Time for a permanent change at LT

[uk_dolfan]

Brandon Albert is injured - again.

The young stud who is our future at LT is currently having his development slowed by being played at LG.

My proposal is simple - Laremy Tunsil should be installed as our permanent LT from Sunday until some time mid next decade.


IF Albert gets back this season (I think this is very much an if) he should revert to his college position of LG.

Tunsil is more than good enough to hold down the position this year (I still think we are a long shot for the playoffs) but the important thing is that a run of games this year will ensure that he is 100% prepared to help us get off to a strong start in week 1 next year.

Lets face it - Albert is getting cut in a few months (unless we can find someone dumb enough to trade for a good but old LT, with a big contract and a terrible injury record - I suppose that Tbaum might get another job and think this sounds like a great deal) and it is time to plan for the future.

Tunsil is more than good enough to make a good fist of LT this year, and if gets experience now he may be ready to play the position at a pro bowl level next year.

 

[malzj]

lol at people that think they know better than the coach after a four game winning streak. Gase has done a good job at decision making for the most part. We need all the depth that we can get

 

[The Bopkin]

I regretfully agree. The odds of making the playoffs are long, and sometimes you have to do what is best long term. While I believe you don't bag thinking about playoffs, Albert is too unreliable; as is Pouncey. This o-line needs to be a priority in the offseason, as well as refreshing the defense with young players.

 

[Riftur]

Everything needs to stay the same for the rest of this season. The move from LG to LT is not going to be that hard for Tunsil since he plays it sometimes currently and gets plenty of practice at it also i am sure. You don't change something that is working. The changes will be made in the off season. Hopefully we can have a good draft again.

 

[AL R]

Basically agree with your thoughts but like I posted in another thread dont think Albert will agree to move over. He will want his release and catch on as a LT someplace else, and someone will take a chance just like teams did this year and past with OL.

 

[DolfanISS]

I'd love Tunsil at LT just like everyone else but Tunsil/Albert is better than Tunsil/Urbick. While I realize we're not winning the SB this year I'm not the type that can just concede that until we're actually eliminated. Go with the better combination.

Why would we want to play a journeyman backup over a pro bowler when the pro bowler healthy? Seems dumb. Deal with Albert in the offseason.

 

[uk_dolfan]

Basically agree with your thoughts but like I posted in another thread dont think Albert will agree to move over. He will want his release and catch on as a LT someplace else, and someone will take a chance just like teams did this year and past with OL.

I believe the term is "tough ****" I would get him off the cap when the season ends anyway unless he wants to take less to stay at guard

---------- Post added at 08:41 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:39 AM ----------

Everything needs to stay the same for the rest of this season. The move from LG to LT is not going to be that hard for Tunsil since he plays it sometimes currently and gets plenty of practice at it also i am sure. You don't change something that is working. The changes will be made in the off season. Hopefully we can have a good draft again.

Well that isnt an option

 

[cash]

He hurt his wrist!!!!!!!!! Its not a knee issue, hamstring, ankle or shoulder. Everyone should relax, hope for the best and appreciate the pro this guy has been here. If you EVER counted on Albert playing 16 you were fooling yourself

 

[Avigatorx]

Let's see what happens this weekend first.

 

[uk_dolfan]

He hurt his wrist!!!!!!!!! Its not a knee issue, hamstring, ankle or shoulder. Everyone should relax, hope for the best and appreciate the pro this guy has been here. If you EVER counted on Albert playing 16 you were fooling yourself

Another fantastic reason to move on to Tunsil

 

[russianbear]

i was under the belief that albert at LG and Tunsil at LT was the way to go from the get....because i wanted to get Tunsil fully acclimated to the position in the NFL as quickly as possible...

now that we're halfway thru it will end up being a coach's call...and i wonder if Albert can play the guard position as well as Tunsil on a whim when he comes back from injury...

i suspect coach's will revert back to tunsil at LG and Albert at LT, and we'll be rid of Albert next year, when Tunsil takes over at LT....

 

[MD]

Consistency on the OL over time is critical for success. Though it's unlikely they make the playoffs, you don't make a change for the sake of change while you're in the playoff chase. If they're still in the hunt then you do what has brought you this far. That said, I do agree that Albert gets cut in the off season and now they need to take a serious look at replacing Pouncey permenantly.

 

[datruth55]

I think you stay the course for this season. Evaluate at the end of the season and then make changes. As I've said before I think we need to draft two OGs...but now I might have to add Center to that since Pouncey can't stay healthy either. Cutting Albert saves cap $$$ so that might give the Dolphins enough cash to sign a veteran OG in free agency.

One thing is clear, after cutting (and deservedly so) 3 offensive lineman 5 games into the season...we need depth...better depth along the O-line. There's no way it won't be addressed.

 

[ShorePhin]

I am probably in the minority here on this but for the future I would rather leave Tunsil at the LG, and here is why. He pulls and gets to the 2nd level at an incredible pace and efficiency, his feet are incredible often referred to the dancing bear quality. Some of Ajayi's best runs you see Tunsil pull and attacking a LB with incredible speed in front of Ajayi and this after whipping a Defensive lineman. How many Guards in general are that effective? Finding one in general is almost lottery like. I know LT is the glamour thou shall not pass position but still a lot easier to fill, finding a brick wall that can push and seal can be easily drafted or gotten as a FA. The biggest horror show for the OL past seasons has always been the interior especially with Pouncey getting hurt all the time. To me a bird in hand is worth 2 in the bush getting a LG of Tunsil's caliber will very tough to find as opposed to getting a LT if you ask me

 

[uk_dolfan]

I am probably in the minority here on this but for the future I would rather leave Tunsil at the LG, and here is why. He pulls and gets to the 2nd level at an incredible pace and efficiency, his feet are incredible often referred to the dancing bear quality. Some of Ajayi's best runs you see Tunsil pull and attacking a LB with incredible speed in front of Ajayi and this after whipping a Defensive lineman. How many Guards in general are that effective? Finding one in general is almost lottery like. I know LT is the glamour thou shall not pass position but still a lot easier to fill, finding a brick wall that can push and seal can be easily drafted or gotten as a FA. The biggest horror show for the OL past seasons has always been the interior especially with Pouncey getting hurt all the time. To me a bird in hand is worth 2 in the bush getting a LG of Tunsil's caliber will very tough to find as opposed to getting a LT if you ask me

You want to leave one of the best LT prospects in a decade at guard?