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Miami Season Preview

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QB: Tannehill played better than "average" imo. At the very least, he achieved more in his rookie year than any other Dolphin, to include Marino and Griese. A handful of analysts/critics have also stated that had it not been for such a deep QB class, he would have had a pretty solid shot at ROTY. I will very gladly take his performance over anything Moore could have managed with the same offense.

 

RB: I don't think it's hard to call Miller an upgrade over Bush...he's younger, thicker, stronger, better at pass pro now than he was a year ago, and as already mentioned, he's just better between the tackles. His lack of production at receiver (ignoring the fact that he had limited snaps) won't really matter either way considering the makeover of the receiving corps. What they've done this off season tells me they are less concerned with the HB's contributions at receiving than they were last year.

 

Receivers: The analysis of the TE position is pretty consistent with my own take. Give and take is definitely the theme. Fasano's sure-handedness and respectable blocking will be missed, but there's no denying that Keller brings a vertical dimension that Fasano just never had. Based on early assessments of Sims and how he's been progressing (one Phinsider report claims he played on 95% of the offensive snaps at mini-camp), my guess is he will replace Keller on plays requiring blocking from the TE, so we may be able to minimize that particular weakness.

 

As for Gibson vs. Hartline, I think it's a win-win. The fact that neither are WR1 caliber, but both still managed respectable performances in those roles, tells me that no matter how it works out, we should be looking pretty good for 2 and 3. Frankly, I'd really like to see Jasper Collins make the roster as a dark horse and play the slot at 3 and/or 4 this year. On the limited video I've seen of him, I like what I saw. He also comes from a school with a rising NFL pedigree (Garcon, Shorts) which is a plus.

 

D-Line: I don't know how much I trust that bottom 15 pass rush ranking for Vernon. Are they based on raw season totals or snap counts? Considering he only saw 39% of the defensive snaps last year, I'd call 3.5 sacks and 18 solo tackles a very respectable performance. Despite the fact that he is still raw in some areas, the amount of potential he brings to the table as a jack of all trades is invaluable. He has the physical tools and athleticism to do just about anything he sets his mind to. Same goes for Jordan. Both of those kids have hit the jackpot, if you ask me. Leadership brought them in to become the next generation of Miami pass rushers, and they will be gaining some of the best insight from one of the most gifted sack artists in the game. If things went my way, we'd see Odrick move to DT (where I personally think he will do just fine) and Vernon and Jordan would share time off the weak edge.

 

LB: I disagree with the idea that we didn't improve the LB position, but that can be boiled down to personal opinion. We got younger and faster (not to mention the new faces put up 7.5 sacks over Burnett and Dansby's 3.5), and it was a clear statement that leadership wanted to present some relief for Wake and free him up for what could be an even better season than 2012. All he needs is for a couple more defenders to draw additional blocks, and the sky is the limit. As far as coverage goes, I am not too worried about it, thanks to who our DC is (I'll cover that shortly).

 

DB: While the star of the secondary may be Jones, Clemons' year shouldn't go unnoticed. I'd dare say they fed off each other's improvements if anything. Both were drafted in the 5th round as developmental players, and both saw dramatic increases over previous season performances. Why? I look no further than Kevin Coyle, a pass coverage specialist. I don't consider it a coincidence that almost overnight, 2 5th round safeties put up career years in the same season he took over (180+ tackles and 6 picks) as the DC. His resume is full of situations where he left a secondary better than he found it...albeit that was in the NCAA, but last year tells me he is good enough to make it translate to the next level.

 

It is true that there are a lot more questions at CB than answers, but as far as Grimes goes, I'm not concerned about the achilles at this time. All indications right now are that he has performed well above expectations, even garnering some high praise from Wallace for his athleticism during their one-on-ones. How much of that is PR politics and how much is truth remains to be seen, but for now that's all we can really go off of. The more I find out about Will Davis, the more excited I am to watch him develop. He's been mostly touted for his ball skills and open field tackling ability, and I would love to see him get some nickel reps if possible. I know less about Taylor, but with Coyle giving him and the other young guys guidance, I think they could surprise some people when all is said and done.

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It's completely unfair, but I am down on the Dolphins purely because it seems like Jeff Ireland is trying to buy the division. But I am just going to put that aside and look at the players on the roster:

 

QB: I think it's fair to say that Tannehill was average last year when compared to the entire field of QB's, but here's the thing: average for a rookie QB isn't average. Average is actually better than average, for a rookie. So I can see him being good in 2013- though sophomore slumps are always possible and difficult to predict.

 

RB: I love Lamar Miller. Reminds me of Jamaal Charles in that he needs space to operate, but when you give it to him he can eat up ground in a hurry. He's not a guy who is going to create a ton on his own, so the blocking will have to be there. Charles Clay is a plus FB, but I'm not big on the depth at RB. Not a big Thomas fan and it's unclear what Gillislee will be able to do in the NFL.

