Barry Jackson: Dolphins Offense Rounding into Form

[J. David Wannyheimer]

Get your hot new Barry Jackson here!

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/barry-jackson/article138064328.html


Of interest to me in this article:

And it’s not only having a second year in Gase’s system that should help all the offensive returnees.

James, after struggling early in the season, graded out as well or better as any Dolphins’ lineman over the final eight games.

And James, while not making excuses, told me one reason he struggled early was that the technique taught by offensive line coach Chris Foerster was so different from that taught by his predecessor, John Benton.

Once James got that down, he was a clearly above-average right tackle. And that should continue in a second season with the same o-line coach.

I also like that the team is being quite honest with Leonte Carroo right out in public. Despite investing heavily in him by trading away draft picks to get him, he's on notice: step up!

 

[gregorygrant83]

Jackson says Carroo or Grant could have their roster spots pushed by a vet or rookie. I would say very true for Grant, not so much for Carroo. Carroo's grasp as the number 4 receiver could be challanged, but barring a trade I can't see him not being on the roster in 2017.

 

[royalshank]

Shame Grant catches the ball w the finesse of Ulysses S Grant as he is a threat to make a big play when he does manage to corral it.

 

[allsilverdreams]

I would rather have Drake do the kickoffs .Then havevGrant earn his spot as a wr

 

[LibertineOneThree]

It's a great and underrated point about the offense. I can hardly remember an offseason without considerable upheaval over the last decade... let alone this level continuity.

Rather than being excited to see a new flashy free agent signing or top draft pick... I'm just looking forward to some smooth evolution that surely MUST come with such little player turnover.

 

[J. David Wannyheimer]

We kept our skill position players mostly intact from 2013 to 2014. We did bring in two new tackles, which is pretty similar to bringing in two new guards, I think.

 

[LibertineOneThree]

Moreno and Landry joined in 2014. No way any new skill position players have as much work as either of those guys got (or at least in Moreno's case... How much work he was SUPPOSED to do).

 

[uk_dolfan]

I would rather have Drake do the kickoffs .Then havevGrant earn his spot as a wr

Grant has no business being on an nfl roster. A wr who cant catch a ball to save his life is a waste of everybodys time



Glad to hear that Carroo will have to fight for his roster spot. Tho if he doesnt improve he may still hang onto his 5th wr job simply due to the extensive list of draft picks he cost us

 

[VBCheeseGrater]

Thats good to hear gotta say i didnt realize that about James, was under impression he just didnt play that well all year. If he performs well this year thats yet another upgrade.

 

[uk_dolfan]

Thats good to hear gotta say i didnt realize that about James, was under impression he just didnt play that well all year. If he performs well this year thats yet another upgrade.

His play significantly improved later in the season...at least thats what I saw. But i am no expert on the "hips" that gurus love

 

[Sons Of Shula]

His play significantly improved later in the season...at least thats what I saw. But i am no expert on the "hips" that gurus love

Our protection scheme changed from a traditional vertical sets to dish sets. In short, instead of dropping back with kick slides, etc. on the edge and accepting or catching the defender, we now try to initiate contact with our hands first and close the gap b/w us and the defender.

 

[The Ghost]

Pencil me in as a member of the Jakeem Grant fan club. He will be a part of this team. He may have had some issues fielding punts but punts but he's a gamer. You don't break as many records as he did at TT and not have some serious talent.

 

[SF Dolphin Fan]

Stability is a nice thing to have and so rare for Miami. That said, the team still needs an upgrade at the guard position. I think that is pretty critical in the AFC East in matching up against the many outstanding defensive tackles in the division. But, got to love that most of the positions are set.

It's a make or break year for Parker so there is room for Carroo if he can make a jump. Grant is a roster bubble guy, but don't discount that he could make a year two leap as well. I think the Dolphins offense will be at least a little better and potentially quite a bit better.

 

[Mike13]

Shame Grant catches the ball w the finesse of Ulysses S Grant as he is a threat to make a big play when he does manage to corral it.

He lost his confidence as soon as he fumbled that first punt, hopefully he can regain it.

 

[jazz015]

Pencil me in as a member of the Jakeem Grant fan club. He will be a part of this team. He may have had some issues fielding punts but punts but he's a gamer. You don't break as many records as he did at TT and not have some serious talent.

I mean there have been plenty of college record breakers who don't translate to the pros. He has issues not only fielding punts but also holding onto the ball. He cant catch well either. Those are some pretty major flaws for a player at any level of the sport