O-Line Protection

[BAMAPHIN 22]

Last night like many I viewed the Colts Vs. the Rams game. What caught my attention was that the Rams blitzed early and often, bringing seven defenders on the first play and continuing that approach throughout much of the game.

In past preseason games it seemed like every team played basically, a basic zone defense. It seems to me that the days of staying vanilla in the preseason are long gone.

With that in mind, how will the Dolphins O-line fair in your opinion against various blitzs packages to protect Culpepper who has a physical limitation with one of his knees?

 

[RoninFin4]

They brought 7 guys the first play to respond to the Colts onside kick to start the game.

As far as our pass protection goes, I think there's got to be some added pressure on L.J. Shelton coming in to protect Daunte's blindside. We'll probably use a back and TE if necessary to help out as well.

 

[CitizenSnips]

the JAGS won't blitz. their just not that kind of team really. But in the case that it does happen. its more on cuilpepper to show us he can handle it.

 

[CitizenSnips]

They brought 7 guys the first play to respond to the Colts onside kick to start the game.

Good point, that probably told Haslett to throw caution to the wind and just try and get to peyton any way he can.

 

[RoninFin4]

Good point, that probably told Haslett to throw caution to the wind and just try and get to peyton any way he can.

I know Aikman was commenting that Linehan told Haslett to make it the D's goal to shut out Peyton Manning the first drive. That probably had to do w/the following blitzes, though Manning led them for the TD anyways. I think the rest of the game may be Linehan taking a page from Saban's defensive style and making the Rams more of an attacking/blitzing unit.

 

[ckparrothead]

Daunte's got to get hit some time no matter how you look at it. The prospect of Marcus Stroud or John Henderson taking on our RG position is not very tasty, but the OL has to learn to gel and Daunte has to learn how to take hits with his knee the way it is.

Hopefully nobody goes dirty on him, goes for the knees.

 

[SoDakDolfan]

I'll bet Saban is going to leave some extra protection in for Daunta. Eventually he'll need to be able to play without worrying about taking a hit, but this is just the first preseason game. Every week of healing on that knee makes a difference in strength and readiness. I hope DC only plays one series this week and next. Then, if there are no set backs (swelling in the knee, etc.) Daunta can get some good playing time in during the 3rd game so he can be ready to go physically and mentally for the season.

 

[CitizenSnips]

Daunte's got to get hit some time no matter how you look at it. The prospect of Marcus Stroud or John Henderson taking on our RG position is not very tasty, but the OL has to learn to gel and Daunte has to learn how to take hits with his knee the way it is.

Hopefully nobody goes dirty on him, goes for the knees.

i wouldn't think so. The jags D-line is full of vets like you named also. Vets don't wanna hurt other Vets. Atleast, not usually.

 

[ckparrothead]

I'll bet Saban is going to leave some extra protection in for Daunta. Eventually he'll need to be able to play without worrying about taking a hit, but this is just the first preseason game. Every week of healing on that knee makes a difference in strength and readiness. I hope DC only plays one series this week and next. Then, if there are no set backs (swelling in the knee, etc.) Daunta can get some good playing time in during the 3rd game so he can be ready to go physically and mentally for the season.

Not significantly. Saban even admitted it himself when he said that if we felt 6 more days would be enough to reduce the risks to Daunte's knee then we'd sit him, but it's not.

 

[SoDakDolfan]

Not significantly. Saban even admitted it himself when he said that if we felt 6 more days would be enough to reduce the risks to Daunte's knee then we'd sit him, but it's not.

Six more days does not make the difference between healthy and not healthy, it is a slow, progressive process. However, every day (week) that goes by without a setback does make a difference. If you've ever come back from an injury you will remember the "amazing" difference every week makes. Mentally I think it is good for Culpepper to get out and test the knee in some live action. Prudence would seem to suggest Saban take a little extra caution here at the beginning. I'll stand by my prediction of a little extra protection for Culpepper this week and next.

 

[DUB]

Daunte's got to get hit some time no matter how you look at it. The prospect of Marcus Stroud or John Henderson taking on our RG position is not very tasty, but the OL has to learn to gel and Daunte has to learn how to take hits with his knee the way it is.

Hopefully nobody goes dirty on him, goes for the knees.

The new rule, "no low hits on QB's" is a huge plus for Daunte and may have even weighed on Sabans decision to make Daunte a Phin.

 

[ckparrothead]

Six more days does not make the difference between healthy and not healthy, it is a slow, progressive process. However, every day (week) that goes by without a setback does make a difference. If you've ever come back from an injury you will remember the "amazing" difference every week makes. Mentally I think it is good for Culpepper to get out and test the knee in some live action. Prudence would seem to suggest Saban take a little extra caution here at the beginning. I'll stand by my prediction of a little extra protection for Culpepper this week and next.

10 months into rehab, a week goes by without "amazing" differences. He's already well past that stage, and Saban reflected that sentiment pretty clearly.

He's at no more risk tomorrow than he would be a week from now. They will run the offense as they feel it should be run. They won't pack everyone in blocking for Daunte unless that's a skill the coaches feel certain players need particular work on, or unless that is something the offense plans on doing a lot during the season. Saban will not let Daunte's knee dictate the play-calling any more tomorrow than he would during the regular season.

 

[ckparrothead]

The new rule, "no low hits on QB's" is a huge plus for Daunte and may have even weighed on Sabans decision to make Daunte a Phin.

I think you're right there, although I think we traded for Daunte before we knew about the rule...

 

[BLITZKRIEG]

My feeling towards the OL right now are uncertain. I haven't seen great protection at camp, and with the state of the RG position, I'm alittle worried about the pressure coming up the middle....

My hope is that when protection breaks down, he knows what to do with the ball. I don't want to see him scrambling around at all. We need to script the first drive towards the running game in my opinion, and allow this OL to build some confidence in that area....

If the OL was set in stone, and looked strong, I'd feel more comfortable. From what I've seen, they still need some solid work. Losing McKinney didn't help matters either....

PHINZ RULE!!!!

 

[PhinsRock]

I'll be doing some serious prayer for DC before the game, that's for sure.