB can be quite a challenge. So many options for the D. If it is true, I hope it's just experience and not his ability or willingness to block. Betting he didn't do it much in college.
Not worried. Just letting him know what he needs to do to have a prominent role. In all honesty Ajayi will be running this year either way, he's too talented not to. Mr T. knows that.
Reads like a generic statement. Note that mike is not quoted saying Jay needs to improve his pass protection. Though I'm always skeptical of sports writers.
I agree bakedmatt, it was a general statement....he didn't say he was bad at pass protection Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Jay Ajayi will be fine imho...today was #6....He will get better every day and will be fine once the season starts....everyone, please try to remember that we are way early in camp. Give these guys a chance, and I bet they make all of us happier.