Our OL was average-above average IMO, talent wise. The problem was that they were a poorly coached and led unit. We ran the same power play (Incognito pulling) over and over all year despite the fact that Richie is more of a drive blocker. Its like Henning didn't realize that Justin Smiley wasn't here anymore. As a whole, our run game was predictable. Lots of power, some Iso, an occasional toss, and the obligatory, poorly executed draw play on 2nd/3rd and long.

Watch the Jets running game. They run power, stretch, toss, iso, trap, counter, counter trap, option, and they execute them all fairly well. They're not predictable, and they have backs who can get to the 2nd level. Our backs are slow as dirt, even when the blocking is perfect they still only get 7 yds.

Another factor, CK alluded to this, is play action. No one on offense carries out any real fake. The OL immediately goes into pass blocking, that's coaching IMO. If one player or group is doing it, blame the individual, but the whole offense? That's coaching and not paying attention to detail.

I'm not saying our OL is as good as the Jets', but they're certainly as good as Houston, who had the NFL rushing champ, and the Chiefs who led the league in rushing. The talent is there, the execution is not, and the play calling didn't suit the talents of the players, a microcosm of our problem on offense as a whole.

 

Call me crazy but I can definately see Ireland trading back again for a late 1st rounder and picking up a 2nd if there is no one there he covets. I think he would be elated to come out of the 1st round with Pouncey and a 2nd round pick. He offers versatility on an OL that is a work in progress and we will need all the flexability we can get to solidify it. Bottom line, controlliong the line of scrimage is paramount, and we failed miserably last season. Ireland will look to appease Sparano and addressing the OL will definately help after the liquidation last offseason.

 

If Ireland is smart, he'll appease Ross and get some play makers in here.

 

Watching the offensive line wasn't as good run blocking as the year before, however they were much better pass blocking. I really liked Pat McQuistan as he was one of the best third options that I have seen in Miami for years. Nat Garner coming back should help.

If there is a CBA, I would do everything I could to get an awesome left guard. With the rest of the hodge podge of guys I think there could be a good enough center and right side.

 

If Robert gallery does become a FA I think we'd probably give him a look, but we certainly should try to acquire some OL youth in the draft

 

I think we will look for playmakers in FA as they need immediate results being on short leashes with Ross. They proved that they are not afraid to pony up like they did with Dansby last year. JMO.

 

Well, as for draft, I think Heineken is a pretty good draft beer. In a wooden keg it just has this natural taste that's great on the palate.

If you just want some beer, get Draft Budweiser. It's passable and great for parties if you just want to buy something.

A local flavor where I'm from is Sands beer. It's pretty good and has a powerful taste. Ice cold from the keg is just amazing.

Personally, I think the best bet for the Dolphins would be to start with a cold Coors draft in the early heat and settle down into a Corona/Heineken combo by halftime. If we're up big, fourth quarter break out the Dos Equis. If we're down, they get Gatorade.

 

you bet. it all begins in the trenches.
get the push & the run game appears.
when you run the ball the passing game opens
when you dominate the clock, the defense is fresh

the fix:
1) you keep the book ends, Long & Carey
2) you acquire a pro-bowl quality Center
3) you add the best guard you can draft
4) you allow Garner, Incognito, Jerry & the new guard to compete for a start on the interior-line

 

Good points GM. Anyone think Ronnie was auditioning for "Dancing With The Stars?" LOL Injuries and new guys hurt us a lot as well. I think Incognito was the only one healthy, and he was a new guy.

When you come down to playing late in the season with a one armed LT, your LG playing C, and a couple of guys you picked up off the waiver wire, in McQuiston and Murtha, expectations are not very high.

This coming season, Aqua glasses optional, Long is back to the Best, Carey is healthy and a top RT, Incognito is ripping holes at C, Jerry becomes a player, we add one, and have Garner, McQ, and Berger fighting for time as back ups. It is not all that far fetched.

 

Many question Carey's ability to move inside due to his lack of speed in being able to pull. Incognito was the one at C, and he really impressed me there. Pauncey is a first round pick at G, no one sees him at C.

There are four first round OT's in this draft. A decision on what to due with Carey should dictate what we do. He is getting a lot of money.

 

Heineken is a pretty good draft beer. If you're looking for a colon cleanse.

*The above is my personal experience, your experience may vary.

 

Carey is a first round draft choice. the PancakeMonster got dinged up & didn't play to potential in 2011
having said that
Long & Carey are top NFL BookEnds. we need to fix the interior line: a Pro-Bowl potential Center & Guard should be on the immediate radar

 

The line has to be the first order of priority. I'd prefer to see a new line coach but that probably will not happen. As far as the draft goes, the Dolphins desperately need to find a player who can stretch the field to compliment their plethora of underneath talent. While such a player does not directly impact the line's performance, it will force defenses to play us more honestly. Irleand has essentially whiffed on all of his offensive selections, some of his misses have been disastrous. I find my faith in him severely tested as a result. Just looking at highlights of two WRs I'd take Blackmon over Jones.

