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As seen in HBO Hard Knocks that premiered last season, the Dolphins introduced a high tempo, no huddle offense.  Along with the presence of head coach Joe Philbin, the Dolphins changed their practice format to comply with this pace, as they ran a “dual team practice” in which two squads would practice almost simultaneously, which introduced the offense to a higher tempo pace.  With OTA’s under way, it is becoming more apparent the Dolphins are set on becoming a high tempo offense.

“I think the biggest things that we’ve talked about is being able to move the chains,”  “(That’s) I think really the one deciding things that gets you the opportunity to call more plays and play faster. So I think to that degree, the more weapons you have on offense you’ve got to believe that helps your percentages of getting more first downs and creating that type of tempo”, said Philbin on Tuesday.

With quarterback Ryan Tannehill entering his second year of presence in the NFL, he feels he will be much more comfortable to the way things work.  With the acquisitions of speedy wide outs like MIke Wallace and Brandon Gibson, the goal of moving the chains and being up tempo is seemingly more accessible. The acquisitions of these stars really bring in more possibilities for stretching the field on offense.

The way Joe Philbin runs practice not only keeps things at a high tempo, but also allow young players to make a name for themselves among the veterans.

Philbin said, “part of the reason that we do things on two different fields or in two different drills is to create that opportunity, certainly sometimes in the recruiting process for free agents, undrafted college guys, I think guys who have been here will tell them they get reps. It’s not like some places where a free agent gets three reps in the whole practice.”

On Tuesday of OTA’s, it was apparent the Dolphins looked to do just that, be up tempo, showcase the rookies and spread the field.

PHINATICS

photo courtesy of http://www.thephinsider.com/2013/2/4/3901992/miami-dolphins-season-in-review-offensive-line-trench-warfare

It was an apparent question heading into the offseason that needed addressing, the offensive line.  Heading into the offseason the Dolphins were searching for answers with Jake Long, after he packed his bags for St. Louis, the Dolphins looked to fill his void through the draft.  Last year the Dolphins were 17th in average yards per carry, and plan to only get better as an offensive line.

Come draft time one of the Dolphin’s primary focuses was how to protect the backfield. At center we have a solid pass blocker in Mike Pouncey, as of now there is no need to fill his spot. With Incognito improving his abilities in mobility, he is also looking like he will be starting in the upcoming season.  With newly acquired guards in Lance Louis from St. Louis, and Dallas Thomas from Tennessee out of the draft, it is seeming that one of these two will start at left guard, where Incognito could be on the other side.

At tackle we have young talent from previous drafts, and newly acquired talents as well.  With Jake Long no longer  a Miami Dolphin, it is apparent that Jonathan Martin will fight to fill this spot.  After Jake Long was injured last season, Martin filled his spot, and had an average year. At the opposite tackle newly acquired Tyson Clabo from the Atlanta Falcons is apparent to be in a starting role come week one.

In terms of depth then, we have players like Jonathan Jerry, or Nate Garner who could fill a role if needed. It does not sound like the much anticipated Brandon Albert will be coming to Miami Dolphins after all.  So we are faced with what we have, here is a proposed depth chart for the offensive line:

LT                                 LG                              C                             RG                               RT

Jonathan Martin   Lance Louis         Mike Pouncey       Richie Incognito         Tyson Clabo

John Jerry    Dallas Thomas                                                Nate Garner

PHINATICS

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I left watching this year’s NFL draft feeling great about the direction the organization is headed.  Miami made some selections both great and solid, and positioned themselves well.  I never thought I would  be at peace with losing Davone Bess, but with the moves that they’ve been making, it makes too much sense.  I like the direction that the organization is taking on the whole, with both Ireland and Philbin, and I give credit to Ross for that.

I fully expected to be writing an article right now about the positive direction, but then something else came acrossed my screen, and quite frankly it upset me.  A lot.

Stephen Ross went on the Dan Le Batard show Friday afternoon, and referenced how the organization is running the best it has since the Don Shula era.  The Don Shula era in Miami, through it’s ups and downs, was about class.  Through it’s highs and lows, the Shula era was dripping with CLASS.  In watching the moves lately, I do agree with Mr Ross in that the organization is in the best shape it has been in since Shula left.  UnfortunatelyIn the same breath Mr Ross mentioned that he felt this was the case, however, he made a statement that quite frankly went up my <expletive deleted> sideways.

