“We have all the tools we need to make the playoffs.” That’s just about all that’s being said as far as NFL current events are concerned. With training camp just days away, the Miami Dolphins are one of those teams hoping to hit playoffs. And with a new OL, they don’t want to have any blocking deficiencies like last season.
It was only four games into the 2013 NFL season when Miami was on pace to set an NFL-record of 72 sacks. Yikes.
According to Fox News, Richie Incognito was not only aware of this, but said the unemployment line should be the next step if it happens again.
If we give up 72 sacks, everybody should be fired-the whole offensive line, said Incognito.
In addition to the horrendous number of sacks, Miami ranked number 18 on Football Outsiders with a-0.6% Weighted Offense and a 4.0% Pass Offense.
Incognito is no longer with the Miami Dolphins, but his intense words made sense, and ultimately came true (somewhat). Offensive coordinator Mike Sherman was fired and replaced with Bill Lazor. Replacements mean a new playbook. And Miami can only improve from here, right?
Quarterback Ryan Tannehill says they’re still trying to figure things out running plays for the first time. Needless to say, it probably was not a pretty site.
In two seasons, Tannehill had 30 interceptions and a 15-17 record. So the sacks against him wasn’t the only thing that needed improvement. He needs to do something different if he wants to keep his job.
One experiment that is going to begin at the start of camp is moving outside linebacker Koa Misi to the middle. The reason for this move is Miami needs to have better tackling and “more big plays from their linebacking corps,” according to Steven Wine.
Another addition to the Dolphins is offensive line coach John Benton. His job is to revamp that offense. Which may seem easy, but there’s a lot of work that needs to be done for a team that managed only one touchdown in their final 24 possessions. It was the end of the season and is cost the Dolphins a playoff berth.
The beauty of it being the offseason is that it’s a new slate, not only for the Dolphins, but every NFL team. Each team has improvements to make and adjustments to new players. The Miami Dolphins have a lot of work to do if they’re going to try and be a playoff team.
Photo: Sun Sentinel