Evaluate Major Weaknesses Then Find Solution

[dougfinsfan72]

In reviewing this past season and our current roster I think these are the three major areas where we have to upgrade to have a winning season in 2009-2010.

1. Pass Rush was practically non-existent except for Joey Porter who despite having a very good season disappeared too often. Lack of pass rush as you know puts too much pressure on our linebackers and defensive backs who are generally good to very good but not great. This forced us to expose our good to very good defensive backs by having to blitz a corner back or safety to where it became predictable which is the last thing you want to be on defense or offense. We've been through those situations in the past where it seemed like the other team knew what we were going to run before we even ran the play.

2. Running Game was also non-existent especially when the Wild Cat wasn't working. I don't think we're going to bring in anyone this year to replace Ronnie or Ricky so that means any improvement will have to come from changes in the OL whether it be schemes, play calling, or players.

3. Passing Game didn't put any fear in any opposing teams hearts. We had maybe 2 games where the passing game was above average. In order to reach the next level our passing game has to improve tremendously whether it be play calling or a change or addition of new receivers and tight ends.

Those are our major weaknesses and thus the area where we need to improve the most for us to first have a winning season, second to think about the playoffs, and third to think about getting to the Super Bowl.

With all that in mind our needs are:
1. A Pass-Rushing Defensive End or Outside Linebacker.
2. Offensive Line. If Smiley and Thomas are healthy we can probably forget about the guard position and concentrate on Center and Right tackle, the weak links on our offensive line. We don't have the luxury of using our draft picks on backups or signing free-agents to be backups. Whoever we draft or sign as a free agent has to come in and start. If we resign Carey then we only have to worry about the center position. A good running game will open up the passing game.
3. We need a stud wide receiver who is capable of having a 75+ receptions a year. A good wide receiver and passing game will also open up the running game.
4. Play making inside linebacker.
5. CB
6. Safety

Before we start talking about specific draft picks and free agents we have to first assess our weaknesses/needs, NOT WANTS!!

What do you think? Agree? Disagree?

 

[3rdandinches]

Did we drop alot of passes? - no
Do we have a hard time getting open? - no
Do we lack speed to stretch the field? - no
Do teams respect our pass game? - no
Have we had success with what we have? - yes
When did our pass game fail us? When the pass protection completely failed

Fix the pass protection, run the ball with an attitude and the pass game will improve a great deal. That being said we need to improve the interior of the Oline to do this, with Thomas and Smiley back from injury that will help and then that leaves the Center postion. Draft or sign a real good Center and allow Satele to fight for his position.

Penny is a small reason the safties never have to play real deep against us. He's deadly on the mid level to short throws but the fact that his deeper ball floats and wobbles this allows CB's and Safties to recover from their tight lineup.

I'm not saying to bench the guy or replace him or anything like that but it's another factor that a big play Receiver cannot improve our pass game if not utilized properly.

 

[LtDan]

2 of the 3 mentioned were not major weaknesses

 

[dougfinsfan72]

Which 2 of the 3?

2 of the 3 mentioned were not major weaknesses

Which 2 of the 3?

How'd you figure that?

 

[skipp2myloo13]

Which 2 of the 3?

How'd you figure that?

Running game and pass game were fine, if not great. if anything

Pass Rush-if joey wasnt in the backfield no one was

Pass Defence-2nd dary not good, getting older. could be because of lack of pass rush.

Special Team- especially coverage- see Denver and Texan game.

 

[dougfinsfan72]

Don't Let Anyone With Football Sense Hear You Say That

Running game and pass game were fine, if not great. if anything

Pass Rush-if joey wasnt in the backfield no one was

Pass Defence-2nd dary not good, getting older. could be because of lack of pass rush.

Special Team- especially coverage- see Denver and Texan game.

My friend, I don't know which Miami Dolphins you were watching in 2008 but it wasn't the one that plays in the stadium off of the Florida Turnpike in South Florida.

Be serious, you thought our running game AND our passing game were fine, IF NOT GREAT?

We barely averaged over 100 yards per game as a team when several running backs averaged that by themselves and you call that great. We had no 1,000 yard running backs which is usually the sign of a good running attack. I think 1 or 2 teams had 2 1,000 yard rushers. That is a team with a great running attack, not a team with 800 and 600 yd running backs whose majority of their yards came from a trick play called the Wild Cat.

Our passing game didn't yield a wide receiver or tight end with 60 catches or 1,000 yards. In other words none of our receivers could catch the ball a little more than 3 times a game and that includes WR screens where the wide receiver takes a step backwards and Pennington throws the ball straight across the field to him with no defensive back within 5 yards.

Don't make our 11-5 record fool you into thinking we had a GREAT team last year. The way we played last year might not even get us a winning record this year much less into the playoffs and forget about winning a playoff game or going to the Super Bowl.

The only way we're going to duplicate the winning success we had last year is by improving in the areas I mentioned in my post.

 

[Chainsaw]

I think your post is misleading. While it is always a good thing to want to improve, it isn't like this team was weak or mediocre or anything. Our running game and passing game were both in the top 10. Our pass rush was like number 8 I think. You don't go 11-5 in the NFL with a ton of holes like you make it sound.