Ross turned around and pointed a finger squarely at Tony Sparano as being what damaged the whole organization.  Sparano was never Ross’s guy.  Ross made that clear when he committed a football “no-no” in sneaking off in the public eye and interviewing a potential replacement for Sparano, making Tony look foolish in the public eye.

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I’m not saying that Tony was perfect as the Dolphins head coach, I don’t think that you can point at any head coach in the NFL and say they were or are– From the Cowhers to the Shulas to the JJ’s…no one is.  Tony had a tough year in the final year of his contract.  In his final year,  Tony lost a number of close games after a gigantic turnover of the roster, starting the year at 0-7 and after attempting to start Henne at quarterback with a number of large gaps on the roster.  At the point that he was fired, he had turned the team around to 4-9, and had them becoming one of the scariest teams to face at the time, despite their record.  The Dolphins roster finally pulled together, and that was a credit to Tony and the way he revamped his approach and coaching style, and everything else necessary to make a difference and start getting the players to go out and have fun and turn the season around.

If Ross wants to point the finger at Tony being upset about Ross going out and courting Jim Harbaugh, you know what?  He was right to be upset about that.  You know what else?  Bringing this up, bashing Sparano unnecessarily, shows a distinct lack of class and THIS fan finds it very upsetting, tactless and classless.  What point does it serve?  So he wasn’t your guy, Mr Ross, but the key here is to move on once you let him go.  To revisit that and chastise him publicly two years later for his reaction to something that YOU did, well, it isn’t right.

I’d go one step further and if you want to point to that instance as what fractured the organization, you should point the finger squarely at yourself.  You’re the one who went out and undermined Coach Sparano, which started any fracture that you’re referring to.  Tony did what he could to pull the team together that year and prevent your mistakes and public undermining from affecting the players.

If you want to point at things that fractured the organization, I can provide you with a long list – and Tony Sparano is NOT on it…  and while you have played a big part in righting the ship in the organization, you’re early actions are on the list of what fractured things around here.

Don’t throw stones in glass houses, Mr Ross, and if you want to refer to the environment now in the same breath as the Don Shula era in Miami, please be sure to look at the class with which things were handled back then.  It’s a cheap shot, it’s a low blow, and you NEED to be better than that.  We need you to be better than that.

Image Courtesy of www.DolfansNYC.com

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PHINATICS

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Nobody could’ve predicted this move, or seen it coming.  Miami was sitting at the number 12 selection and the analysts had the ‘Fins trying to move up to take one of the top three Offensive Tackles in the draft.  Picks one and two came off the board, and only one offensive tackle was left out of the top three.  The announcement came through that Miami had traded up into the number three spot, and it went without saying that Lane Johnson would be the player coming off the board at number three overall.  The commissioner walked to the podium, announced the trade between Miami and Oakland, and finished with: “…The Miami Dolphins select: Dion Jordan, Defensive End, Oregon,” and the analysts went crazy.  Once they settled down, the analysts began throwing words around like: “Gamechanger,” “Difference maker” “Beautifully disruptive off the edge,” etc.

Once the dust settled, the news got better from there.  Miami gave up the number twelve selection, and a second round pick, to jump from number twelve to number three.  On the trade value chart that most “experts” adhere to, that should have cost the ‘Fins a pick (or combination there-of) in the neighborhood of one thousand points.  The “value” associated with what Miami gave up to move up was less than half that value.  That is a HUGE win in the value department.The ‘Fins may have only made one selection on day one of the draft, but it’s safe to say that the Dolphins went heavy on Defense in Day 1.  That may sound a little odd, with only the one selection, but they went with a player that makes the entire defense better.  Miami’s secondary got better with the selection of Dion Jordan.  Miami’s defensive line and pass rush got better.  Any time you can increase the pressure on the opposing quarterback, giving him less time to make a decision and to throw the ball, the entire defense increases exponentially in production.  You’ll see more turnovers generated, corners needing to stay with opposing receivers and tight ends for less time, linebackers being able to drop in coverage and becoming more effective on a blitz.  Miami’s front four may well be the best front four in the NFL.

