Marshall now “seems like the Brandon from back in Denver,” teammate Marlon Moore said. “More focus, more of a leader, more of an attacker. He looks a lot happier as a person” since his borderline personality diagnosis. Vernon Carey, moved from tackle to right guard, must play better after plunging from No. 6 to No. 25 in PFF’s offensive tackle rankings last season. It was troubling Miami’s line created no holes for the running game early Friday. But in Carey’s defense, the four designed runs in Henne’s four series were behind center Mike Pouncey or behind the left side — left guard Richie Incognito (rated 17th among guards in 2010) and tackle Lydon Murtha, who filled in for Jake Long. “My question is, ‘Who’s your pulling guard?’ ” ex-Dolphins guard Keith Sims said. “You’ve got two big strong maulers in Vernon and Incognito, but no one who can pull. That, to me, means running between the tackles. If you have two guards who aren’t the most mobile, can they get in front of Reggie Bush on screens?” Carey allowed 23 quarterback pressures — 11 more than Jake Long — though he played 296 fewer snaps. Carey also had seven penalties, and his run-blocking was much worse than in ’09. Sims would “equate 80 to 90 percent” of Carey’s drop-off to the knee injury that sidelined him the final four games, but he’s healthy now. “He can absolutely play guard, but it’s all going to come down to his knees,’’ Sims said. • Coach Tony Sparano said Tuesday he wants more production from Hartline on patterns of “17-plus” yards. Then Hartline had a 44-yard touchdown catch Friday. “I’m every bit that deep-threat guy if I need to be. I got behind the defense a lot last year,” said Hartline, whose 14.3-yard reception average led the team, though he missed the final month with a finger injury. “I want to be reliable.’’ Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/08/14/2358129_p2/miami-dolphins-look-to-further.html#ixzz1V0F1gbFR
I am worried about Columbo. He's not elite anymore and struggles in space. Seems like his past relationship with Sparano and Ireland is more of a driving force than what he may bring to the offensive line. I am just concerned that Sparano may stick with him even if he struggles because of their past relationship. Poor play at RT will bring the quality of the line down and make it weaker than it should be.
Well, in the Atlanta game, watching it the 2nd time, I focused on Colombo on every passing down. I never saw him allow pressure, a hit on the QB or a sack. Nothing but decent pass protection was all I saw out of him. As for Garner, he struggled at RT. His man was getting in on Moore, more than once and on the int Moore threw, he was hit by Garner's man right as he was releasing the ball. Had he been kept clean, Moore probably would have simply overthrown the pass
i don't honestly think this is a concern. This isn't a guy giving his son-in-law a cushy office job where he has no real power, this is a multi-million dollar position that in some ways could determine Sparanos fate as a coach. If Columbo gives up a sack on 3rd down in a tie game, sparano looks like a moron if Murtha/Garner are the better option. Ross made a horrible spectacle of possibly trying to replace sparano this offseason, don't think for a second Tony doesn't know whats going to happen to him if he doesn't produce this year. Every decision they make is important at this stage.
That is a huge problem with the damn guards. I can't overestimate just how much better the team could be if they looked like: LT- Long LG- Pouncey C- Incognito RG- O'Hara RT- Murtha That line is athletic as can be. It will wreck at 3-4 with Incognito taking on that NT as well as anyone else can with Pouncey and the steady veteran O'Hara taking advantage of both Bush's speed and Thomas' overall abilities.
I don't see why they won't call him. He's a decent run blocker, excellent pass blocker. If we're going to turn into some kind of pass heavy lineup he'd be a great option. I'm really encouraged by Murtha though Pad, how about you? We won't be able to run the ball again this year for much more than 4 YPC but heck at least we can flick the ball with reckless abandon.
I've liked Murtha all along, his issue is he does not stay healthy even in a small number of starts. As for Waters, I'm 100% in favor, we need Olinemen, he went to the pro bowl last yr, and was on a Oline that blocked for Jones and Charles and were Cassell had a career yr, problem is cannot see Carey or Richie I being moved out to make room for him. This is the one area where Sparano semi disppoints me every yr, he falls in love with a player, does not see their obvious flaws, they manifest themselves in the regular season and they do not know how to handle it, if Colombo gives up 4 sacks vs the Patriots, they will just trot him right back out there the next week as if the regular season was some kind of inter squad scrimmage.
Even though he wasn't the greatest last year I would most definitely be in favor of Waters. Even at their worst Miami's offense was ok in terms of yardage-production until their OL fell apart. That Carey move may have not been for the better. He was looking ok at RT better overall than the other guys. Let me ask you this: - If Waters was 12 last year amongst guards, he was probably say 6th-7th amongst LGs. - Carey was in the top 12-14 amongst RTs. - Incognito would be an even better RG - Pouncey looks decent already as a rookie - Long hopefully comes back healthy What would be wrong with that line?