As far as the OL, why do so many of you point out that we had guys hurt and then say we NEED to change the center and RT position? If anything, the injuries proved that we need depth at guard. The fact we went 11-5 and made the playoffs with Long and what you called our two weak links and two backups disproves your theory that they WERE our weak links.

I contend that if Thomas was healthy, our running game would have been a top 5 one instead of only top ten.

As far as thinking we need another DE, are you thinking that through? Miami used 3 picks on DE last year. The FO is pleased with ALL 3 of them. I think it is a safe bet we don't acquire a single DE this off-season. We just signed Wake to be a pass rusher. So, the pass rusher you want has been filled as well.

So, I think our defensive needs are going to be more in the ILB, NG(for the future) and DBs area.

On offense we need to sure up our depth on the OL and have to hope Satele's labrum gets repaired and he heals well along with Smiley and Thomas. Otherwise, we definitely need depth there.

We need another deep threat at WR to go opposite TGJ. Penny was good at QB. But, if we really want our passing game to reach the next level, we need to hope that either Beck or Henne knows the system as well as Penny and can beat him out.

With Penny at QB, the passing offense played about as well as it can. Adding a bigger play WR might help it a little bit. But, not much.

So, looking at your list, I think it is upside down. I think safety might be the first pick, with CB and/or ILB shortly after. I think our need to get a young DT to develop might even be a bigger need than an OL to be a backup. Although if we don't resign Carey, then RT becomes and urgent need.

How we go in the draft will of course depend on who we resign among our FAs and who we bring in. Those things will be our biggest indicators.

 

[LtDan]

Which 2 of the 3?

How'd you figure that?

running game and passing game.

I watched the games. They were FAR from MAJOR weaknesses as you stated

 

[DaytonaDolFan13]

PAss rush -we sign OLB WAKE A PASS RUSHING SPECIALIST and not really a rookie

The running game and the passing attack can be addressed by focusing on the OLINE. We DRAFT C/G MAX UNGER #44 and GUARD HERMAN JOHNSON #56 with our 2 2nd round picks. These prospects in the mix with a healthy Donald Thomas and ALL-PRO JAKE LONG means the running game ascends to a higher level and the QB has time to deliver the ball down the field to GINN or JEREMY MACLIN who we draft #25.

 

[skipp2myloo13]

PAss rush -we sign OLB WAKE A PASS RUSHING SPECIALIST and not really a rookie

The running game and the passing attack can be addressed by focusing on the OLINE. We DRAFT C/G MAX UNGER #44 and GUARD HERMAN JOHNSON #56 with our 2 2nd round picks. These prospects in the mix with a healthy Donald Thomas and ALL-PRO JAKE LONG means the running game ascends to a higher level and the QB has time to deliver the ball down the field to GINN or JEREMY MACLIN who we draft #25.

ur offseason is laffable!

 

[BillParFan]

Fix the pass protection, run the ball with an attitude and the pass game will improve a great deal. That being said we need to improve the interior of the Oline to do this, with Thomas and Smiley back from injury that will help and then that leaves the Center postion. Draft or sign a real good Center and allow Satele to fight for his position.

:up::up:

 

[MDFINFAN]

I think your post is misleading. While it is always a good thing to want to improve, it isn't like this team was weak or mediocre or anything. Our running game and passing game were both in the top 10. Our pass rush was like number 8 I think. You don't go 11-5 in the NFL with a ton of holes like you make it sound.

While I understand your sentiments here.. I'm not sure exactly how good our running game was.. 2 things has to happen for a running game, good execution on the OL and a great RB...
1. The only game that we had our full OL in was the first game...against NY Jets. Williams was the starting RB.

Rushing ATT YDS TD LG
R. Williams 10 24 0 6
R. Brown 6 23 0 7
T. Ginn 1 2 0 2

That wasn't a running game. Before we say we were behind, a part of being behind is not substainning drives...as a result of the run, we passed.
So, is it personnel or scheme. Apparently Sparano thought scheme as he fire the OL coach and got another... The OL coach was under scrutiny from the start since that's where Sparano goes as a part of his history.. I'd be on point if I run that position as a coach.. Now Smiley and Long manned the left side for most of the year.. how did we do running that way? I don't know, but I can't say the running game was exactly consistent, and it didn't get more consistent thoughout the year.. but on the other hand, we generally kept the ball longer than our opponents.. so was it our opponents or us..if we look at next year's schedule and compared this year's team to that schedule as they played this year, would we have had a 11-5 record?

I'm of the school no. I think we'd ended the year 8-8 or 9-7, possibly 7-9.. or put it this way, if we played pittsburg schedule this year do we have the same record? I say we need some upgrades at some positions.. In conclusion, we have holes that have to be addressed.. Even Sparano said we have to get bigger and faster.. Why did he make that statement?

As far as the OL, why do so many of you point out that we had guys hurt and then say we NEED to change the center and RT position? If anything, the injuries proved that we need depth at guard. The fact we went 11-5 and made the playoffs with Long and what you called our two weak links and two backups disproves your theory that they WERE our weak links.

