Sports Buzz: Chatter / Observations from Camp

[cuchulainn]

http://miamiherald.typepad.com/sports-buzz/

According to NFL Network, Olomu tore his other ACL in practice when his cleat got stuck in the turf in the Dolphins indoor facility.

In his place, Miami signed veteran corner Al Louis Jean, who played nine games for the Bears in 2014 and wasn't on an active roster last season.
...
With Xavien Howard not yet practicing after knee surgery, Tony Lippett was listed first team at the other cornerback spot, ahead of Chimdi Chekwa, Jordan Lucas, Lafayette Pitts and Brandon Harris.

• Chekwa missed practice today with a thigh injury. DeVante Parker (hamstring), Kenyan Drake (hamstring) and Earl Mitchell (calf) also remain out.... Mario Williams and Cam Wake were given a rest day.
...

• Dolphins left tackle Branden Albert, not complacent after a Pro Bowl season and knowing he will fighting for his job every year beginning next year, said he lost 25 pounds this offseason and it has helped his “knees and joints” feel lighter.

How driven was he?

“I created my own gym in my garage, bought a Stairmaster and Elliptical. I hopped on the Stairmaster 45 minutes after every workout in the morning and at night.”

Albert appreciated that Adam Gase called him, after the Dolphins drafted Laremy Tunsil, to tell him he would stay at left tackle. “It was a great sign of respect,” Albert said. “I still strive to be the best tackle in football. I still believe I can. I am the left tackle on this team and when it’s time for me to go, it’s time for me to go.”
...
• While raving about Byron Maxwell, defensive backs coach Lou Anarumo noted before Saturday’s scrimmage that he hasn’t been beaten on a deep ball in drills since April.

• Defensive tackle Chris Jones, the former Patriots starter who missed last season because of an injury, has made an impression in his push for a roster spot.

"The guy flies around," Gase said. "The way he comes off the ball, whether he's just basically striking a guard or having to penetrate a gap, the guy is 100 percent effort all the time. His ability to run sideline-to-sideline is pretty impressive for a guy that's in the interior defensive line."
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• Jakeem Grant's hands and ability to catch the ball have drawn criticism from at least one local media member, but Adam Gase says this has not been an issue.

"He’s been great as far as consistently catching the ball," Gase said. "I know he keeps working on that. I love the fact that he can catch every ball in practice (and) I always see him trying to catch balls (after practice). He’ll try to hit the jugs machine. He’s constantly working which, when you get a rookie player in there, you hope every guy is like that. That they don’t feel like they’ve arrived. They’re thinking ‘Okay, how can I make sure that I’m on this roster when we hit Seattle.’ So I feel like he’s really pushing himself and he’s trying to do extra all the time."
Grant had nine dropped passes at Texas Tech last season but caught 90 for 1268 yards.

...
• Quarterback Ryan Tannehill has ranged from fair to good during camp: There's been nothing dramatic to report about Tannehill either way. That's unlike the last couple of training camps when he improved his accuracy, deep ball and footwork.

Tannehill, who had 24 touchdowns and 12 interceptions last season, seems to have a nice grip on Gase's offense. Tannehill isn't making bad reads, he isn't making mental errors, and he appears confident in what he sees and where he throws the ball.

But he hasn't performed in a way that would make you think he's going to have a 30-touchdown, 10-interception season this year.

So far it appears if Tannehill gets help, this could be a good offense. However, if Tannehill has to do most of the heavy lifting this offense could range anywhere from its 2014 version (24.3 points per game, 11th in NFL) to its 2015 version (19.4 ppg, 27th in NFL).
...

The Dolphins remain unsure how long Zach Vigil will be out with a back injury, leaving Michael-Johnson,Neville Hewitt, Spencer Paysinger and Mike Hull as the top backups.

So who’s the team’s fourth best linebacker? Burke initially deferred, then said Paysinger: “Every good team I’ve been on has that guy. Knows all the linebacker positions. As a coach, that’s like heaven for a guy you can trust.”

Burke said Hewitt “flashes” but “he’s got to be more consistent.”

Burke said this year’s group of undrafted linebackers --- James Burgess, Tyler Gray, Akil Blount – are inconsistent.

“They flash some things where you say they’re kind of turning the corner,” Burke said. “And then they have an error. They’ve all had their moments. And all had times where I want to choke them to the ground.”

• Defensive backs coach Lou Anarumo said the first-team nickel corner job would be determined largely by performance in preseason. Bobby McCain and Michael Thomas are battling for the job, with Thomas also pushing Isa Abdul-Quddus at safety.

• Chimdi Chekwa opened with the starters ahead of Tony Lippett before departing with a sprained leg. Jordan Lucas said he left with a soft tissue issue with his leg but would be fine for Saturday’s practice. So cornerback remains a problem.