How do you integrate Dion Jordan to maximize the potential of the line?  For starters, I think he begins the year on the sidelines on rushing downs.  The starting front four should be Odrick, Wake, Soliai and Starks.  On passing downs, Soliai comes off the field and Odrick moves inside, giving you an interior line that can push the pocket with Dion and Wake terrorizing quarterbacks off the edge.  There will be some serious blitzing lanes opened by teams straining to block the front four pushing through, over, around and under the blockers.

If I were a cornerback in this years draft, I would now be SALIVATING for Miami to select me in the next few rounds.  Existing in a division with Tom Brady would seem daunting, but Miami will also be playing two games apiece against the Jets and the Bills – that is enticing enough from a defensive back perspective, as the Jets will be starting… um… well…  ok, at least the Bills starting quarterback will be…  uhhhhh….  someone.  Additionally, in the games where teams manage to rattle Brady, he WILL make mistakes.  Do you see a single line in the NFL that can manhandle the Dolphins front four?  I think more often than not, the Dolphins front four are going to win the battle up front by a long shot, forcing opposing quarterbacks into making some serious mistakes.

With the Dolphins new found high powered offense, teams will be forced to throw the ball more to keep pace.  Which plays right into Miami’s front four talent.   If Miami can take some early leads, look for Cam, Dion & Co to tee off on opposing quarterbacks.  Miami’s secondary and linebacker corps will turn into ball hawks as mistakes are made.

I had to process this selection, but now that I’ve had a night to process it, I absolutely love this pick.  Miami could use some help in a few areas, but I have faith in them finding that via the draft, a few trades, or some of the remaining free agents that are still sitting out there.  Miami is building to be high powered on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, and I couldn’t be more excited.

PHINATICS

http://phinphanatic.com/2013/04/25/welcome-to-the-2013-phinphanatic-nfl-draft-live-chat/

PHINATICS

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All the rumors in the NFL, as well as the pundits on television, are pushing for the Dolphins to move up in the draft and go after one of the “big & sexy” tackles on the draft board. Miami is armed to the teeth with the draft picks to move any which way that they choose, and to leap over someone if they have to because they have a deep infatuation with a particular player. Make no mistake folks, if you need anything other than a quarterback or a running back, this is an extremely deep class of players with little separation between the top of the board and the middle of the board, and very few players to become infatuated with over others, while still being able to grab a starting caliber player in round three.

While in many years, I would support the Dolphins moving up into the top 10 to go after a player, I’m going to go a different direction here: Jeff Ireland, if you’re reading this, I implore you – if you’re going to trade, trade down, not up.

Miami may lose one of their second round picks for Brandon Albert, which I’m a little torn on.  If he was willing to move to the right side, I think Miami looks far better with Martin on the left and Albert on the right – but not for $8+ million.

One thing that makes this interesting, and as a certain article called out right here on Phinatics, is that if you’re able to pick up Tavon Austin at number 12, Bess becomes immediate trade fodder (while I love Bess and would hate to see him go). One team that immediately becomes a prime target for Bess’s services once Tavon is off the board? The Minnesota Vikings. If Adrian Peterson wants another shot at the record, he’s going to need receivers for a lower echelon quarterback to throw the ball to. As there may be a bidding war for Bess’s services (there are currently a reported 6-7 teams expressing interest), Miami may be able to turn this into a pick in round 3 or 4 – and in round 3, Miami could easily fill a hole on either offense or defense with a potential starter. Another rumor surrounding Bess has him going to Cleveland for mid-round “picks” – notice the plurality of this? As sad as I’ll be to see him go, things could get very interesting here in a hurry today.

PHINATICS

Photo courtesy of: http://www.thefinsiders.com/blog/2013/new-dolphins-helmet-to-feature-white-facemask

The NFL Draft is now less that 24 hours away till kickoff at the Radio City Music Hall in New York.  Before this legendary event, the Miami Dolphins will be revealing the evolution of their jerseys.  The Dolphins will be revealing them at “Phin Fest” at Sun Life Stadium in Miami, and will be joined by current players and former Miami Dolphins legends including legendary coach Don Shula, and current stars like Cameron Wake.

