Several tactical changes paid off in Miami Dolphins’ rout of Titans
28 replies
Sceetoforum_veteranOPhttp://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nfl/miami-dolphins/article40305651.html
The Dolphins recommitted to the running game in Dan Campbell’s debut, with strong results
Rishard Matthews’ playing time increased and Greg Jennings’ snaps dropped significantly
The Dolphins like the physicality that Billy Turner brought to the guard position
Smart.
▪ A stronger commitment to the running game. Campbell poked his head into an offensive line meeting last week and said, “We will run the ball!”
After passing 73 percent of the time in their first four games, the Dolphins on Sunday had more rushes (32) than passing attempts (29). And they ran effectively, for 180 yards on 5.6 per carry, with Lamar Miller closing with 113 yards on 19 attempts.
It helped that left tackle Branden Albert and tight end Dion Sims returned from injury, and that Billy Turner replaced Jamil Douglas at right guard.
“It’s just refreshing to run the football,” center Mike Pouncey said.
Smart. Love Cambell.
▪ Turner’s promotion. Several teammates were surprised when the Dolphins gave the right guard job to Douglas instead of Turner late in preseason. But instead of sulking, Turner worked on his technique, which offensive line coach John Benton said had to improve.
Smart.
▪
Simplifying on defense. Though several defensive players said the Dolphins didn’t do much differently, Fox Sports reported that new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo reduced the number of defensive packages to only about 10 base-play calls and that the defensive linemen were told to attack instead of thinking so much.
After Cameron Wake’s fourth sack, his agent, Paul Sheehy, tweeted: “Another sack by . … Amazing what happens when you let players play and don’t try to overscheme things. #DanCampbell Fan.”
Said NBC’s Tony Dungy: “The coaching change in Miami has made a difference. Much more aggressive on defense.”
▪ Subtle changes at running back. Backup Jonas Gray, who had just one carry in the previous game, got the ball seven times (24 yards) and played slightly more than Damien Williams (nine snaps).
Also, the Dolphins used defensive tackle Earl Mitchell as a blocking back on six snaps, which was helpful for a team that doesn’t carry a fullback. “He can play fullback in this league,” Campbell said. “He missed on a couple, but that’s also his first NFL game as a fullback. He’s only going to get better. We’ll keep working him in.”
I always loved having a FB. That's pretty cool.
THIS AND THAT
▪ Wake’s four sacks in the first half tied with Seattle’s Chris Clemons (2012) and Kansas City’s Derrick Thomas (1992) for the most by an NFL player in a first half since 1991.
“Cam Wake is back, not that he was ever gone,” Campbell said. Campbell said linebacker Jelani Jenkins “played one hell of a game; he was all over the field,” and said if quarterback Ryan Tannehill “plays like he did yesterday, we’ll be fine. I keep telling him, ‘Just be you.’ ”Jenkins did play well.
In summation, imo.... smart. :pointlol::up:
PhinFan1968subscriberI agree Sceeto...very smart in how they proceeded into and through this game. He didn't ask anybody to play outside themselves...he asked players to be themselves with more aggression and physicality. He didn't shove any square pegs through any round holes...except maybe Dallas Thomas, but if he's the best of what's left at G, so be it...wouldn't mind seeing a trade to fill that spot AT ALL.
I think one of the main differences is the DL...Suh wasn't flashy, but was VERY stout in producing opportunities for Cam and other pressures, and pushed double-teams backward.
My main concern (besides Dallas Thomas) is the secondary, namely the 2nd CB spot. It just seems no matter who we throw out there, they get burned, make stupid penalties, blow angles on tackles, etc. Is there any possible near-term improvement that we can look to for that spot? 1st CB spot, if he can managed to stay healthy, is covered well. And Reshad Jones is insane...
All-in-all, everybody KNEW they'd come out fired up and ready to eat nails...that was a given. What wasn't a given was how they shredded the #1 passing D in the league (and against their #9 run D, that's a good look also). The running game CERTAINLY set up the pass...we're not used to that in these parts. I'd love to see it keep going.