 

WR/TE: Wallace and Keller were good additions. Wallace will be a more productive #1, but will also stretch the field. IMO, Miami's biggest problem on offense last year was that everything was so condensed. They didn't have anyone to consistently challenge deep and thin out zones.

 

OL: On the whole, the line is solid. But I think LT has to be a concern. There was more bad than good to Martin's game last year and now he's on the blind side. If he can just be average, I think they'll be ok. John Jerry has been unimpressive thus far in his career, but someone between Lance Louis and Dallas Thomas should be able to take care of that.

 

DL: Love this group. Wake is the best pass rushing DE in the league. Soliai, Starks, and Odrick should make for a solid DT rotation. RE is the question mark. I have to agree that Vernon wasn't too impressive as a rookie, and I'm not sold on Jordan as a down lineman. Part of me wonders if he's better off as a blitz heavy WOLB. I just see a lot of finesse to his game and not much suddenness or violence.

 

LB: I have to be honest- I hated what the Dolphins did at linebacker this offseson. I know they got younger, but I also think they got worse. Ellerbe was pretty overrated coming off that SB IMO, and I highly doubt that Wheeler will outplay the more well rounded Kevin Burnett. I realize that the three starters all figure to be good blitzing the QB, but the thing about blitzing is that you have to have someone behind it that can actually cover. Otherwise savvy QB's will throw into the blitz and burn you every time. Seemed like an odd way to construct a defense, seeing as how the path to the division crown runs through New England and Tom Brady's rating is actually at its highest when teams try to blitz him. Ithink he'll tear Miami's defense up at the second level.

 

Secondary: Grimes, if healthy, is going to make all the difference here. He's a much better #1 than Sean Smith. The safety duo is probably the league's best, Richard Marshall is solid slot corner, Will Davis is serviceable, and Jamar Taylor is very talented.

 

When I look at it this way, I honestly don't see how this team will tank outside of a bad 2nd year from Tannehill or injuries. But I can't shake the feeling. For the sake of Miami fans, I hope I'm wrong.

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It's completely unfair, but I am down on the Dolphins purely because it seems like Jeff Ireland is trying to buy the division.

 

I felt that way, too for a while. But the more homework I've done, the more I think he's done his. The big thing for me is that he handed out a lot of 1-year deals. I like that a lot...it may be the more expensive route, but it gives us a chance to minimize commitment to players while seeing what they can bring. I am perfectly willing to call this his best off-season as the GM. It may be too late, or it may end up proving to have been the smartest combo of moves he could have made to save his job.

 

RB: I love Lamar Miller. Reminds me of Jamaal Charles in that he needs space to operate, but when you give it to him he can eat up ground in a hurry. He's not a guy who is going to create a ton on his own, so the blocking will have to be there. Charles Clay is a plus FB, but I'm not big on the depth at RB. Not a big Thomas fan and it's unclear what Gillislee will be able to do in the NFL.

 

Which is why I really want to see a Leach deal done. His presence in the run blocking game will provide immediate returns.

 

OL: On the whole, the line is solid. But I think LT has to be a concern. There was more bad than good to Martin's game last year and now he's on the blind side.

 

This is true, but the blind side is also where he gained a reputation as Luck's protector. I think he may have an up and down season this year as he adjusts to the NFL level of blind side protection, but his athleticism matches up well with the demands of the position, and I think by next year he will find his place.

 

LB: I have to be honest- I hated what the Dolphins did at linebacker this offseson. I know they got younger, but I also think they got worse. Ellerbe was pretty overrated coming off that SB IMO, and I highly doubt that Wheeler will outplay the more well rounded Kevin Burnett. I realize that the three starters all figure to be good blitzing the QB, but the thing about blitzing is that you have to have someone behind it that can actually cover. Otherwise savvy QB's will throw into the blitz and burn you every time. Seemed like an odd way to construct a defense, seeing as how the path to the division crown runs through New England and Tom Brady's rating is actually at its highest when teams try to blitz him. Ithink he'll tear Miami's defense up at the second level.

 

And this is where I think Vernon and Jordan are very intriguing players. Vernon flashed the ability to cover seam guys like Keller last year, even downfield, so I have confidence that he can pull it off against the short dump off routes. He's still raw, but he has the athleticism. Jordan is the same. He even played slot corner here and there at Oregon...that is ridiculous.

 

I think those 2 could present some interesting blitz schemes involving the weak side stunting and swinging into short to middle coverage, while overloading the strong side with Wake, Misi, and Ellerbe. And that's just one method. I honestly have no idea how Miami plans to use Jordan, and Vernon has the strength and athleticism to play Mike or Will in situational packages. Time will tell, and I'm looking forward to it.