The event is intended to kick off around 7pm, and will allow fans to retrieve autographs from current players and alumni, and also model the new Dolphins apparel.  Later in the night the NFL Draft will kickoff, featuring the Miami Dolphins who have the 12th pick in this years draft.  After headlining the offseason with multiple big name deals including Brian Hartline, MIke Wallace, and many other names, the Dolphins now look to add some young star talent to the depth chart as well.

We hope to see a good turn out at Phin Fest, and hope the draft goes good as well! Feel free to provide any observations or feedback towards the new uniforms. Phins up!

PHINATICS

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Every once in a while, there is a rising program in College Football that stays somewhat under the radar as that school ascends.  Generall, that school has a handful of folks begin showing up earlier and earlier on draft day, but because they aren’t one of the “football factory” schools yet, they stay somewhat under the radar.  The NFL teams that catch on to the ascending school first generally manage to come up with a few steals in the draft while other teams attentions are focused elsewhere.

If I were to tell you that there was a college team, with a top 10 defense in college football (they were even ranked #1 in the nation at one point), that had 4 defensive stars entering the NFL draft, amongst a group of other potential late round and undrafted free agent steals, would that school and it’s players begin to gain notice?  Add to that fact, those four defensive stars attended the NFL combine and were all top performers at their respective positions, and no matter the school you have to stand up and take notice.

Such was the case with the UCONN Huskies players that attended the NFL combine.  Add to that fact how they ALL play positions that match up well with the Dolphins needs, and are projected to go in areas that it would make sense for the Dolphins to select them, and the puzzle truly begins to look like a good fit for the Dolphins.

The following players were standouts at the NFL Combine:

OLB Sio Moore

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High Level: Slightly undersized by NFL standards, Sio still has good size at 6’1″, 245 lbs.  He plays faster than his 4.65 speed, and has exceptional coverage skills and plays stronger than his size.  He plays downhill well, and makes a tremendous number of plays behind the line of scrimmage.  Puts up solid numbers in the passing game, both in sacks and pass defenses.  Secure tackler with the agility to play sideline to sideline.  Hard worker who looks to improve the weaker areas of his game to become a more complete player, needs to work on better using his hands to beat blocks at the line of scrimmage.  Sio made a lot of waves in both the East-West Shrine game, and then as a late addition to the Senior Bowl

At the Combine: Sio was amongst the top performers in the 40 yd dash (4.65), bench press (29 Reps), Vertical Jump (38 in) and Broad Jump (127 in).

How he fits with the Dolphins: For the Dolphins, this would complete the revamp of the starting linebacker corps, as Sio would represent a more versatile and complete player at the position than Koa Misi.  While Misi performed admirably against the run, Sio has a knack for creating turnovers and is an exceptional improvement on pass plays without sacrificing much against the run.

Draft Projection: Predominantly projected in the second round, some resources project Sio to go in the 3rd.  He’d be a steal with the either of the Dolphins picks in Round 2.

CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson

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High Level: A tall physical corner at 6’1″, Blidi thrives even further in the zone coverage scheme the Fins appear to be implementing this season.  At his height, he can serve to break up jump balls to the taller receivers in the NFL.  He has a well rounded skill set, though his tackling in space could use some work.

At the Combine: .The only one of the four to not receive “top performer” status in any category amongst the four UCONN players invited to the combine, Blidi performed well in a deep cornerback class.

How he fits with the Dolphins: With the Dolphins switching to a zone based coverage scheme, Blidi would fit well as he thrives better in zone coverage than man to man, while being able to cover some of the bigger, more physical receivers at the pro level.  Blidi could potentially compete for the starting job against Richard Matthews and Brent Grimes.

Draft Projection: Predominantly projected in the late second to early third round, some resources project Blidi to go as high as early in the second round.  He’d be a steal with the Dolphins second pick in Round 2 or first pick of Round 3.

