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Several people, including the Dolphin coaching staff, are blaming the problems in the running game with the anemic passing attack so far this year. But, consider this interesting comparison between the Dolphins and the Carolina Panthers:
The Carolina Panthers have basically the same philosophy that the Dolpins have aimed for the last six years. A power running game and smothering defense. It is easy to say that the running game isn't working this year b/c we can't pass well. But, consider these stat comparisons:
Jake Delhomme - QB Panthers Stats:
113 65 57.5 691 6.12 52 5 5 71.8
Jay Fiedler:
132 75 56.8 885 6.70 57 5 5 74.2
Fiedler and Delhomme have virtually identical stats with Jay having a slight edge in overall rating (74.2 to 71.8), largely due to a better yds per pass attempt. Now, consider Stephen Davis vs Ricky Williams this year:
Davis:
121 641 5.3 34 3
Williams:
134 461 3.4 28 4
The passing attacks of both teams are virtually equal. Carolina doesn't hit a lot of big plays. And, teams know their passing game isn't strong so they have tried to bottle up Davis, just as they have Williams (I get every Carolina game on TV up here - unfortunately - and I've watched it happen). But, Davis' is having a much better year so far.
The difference is, Carolina's line is aggressive and physical. Miami's is passive and soft by comparison. Unless the OL improves, things will be the same for Ricky. We can talk all we want about the passing game not getting it done (and it could be much better). But, the bottom line is, it's the OL.
The foundation of a good offense is a good OL. We have a mediocre one and therefore we aren't getting it done. R/J is dead on when he points to Nails not being the player he was last year and Dixon being out. But, Wade is also playing very poorly. Usually guys in the last year of their contract play exceptionally well. Maybe he's put too much pressure on himself and is not relaxing. He played significantly better as a rookie than he has ever since. He's living off that and it's not happening.
Yes, the passing attack needs to hit those key plays. But, with the current production, the running game could still be much better if the OL play improved.
The Carolina Panthers have basically the same philosophy that the Dolpins have aimed for the last six years. A power running game and smothering defense. It is easy to say that the running game isn't working this year b/c we can't pass well. But, consider these stat comparisons:
Jake Delhomme - QB Panthers Stats:
113 65 57.5 691 6.12 52 5 5 71.8
Jay Fiedler:
132 75 56.8 885 6.70 57 5 5 74.2
Fiedler and Delhomme have virtually identical stats with Jay having a slight edge in overall rating (74.2 to 71.8), largely due to a better yds per pass attempt. Now, consider Stephen Davis vs Ricky Williams this year:
Davis:
121 641 5.3 34 3
Williams:
134 461 3.4 28 4
The passing attacks of both teams are virtually equal. Carolina doesn't hit a lot of big plays. And, teams know their passing game isn't strong so they have tried to bottle up Davis, just as they have Williams (I get every Carolina game on TV up here - unfortunately - and I've watched it happen). But, Davis' is having a much better year so far.
The difference is, Carolina's line is aggressive and physical. Miami's is passive and soft by comparison. Unless the OL improves, things will be the same for Ricky. We can talk all we want about the passing game not getting it done (and it could be much better). But, the bottom line is, it's the OL.
The foundation of a good offense is a good OL. We have a mediocre one and therefore we aren't getting it done. R/J is dead on when he points to Nails not being the player he was last year and Dixon being out. But, Wade is also playing very poorly. Usually guys in the last year of their contract play exceptionally well. Maybe he's put too much pressure on himself and is not relaxing. He played significantly better as a rookie than he has ever since. He's living off that and it's not happening.
Yes, the passing attack needs to hit those key plays. But, with the current production, the running game could still be much better if the OL play improved.