 

IMHO, that is the problem with having a front office and coaching staff that is hanging on by a thread. They are going to go for the short term fixes instead of doing what is best for the team in the long run. IMO, the Fins have to fix their OL (and the coaching there of) as they were both horrid. BTW GM, I disagree that the talent level was there on the OL this year. We played all year with crap at center and RG. You can't go into the season with 2 out of 5 positions being horrible and expect to have success.

 

they can get playmakers that are young and can be around for the long haul. lots of nice youngish TE's in FA. the reason I get pissed off is because here we are in year 4 of this rebuild, and the O Line needs to be reworked again. they set out to build the lines at the expense of other skill positions, and yet here we go again. unacceptable.

 

Caryey went from a top 3 RT last year, with a PFF rating of over 19, to an average RT, with a PFF rating of -1. which still puts him in the middle of the pack. IF he reverts back to last season, with Long, we could well have the best bookends in the game. I'm also sold on Incognito.

That leaves two to complete the puzzle. Jerry, Garner, who impressed, McQ, who impressed, Berger, and another from FA could well make this OL SPECIAL. When you consider the talent and circumstance, we are not in anywhere near as bad shape as some think on the OL. IF healthy.

 

would love Owen Daniels

 

he would be my 2nd choice after Zach Miller, but excellent consolation prize. I even like Scaife and Scheffler as cheaper signings if you strike out on some of these other guys. I also love DJ Williams of Arkansas.

 

Many keep saying that we now need a WR, who can STRETCH the field, and I'm not buying it. Tell me of the "Speed Demons" ripping D's to shreds? Tell me of the "Burners" who are Pro Bowlers?

Having a WR with good speed, 4.5-4.6, and can get open and catch the ball over the middle is FAR more important.

 

While I generally agree with you this offense needs speed. There are no guys on the roster that are a threat to take a hand off for an 80 yard TD or for that matter a 5 yard pass either. For an offense to be successful you need to be able to do that from time to time. Not to mention what that does to the underneath routes.

 

well the dual threat is punt returns as well. even KO's. Desean Jackson ripped the Giants hearts out there. Mike Wallace allows Ward to work underneath. Dez Bryant had a nice impact on returns. We already have a guy whos a 4.5 4.6 guy and can catch the ball over the middle. Brandon Marshall. Would you take Jacoby Ford on the Phins right now? I would.

 

Ward does nto need Mike Wallace to work underneath.

 

well it certainly doesnt hurt.

 

Have good quarterbacking doesn't hurt either

 

We're on the same page. A speedy RB and/or return guy would be more than welcome. Add in a speedy TE, which is a different ball game. As far as a WR, CB's are as fast or faster. The speed advantage is nill for the most part. Running routes and getting open matter. Ask Jerry Rice.

 

We've got to solidify the C position preferrably with a young draft pick that can hold it down for years to come. An elite LT does us no good if the rest of the line is poor to average.

 

Yeah, anyone see any speed demons on the Pats? I think Welker may be slower than some of the guys on the OL. :)

 

liked what I saw from Incognito at center...

 

i assumed thats a given. qb play has nothing to do with guys like Jacoby Ford making impacts on ST's and end arounds though. So getting back to the original point, to me a speed wr would open up alot of things. The Phins return game has been crap for a long time now, so it cant hurt.

 

Brandon Tate? Hernandez might be considered a speed demon for a TE. In reality hes a big wr.

 

Yea I just hope he really has changed and isn't going to implode on us.

 

He looked great but, does need some work on the shotgun snaps. Oh yeah, he was looking great vs a boy named Su, not an easy task.

 

they need to resign him as well...

 

I agree, it wouldn't hurt. I was hoping Morlon Moore would be the punt returner, unfortunately he wasn't.

 

Tate does have speed but caught 24 passes this past season, not anywhere near a great impact. Ginn did better.

 

I don't think they'll have an issue keeping him around as he is versitile.

 

I'm sure Brady does fit into the equation some how!

 

Id be happy with a guy you can sprinkle in on offense, and who can provide an impact on ST's. Brandon Marshall is going to see alot of balls anyway, and then Bess in the slot will get alot of looks. So really the speed guy doesnt need to be a high catch guy.

 

Fair point. It would be great to have someone like a Wallace in Pitt, like a change of pace RB. Hartline is a tenth or so, of a second slower but a much better WR. Not sure of Moore.

Although I do like Carrol, I would have kept Ginn for the reasons you mention. Most hate the guy with a passion but, I will never forget him beating the Jets by himself.