Brian Flores when asked about tanking: “Again, no we’re not (tanking). We’re going to try to win every game. I think that’s disrespectful to even say that.”
:rimshot:
dolfan7171New MemberYep...smart is exactly right. I want to see what he does with the next game.
Win, Lose, or Tie, I will be a Dolphins Fan Until I Die:up:
Sceetoforum_veteran"PhinFan1968 wrote:
I agree Sceeto...very smart in how they proceeded into and through this game. He didn't ask anybody to play outside themselves...he asked players to be themselves with more aggression and physicality. He didn't shove any square pegs through any round holes...except maybe Dallas Thomas, but if he's the best of what's left at G, so be it...wouldn't mind seeing a trade to fill that spot AT ALL.
I think one of the main differences is the DL...Suh wasn't flashy, but was VERY stout in producing opportunities for Cam and other pressures, and pushed double-teams backward.
My main concern (besides Dallas Thomas) is the secondary, namely the 2nd CB spot. It just seems no matter who we throw out there, they get burned, make stupid penalties, blow angles on tackles, etc. Is there any possible near-term improvement that we can look to for that spot? 1st CB spot, if he can managed to stay healthy, is covered well. And Reshad Jones is insane...
All-in-all, everybody KNEW they'd come out fired up and ready to eat nails...that was a given. What wasn't a given was how they shredded the #1 passing D in the league (and against their #9 run D, that's a good look also). The running game CERTAINLY set up the pass...we're not used to that in these parts. I'd love to see it keep going.
Yep. Suh played well. I think he batted down a ball or two. He seemed more active and still took up double teams a lot and yep, the effect finally reared it's head known as The Kracken. Wake up the Beast!
Silverphinforum_veteranThe Dolphins like the physicality that Billy Turner brought to the guard position
Somewhere, out there, CK is sipping his tea like Kremit.
slickj101forum_veteranPlaying to your strengths is a novel idea. Amazing what can happen when you don't try to over-complicate things.
Cut Jennings already.
Silence
It's ******* Golden.
dolfan7171New Member"slickj101 wrote:
Playing to your strengths is a novel idea. Amazing what can happen when you don't try to over-complicate things.
Cut Jennings already.
Yeah we don't need Jennings anymore. We just need to start Parker and Hazel at some point in the season.
Win, Lose, or Tie, I will be a Dolphins Fan Until I Die:up:
"slickj101 wrote:
Playing to your strengths is a novel idea. Amazing what can happen when you don't try to over-complicate things.
Cut Jennings already.
Then he will go to the Pats and torch us.
Fin Dforum_veteranThere's a modern parable I remember hearing when I was young....
An 18 wheeler driver doesn't notice the height requirement to go under a low overpass. He gets stuck, wedging his truck and trailer under the overpass.
The police & fire rescue come out. The army corp of engineers are called in. All of them trying to figure out how to get this truck unstuck. A kid was watching from a distance as the very important adults with very important jobs all theorized how to unstuck the truck. He had an idea and went to the scene. he was brushed away by everyone. He finally gets to where the heads of the different departments are huddled around a makeshift command center. He interrupts them and the tell him to go home as they work out a way to cut the top off the trailer. He tries again, and then tell him more forcefully to get out of here as they get ready to make the necessary arrangements.
The kid, fed up, just goes over to the truck and lets enough air out of the tires to lower the trailer, gets on his bike and rides home.
I tell this parable because that's what the Dolphins felt like this year (and the past couple of years)....very important people trying to unstuck the team by overthinking everything, when really we just needed a simple, common sense approach the whole time.
Maybe Dan Campbell just let enough air out of the tires to get this team unstuck.
dolfan7171New Member"Fin D wrote:
There's a modern parable I remember hearing when I was young....
An 18 wheeler driver doesn't notice the height requirement to go under a low overpass. He gets stuck, wedging his truck and trailer under the overpass.
The police & fire rescue come out. The army corp of engineers are called in. All of them trying to figure out how to get this truck unstuck. A kid was watching from a distance as the very important adults with very important jobs all theorized how to unstuck the truck. He had an idea and went to the scene. he was brushed away by everyone. He finally gets to where the heads of the different departments are huddled around a makeshift command center. He interrupts them and the tell him to go home as they work out a way to cut the top off the trailer. He tries again, and then tell him more forcefully to get out of here as they get ready to make the necessary arrangements.
