Something nobody is talking about...

[oasis]

The pass protection was absolutely stellar, allowing plenty of time for the Dolphins newfound aerial attack.

The announcers pointed out during the game that the Dolphins were occasionally using an unbalanced line on passing plays, something that was normally associated with the Wildcat or some base running formations. Does anyone have an idea of how often they did this (I haven't rewatched the game yet), and was this a major factor behind the O-line's pass protection success?

 

[Kdawg954]

This Oline is as talented as ANY line in the league . . . which is why it is the most expensive one. Despite the injuries, they have gelled . . . and they are playing up to their potential.

After a slow start, Jake is having another Pro Bowl like year . . . and Vernon is having a real nice year also.

 

[ArmyFin7]

I love how the line has been playing as of late...but the Pats non existant pass rush isn't really a good test.

 

[josekareh]

Henne was still sacked 3 times wasn't he?

 

[Kdawg954]

Henne was still sacked 3 times wasn't he?

Nah I think Banta Cain got to him once . . . and thats about it.

But sacks don't mean everything when it comes to good OLine play . . . remember our rushing attack is damn good also . . . plus Henne dropped back like 52 times . . . only one sack . . . that is pretty damn good.

 

[oasis]

any comments on the unbalanced line thing?

 

[Swantoon]

I have heard a lot of people talking about the pass protection.

 

[oasis]

lol...ok sorry for not being clear guys.

Yes, plenty of people are talking about the pass pro. I meant to highlight the fact that we were using an unbalanced line for pass protection and was hoping we could discuss that.

 

[sbh1602]

I haven't watched the game again, but I did hear about it (though didn't notice it over the game).

My educated guess would be they're shifting whatever T to the opposite side, to allow for better screens and rollouts. Since we saw little of those, however... I'm not sure. Maybe the Pats were coming with overload blitzes from a specific side?

Tonight I'll rewatch and comment some more on it.

 

[SabanHater]

he was sacked once and it wasn't even the o-lines fault. he just held on to the ball way too long on that play. this o-line is doing a great job of keeping Henne's jersey clean.

 

[sbh1602]

Alright, just from the nfl.com Henne highlights (obviously, only passing downs):

- On the very first highlight, 14.06 in the 2Q, OL is Long, Carey, Smiley, Berger, Garner and Fasano (who stays to block). Henne takes the snap from Berger. Pats come with 5, everyone manned except Wilfork, doubled by Garner and Smiley. CBS actually has a very nice shot of this, from the endzone angle.

Rest of the series it's a more standard T-G-C-G-T line, though Garner is usually at RG (Gamebook has his starting at the LG spot), Thomas is out and Smiley is at LG.

6.44 in the 2Q, same unbalanced line as before. But on the long INT to Merriweather, it's back to normal.

And then... we never see it again in the highlights. We are only shown about 5 more plays, though, so as I said, the tape should tell the whole story.

Interesting formation. It seems rather obvious that they're shifting power to the left, protecting Henne's blind side. Also interesting that they're putting Smiley (one of our better blockers) on that side as well; perhaps they noticed the Pats weren't bringing a lot of heat from the right, at all? To leave Garner and Berger on an island right, along with Fasano...

 

[fiftyofhaze]

Anyone notice henne having time to make 3-4 reads then go back to his
number one. Insane. He is developing much faster then flacco and Ryan who in my opinion are playing like rookies this year and 2nd yr
qbs last year

 

[oasis]

Alright, did the tape-watching. Overall, we didn't use the unbalanced line too much on pass plays.

In total, the unbalanced line (defined by having three O-lineman to either side of center) was used on 9 passing plays and 2 run plays. The 9 pass plays netted 4 completions for 70 yards and a pass interference penalty for 37 yds.

I can post the detailed log if anyone wants.

 

[Swantoon]

lol...ok sorry for not being clear guys.

Yes, plenty of people are talking about the pass pro. I meant to highlight the fact that we were using an unbalanced line for pass protection and was hoping we could discuss that.

My fault I need to work on my reading comprehension :)

 

[jvw]

he was sacked once and it wasn't even the o-lines fault. he just held on to the ball way too long on that play. this o-line is doing a great job of keeping Henne's jersey clean.

I think Henne should get some credit too. He does a good job of throwing the ball away if the receiver is covered, very rarely will you see him stand there and pat the ball waiting for someone to get open, like I witnessed last night with Rogers and Flacco.....Rogers thought he had all day to find a receiver. I will take Henne over both of those guys and he's right there with Ryan......Henne may turn out to be the best QB in last yr draft........