Dolphins coach Adam Gase has quickly earned a reputation as a player’s coach. Part of that could be for his willingness to turn to former players for help. Via Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the latest to drop in was longtime NFL cornerback Dre Bly. Bly spent a week working with the Dolphins’ defensive backs, “bouncing knowledge to guys” on the field and the meeting room, according to defensive back Jordan Lucas. Bly and Gase crossed paths in Detroit, when Gase was a scouting assistant and coaching assistant with the Lions. The two-time Pro Bowl corner joined a list of guest instructors which includes Wes Welker, Chris Chambers and others who have spent time there this offseason. While many coaches will treat their meeting rooms and sideline access as sacred, Gase’s openness to others is an interesting approach, and perhaps part of the reason players have responded so well to him.
We can't find someone better than Dre Bly? I mean, we couldn't get Rob Johnson or Johnny Manziel? I'm sure maybe we could get Priest Holmes' wifes pilates coach next time. Come on Gase, get Peyton in there jack!
He played 10 years, had 43 picks with 5 returned for TD's and 20 forced fumbles. The NFL list for 20th of all time is 55 picks. That my friend is a pretty decent career in the NFL for a corner IMO.
I was always a big Dre Bly fan. High on my list of the players I wanted us to draft that year. As you said, he had a strong flair for being able to get interceptions, going back to his days in college. I don't know how much of that he would be able to pass on, as a lot of it seemed to be due to physical gifts and instincts, but having players like this come and talk to our young guys can only be a good thing.
I like the players that are better than decent. Hey guys, I'm here to talk to you about how to be above average. If you listen to me you can all be kinda good and moderately memorable.
Article says he made three bowls I believe..hi draft pick as well..none of us know the dynamics the man in question brings to the table..he could be a very good teacher, communicator, respected in their community.. I'm all for bringing different perspectives to a young group of corners.
10 years at corner and 2 Pro Bowls is kinda good. OK. Would you have Patrick Surtain or Sam Madison in to talk with them?
Would be a great "how to deal with emotional trauma" coach since he's had a lifetime of training and experience.
You know Ricky, there was this mediocre player once...defensive back, second stringer, prone to injury...drafted in the NINTH round of the NFL draft, traded away from the championship team that drafted him. That player was Donald Francis Shula!!! You're of an extremely inaccurate mindset that greatness on the field as a player translates to greatness as a coach or teacher when the two are as different as night and day! But it seems to me, we've already had this discussion once before.
I don't know, sometimes the great players are just more gifted, and don't really have more knowledge to pass on. I wouldn't want someone to help teach that the NFL was "easy" for. The guys that work hard and improved their game to above average/semi great, might actually have more they can teach.
In all seriousness though, Gase's key trait is his willingness to try anything to help his players improve and to change things up that aren't working. Because he is so willing to keep tweaking and changing things, eventually he will hit upon the best ways to go about everything. Bly isn't there to teach them how to be mediocre. He is there to teach technique. Other specific points of cornerback play.
it is all about perspective. one thing all these ex-players have, suck or not, is a perspective of the "NFL Experience." Even if our players walk away with something small, it should help. When you sucked, you look back and see what you could have done. sometimes life's teachings are the best things to learn.