Football Outsiders on our O-Line

[tylerdolphin]

For the first four weeks of the season, the Miami Dolphins offensive line was lambasted for its inability to protect Daunte Culpepper. Culpepper got sacked 21 times in four games, and the Dolphins’ big off-season acquisition looked like a big mistake. But a funny thing happened when the offensive line had a different quarterback to protect: On Sunday against the New England Patriots, that same line allowed only one sack all day. So which Miami offensive line is the real one?
After watching the line on every play of Sunday’s 20-10 loss to the Patriots, it appears that the pass protection problems of the first four games were at least as much about Culpepper’s habit of holding onto the ball too long as about the protection he got. But if the pass protection is a bit better than advertised, the run blocking is worse. The Dolphins line will prevent running back Ronnie Brown from showing the talents that made him a top-5 pick last year.
The weakest link on Miami’s line is left guard Jeno James....

http://www.footballoutsiders.com/2006/10/11/ramblings/every-play-counts/4370/
Great article. Very good anylasis.

 

[DolfinDave]

Yeah that was a good article. They have another little blurb about the run blocking in another article. They think that Ronnie Brown is a beast. They say that at least 60% of his yards are due solely to his ability and have very little to do with the offensive line.

 

[icephinfan]

Yeah that was a good article. They have another little blurb about the run blocking in another article. They think that Ronnie Brown is a beast. They say that at least 60% of his yards are due solely to his ability and have very little to do with the offensive line.

Isn't that the truth.

 

[DolfinDave]

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Isn't that the truth.

I think so. What would he do behind a good or even decent oline?

 

[Coral Reefer]

How sad is it that the one FA we brought in that was supposed to be one of, if not our most solid lineman is listed as the worst in that article.

Jeno James.

At least Carey is coming on and showing he may have been worth that 1st rounder.

 

[icephinfan]

I think so. What would he do behind a good or even decent oline?

Tell me about it. If only we had a decent O-Line.

I guess we can hope for now huh?

 

[tylerdolphin]

Yup. They mention how it is impossible for Ronnie to do anything with our line

 

[icephinfan]

Yup. They mentions how it is impossible for Ronnie to do anything with our line

No FB blocking either, I hope Saban plays Darian to help break through the line for Ronnie.

 

[DolfinDave]

No FB blocking either, I hope Saban plays Darian to help break through the line for Ronnie.

You know, come to think of it, I haven't seen a fullback in a long time. I guess it might not help much if there is no hole to create or to lead your running back through. But that is a testament to our oline. We constantly have to leave in a TE to block and call for short routes.

 

[DolfinDave]

I feel bad that I have been bashing the oline so much lately. Especially since the only time they get any recongition is when they mess up. But they just aren't good right now. And the offensive and defensive lines are the foundations of the team. They should be getting more credit when things go right. I hope that begins to be the case in Miami sometime soon.

 

[icephinfan]

You know, come to think of it, I haven't seen a fullback in a long time. I guess it might not help much if there is no hole to create or to lead your running back through. But that is a testament to our oline. We constantly have to leave in a TE to block and call for short routes.

How much can McMichael block for us ya know. Isn't Justin Peele suppose to be a good blocker???

 

[DolfinDave]

How much can McMichael block for us ya know. Isn't Justin Peele suppose to be a good blocker???

That is what I would think. Randy is far too talented as a receiving TE to have to leave him in there to block. He should be a top 5 TE as far as receptions, yards, and TDs. Peele should be a better blocker than he is a route runner. What was that one yard route he ran last week?

 

[dlockz]

i don't think ronnie is anywhere near the beast that many on this board make him out to be but he will not get better behind this pitiful oline.

 

[icephinfan]

That is what I would think. Randy is far too talented as a receiving TE to have to leave him in there to block. He should be a top 5 TE as far as receptions, yards, and TDs. Peele should be a better blocker than he is a route runner. What was that one yard route he ran last week?

EXACTLY. Imagine if the FB was in there, more blocking for the QB and Randy could get a short pass and make something happen.

 

[MrEd]

i don't think ronnie is anywhere near the beast that many on this board make him out to be but he will not get better behind this pitiful oline.

Exactly. I think that they are making excuses for Ronnie. A back with better vision would've made the OLine look at least mediocre. The Ronnie's a beast thing is wishful thinking.

I for one "hope" Ronnie gets it together. Cause if he doesn't, he's a wasted 2nd overal pick and a bust.

Our OLine isn't as bad as advertised. Even when they aren't opening holes up "the middle"...a back with good vision, and a "burst of speed" would find another hole or be quick enough to go outside and pick up more than 2 or 3 yards.

Brown has been a bust so far. Let's not hide our heads in the ground like ostriches do. But here's to him getting it together-