Five Questions w/ Earl Mitchell

[Daytona Fin]

the man projected to play many snaps next to him in the interior of the Dolphins defense, Earl Mitchell, has largely flown under-the-radar. Mitchell has had a busy off-season himself as he finished his degree at the University of Arizona and has been getting a chance to work closely with new teammates at defensive tackle, Suh and second-round pick, Jordan Phillips.

What is the vibe like this offseason?

“It’s an exciting time. A lot of guys are really excited about the opportunity. You know a lot of guys felt like there might have been a couple things here and there that we could have done better (in 2014), but we are really trying to make a strong push for the playoffs and that is really our main focus. I think a lot of guys are really just trying to make a contribution in any way they can.”

How will playing next to Suh make it better for you?

“It is definitely an opportunity for not only me but for everybody that is on the field whether it be Jordan, or myself, Cam (Wake), O.V. (Olivier Vernon), anybody that gets on the field its an opportunity for either one to make a play… He is definitely someone you have to account for. When you see him play he is just someone that plays extremely hard and that is just something that offensive lineman have to recognize. It is definitely going to open up doors for other guys on the field. I think it is going to be key (that everyone) contributes so I’m definitely excited.”

The coaches have discussed simplifying the defense heading into 2015; what are they emphasizing to the players this off-season?

“I think it is a combination you know, making sure that we can get on the same page, learn each other, making sure that everybody’s communication is on point. Once we hit the season and we are on the field, we want to make sure everybody is on the same page. I think it is going to be key and I think it is going to be really good (for our unit).”

How will those changes help the players?

“Yeah definitely, when guys really just understand what they have to do it just makes it so much easier. When you have a lot on your plate, so much going into a game plan, or whatever goes into that week you just want to make sure you’re on the same page, and just making sure that the communication is going to be on point for that week. I think it is going to be really good for us; it makes the communication a little bit easier once that Sunday hits.”

http://www.thefinsiders.com/blog/20...id=623266167411490817&adbpl=tw&adbpr=19853312

 

[Ayahuasca]

I'm not a big fan of Mitchell matching up with Suh very much. Mitchell is just a one-gap penetrator. A guy like that is easier to block and allows the o-line to pay even more attention to Suh. Mitchell gets run over too easily against the run. I'd much prefer a guy like Mosley or Phillips in there who can hold up multiple guys and then this frees up Suh to make plays.

The guy inside that you want freed up is Suh, not Mitchell. Much more impact that way.

 

[Avalanche of Wins]

I'm not a big fan of Mitchell matching up with Suh very much. Mitchell is just a one-gap penetrator. A guy like that is easier to block and allows the o-line to pay even more attention to Suh. Mitchell gets run over too easily against the run. I'd much prefer a guy like Mosley or Phillips in there who can hold up multiple guys and then this frees up Suh to make plays.

The guy inside that you want freed up is Suh, not Mitchell. Much more impact that way.

Suh is never going to be freed up. every team we play against is going to gameplan around him. I see your point but suh is going to create even more one on ones where our other guys have to win.

 

[Etuoo33]

Now you have Suh and Cam on one side.... Could be a big year for somebody with more than 3 letters in their name on the DL.

 

[Phinfan407]

Earl is just not as athletic as I'd like him to be and that's why I think the front office went out and got freakish D tackles. That 1 tech next to Suh is gonna get a lot of 1 vs 1 looks. Bull rushing doesn't always get it done, you have to be able to put a move on that C/OG so you can make a play on the QB. I hope he can add some moves to his arsenal, Phillips and Mosely seem a lot more suitable in the position though. Everybody up front has to be dogging their guy when they get the 1 vs 1 in passing situations. Should be interesting... to say the least.