CB/S Dwayne Gratz

Image Courtesy of NFLMocks.com

High Level: Gratz has the ability to play either corner or safety in the NFL, and put up multiple interceptions every year.  Ran an interception back against Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl as a sophmore, and plays extremely aggressive against the run.  His aggression against the run will get him beat deep on occasion. A fierce tackler who can create turnovers in both run and pass defense.

At the Combine: Like Moore, Gratz earned top performer status in several categories.  While not earning it in the 40 yard dash, Gratz put up a very respectable 4.47 speed.  He received top performer status in the Bench Press (22 Reps), Vertical Jump (38 in) and 3-Cone Drill (6.70 seconds).

How he fits with the Dolphins: With Kevin Coyle coaching, could eventually take the starting safety role by the end of his first season and pair with Reshad Jones to create one of the better young safety tandems in the NFL over the next several years. If Richard Matthews and/or Brent Grimes are not ready to go, Gratz could initially begin his NFL career at corner for the Dolphins as well – giving the Dolphins a good player with solid flexibility where they sorely need it

Draft Projection: Based on current projections, Gratz will most likely hear his name called between the end of round 3 and the beginning of round 5.

DE/OLB Trevardo Williams

Image Courtesy of BleacherReport.com

High Level: While not as complete of a linebacker as his teammate Sio, Trev is one of the more pure pass rushers you’ll see in this years draft class.  An undersized defensive end (Dolphins fans should remember, several undersized defensive ends have worked out well for the fins in the past), Trev is in phenomenal shape with outstanding athletic ability for his size.  As a former sprinter from Jamaica, he plays with both speed and power in the pass rushing game, posting double digit sacks in both his junior and senior campaigns, despite battling injuries towards the end of his senior season.  Once he gets his hands on the ball carrier or quarterback, possess the strength and form to bring them to ground, while getting a good jump off the ball.  The high ankle sprain made Trevardo a late scratch from the Senior Bowl.

At the Combine: This is where it gets interesting with Trevardo.  Still battling a high ankle sprain, Trevardo was a top performer in the 40-yd Dash (4.57), Vertical Jump (38 In), Broad Jump (124.0 in) and while not qualifying as a top performer put up a respectable 30 reps on the bench press.

How he fits with the Dolphins: An immediate contributor on passing downs, Trevardo could pair with Cam Wake to strike fear into opposing quarterbacks as opposing bookends who can both be moved all over the field to rush the passer.  Trevardo could also mask different coverage packages with the fact that he has moderate cover skills that would be more effective dropping back unexpectedly as part of a blitz package.  Add Oliver Vernon to the mix, with Starks & Soliai pushing from the middle, and they make the back end of the defense better as they rush the offensive timing on pass plays.

Draft Projection: While some sites have Trev listed as high as round 3, the consesus appears to be that he will go in round 4-5.

Other UCONN Players that Could Help the Dolphins:

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WR/KR/PR Nick Williams – An explosive player in both the return game, as a receiver, and running end around plays.  Williams is an undersized receiver, but could make a splash as a late round selection or undrafted free agent.  A disciplined route runner with solid hands and deceptive speed and quickness, while he may never match the level of productivity, Williams could be this years Wes Welker.  Williams will be undervalued due to a lack of quality play from the quarterback position.

Image Courtesy of BleacherReport.com

TE Ryan Griffin – An avid blocker, Griffin is also a deceptive receiver.  While he does not possess elite speed for the position, excels at getting open and making the most of his receptions while providing a reliable safety valve at the position.  Would pair well with Dustin Keller for the Dolphins, who are in need of a blocking tight end.  Like Williams, Griffin was hurt by unreliable play at the quarterback position for the Huskies, but still put up impressive numbers in the receiving game over the past several seasons. Possesses good size at 6’6″ and 261 lbs. Despite lack of quality quarterback play, Griffin entered his senior year on the watch list for the Mackey Award, and many sites project him as potentially going undrafted, unless he is selected with a late round selection.  He could provide an absolute steal.

