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Adam Gase never wavers, and thus, the Miami Dolphins always believe

datruth55

datruth55

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MIAMI GARDENS — It has never wavered for Adam Gase, and thus it has never wavered for his players.

It did not waver when Reshad Jones and Koa Misi and Jordan Cameron were lost for the season or when Arian Foster retired or when Laremy Tunsil slipped in the shower and Billy Turner and Dallas Thomas were whipping boys or even when Tunsil, Mike Pouncey (twice) and Branden Albert (twice) were unavailable due to injury or illness.

It did not waver when the Dolphins were 1-4 and if it did not then, perhaps it never will.

Confidence.

It is the single greatest attribute Gase, the youngest coach in the NFL, possesses, and it has percolated and it has been absorbed by the players, many of whom have been around for too many losses, too many playoff-less seasons, too many same-old-Dolphins moments.

For there is nothing same-old about this.

Gase and the Dolphins have won six consecutive games.

Count ’em. Steelers, Bills, Jets, Chargers, Rams, 49ers.

They’ve won games in all types of ways, rarely easily, but that’s only a positive, really.

If the Miami Dolphins make the playoffs this season, which is now not at all beyond the realm of possibility, Gase deserves strong consideration for NFL Coach of the Year.

Only three Dolphins coaches have ever won six consecutive games in a season. Don Shula, a Hall of Famer, did it 11 — count ’em — 11 times and Nick Saban, a mentor of Gase’s, did it once.

Gase has borrowed some lessons from Saban about the importance of organization and structure and a mindset that facilitates a focus on one game, if not one play.

But Gase also finds a way to connect to players that extends beyond fear or respect through authority. Gase pushes buttons, as all great leaders do, but in a way that makes people feel as though it’s in their best interest.

And yes, he communicates often, and effectively, another great skill of great leaders.

“He’s got great swag,” Dolphins cornerback Bobby McCain was saying in the Dolphins locker room. “You can feel his energy when he walks in a room. He knows how to get us going.”

After four games this season, Gase (and defensive coordinator Vance Joseph) benched veteran cornerback Byron Maxwell. They also benched defensive ends Mario Williams and Jason Jones and have won six straight games since.

Maxwell took the public and private criticism to heart and responded well. With five seconds left, Maxwell broke up a 49ers pass in the end zone that would have tied Sunday’s game. How does he feel about the coaching staff’s approach?

“Their communication is on point,” Maxwell said after the game.

Gase listens to the players’ suggestions. He’s direct. And candid. But also self-deprecating.

Gase constantly blames himself for plays that don’t work. And the players hear it.
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Read more: http://dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachp...s-and-thus-the-miami-dolphins-always-believe/

Really good article by Joe Schad.
 
The much maligned Steve Ross gets the credit for this hire (with thanks to his "secret scout,") - as he also does for the outstanding out-of-his-own-pocket renovation of the Stadium. As an owner, he may have turned the corner too.
 
If anyone EVER thought that coaching can't make that much of a difference- re-read that article.
If Gase, over the next few seasons, can be provided with better, more elite talent, we could be looking at something special.
It's amazing how so many coaches all seem cut from the same mold, and how so few are in that certain, special ilk. We may have nabbed us a real difference maker.
I'm not one to get all effusive, because I know that success in sports is a tenuous, unreliable thing, but what Gase has done with mediocre talent at a lot of spots, and this injury situation, is unbelievable.
Next year, though, we won't sneak up on anyone or be underestimated. New set of challenges once this year ends.
 
I mention this in chat...coaching goes far beyond Xs and Os...yes it is good for a coach to have good play design, scheme, and a strong playbook, but those guys are a dime a dozen. Coaches who maximize a players ability, find ways to mask weaknesses, build trust, are able to adapt and are willing to listen and take advice are the ones you will see as successful. Everything he has done since he has stepped into the building has been part of fixing the franchise...he is establishing his culture, and teaching these players, who worked under a coach who never took advice and chastised players for offering advice, that he wants their input and that he values what they bring to the team. It is amazing how communication, confidence, and energy can make a huge difference. He is holding players accountable, but rewarding them when they meet those expectations, he is putting players on noticed, but allowing them to redeem themselves. It is hard to measure the impact that has on not only that players, but the rest of the team.

We have our coach...only took 21 years, but we have found the right guy.
 
Bopkin02 said:
If anyone EVER thought that coaching can't make that much of a difference- re-read that article.
If Gase, over the next few seasons, can be provided with better, more elite talent, we could be looking at something special.
It's amazing how so many coaches all seem cut from the same mold, and how so few are in that certain, special ilk. We may have nabbed us a real difference maker.
I'm not one to get all effusive, because I know that success in sports is a tenuous, unreliable thing, but what Gase has done with mediocre talent at a lot of spots, and this injury situation, is unbelievable.
Next year, though, we won't sneak up on anyone or be underestimated. New set of challenges once this year ends.
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I don't think the talent is that bad....but I expect Gase will go get what wants from now on...I'm quite sure he will have control.
 
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