LT & LG: The damage is officially done

[flintsilver7]

Last year, Culpepper's blocking was horrible - this was a result of a few things. Culpepper has a tendency to hold the ball far too long, but this was compounded by what I saw as Saban's needless tinkering with the line. The 2005 line played very well, so why did we need to mess with it? I don't know. Culpepper struggled through four games with a line that was far from consistent - Bennie Anderson couldn't block and L.J. Shelton couldn't block. McIntosh played one game with Culpepper as a guard, and didn't play for three games.

Once the line was settled in their final positions (McIntosh / James / Hadnot / Shelton / Carey) they played significantly better. Jacox played adequately for James, which helped. Now, I believe that an average line that sticks together will outperform a line full of all-stars that hasn't played together long. Of course, a line full of all-stars that's played together for five years will look better. (At the same time, playing together might make them all-stars.) We've now guaranteed that at least two positions on the line will be different than last year - both on the left side. This will lead to at least a few games (if not more) where Culpepper will be pummeled. (Last year, Culpepper was on pace to be sacked 84 times, which is significantly higher than any other time in his career and even worse than Houston's league-record 76 times in 2002.)

The best plan of attack would've been to keep McIntosh and James, because they were consistent at run blocking and adequate at pass blocking. The offensive struggles last season stemmed from poor quarterback play (as it has in Miami for years). The difference in sack rate with the "second" line was substantial. Now, we'll have two guys who may on the surface be more talented than James and McIntosh, but won't have any real experience playing with this team. This doesn't even include Shelton, who played well at RG and poorly at LT. Moving him back to LT would be stupid (therefore, I won't rule it out based on this offseason).

The starting lineup will be interesting to say the least, but I fear that tinkering with the offensive line when we had consistent players will at the very least lead to a half year of brutal play. We're fortunate enough to have a good line coach.

 

[slackman9]

It's looking like were taking a O-Lineman in the first round of the draft.

 

[emocomputerjock]

Last year, Culpepper's blocking was horrible - this was a result of a few things. Culpepper has a tendency to hold the ball far too long, but this was compounded by what I saw as Saban's needless tinkering with the line. The 2005 line played very well, so why did we need to mess with it? I don't know. Culpepper struggled through four games with a line that was far from consistent - Bennie Anderson couldn't block and L.J. Shelton couldn't block. McIntosh played one game with Culpepper as a guard, and didn't play for three games.

Once the line was settled in their final positions (McIntosh / James / Hadnot / Shelton / Carey) they played significantly better. Jacox played adequately for James, which helped. Now, I believe that an average line that sticks together will outperform a line full of all-stars that hasn't played together long. Of course, a line full of all-stars that's played together for five years will look better. (At the same time, playing together might make them all-stars.) We've now guaranteed that at least two positions on the line will be different than last year - both on the left side. This will lead to at least a few games (if not more) where Culpepper will be pummeled. (Last year, Culpepper was on pace to be sacked 84 times, which is significantly higher than any other time in his career and even worse than Houston's league-record 76 times in 2002.)

The best plan of attack would've been to keep McIntosh and James, because they were consistent at run blocking and adequate at pass blocking. The offensive struggles last season stemmed from poor quarterback play (as it has in Miami for years). The difference in sack rate with the "second" line was substantial. Now, we'll have two guys who may on the surface be more talented than James and McIntosh, but won't have any real experience playing with this team. This doesn't even include Shelton, who played well at RG and poorly at LT. Moving him back to LT would be stupid (therefore, I won't rule it out based on this offseason).

The starting lineup will be interesting to say the least, but I fear that tinkering with the offensive line when we had consistent players will at the very least lead to a half year of brutal play. We're fortunate enough to have a good line coach.

It's been reported that Alabi will be our starting left tackle. This, of course, was coming from his agent, but that's a pretty bold statement to make out of the blue. Shelton is likely going to stay just where he's best. We've got young talent on this team, and it's time they get real shots.

 

[flintsilver7]

It's been reported that Alabi will be our starting left tackle. This, of course, was coming from his agent, but that's a pretty bold statement to make out of the blue. Shelton is likely going to stay just where he's best. We've got young talent on this team, and it's time they get real shots.