The kid, fed up, just goes over to the truck and lets enough air out of the tires to lower the trailer, gets on his bike and rides home.I tell this parable because that's what the Dolphins felt like this year (and the past couple of years)....very important people trying to unstuck the team by overthinking everything, when really we just needed a simple, common sense approach the whole time.
Maybe Dan Campbell just let enough air out of the tires to get this team unstuck.
Good story
Win, Lose, or Tie, I will be a Dolphins Fan Until I Die:up:
bakedmattNew MemberI tend to believe Cameron Wake's improved health and facing a rookie, then backup contributed more to his production than paring down the defensive playbook.
Call me crazy.
@matthewfpepin
jdallen1222forum_veteran"Fin D wrote:
There's a modern parable I remember hearing when I was young....
An 18 wheeler driver doesn't notice the height requirement to go under a low overpass. He gets stuck, wedging his truck and trailer under the overpass.
The police & fire rescue come out. The army corp of engineers are called in. All of them trying to figure out how to get this truck unstuck. A kid was watching from a distance as the very important adults with very important jobs all theorized how to unstuck the truck. He had an idea and went to the scene. he was brushed away by everyone. He finally gets to where the heads of the different departments are huddled around a makeshift command center. He interrupts them and the tell him to go home as they work out a way to cut the top off the trailer. He tries again, and then tell him more forcefully to get out of here as they get ready to make the necessary arrangements.
The kid, fed up, just goes over to the truck and lets enough air out of the tires to lower the trailer, gets on his bike and rides home.I tell this parable because that's what the Dolphins felt like this year (and the past couple of years)....very important people trying to unstuck the team by overthinking everything, when really we just needed a simple, common sense approach the whole time.
Maybe Dan Campbell just let enough air out of the tires to get this team unstuck.
truck was full potato, army was defend truck. 2 potato shot, very sad
🎃
djphinfansubscriber"PhinFan1968 wrote:
I agree Sceeto...very smart in how they proceeded into and through this game. He didn't ask anybody to play outside themselves...he asked players to be themselves with more aggression and physicality. He didn't shove any square pegs through any round holes...except maybe Dallas Thomas, but if he's the best of what's left at G, so be it...wouldn't mind seeing a trade to fill that spot AT ALL.
I think one of the main differences is the DL...Suh wasn't flashy, but was VERY stout in producing opportunities for Cam and other pressures, and pushed double-teams backward.
My main concern (besides Dallas Thomas) is the secondary, namely the 2nd CB spot. It just seems no matter who we throw out there, they get burned, make stupid penalties, blow angles on tackles, etc. Is there any possible near-term improvement that we can look to for that spot? 1st CB spot, if he can managed to stay healthy, is covered well. And Reshad Jones is insane...
All-in-all, everybody KNEW they'd come out fired up and ready to eat nails...that was a given. What wasn't a given was how they shredded the #1 passing D in the league (and against their #9 run D, that's a good look also). The running game CERTAINLY set up the pass...we're not used to that in these parts. I'd love to see it keep going.
I think their is a correlation between coming out ready to eat nails at that level and shredding.
Sceetoforum_veteran"Fin D wrote:
There's a modern parable I remember hearing when I was young....
An 18 wheeler driver doesn't notice the height requirement to go under a low overpass. He gets stuck, wedging his truck and trailer under the overpass.
The police & fire rescue come out. The army corp of engineers are called in. All of them trying to figure out how to get this truck unstuck. A kid was watching from a distance as the very important adults with very important jobs all theorized how to unstuck the truck. He had an idea and went to the scene. he was brushed away by everyone. He finally gets to where the heads of the different departments are huddled around a makeshift command center. He interrupts them and the tell him to go home as they work out a way to cut the top off the trailer. He tries again, and then tell him more forcefully to get out of here as they get ready to make the necessary arrangements.
