Earl Mitchell proving to be a free agent gem | FinHeaven - Miami Dolphins Forums

Earl Mitchell proving to be a free agent gem

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Earl Mitchell acquainted Miami to his motor in the second preseason game, when he chased Buccaneers quarterback Josh McCown across the field and out of bounds.

Four years earlier, he made a play that was even more impressive – particularly for a guy who usually plays in the trenches.

Mitchell, then a nose tackle for the Houston Texans, caught running back Cowboys running back Felix Jones from behind – more than 30 yards downfield. And here’s the capper: He was on the field for the very next play, and made the tackle.

“I was just so hyped,” Mitchell said. “I couldn’t believe how fast I was moving. I was passing everyone. I could see myself closing in. It was a long play for them but at the same time, I’m sure no one wants to get caught by the nose tackle.”

Teams better get used to it. His playing time – and presumably, production – will only increase in Miami. Mitchell signed a four-year deal with the Dolphins early in free agency. Already, Joe Philbin is acting like it’s money well-spent.

“I like everything he’s done since the day he’s gotten here to be quite honest with you,” Philbin said. “He’s a football player through and through. He comes out to the practice field every single day and works his tail off. He’s a good guy in the locker room.”

He added: “He works on the fundamentals, good person, really high on him.”

Just how high? Mitchell is the only defensive tackle to start all three preseason games. Playing a position that is as much about setting up for others as it is making plays, Mitchell has five tackles this preseason in just 44 snaps.

After the Dolphins’ win Saturday against the Cowboys, Philbin showed footage of Mitchell’s shared tackle with Jason Trusnik, highlighting his perfect technique.
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http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/08/26/4310332/miami-dolphins-dl-earl-mitchell.html
 
Good pick up. Hopefully it translates into the regular season.
 
He was my favorite free agent signing. I state the second he was signed that he was a monumental upgrade over big Paul for a 4-3 scheme.
 
FinHopeful said:
He was my favorite free agent signing. I state the second he was signed that he was a monumental upgrade over big Paul for a 4-3 scheme.
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Monumental upgrade? I think that's an overstatement lol but I know what you mean. Big Paul has that idea 3-4 NT, take on 2 blockers and stuff the run body where Mitchell is more Randy Starks like. I thought the Soliai/Starks combo was great for the 4-3 . . . this combo of Starks/Odrick/Mitchell . . . I think could be great as a pass rushing presence on the interior, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a bit nervous at teams being able to run it up the gut against us . . . and with our shoddy LB play, that could be a recipe for disaster.

Still, considering we did lose Soliai . . . to find a guy like Mitchell was really a great job by Hickey.
 
There was strong demand for Mitchell in Free Agency. He wasn't waiting around. Soliai's best days are behind him and Mitchell is improving. Early days but probably a smart move by Hickey. However, the really smart move appears to be bringing Randy Starks back.
 
This was one of the "safer" moves this offseason byt any team. Great signing to keep that D-Line stout.
 
I thought we'd take a huge hit to our run defense with the loss of Paul Soliai, but I think maybe Hickey and crew were smarter than I gave them credit for. It's obvious that instead of a space eater who could keep these garbage linebackers free, they wanted a DT who could get penetration and disrupt plays in the backfield.

They probably had a good idea there.
 
Can never have enough high motor defensive lineman. Especially one that runs a 4.7 40.
 
I think this swap signifies a shift associated with league tendencies. League is pass happy, spread em and make em run type now. Yeah, we lose some run stopping on paper, but having a DL that can get after a QB and chase plays down is more fitting to defend against the modern O. All three of our DL are athletic, our pass rushers are sick, and our dbs are turning out to be pretty solid. Get the lb play up a little bit and we should see some good things fitting for the Os we will see.
 
Awsi Dooger said:
Effort is his greatest asset. Otherwise I don't see anything special.
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Speed, lateral sideline to sideline, gap penetration, ability to take on 2 blockers , good pass rush. What's not to like. I am very high on Mitchell.
 
I think he fits Coyles system far better than Soliai. Coyle likes to stunt D lineman and that has never been his game. With Starks, Odrick & Mitchell he has 3 guys who with the motor and athletesism to make it effective.

Coyle now has the D he wanted, athletic DT's, pass rushing ends, blitzing LB's & good zone cover corners. Let's see what he can do
 
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