PatsWin2002
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http://profootballweekly.com/PFW/Commentary/Spins/2003/spins102403.htm
Here's the Fins part:
Oct. 24, 2003
Dolphins' nosediving offense
ProFootballWeekly.com asks associate editor Jeff Reynolds for his thoughts on the hottest topics in the NFL:
Williams, Dolphins lacking offensive punch
The Dolphins openly discussed their intentions to get Ricky Williams 1,800 to 2,000 yards this season. But that prediction was based on having some semblance of balance, and the passing game, 27th in the NFL, hasn’t held up its end of the bargain. QB Jay Fiedler has a bad knee and could be replaced, but chances are the Dolphins wouldn’t miss him. He’s completing only 56.9 percent of his passes with more interceptions (seven) than TD passes (six).
PFW: Given the predictability of the Dolphins’ offense, Miami must change its approach. Do the Dolphins have the weapons to help Ricky Williams?
Reynolds: There are enough weapons, but offensive coordinator Norv Turner’s game plans have not been executed. Because injuries have forced Turner to keep QB Jay Fiedler in the pocket, teams do not bite on misdirection, and play fakes have become wasted energy. With Williams gaining less than four yards per carry, the passing game has to generate big plays or Williams will continue to meet eight- and nine-man fronts.
The offensive line has been dominated on the edges in the run game. Light-footed OLT Wade Smith has been a superb pass blocker but can be pushed back by powerful defensive ends. ORT Todd Wade is a polished run blocker, but with teams opting to play five down linemen and bring their strong safety up, Wade has often been the target of the run blitz. The interior offensive line is below average, taking away the draw and trap plays that were so effective in 2002.
“They have passing game personnel in a power-running offense,†said one advanced scout. “There is a conflict there because (TE) Randy McMichael is their only underneath receiver, but he can’t block.â€Â
Some have suggested that, in addition to moving the pocket and getting Fiedler to use his legs, the Dolphins should go with multiple-WR sets. WR Chris Chambers had 11 catches in his first two games of the season but has only 11 receptions since. With only five offensive linemen blocking, Williams, running out of a one-back set, could be just as effective.
“Yes, because they have guys  Chambers and (Derrius) Thompson  who are bigger and can put a block on a corner. And McMichael can go to the slot, you can put him in motion and use him as a lead blocker, that sort of thing is what we anticipated just to get Ricky that room and help Fiedler out a bit.â€Â
The Dolphins' opponent on "Monday Night Football," the Chargers, has a secondary that can be victimized by spread offenses, mainly because their front seven rarely gets pressure on the quarterback. San Diego has 14 sacks, but its pressure seems to come when defensive coordinator Dale Lindsey sends a linebacker or safety. Turner will recognize that, and should be able to use Week Eight as a springboard for his offense and pick up momentum for the remainder of the season.
Here's the Fins part:
Oct. 24, 2003
Dolphins' nosediving offense
ProFootballWeekly.com asks associate editor Jeff Reynolds for his thoughts on the hottest topics in the NFL:
Williams, Dolphins lacking offensive punch
The Dolphins openly discussed their intentions to get Ricky Williams 1,800 to 2,000 yards this season. But that prediction was based on having some semblance of balance, and the passing game, 27th in the NFL, hasn’t held up its end of the bargain. QB Jay Fiedler has a bad knee and could be replaced, but chances are the Dolphins wouldn’t miss him. He’s completing only 56.9 percent of his passes with more interceptions (seven) than TD passes (six).
PFW: Given the predictability of the Dolphins’ offense, Miami must change its approach. Do the Dolphins have the weapons to help Ricky Williams?
Reynolds: There are enough weapons, but offensive coordinator Norv Turner’s game plans have not been executed. Because injuries have forced Turner to keep QB Jay Fiedler in the pocket, teams do not bite on misdirection, and play fakes have become wasted energy. With Williams gaining less than four yards per carry, the passing game has to generate big plays or Williams will continue to meet eight- and nine-man fronts.
The offensive line has been dominated on the edges in the run game. Light-footed OLT Wade Smith has been a superb pass blocker but can be pushed back by powerful defensive ends. ORT Todd Wade is a polished run blocker, but with teams opting to play five down linemen and bring their strong safety up, Wade has often been the target of the run blitz. The interior offensive line is below average, taking away the draw and trap plays that were so effective in 2002.
“They have passing game personnel in a power-running offense,†said one advanced scout. “There is a conflict there because (TE) Randy McMichael is their only underneath receiver, but he can’t block.â€Â
Some have suggested that, in addition to moving the pocket and getting Fiedler to use his legs, the Dolphins should go with multiple-WR sets. WR Chris Chambers had 11 catches in his first two games of the season but has only 11 receptions since. With only five offensive linemen blocking, Williams, running out of a one-back set, could be just as effective.
“Yes, because they have guys  Chambers and (Derrius) Thompson  who are bigger and can put a block on a corner. And McMichael can go to the slot, you can put him in motion and use him as a lead blocker, that sort of thing is what we anticipated just to get Ricky that room and help Fiedler out a bit.â€Â
The Dolphins' opponent on "Monday Night Football," the Chargers, has a secondary that can be victimized by spread offenses, mainly because their front seven rarely gets pressure on the quarterback. San Diego has 14 sacks, but its pressure seems to come when defensive coordinator Dale Lindsey sends a linebacker or safety. Turner will recognize that, and should be able to use Week Eight as a springboard for his offense and pick up momentum for the remainder of the season.