.I tell this parable because that's what the Dolphins felt like this year (and the past couple of years)....very important people trying to unstuck the team by overthinking everything, when really we just needed a simple, common sense approach the whole time.
Maybe Dan Campbell just let enough air out of the tires to get this team unstuck.
***************
There's a little kid who keeps shredding paper, so his parents take him to all kinds of doctors to get him to stop shredding paper. Finally they take him to the most expensive doctor in the world who turns to the kid and says: "Kid, if you stop shredding paper your parents will stop dragging you to doctors". Then the kid says: "Why didn't you just say so?".
:pointlol:
CitizenSnipsNew Member"Sceeto wrote:
Yep. Suh played well. I think he batted down a ball or two. He seemed more active and still took up double teams a lot and yep, the effect finally reared it's head known as The Kracken. Wake up the Beast!
Suh was directly involved on two of wakes sacks. One he took on a dbl team, and the other he drove the G back into the pocket so mariota couldn't step up. It was exactly how we all invisioned the day he signed.
Also wOrth noting, on Wakes first sack, Suh absolutely blows by the G and would have crushed mariota...but wakes just that quick
http://www.gfycat.com/IndeliblePlaintiveGnu
VanDolPhansubscriber"CitizenSnips wrote:
Suh was directly involved on two of wakes sacks. One he took on a dbl team, and the other he drove the G back into the pocket so mariota couldn't step up. It was exactly how we all invisioned the day he signed.
Also wOrth noting, on Wakes first sack, Suh absolutely blows by the G and would have crushed mariota...but wakes just that quick
http://www.gfycat.com/IndeliblePlaintiveGnu
I believe Chance was so worried about Suh he completely ignored Jenkins when he just ran through and made that tackle in the backfield also.
mlb1399forum_veteran"bakedmatt wrote:
I tend to believe Cameron Wake's improved health and facing a rookie, then backup contributed more to his production than paring down the defensive playbook.
Call me crazy.
Not to mention getting back your best OL which helps with the "tactical" change to run the ball more.
bakedmattNew Member"mlb1399 wrote:
Not to mention getting back your best OL which helps with the "tactical" change to run the ball more.
Sure, but it was the defensive play calling that Wake's agent was referring to. Listen, I don't like DEs dropping into coverage anymore than anyone else, but Suh got a batted pass this week dropping back. And the playbook didn't change. So, I mean, what did? Well, for starters...
We played with a lead
Key players got healthy (or healthier)
We stopped the run
@matthewfpepin
mlb1399forum_veteran"bakedmatt wrote:
Sure, but it was the defensive play calling that Wake's agent was referring to. Listen, I don't like DEs dropping into coverage anymore than anyone else, but Suh got a batted pass this week dropping back. And the playbook didn't change. So, I mean, what did? Well, for starters...
We played with a lead
Key players got healthy (or healthier)
We stopped the run
I'm not taking anything away from the game plan or coaching. It's easier to do more things when 2 of your top 4 players are healthy and playing. Having Albert back, a top 10 OT, allows you to run the ball, which throws defenses off, keeps them guessing and opens up your passing game. Have one of the best edge rushers in the game, facing a backup rookie, allows you to do so many more things.
cuchulainnsubscriber"Sleepy wrote:
How many plays did Phillips get on Sunday?
26 or about 40% of the time. He also had 5 on ST.
Piston Hondaforum_veteran"mlb1399 wrote:
Not to mention getting back your best OL which helps with the "tactical" change to run the ball more.
And getting Dion Sims back.
Piston Hondaforum_veteran"bakedmatt wrote:
Sure, but it was the defensive play calling that Wake's agent was referring to. Listen, I don't like DEs dropping into coverage anymore than anyone else, but Suh got a batted pass this week dropping back. And the playbook didn't change. So, I mean, what did? Well, for starters...
We played with a lead
Key players got healthy (or healthier)
We stopped the run
And their QB was playing on one leg.
slickj101forum_veteran"Piston Honda wrote:
And their QB was playing on one leg.
That can happen when you finally have an opportunity to hit him. I know we haven't seen that in a while so it's hard to believe.
Silence
It's ******* Golden.
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