I contend that if Thomas was healthy, our running game would have been a top 5 one instead of only top ten.

Actually our non productivity in the running game.. i.e., consistency, proves our depth wasn't as good, but good enough based on our opponent.. we didn't exactly play the top teams in the league this year...our upgrades from a 1-15 team were good enough to beat a last place schedule, which we played this year...it says nothing further. Even with Thomas, I can't say, based on the Jets game, but I'm sure he would have improved in his rookie year.. again, was it scheme vs personnel? Just looking in from the outside at what the head coach did, tells me it was a little of both...fired coach, constantly looking for competition for Satele and RG.. Right now we don't have a starting RT signed... and didn't seem to be in a hurry to do so.. So what does that tell you the coaches are thinking.. a bonafide RT with our cap would have been resigned by now..not saying Carey isn't any good, but do they think he's good enough?

As far as thinking we need another DE, are you thinking that through? Miami used 3 picks on DE last year. The FO is pleased with ALL 3 of them. I think it is a safe bet we don't acquire a single DE this off-season. We just signed Wake to be a pass rusher. So, the pass rusher you want has been filled as well.

So, I think our defensive needs are going to be more in the ILB, NG(for the future) and DBs area.

Miami drafted their board last year, we also drafted two running backs when we had Ronnie, Ricky and cobbs on board..so if the DE position is the best pick depending on when on their board, I think they grap the guy..I actually think this regime does bpa...when drafting and stick to it. I don't know if this regime won't sign a DE in FA and release Holiday, to soon to tell. We all have our thoughts on what we think they need, it's a different story than being within that organization and knowing what they know. I defintely put my 2 cents in what I thought we needed in my post.. I think this team needs a stronger LG even with Smiley aboard, and I think Satale needs to get stronger or moved to guard.

On offense we need to sure up our depth on the OL and have to hope Satele's labrum gets repaired and he heals well along with Smiley and Thomas. Otherwise, we definitely need depth there.

Agreed

We need another deep threat at WR to go opposite TGJ. Penny was good at QB. But, if we really want our passing game to reach the next level, we need to hope that either Beck or Henne knows the system as well as Penny and can beat him out.

With Penny at QB, the passing offense played about as well as it can. Adding a bigger play WR might help it a little bit. But, not much.

So, looking at your list, I think it is upside down. I think safety might be the first pick, with CB and/or ILB shortly after. I think our need to get a young DT to develop might even be a bigger need than an OL to be a backup. Although if we don't resign Carey, then RT becomes and urgent need.

How we go in the draft will of course depend on who we resign among our FAs and who we bring in. Those things will be our biggest indicators.

I agree... the only thing we can get is a WR that can break away after the catch, like a bolin, otherwise, we have a the makings of a good Receiving corps.. We can't go long and that limits recievers regardless of who they are. Ginn was behind the Db's a bunch of times this year...but penny couldn't go to him..not enough arm.. One thing I think our recievers learned this year was how to run routes, in order to get the number of yards we got this year, these young recievers ran great routes, got open and most of all caught the ball...we didn't throw a lot of long passes. So from a learning aspect, I think penny was great for the recievers in learning to get separation, because they had to, in order to get a medium moving pass from penny without getting it intercepted or knocked down..but eventually we wil have to graduate from penny..so that the whole field is open to our attack.

 

[Chainsaw]

Good post. I don't know when in the Jets game we lost Thomas. Do you remember? But, remember too that the Jets were a top notch run defense early in the year. Nobody was running on them. So, to have a bad game against top run defenses are going to happen even for the strongest running games. So, I still think losing Thomas hurt us more than people realize right now.

I think losing Bell last year in the first game hurt us more than most people thought. We saw this year what he means to the defense. I think we will hopefully find out what losing Thomas meant. I think he was just dominant in preseason. He wasn't good. He was dominant.

And I think that Ireland/Sparano is always going to bring in guys and look to improve the team. I think the firing of the OL coach and bringing guys all season long was about getting better. It doesn't mean that guys got fired or other guys are brought in because a guy is weak. I actually like that about this regime. No stone goes uncovered. I mean does bringing Wake in mean Joey did bad? But, he might wind up taking Joey's spot someday.

I also think that this regime will pick BPA almost every pick. But, BPA means on THEIR board. I really doubt they even have a LT on their board for instance. So, I think that there aren't going to be many if any DEs on their board.

I think last year they were trying to fill gaps on the inside of the OL and outside on the DL. I think they still want to get depth on the OL and now depth on the interior of the DL.

But, I do agree. It is very difficult to try to figure out how those guys in the FO are actually thinking.

And I also agree with you on the Penny arm thing. I think he and our passing offense played about as good as it can last season.

But, I also think that getting one of the young guns in the pocket will open up not only the passing game but, will help the running game tremendously too. That along with solid OL play will get us over the hump offensively I think.

Of course the young QB will have to be smart in their play like Penny was. It does little good having a cannon if you are throwing into coverage. But, if the throws are smart and accurate, a cannon goes a long way on offense. Just ask Baltimore and Atlanta.