 

Secondary: Grimes, if healthy, is going to make all the difference here. He's a much better #1 than Sean Smith. The safety duo is probably the league's best, Richard Marshall is solid slot corner, Will Davis is serviceable, and Jamar Taylor is very talented.

 

Not sure I can agree when you look at Seattle, SF, and TB, but it's nice to see a mention like that from a non-fan :party: .

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I'd place them on par with SEA. Definitely better than SF and TB- Whitner is garbage in coverage and Barron hasn't proved squat yet.

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I'm sure all of the blitzing ability and athleticism will allow for some interesting schemes, and they may well be effective on the whole, but I just don't believe they'll work against Brady. Blitzing him just doesn't work, and he's been in the league for 14 years so I don't think you can give him something he's never seen before.

 

2012 stats vs. blitz: 96/150, 64%, 1112 yards, 7.41 YPA, 21 TD, 0 INT

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I wouldn't put the Dolphins safety duo at the level of the Seahawks, but I do agree that it is better than the 49ers and Bucs. Barron may have been a top 10 pick, but he didn't play like one last year. I'm sure he'll be a lot better this year because he actually has NFL caliber DB's around him now, but he has to prove it first. Like Kemp said, Whitner is only good in run support and Reid needs to prove himself just like Barron.

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I'm sure all of the blitzing ability and athleticism will allow for some interesting schemes, and they may well be effective on the whole, but I just don't believe they'll work against Brady. Blitzing him just doesn't work, and he's been in the league for 14 years so I don't think you can give him something he's never seen before.

 

2012 stats vs. blitz: 96/150, 64%, 1112 yards, 7.41 YPA, 21 TD, 0 INT

 

Trust me, I'm aware of the numbers...but there is always the chance for change. Even Rome fell eventually ;).

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I wouldn't put the Dolphins safety duo at the level of the Seahawks, but I do agree that it is better than the 49ers and Bucs. Barron may have been a top 10 pick, but he didn't play like one last year. I'm sure he'll be a lot better this year because he actually has NFL caliber DB's around him now, but he has to prove it first. Like Kemp said, Whitner is only good in run support and Reid needs to prove himself just like Barron.

 

I think Chancellor and Clemons are about a wash, but maybe that's just because I find Kam to be a little overrated.

 

Earl Thomas definitely has a track record that Reshad Jones can't match, but Jones was arguably better last year. I think they will rival one another quality-wise in 2013.

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I think Chancellor and Clemons are about a wash, but maybe that's just because I find Kam to be a little overrated.

 

Earl Thomas definitely has a track record that Reshad Jones can't match, but Jones was arguably better last year. I think they will rival one another quality-wise in 2013.

 

I agree that Jones was on the same level as Thomas last year, and if he can repeat, people will start giving him the same respect. I disagree with you on Chancellor = Clemons. Definitely think Chancellor is the better player there.

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According to FO, the Dolphins were a much better running team last year when they were using 1 back formations (ie, no fullback).

 

http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stat-analysis/2013/2012-formation-analysis-number-rbs-part-i

 

Perhaps Miller is better out of Ace sets. Replacing a FB with a WR does tend to create more space. Forces a defender out wide, away from the box.

 

Anyhow, Miami is saying they're not going to sign Leach right now:

 

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/07/18/report-dolphins-wont-sign-vonta-leach-before-training-camp/

 

It doesn’t look like Vonta Leach will be going to training camp with the Dolphins.

 

Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports that the team has decided not to an extend an offer to the free agent fullback and they stick with what they have at the position to open up training camp. Salguero adds that the team could still return to Leach if the options already on hand. Those options would be Jorvorskie Lane and Charles Clay, who also sees time at tight end on the Miami offense.

 

Circling back to Leach might not be an option, though. He’s gotten interest from the Giants and Texans since his release from the Ravens on top of reports that a return to Baltimore under a friendlier contract than he had before the team cut him loose.

 

Leach, who turns 32 during the season, also had a previous stint with the Texans so it would seem he has a good chance of winding up in familiar surroundings for the 2013 season if the Dolphins remain out of the picture.

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This season looks nice for the Dolphins this year. IMO they should be able to make the playoffs at 9-7. They wont win the AFC East, that still belongs to the Patriots, but they're easily the 2nd best team in the division. Tannehill should improve this year and the Wallace signing, while he was overpaid, still gives Miami one of the fastest tandems of WRs in the league

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Dolphins No Longer Pursuing Leach

 

Per Salguero's Twitter...

 

Backing away from Leach is Miami's choice. He wanted to play for the Dolphins. Wasn't using them for leverage. Was ready to sign.

 

This annoys me. He wanted to play in Miami...he would have been a significant improvement over what we have. I understand that it isn't over until he signs with someone else, but there is a very real chance he will (Houston most likely), and we will have let him slip out of our grasp due to what appears to be a conflict in principle. We haven't an All-Pro caliber FB since Polite...it would be nice to have that security back.

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