PHINATICS

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The Dolphins INSTANTLY got more exciting on offense by the time Day 1 of the free agency period was in the books.  Ryan Tannehill has weapons now.  They have a sure handed and deceptively speedy wide receiver returning in Brian Hartline.  They have a sure handed third down receiver in Davone Bess.  Lamar Miller has huge upside both in and out of the backfield.  Later on, they added a speedy receiving threat at tight end in Dustin Keller.  Marcus Thigpen can occasionally come in and do some unique things out of the backfield and in the slot.  Several of the young wide receivers showed some promise at the end of last season, and after the initial free agency moves, the ‘Fins snuck Daniel Gibson in the door as well.

You can never have enough weapons on offense.  Offensive production in the NFL today is maximized by several factors.  Before getting into how the Dolphins can, with only a couple of more moves, have an absolutely scary offense for teams to face, it deserves to be said that it is unlikely that the Dolphins fully go this route.   Before we get into the moves that will get the Dolphins there, we’ll explore the factors that make an offense incredibly difficult to stop, which applies to any level of football – not just the NFL:

1. Be Different

Anyone who watches NFL Network, ESPN or any other sports broadcast knows that one of the common phrases that you’ll hear when someone comes up with something innovative in the NFL is “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.”  I love what a few teams are doing today to be different.  Unfortunately, imitation is also the quickest route to having defenses close the gap on your offense.  The more teams that are following the same blueprint, the more teams will build their defense to effectively stop that particular scheme style.  The further you can go from what other teams are doing, as far as style and scheme, the more you increase your chance at production.

A simplified example of this would be if offenses are built to stop pure power offenses, you’ll see bigger, stronger  linebackers and defensive linemen – but with the sacrifice of speed.  Teams will build their defenses in reaction to what the trend is in the NFL, or they’ll build a generic defense built to align “the bigger, stronger guy vs the power offensive player” and the “smaller, quicker defender vs the smaller, quicker offensive player.”   What works best against this (we’re excluding the freakish players that are an exception to the rule, like Calvin Johnson, who can beat the matchups anyhow) is building a team built on speed, so the “power” defenses can’t keep up.  Similarly, if the trend in the NFL is “speed” offenses, you’ll see defenses adjust and smaller, quicker defenders become the norm.

1. Be unpredictable

If teams don’t know what to expect, the likelihood of success increases exponentially.   The speed of the game in the NFL causes players to “cheat” based on tendencies.  The less they can base on tendencies, the more they are forced to hesitate and then to read and react just a fraction of a second longer, which is an eternity on the average NFL play.

If you’ve read my articles before, you’ll know I’ve bashed a “certain coach who shall not be named again (to protect the ignorant, so for anonymities sake, we’ll just refer to him as “The Moustache.”  When The Moustache coached in the NFL, the average fan could tell you what the team was running roughly 80%-90% of the team’s plays, even when running “surprise” plays, like a fake punt, sideline screen, or on-sides kick attempt.  It’s infuriating, and against teams that study film as part of their career, completely ineffective and whose sole production level is based on superhuman effort of a few special players to make it work at the most ridiculously ineffective level.

Think of what the 49ers were able to do last year with the read option, or what the Patriots do utilizing their interior receivers and tight ends (instead of building from the outside in, which teams still don’t seem to be able to defend), or what Peyton Manning is able to do with reading defenses and changing the play to something they would least expect.

1. Scheme the offense to the talent that you have

This is one that seems to be a downfall for many coaches.  Most effective schemes in football are maximized by tailoring them to the talent that you have.  Time and time again, we see coaches that have star running backs, but want to force a dynamic passing attack that treats the running game as a mechanism that is only present to keep defenses halfway honest… even when they don’t have the receivers to do so.  The inverse is teams that have dynamic wide receivers, and instead will constantly try to run the ball down a team’s throat.  You don’t run a scat back straight up the middle 20 times a game, nor do you force sweeps wide with a power back.  It’s should be common sense, but the best coaches will tweak their schemes to match up best with the talent that they have, and take advantage of the skill sets that the different players on the team possess.

