Guard Bob Kuechenberg (67) blocks for Larry Csonka in this Miami Herald file photo from the Dolphins’ historic overtime playoff victory in 1971 against Kansas City.
If you want subtlety, Bob Kuechenberg is not the man to see. In his playing days, he was a hard-nosed, Pro Bowl guard who played with a metal rod in his forearm and didn’t think much of it.
So if you want to know what he thinks of his ex-team, the Dolphins, returning to the playoffs after so many years, ask your question, then brace for this man of steel.
“They’re still not with their full offensive line and they’re still kicking ass,” Kuechenberg said Tuesday. “I think it’s great.”
Jay Ajayi has the respect of former Dolphins. (Bill Ingram/The Post)
Kuechenberg isn’t alone. From near and far, voices of Dolphins past are rejoicing because for the first time since 2008, they’ll have a chance to watch their former team in the postseason.
“A great Christmas present,” ex-guard Keith Sims said.
It’s a present that will keep on giving, according to receiver Mark Duper.
“It’s a beautiful thing and I love it to death,” Duper said. “It goes to show you what you can do when you bring in a good coaching staff — a coaching staff that can relate to the players. It’s amazing. They’re playing real good ball and I’m looking forward to the next few years.
“It’s not a one-year deal. This coach is offensive-minded and he had to patch this offensive line all year, OK? He had trouble in the secondary. He put in defenses to protect the secondary. He did a lot of things, this coach, and it’s not a fly-by-night. This is an ongoing thing.”
While Dolphins from the glory days tiptoe around drawing comparisons between coaches — namely Don Shula — many agreed that credit goes to first-year coach Adam Gase for steering a team that began 1-4 but is now 10-5.
Coach Adam Gase of the Miami Dolphins works the sidelines against the Buffalo Bills. (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images)
“Adam Gase has just done a great job with the people he has, particularly with the injuries that have occurred on the offensive line,” safety Dick Anderson said.
Pro Bowl defensive tackle Manny Fernandez: “He obviously has got something going for him. He’s getting it out of these guys and nobody has in years. I’m glad he’s there.”
Gase can only do so much. When asked to cite specific on-field reasons for the success, some had a difficult time narrowing it down.
“There’s no superstar,” Duper said. “It’s just a team that’s winning.”
The name that came up most often is that of running back Jay Ajayi, who has 1,213 yards, a 5.0 average and eight touchdowns.
“If I had to pick one reason, I’d have to say Jay Ajayi,” Kuechenberg said. “This run offense is dominating games. I’ve never seen a runner like him since — well, we’ve never had one like him. Earl Campbell — he runs a lot like Earl. He’s tough on tough yardage and yet he can go 90 yards.”
Fernandez also cited Ajayi, who has 10 runs of 20 or more yards.
“They’ve got a running back I think is first class, A-1,” Fernandez said. “He can break tackles, he’s quick to the hole, he’s just a good running back.”
