Dungy, Collinsworth bullish on Dolphins; Dolphins’ lineup change helps

“Everybody in the AFC East is a contender,” Dungy said. “I am surprised they are struggling offensively but any time you change quarterbacks and bring your quarterback in from the [broadcast] booth instead of the practice field, it makes it difficult. But they've got enough weaponry. I think you are going to see their offense come on and I think they will be in the hunt at the end of the year.”

Collinsworth’s take: “They certainly have the weapons, there's no question about that. To watch Jarvis Landry, I think he’s one of the really great big-play receivers. Some of the plays he made in that game the other day, fourth down catch. He just doesn't get enough credit for what he does.

“I've always liked Jay Ajayi. I don't know that he catches the ball as well sometimes as he could but you get the feeling with Kenny Stills and Julius Thomas [they could get the offense going]. I think this offensive line will continue to improve, because defensively, they can play. They can make plays on that side of the ball.

• Chris Kouffman (@ckparrot on Twitter) unearthed an interesting stat that validates Adam Gase’s decision to use more two tight end sets against Atlanta:

The Dolphins this season have gained 167 yards on 35 rushes when using two tight ends together. That’s 4.8 per carry.

They’ve gained 192 yards on 66 carries when using three receivers together. That’s 2.9 per carry.

Gase said using more two tight ends against Atlanta was both a strategic decision and also a result of injured receiver DeVante Parker being unavailable


Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/s...y-jackson/article179324076.html#storylink=cpy

Fasano is basically nothing more than an extra offensive lineman. Very good blocking TE, and absolutely no threat as a receiver. So yes bring in what is essentially a 6th offensive lineman hel0ed the run game, Atlanta seemed to catch on very late in the game though and stacked the box when fasano was in.

When they stack the box they need to audible out.

outlawd2u said:

Fasano is basically nothing more than an extra offensive lineman. Very good blocking TE, and absolutely no threat as a receiver. So yes bring in what is essentially a 6th offensive lineman hel0ed the run game, Atlanta seemed to catch on very late in the game though and stacked the box when fasano was in.

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Agree that he's in the team for his blocking skills but don't be surprised when he eventually gets thrown the ball. Fasano has always had decent hands and Gase is setting this up when least expected.

Great job, CK. That also speaks to your point that Gase needs that seam stretching tight end. Wouldn't be at all surprised if that's an early pick come draft time.

Let's see what the next three weeks brings. I think the Jets game is a must win to keep momentum going and to gain position in the AFC East. Surprised how well New York has played this year. That game against New England should have been overtime....terrible call cost them a chance to tie.

Wow job by Miami's defense in the last few games once the corners started playing more tight coverage. This is suddenly an exciting unit. It gives me hope that if the front office can make those kind of changes on defense in one year that they could do the same on the offensive side.

spiketex said:

Agree that he's in the team for his blocking skills but don't be surprised when he eventually gets thrown the ball. Fasano has always had decent hands and Gase is setting this up when least expected.

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The guy had 8 catches all of last season, and none in 5 games this year, and you're trying to sell me on the fact that it's just because the mastermind Gase is saving him for when an opposing team least expects it? Fasano might have decent hands bit my god man... there's a reason the guy hasn't been catching or even thrown any balls to. I don't understand the lovefest with Fasano here. I don't mind the guy, but he is what he is... an extra blocker which is fine.

outlawd2u said:

The guy had 8 catches all of last season, and none in 5 games this year, and you're trying to sell me on the fact that it's just because the mastermind Gase is saving him for when an opposing team least expects it? Fasano might have decent hands bit my god man... there's a reason the guy hasn't been catching or even thrown any balls to. I don't understand the lovefest with Fasano here. I don't mind the guy, but he is what he is... an extra blocker which is fine.

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I'm sorry, you're going to have to spell this one out for me; what exactly is that reason?

We have an offense that hasn't had a lot of opportunities for our playmakers to get the ball, let alone our backup TE. That to me is the simple reason he hasn't had many targets.

Fasano is a solid blocking TE that has soft smooth hands and runs decent routes but is a bit on the slow side. Nothing more, nothing less. But to indicate he has some serious knock on him that is preventing Gase from getting him the ball is ridiculous.

Count me in on Fasano, I think he has pretty good hands. Not enough balls to go around with Landry being the outlet on every play but agree it will take time to come out of the studio and back on the field for Cutler to get comfortable with the whole new toy box. Three and two baby, anything can happen.

Fasano has better than average hands and is a savvy route runner. He is not needed as a pass catcher but he certainly could be if asked. With no more offensive success than we have had we just haven't had enough balls to go around.

What happened to our young TEs?

The best offense for this team is the 2 TE formation. Cutler isnt going to throw deep.

Fasano might be the best blocking TE in the league, he is here to do that. However, I could see a goal-line opportunity somewhere along the way. He does have very good hands

BlueFin said:

When they stack the box they need to audible out.

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simple but right on

fasono is trash. hes old, slow and overrated by our fanbase. unfortunately Thomas is garbage too.

Our skill positions are grossly overrated and our line stinks as always. Tannehill was the difference maker which is pretty apparent with him out. Ajayi is probably the only piece worth keeping at his price.

GOfins54 said:

fasono is trash. hes old, slow and overrated by our fanbase. unfortunately Thomas is garbage too.

Our skill positions are grossly overrated and our line stinks as always. Tannehill was the difference maker which is pretty apparent with him out. Ajayi is probably the only piece worth keeping at his price.

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However...we we're 1-4 this time last year with Tannehill......3-2 now playing poorly on offense.

So....while I agree a healthy Tannehill would be Superior to a Jay Cutler adjusting to new receivers....the arrow is pointing up after a big comeback on the road against the NFC champions.

BlueFin said:

When they stack the box they need to audible out.

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It would help if we break the huddle with more than 5 seconds on the clock. No way he has time to audible with the playclock so low. No way he can even do a pre-snap read like that.

Also, gonna go out on a limb and say Fasano score a TD this week. :)