[AquaXI]

I hope a veteran Corner gets cut. Sucks to pickup others Trash but we are desperate.

[FTLDOLFAN]

I hope a veteran Corner gets cut. Sucks to pickup others Trash but we are desperate.

Agreed, we have to pick up a veteran corner. It doesn't look like we are going to trade for one so we will have to wait until teams start making cuts.

[AquaXI]

We are down 3/4 rounders for Caroo and Howard draft I believ. We can't afford anymore trading of picks even with compensatory picks. Pick up Vick on the cheap and trade Moore for Carr like you said.

[AquaXI]

Lane pJohnson whom everyone thought we'd choose instead of Jordan is now suspended almost as much as Jordan.

[cuchulainn]

Lane pJohnson whom everyone thought we'd choose instead of Jordan is now suspended almost as much as Jordan.

Most of the 2013 Draft was a bust for most teams... very few good players were taken at the top of that draft.

[kelbail2.2]

Tannehill averaged just over 4 yards per completion during Friday and Saturday's scrimmages. Blame the O line, blame the Receivers, whatever. I blame the coach. Gase should not even allow Tannehill to throw passes under 9 yards in camp unless it is a designed hitch, slant, screen, etc. Force him to buy time in the pocket, break from the pocket and find someone shaking loose downfield or scramble upfield for positive yards. We all know he's not Dan Marino but it doesn't mean he has to continue to be Danny Dumpoff. One of Tannehill's most self defeating idiosynchrocies is his penchant to hit the panic button, throw for three and four yard dead completes and surrender drives and opportunities for plays that matter.
I won't be surprised to hear Doughty is getting a series or two here and there with the first teamers.
When a coach reaches a point where he wants to see what the offense looks like under young, new direction, it's the beginning of the end for the starter. I'm not saying Doughty will win the starting job. Tannehill has a long leash with Gase, right? But any sign of Doughty getting even a glimpse of the first team offense moves Tannehill one step closer to the edge of the cliff. RT better light a fire under the a$$es of his O line and get this offense pumping. That is his responsibility; the WHOLE offense; to be the General; to make $hit happen; to make people make $hit happen. I think Gase feels like he is giving him everything he needs to succeed. If he can't make it happen, that long leash he's on is ultimately going to be the rope he hangs from.
If your Quarterback is a quitter, the rest of the team is going to soon follow suit. Still waiting for his sack to drop.

[FTLDOLFAN]

Most of the 2013 Draft was a bust for most teams... very few good players were taken at the top of that draft.

We should have taken Ziggy Ansah instead on Dion Jordan with that pick. Then we wouldn't have had to sign Mario Williams and we could have used that money on one of the elite free agent corners.

[Driven_Phinsane!]

We should have taken Ziggy Ansah instead on Dion Jordan with that pick. Then we wouldn't have had to sign Mario Williams and we could have used that money on one of the elite free agent corners.

I know i'm not a big fan of 20-20 hindsight but i have to say Ziggy was the guy i wanted hands-down in tht draft..Oh well,, what're you gonna do??!!!

[cuchulainn]

20/20 after every draft... and that 1st round of the 2013 draft was the worst draft in forever and day for the NFL.

[cuchulainn]

Tannehill averaged just over 4 yards per completion during Friday and Saturday's scrimmages. Blame the O line, blame the Receivers, whatever. I blame the coach. Gase should not even allow Tannehill to throw passes under 9 yards in camp unless it is a designed hitch, slant, screen, etc. Force him to buy time in the pocket, break from the pocket and find someone shaking loose downfield or scramble upfield for positive yards. We all know he's not Dan Marino but it doesn't mean he has to continue to be Danny Dumpoff. One of Tannehill's most self defeating idiosynchrocies is his penchant to hit the panic button, throw for three and four yard dead completes and surrender drives and opportunities for plays that matter.
I won't be surprised to hear Doughty is getting a series or two here and there with the first teamers.
When a coach reaches a point where he wants to see what the offense looks like under young, new direction, it's the beginning of the end for the starter. I'm not saying Doughty will win the starting job. Tannehill has a long leash with Gase, right? But any sign of Doughty getting even a glimpse of the first team offense moves Tannehill one step closer to the edge of the cliff. RT better light a fire under the a$$es of his O line and get this offense pumping. That is his responsibility; the WHOLE offense; to be the General; to make $hit happen; to make people make $hit happen. I think Gase feels like he is giving him everything he needs to succeed. If he can't make it happen, that long leash he's on is ultimately going to be the rope he hangs from.
If your Quarterback is a quitter, the rest of the team is going to soon follow suit. Still waiting for his sack to drop.

I think you're reading a lot into the QB play based on 10 or so plays in those 2 scrimmages by this offense while Joseph was throwing the kitchen sink at it.. The receivers and backs have to perform as well. The only receiver who's done anything the whole camp has been Landry. Parker was out until today and Stills has been dry humped by Maxwell at will.

