Why Im So Optimistic About the Offense

[SF Dolphin Fan]

While the defense is clearly going through a youth movement, this could be the best offensive talent McDaniel has had since taking over Miami.

Specifically, here's why I'm optimistic.

Potential in Short Yardage
Last year, the Dolphins were 11-20 on 3rd and one and 0-3 on 4th and one. No surprise, that was last in the NFL. How many promising drives ended because Miami couldn't pick up a measley yard? It was the Achilles heel of this team and maybe the biggest reason the Dolphins missed the playoffs. Along with Tua missing six games.

The free agent acquisition of Daniels, and drafting Savaiinaea dramatically improves the guards. Gordon is exactly the type of running back Grier needed to add, as he can win the stalemates and get a yard or two on his own. Brown and Conyers at tight end should upgrade the blocking of that unit. The Sporting News calls Conyers Miami's top UDFA signing.

Depth and 50/50 Winners at WR
Westbrook-Ikine, and potentially UDFA Armstrong add size to the wide receiver room. Ikine had eight touchdowns last year, more than Hill and Waddle combined. A sneaky good FA add by Grier. Add in Washington, who played well as a rookie and there's good depth. Don't forget Hill played with the wrist injury, and he could bounce back big. But Grier is smartly preparing for life after Hill.

 

[The Ghost]

They addressed the biggest problem with the offense, here's hoping its actually fixed.

It was brutal turning the ball back over to the other team so many times, and in most cases, we absolutely knew we weren't going to convert those short yardage plays. Heck a lot of the times we lost more yards than we even needed for the first down.

We lost games because of our OG's.

 

[Rick Cartman]

IF Tua stays healthy the offense should be fine
The question marks are going to be on defense this year, specifically interior D-line, LBs, and DBs

 

[SF Dolphin Fan]

They addressed the biggest problem with the offense, here's hoping its actually fixed.

It was brutal turning the ball back over to the other team so many times, and in most cases, we absolutely knew we weren't going to convert those short yardage plays. Heck a lot of the times we lost more yards than we even needed for the first down.

We lost games because of our OG's.

Absolutely. It was so frustrating. Miami would get chunk plays, make it look effortless at times, and then lose short yardage. The Dolphins offensive line was pretty consistently moved backwards in those situations. The must haves, as I call them.

Hopefully, Miami can get closer to league average. If so, it means more points, controlling the clock etc.

 

[SF Dolphin Fan]

IF Tua stays healthy the offense should be fine
The question marks are going to be on defense this year, specifically interior D-line, LBs, and DBs

Yeah, it's a total youth movement on defense. Linebacker is pretty set, definitely have proven talent and veterans there.

But three rookies figure to get a lot of snaps on the defensive line, and the secondary is stacked with young, unproven talent.

 

[eMCee85]

I'm sorry but I disagree. Daniel while decent, is coming off an Achilles tear. Larry borom? That's all I need to say. Patrick Paul is a question mark, Austin Jackson is frequently hurt and the rookie, well hopefully he's good but that's a question mark too. The o line is still a question mark and only one solid dependable player on it. The center. Once the injuries start piling up, and they will, we will be dependent on players like eich and borom to replace them. I hope I'm wrong on this but depending on injured players to hold down the fort is not a plan for success. Brewer, paul and saviidontknowhowtospellit is a good start of non injured players tho I guess. They still gotta be good tho

 

[Danny]

While the defense is clearly going through a youth movement, this could be the best offensive talent McDaniel has had since taking over Miami.

Specifically, here's why I'm optimistic.

Potential in Short Yardage
Last year, the Dolphins were 11-20 on 3rd and one and 0-3 on 4th and one. No surprise, that was last in the NFL. How many promising drives ended because Miami couldn't pick up a measley yard? It was the Achilles heel of this team and maybe the biggest reason the Dolphins missed the playoffs. Along with Tua missing six games.

The free agent acquisition of Daniels, and drafting Savaiinaea dramatically improves the guards. Gordon is exactly the type of running back Grier needed to add, as he can win the stalemates and get a yard or two on his own. Brown and Conyers at tight end should upgrade the blocking of that unit. The Sporting News calls Conyers Miami's top UDFA signing.

