Barry Jackson Buzz 9/5/2014

[datruth55]

Much has changed about the Dolphins’ offensive line in the wake of an historically dismal season in which they allowed a franchise-record 58 sacks --- eight more than any other NFL team last year --- and embarrassed themselves with a bullying scandal.

The unit has a new coach --- John Benton --- and five new starters who will suit up Sunday against New England, as center Mike Pouncey continues his recovery from hip surgery.

But this, regrettably, has not changed: The Dolphins’ first three opponents, the Patriots, Bills and Chiefs, possess potent pass-rushes.

Benton feels very good about his tackles. Left tackle Brandon Albert --- who was a Pro Bowler for Kansas City last season and signed a five-year, $47 million deal with the Dolphins --- “has been doing a very nice job for us, both on the field and in the room. He brings a maturity and professionalism.

“He has proven himself to be a top level NFL player and he has not dropped off a bit. He’s one of our better guys up front in terms of the run game, a tremendous athlete.”

What’s more, Benton said rookie starting right tackle Ja’Wuan James has exceeded his expectations.

### Chris McCain, who said he was playing primarily linebacker when he came to the team, said he's now splitting his snaps evenly between linebacker and defensive end in a role similar to Dion Jordan's.

He might be needed at linebacker Sunday --- along with backups Jason Trusnik, Jonathan Freeny and Jelani Jenkins --- if Philip Wheeler is sidelined or limited by a thumb injury. The Dolphins list Freeny as Wheeler's backup. Wheeler has been practicing with covering on the entire hand, making tackling a challenge.

Koa Misi has been limited in practice by a shoulder injury, but it would be surprising if he doesn't play. Dannell Ellerbe is healthy.

### There's a "free Reshad Jones" sign above Jones' locker stall during his four-game suspension. Alas, no "free Dion Jordan" sign by his locker.

You can read the whole thing here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/spor...dolphins-ol-coach-opines-on-his-starters.html

Some good info.

 

[TKAllDay]

Sweet lets get McCain on the field!

 

[Schleprock]

Telling about Jordan's lack of a sign.

IMO, if he produces nothing of significance this year he'll be gone early next year to the first sucker willing to give something up. Dare I say I wouldn't be shocked if he were gone by this year's trade deadline

 

[Mike13]

James is half a foot taller and weighs more than Ninkovich, he should be able to dominate him.

 

[FSU Truth]

James is half a foot taller and weighs more than Ninkovich, he should be able to dominate him.

James is very good in pass protection...fluid in his movements...I would be more worried about the rush up the middle

 

[hoops]

benton tells it like it is...love it...massive upgrade at oline coach

miami would be wise to use more seal down inside angle blocks and less straight ahead or moving laterally to the outside with james at this point in the run game...i'd sure like to see some of that seahawks like movement and usage with both the tackles in the run game

i will be surprised if mccain does anything with a nfl quality tackle on the edge at de at that weight...very surprised...and of course sirens would go off if you played it on early downs there to run right at him...at least try and run some stunts to let that athlete have a shot looping to the inside of getting clean to the qb

 

[roy_miami]

If you can read into that it sounds like Jones was doing something recreational that triggered a positive PED result and Jordan was actually intentionally attempting to enhance his performance.

 

[datruth55]

benton tells it like it is...love it...massive upgrade at oline coach

miami would be wise to use more seal down inside angle blocks and less straight ahead or moving laterally to the outside with james at this point...i'd sure like to see some of that seahawks like movement and usage with both the tackles in the run game

Those guys were impressive last night. They really fire off the ball but Marshawn Lynch makes the first guy miss 95% of the time. Even when he gets hit he falls forward for an extra 2 yards. He had to have broke double digit tackles yesterday. The pass blocking by the line isn't great but they don't pass much anyway (and Britt got away with a lot of holding too...so much for calling these game tighter).

I liked the fake zone read play and then the pass by Wilson early in the game...something I thought Tannehill would take advantage of sometimes this year.

 

[NJPHINFAN79]

McCain can split time between lb and de, but when asked why Jordan isn't doing this it is said can't split reps cause u never get good at one.... Hmmmmm starting to lean to the dion is a bust pick, and Ireland's last fisting

 

[Mike13]

If you can read into that it sounds like Jones was doing something recreational that triggered a positive PED result and Jordan was actually intentionally attempting to enhance his performance.

Jordan must have gotten a bad batch.

 

[hoops]

Those guys were impressive last night. They really fire off the ball but Marshawn Lynch makes the first guy miss 95% of the time. Even when he gets hit he falls forward for an extra 2 yards. He had to have broke double digit tackles yesterday. The pass blocking by the line isn't great but they don't pass much anyway (and Britt got away with a lot of holding too...so much for calling these game tighter).

I liked the fake zone read play and then the pass by Wilson early in the game...something I thought Tannehill would take advantage of sometimes this year.

britts pretty ehhh although he's an athlete but that scheme is so good it doesnt really much matter...not when you are running for like 8 yards a clip...lynch was into the 2nd level before contact all over the place and falling forward for another 2-3 yards after contact even

the luxury of that run game is rediculous

 

[Dr. Phin]

McCain can split time between lb and de, but when asked why Jordan isn't doing this it is said can't split reps cause u never get good at one.... Hmmmmm starting to lean to the dion is a bust pick, and Ireland's last fisting

Bust, bust, bust...

 

[El Calebra]

McCain can split time between lb and de, but when asked why Jordan isn't doing this it is said can't split reps cause u never get good at one.... Hmmmmm starting to lean to the dion is a bust pick, and Ireland's last fisting

Who is "it"? Who said "it"? That Jordan cannot split reps?

 

[ChambersWI]

britts pretty ehhh although he's an athlete but that scheme is so good it doesnt really much matter...not when you are running for like 8 yards a clip...lynch was into the 2nd level before contact all over the place and falling forward for another 2-3 yards after contact even

the luxury of that run game is rediculous

Going up against a rather weak defense in anything but pass rushing doesn't hurt either.

 

[hoops]

you can hide that right tackle in pass pro a whole heck of a lot more when you can run the ball like the seahawks can...they will run the ball down a lot of defenses throats cause the lb and interior dt play is awful...and the leagues got plenty of teams with that problem

losing raji was a big deal for the pack