I like Doughty a lot, but no one is going to hand the team over to a guy who hasn't ever played a down in the NFL while they're still working on implementing a new offense with new schemes as well. Doughty should get his chance next year.

From accounts, the offense was much better today with DVP back in and with Tunsil at LG. Let's see how we look that first series on Friday against the Giants.

[kelbail2.2]

I'm only bringing up the scrimmages because Gase must break Tannehill of some of his less than courageous habits that he is apparently still hanging on to. I'm not touting Doughty as much as I'm saying Tannehill better start generating some positive momentum before he allows Gase to even begin to question him. Glad to hear the offense has reponded. Ryan needs to start chewing some asses, starting with the one he has his hands under.
"Nobody can beat you
if you can't be beat."
Fire, positive thinking, determination; let's see it. Let's go man. Let's go!

[cuchulainn]

I'm only bringing up the scrimmages because Gase must break Tannehill of some of his less than courageous habits that he is apparently still hanging on to. I'm not touting Doughty as much as I'm saying Tannehill better start generating some positive momentum before he allows Gase to even begin to question him. Glad to hear the offense has reponded. Ryan needs to start chewing some asses, starting with the one he has his hands under.
"Nobody can beat you
if you can't be beat."
Fire, positive thinking, determination; let's see it. Let's go man. Let's go!

I think we'd have seen more of that if DVP had been more involved all of TC instead of the past day or two. As it was, the only guy really getting open was Landry, who has been really good this camp.

Agree on the QB hammering the OL. They have to step up this season. We're solid everywhere else on the offense.

[kelbail2.2]

Caution: This report came from a Big O podcast interview with Omar Kelly today.
Well, it wasn't Doughty. It was Matt Moore. According to Kelly, Matt Moore came out firing downfield and marched the offense right down the field and into the end zone for a touchdown in 11 on 11.
Tannehill followed suit being aggressive and throwing downfield. Threw a interception to Michael Thomas, crawled back in his shell and never went downfield again.
Tanneboy, you gotta find it, buddy.

[AquaXI]

We gots a good backup in Moore on the cheap! Love it.

[cuchulainn]

Always easier for the 2nd and 3rd string QBs as they face lesser talent on D... I think Thomas made that play against Landry. Kudos to him and bad for both Tannehill and Landry.

[Dolfan1]

If you're wondering why Dolphins are throwing a lot of short passes & not a lot of long ones? Gase just gave interesting answer:

"The whole league is 10 yards and under. That’s what it is. Nobody is going down the field. There’s one team that does it really, maybe two. Pittsburgh and Arizona. Hold onto the ball and they chuck it down the field. More teams than not, it’s 10 yards and under. That’s where all the passing game is. The d-ends are too good. If you want to stand back there and have your quarterbacks get your brains beat out, go at it."

[Idahomer]

We shall see. The fact is his primary goal for Tannehill when hired was to get the ball out of his hands quicker and reduce the amount of hits and sacks he takes. Short passes accomplish that goal. My guess is there will be plenty of shots down the field as well, but the first objective is to keep Tannehill clean and build his confidence. It will be very interesting to see how it plays out, I suspect once defenses start playing up and trying to stop the dink and dunk approach he'll have another trick up his sleeve that will include deep throws and double moves. First the oline needs to prove it can protect and the running game must be effective for play action passing. One thing I really believe is we will see a much better defense under VJ then we saw the last 4 years under the Philbin regime.

[cuchulainn]

If you're wondering why Dolphins are throwing a lot of short passes & not a lot of long ones? Gase just gave interesting answer:

"The whole league is 10 yards and under. That’s what it is. Nobody is going down the field. There’s one team that does it really, maybe two. Pittsburgh and Arizona. Hold onto the ball and they chuck it down the field. More teams than not, it’s 10 yards and under. That’s where all the passing game is. The d-ends are too good. If you want to stand back there and have your quarterbacks get your brains beat out, go at it."

I mostly agree with what Gase is saying and get what he didn't say - that our OL hasn't been good enough to face up to even average DLinemen consistently.

The interesting thing about Pittsburgh and Roethliseburger in particular is that he averages 3600 yards, 22 TDs and 12 INTs a year for his career. Most TDs he's ever thrown is 32 and that was only twice in 2014 and 2007. Rest of the time his numbers are pretty average. Difference is he has a better OL, receivers, and a strong running game to help get wins.

Same with Carson Palmer. He's only thrown for 30 odd TDs a couple times. They do thrown relatively ''deep'', but last year was Palmer's best season ever.

I don't care about the deep passing game if we cannot score, cannot run to eat yards and clock, and cannot hold a lead on defense.