Depth and 50/50 Winners at WR
Westbrook-Ikine, and potentially UDFA Armstrong add size to the wide receiver room. Ikine had eight touchdowns last year, more than Hill and Waddle combined. A sneaky good FA add by Grier. Add in Washington, who played well as a rookie and there's good depth. Don't forget Hill played with the wrist injury, and he could bounce back big. But Grier is smartly preparing for life after Hill.

Totally agree. Gordon and two better guards than we had last year should help, along with a couple of TE's that can block. Also, Conyares can run the wildcat so if he gets a real chance to make this team he could help us in different ways.

 

[Sticky Gloves]

Drugs?

 

[67Stang]

In regards to corners and coverage, you typically have to have high priced corners and can stay with their receivers, or a DL that can consistently get pressure, making average CB's adequate as they don't have to stay engaged as long. It seems the Dolphins are now taking the later approach. Hopefully our edge rushers are and can stay healthy.

 

[SF Dolphin Fan]

I'm sorry but I disagree. Daniel while decent, is coming off an Achilles tear. Larry borom? That's all I need to say. Patrick Paul is a question mark, Austin Jackson is frequently hurt and the rookie, well hopefully he's good but that's a question mark too. The o line is still a question mark and only one solid dependable player on it. The center. Once the injuries start piling up, and they will, we will be dependent on players like eich and borom to replace them. I hope I'm wrong on this but depending on injured players to hold down the fort is not a plan for success. Brewer, paul and saviidontknowhowtospellit is a good start of non injured players tho I guess. They still gotta be good tho

Good point on Paul.

Here's something to consider. There were four offensive linemen I really liked for Miami in round two, that I thought fit their offense: Savaiinaea, Ersery, Ratledge and Wilson.

Ersery was the insurance pick if the coaching staff had concerns about Paul. At least in my opinion. That Miami didn't go that route potentially says a lot. I think that was a vote of confidence in Paul.

Borom is not bad as a backup option and Savaiinaea also has RT experience. I don't know enough about the UDFA offensive line signings.

 

[Kyndig]

IF Tua stays healthy the offense should be fine
The question marks are going to be on defense this year, specifically interior D-line, LBs, and DBs

I would project Dline as a strength this year. Secondary is unknown, but they can sign a couple of vets and we[ll be okay if our line and edges perform as forecasted…

 

[SF Dolphin Fan]

Totally agree. Gordon and two better guards than we had last year should help, along with a couple of TE's that can block. Also, Conyares can run the wildcat so if he gets a real chance to make this team he could help us in different ways.

I think j-off-her-doll was right about Conyers. His highlight tape looks promising, and most definitely like a draftable player.

 

[Kyndig]

Good point on Paul.

Here's something to consider. There were four offensive linemen I really liked for Miami in round two, that I thought fit their offense: Savaiinaea, Ersery, Ratledge and Wilson.

Ersery was the insurance pick if the coaching staff had concerns about Paul. At least in my opinion. That Miami didn't go that route potentially says a lot. I think that was a vote of confidence in Paul.

Borom is not bad as a backup option and Savaiinaea also has RT experience. I don't know enough about the UDFA offensive line signings.

I was disappointed we didn’t treat the Oline like the dline in this draft. I would’ve like to have seen a couple of more pickups at backup center, and developmental OTackle, or another guard depending on the value. I’m optimistic Paul should at least be okay based on what we saw last year, but if he or AJ get injured, we are well and truly screwed. Daniel’s health and return from injury will have a big say as to how this unit turns out. Ideally, Grier would realize this and sign one more Free agent such as Will Hernandez, but I wouldn’t hold my breath. I do expect them to sign two cornerbacks though.

 

[SF Dolphin Fan]

In regards to corners and coverage, you typically have to have high priced corners and can stay with their receivers, or a DL that can consistently get pressure, making average CB's adequate as they don't have to stay engaged as long. It seems the Dolphins are now taking the later approach. Hopefully our edge rushers are and can stay healthy.

A big gamble IMO. Both Phillips and Chubb have had multiple injuries. Robinson definitely had a very promising rookie year, and should only get better.

 

[bane]

as always health will play a key role. I am feeling good about the starters on offense but if tua goes down or we lose a few lineman like we always do then it will be a problem. If healthy we should score a lot and be fun to watch again.