1. Broad skill sets

The more things that a player is able to do on offense, the more unpredictable you can make your offense.  In essence this requires a combination of the previously mentioned items above, but allowing an even greater essence of unpredictability.  A great example of this would be to take a look at Percy Harvin, now of the Seahawks.  Where did the Vikings line Harvin up when he was there?  Running Back, in the slot, split wide, pretty much anywhere on the field.  They’d pull him on a reverse when he was in the slot or split wide, and throw to him out of the backfield.  He was a threat to get the ball in any manner from anywhere he lined up on the field, creating mismatches and keeping defenses on their heels.

The more that you can combine the above, the more successful your offense has the potential to be.  An example of this would be Ronnie Brown with the Wildcat.  Ronnie was a marginally effective player before the wildcat came along, but within the Wildcat in Miami, both he and an aging Ricky Williams truly blossomed into a dynamic threat that affected the league as a whole.  Once Brown left for greener pastures, his effectiveness in a traditional running game was reduced again to marginal at best.  This offense worked best when it was at its most unpredictable, forcing defenses to overthink and react to something different.

The above “rules” are also why so many folks are intrigued by the possibility of what Chip Kelly could bring to the NFL in Philly.  He ran a high octane offense in the college ranks, and many folks are curious to see what he does and if he is able to adapt his system to the pro’s.  If he can effectively do that, while adapting to the talent and skills that he has in the locker room, it could be exciting to watch and something that other teams attempt to duplicate.

While I could come up with numerous examples to support this in the current NFL – San Fran with the read-option “pistol” offense, New England with their “interior passing attack” scheme, etc – I’d rather focus on what the Dolphins could do immediately to add spice and flair to their offense, as well as be able to run some truly unpredictable schemes where they could run or pass out of any set, inclusive of growing the list of “gimmick plays” exponentially.

Image Courtesy of www.WashingtonPost.com

There are really only two moves that could turn the potential for this offense into a seriously complex puzzle for defenses to figure out, and both are additions of players they could easily take in this month’s draft.  Two names could give Joe Philbin and the Dolphins more toys than they know what to do with.  They are two of the hotter names available, and yet they could add an unpredictability to the offense that we haven’t seen before.  The two players in question?  Tavon Austin of West Virginia, and Denard Robinson out of Michigan.

With Austin and Robinson, combined with Wallace, Hartline, Keller, Clay, Miller…  the Dolphins can run nearly any variety of play out of nearly any personnel package.  A reverse can come from any position on the field, and any one of these players provides a dynamic receiving threat for Tannehill.  Teams will not be able to keep these guys covered, and it will open up the running game as well as alleviate the pressure on the line.  Defenses will be forced to play back on their heels or get torched, to blitz less and attempt to read the plays as they develop and hope to guess right.  After the first few times that teams get burned on a reverse, a quick pitch to Robinson and having him unload downfield a few times will force teams to hang back and wait.

An exciting offense adds to the win total for the season, and against depleted divisional foes such as the Jets and Bills, enables the fins to come out of those games with an expected minimum of a 3-1 record.  The Pats defense is a defense that you can make plays on, and it enables the Fins the potential to match up with the Pats on the scoreboard and enables fans to expect at least a season split with the Pats. That’s going at least 4-2 in the division, and should enable the Fins to obtain at least a 6-4 record outside the division – and could put them at 10-6 with a potential playoff birth.  That is one heck of a lofty expectation, but also a realistic one given the possibilities.

As you read the names above, you may have noticed a name was missing.  I hate the idea of giving him up, but I think drafting Austin and Robinson makes one player expendable as the “odd man out” – though I am a huge fan of him as a player, and actually rejoiced when the Fins got him as an undrafted free agent.  A reliable fan favorite, Davone Bess would become a casualty of the new offense if these players worked out.  The team wouldn’t have to move him right away, and could wait until training camp to pull the trigger on a trade based on the early development of several young players, but the fins should be able to get a 4^th rounder in return for Bess, and potentially a 3^rd rounder from a receiver starved team.  I think a 4^th rounder is more likely out of this years draft, with a trade for a future pick next year being more likely to be a 3^rd rounder.  Bess is one of the more reliable slot receivers in the league, and could easily help the receiving corps for a number of teams out there.

What do you think?  How do you feel the Dolphins could make their offense even more dynamic and more exciting?  As always, I’d love to hear the ideas that other fans have…

PHINATICS