Controlled chaos! Dolphins find success with third-down package featuring one defensive lineman, eight defensive backs and constant pre-snap movement
BUFFALO, N.Y. — If the Dolphins defense is on the field on Sunday against the Bills and it’s third-and-long and you can’t figure out what the heck any of their players are doing — constantly moving from left to right and forward and back before the snap — that’s the point.
“However we scheme it up,” Miami coach Brian Flores said Friday, “we’ll try to disguise.”
In last Sunday’s heart-breaking home loss to Washington, Miami unveiled a defensive package that went a bit under the radar, along with its success.
The Dolphins unleashed their interpretation of an amoeba defense, a shapeless and ever-changing look has been employed in cities like Boston, Baltimore, Seattle and Detroit.
If Miami uses this strategy again on Sunday, here’s what you’ll notice:
‒ Only one defensive lineman on the field, and with his hand on the ground, likely defensive end Taco Charlton, a thin and speedy rusher who will line up over center or guard.
‒ Two linebackers, likely Jerome Baker and Sam Eguavoen, who are also speedy and instinctive.
‒ Eight defensive backs. Yes, eight! You might see cornerbacks like Eric Rowe, Ken Webster, Nik Needham and Jomal Wiltz and safeties like Bobby McCain, Walt Aikens, Steven Parker and Chis Lammons.
What you will also notice is as the quarterback prepares to snap the ball, four or five or more Dolphins will be walking around the field at the same time, in what might seem like random or haphazard patterns.
“Controlled chaos,” Aikens, the safety says.
“When you only have one stationary defensive lineman, the world is yours,” Eguavoen, the linebacker says. “You can mix up anything.”
“It’s a lot of fun,” McCain, the corner says.
It’s fun. And last Sunday, it worked.
The Dolphins held Washington to 2-for-11 on third downs, using a game plan orchestrated by defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, and Flores, who promised before the season he would find a way to scheme pressure without a proven NFL edge rusher.
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BUFFALO, N.Y. — If the Dolphins defense is on the field on Sunday against the Bills and it’s third-and-long and you can’t figure out what the heck any of their players are doing — constantly moving from left to right and forward and back before the snap — that’s the point.
“However we scheme it up,” Miami coach Brian Flores said Friday, “we’ll try to disguise.”
In last Sunday’s heart-breaking home loss to Washington, Miami unveiled a defensive package that went a bit under the radar, along with its success.
The Dolphins unleashed their interpretation of an amoeba defense, a shapeless and ever-changing look has been employed in cities like Boston, Baltimore, Seattle and Detroit.
If Miami uses this strategy again on Sunday, here’s what you’ll notice:
‒ Only one defensive lineman on the field, and with his hand on the ground, likely defensive end Taco Charlton, a thin and speedy rusher who will line up over center or guard.
‒ Two linebackers, likely Jerome Baker and Sam Eguavoen, who are also speedy and instinctive.
‒ Eight defensive backs. Yes, eight! You might see cornerbacks like Eric Rowe, Ken Webster, Nik Needham and Jomal Wiltz and safeties like Bobby McCain, Walt Aikens, Steven Parker and Chis Lammons.
What you will also notice is as the quarterback prepares to snap the ball, four or five or more Dolphins will be walking around the field at the same time, in what might seem like random or haphazard patterns.
“Controlled chaos,” Aikens, the safety says.
“When you only have one stationary defensive lineman, the world is yours,” Eguavoen, the linebacker says. “You can mix up anything.”
“It’s a lot of fun,” McCain, the corner says.
It’s fun. And last Sunday, it worked.
The Dolphins held Washington to 2-for-11 on third downs, using a game plan orchestrated by defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, and Flores, who promised before the season he would find a way to scheme pressure without a proven NFL edge rusher.
Miami Dolphins: How this unorthodox defensive package causes QB confusion
Controlled chaos! Dolphins find success with third-down package featuring one defensive lineman, eight defensive backs and constant pre-snap movement
www.palmbeachpost.com