Alabi played a little bit last year, which is at least better than bringing somebody in completely cold. Seeing as both of our left guards last year are gone, that is more of a problem. In any case, if we're lucky the new line will play well together, but that will take some time and in the worst case that might mean damaging the season beyond repair by that point.

 

[kashbo]

we need oline with the first pick and the 2nd pick and RB also with the 2nd pick in the 2nd round and finally in the 3rd Drew stanton or Zambransky

 

[emocomputerjock]

Alabi played a little bit last year, which is at least better than bringing somebody in completely cold. Seeing as both of our left guards last year are gone, that is more of a problem. In any case, if we're lucky the new line will play well together, but that will take some time and in the worst case that might mean damaging the season beyond repair by that point.

We still have Toledo and Fonoti on the roster, as well as possible FA pickups or draft personnel. Cam loves linemen, and he's got Houck as well. With the loss of garbage personnel, we can finally start picking up good players to establish the run and save Culpepper.

 

[DuderinoN703]

Well thought out post Flint. But I do have 2 words for you. NFL Draft :wink:

 

[fishypete]

Take away Culpepper....the O-line played well with the other QB's. The Dolphins could go after Kalil which would free up Hadnot to go back to the guard position.

 

[BlueFin]

Last year, Culpepper's blocking was horrible - this was a result of a few things. Culpepper has a tendency to hold the ball far too long, but this was compounded by what I saw as Saban's needless tinkering with the line. The 2005 line played very well, so why did we need to mess with it? I don't know. Culpepper struggled through four games with a line that was far from consistent - Bennie Anderson couldn't block and L.J. Shelton couldn't block. McIntosh played one game with Culpepper as a guard, and didn't play for three games.

Once the line was settled in their final positions (McIntosh / James / Hadnot / Shelton / Carey) they played significantly better. Jacox played adequately for James, which helped. Now, I believe that an average line that sticks together will outperform a line full of all-stars that hasn't played together long. Of course, a line full of all-stars that's played together for five years will look better. (At the same time, playing together might make them all-stars.) We've now guaranteed that at least two positions on the line will be different than last year - both on the left side. This will lead to at least a few games (if not more) where Culpepper will be pummeled. (Last year, Culpepper was on pace to be sacked 84 times, which is significantly higher than any other time in his career and even worse than Houston's league-record 76 times in 2002.)

The best plan of attack would've been to keep McIntosh and James, because they were consistent at run blocking and adequate at pass blocking. The offensive struggles last season stemmed from poor quarterback play (as it has in Miami for years). The difference in sack rate with the "second" line was substantial. Now, we'll have two guys who may on the surface be more talented than James and McIntosh, but won't have any real experience playing with this team. This doesn't even include Shelton, who played well at RG and poorly at LT. Moving him back to LT would be stupid (therefore, I won't rule it out based on this offseason).

The starting lineup will be interesting to say the least, but I fear that tinkering with the offensive line when we had consistent players will at the very least lead to a half year of brutal play. We're fortunate enough to have a good line coach.

All true, but I think McIntosh and James were not viewed as the long term solutions at their positions, using your own logic, the sooner we get the right guys into those positions the sooner we will have a tight unit again, once they gel.

 

[Coral Reefer]

All true, but I think McIntosh and James were not viewed as the long term solutions at their positions, using your own logic, the sooner we get the right guys into those positions the sooner we will have a tight unit again, once they gel.

True Blue.

However, I have to agree a little with the original post.
Addition by subtraction isn't always a success and they are certainly taking an uneeded chance by cutting the amount of OL that they did without having some replacements locked up.

If they are depending solely on the draft to acquire starters for this year they are backing themselves into a corner having to draft for that position regardless of who is available. I just don't see them being that careless.
I have to think they have sights on at least one FA they know can play to at least be a fall back player.

Reports that Carlisle is coming in for a visit and we may want to look at Gandy for insurance at the LT spot just in case all this Alabi hype is just that.

Personally, I don't disagree with the Mcintosh release as he just has too many problems with his play.

James however I think would have been a good idea to hold on to until they landed a Guard. I think I would have held onto Mckinney as well just for depth and insurance purposes.

I will defer until the entire plan comes together before saying whether I think they made a mistake or not.

The situation is definitely one to cause concern at this point though.

 

[BlueFin]

True Blue.

However, I have to agree a little with the original post.
Addition by subtraction isn't always a success and they are certainly taking an uneeded chance by cutting the amount of OL that they did without having some replacements locked up.

If they are depending solely on the draft to acquire starters for this year they are backing themselves into a corner having to draft for that position regardless of who is available. I just don't see them being that careless.
I have to think they have sights on at least one FA they know can play to at least be a fall back player.

Reports that Carlisle is coming in for a visit and we may want to look at Gandy for insurance at the LT spot just in case all this Alabi hype is just that.

Personally, I don't disagree with the Mcintosh release as he just has too many problems with his play.

James however I think would have been a good idea to hold on to until they landed a Guard. I think I would have held onto Mckinney as well just for depth and insurance purposes.

I will defer until the entire plan comes together before saying whether I think they made a mistake or not.

The situation is definitely one to cause concern at this point though.

Agreed, until FA and the draft are over its really impossible to make a final judgement, we also don't know how Houck and Cameron view some of the younger O-lineman we have been developing, such as Toledo and Alabi.

 

[Lee2000]

Fonoti is a unrestricted free agent I believe..

We still have Toledo and Fonoti on the roster, as well as possible FA pickups or draft personnel. Cam loves linemen, and he's got Houck as well. With the loss of garbage personnel, we can finally start picking up good players to establish the run and save Culpepper.

I believe that is true. I will check, but if so he is not currently a Dolphin.

Lee2000

 

[flintsilver7]

All true, but I think McIntosh and James were not viewed as the long term solutions at their positions, using your own logic, the sooner we get the right guys into those positions the sooner we will have a tight unit again, once they gel.

That's true - even if these guys aren't as good as McIntosh and James, they will play better the longer they are together. Simply sticking together is always good for improvement - look at Cincinnati. Now, my problem is simply that we don't have a backup outside of Alabi. LG, for example, is totally devoid of anybody with real experience. LT has only Alabi who has some experience, but very little. In the normal case of a game the backup gets some play, but McIntosh played most of the time last year and if Shelton stays where he is (as he should) we'll have two inexperienced (or at the very least unfamiliar) players protecting our quarterback's blind side.

I don't deny that Culpepper tends to allow more sacks simply because of the way he moves and holds on to the ball. However, with Harrington, the line only underwent one real change (James was replaced by Jacox). Early in the season, there were several, and nearly all of them were performance-related (McIntosh replaced Anderson because of injury, and then swapped with Shelton because he couldn't cut it at LT.)


In some sense, if the line plays poorly for even four games, that could be catastrophic for the season because the offense could get into a "funk" very early on. We don't even know what the offense will look like yet, which is even worse. In some sense it will be almost an entirely different team. This could be good (like the Saints) or bad (like almost every other team that undergoes that sort of change).

 

[cdz12250]

The starting lineup will be interesting to say the least, but I fear that tinkering with the offensive line when we had consistent players will at the very least lead to a half year of brutal play. We're fortunate enough to have a good line coach.

Yeah, consistently mediocre. Harrington had a 68.2 QB rating and threw more picks than TDs because he had to get rid of the ball immediately. In the games we lost, no one would have confused our RBs with Kiick, Csonka and Morris, and that's on the OL, not the backs. Yeah, they had some good games, but they had a lot more bad games, even in the second half of the season, when they had supposedly "jelled."

But assume for the sake of argument that the OL was OK after it jelled. "OK" is not enough to win a championship, or even a division. The guys we let go were playing at their limit; they couldn't get any better. It's time to get rid of the massive, aging fat guys and go to linemen who are more athletic. Other than Vernon and maybe Rex, who answered that description on our team?

Time for a breath of fresh air. Coach up the young guys even if there are growing pains.

 

[DolphanD]

Remember if no other teams see anything in the guys we released or are FAs: C/OG-McKinney, C/OG-Jacox, RG-Anderson, LG-James, etc. then we can always go back and get these guys at bargain prices and if they are signed by other teams then so be it, we'll build with young guys and through the Draft and not just this year's Draft but next year's and the year after that. Personally I think we will re-sign C/OG Kendyl Jacox.