Center Michael Deiter is back practicing.
Although he has not blossomed yet for the Dolphins, still, any lineman we can get back is a good thing. If anything, it gives us some needed depth.
When you watch Tua fade back, you NEVER get a sense of confidence that he will have time. By the time you THINK the blocking looks okay on this play, some defender blows past Austin Jackson or Liam Eichenberg, and we either get a sack or Tua has to dump it off. He has been a little better lately at stepping up into the pocket, and that was clearly missing from his game early on. I think he finally gets it. He knows his line sucks, and throwing while on the run is a way of life now.
I know defenders will beat even All Pro O-linemen on some plays. It happens. But with our guys, letting a defender get past them is the norm. A successful block is the rare bonus. They have to turn that around, and I don’t know if they have the physical strength, or the technique, or the coaching to do that.
Regarding Brian’s comment below, here’s a great shot that I keep coming back to, sent to me by reader Sean. Remeber….this is in the middle of a play. Brissett has not thrown the ball yet. Austin Jackson is on top looking for someone in the audience. Jesse Davis is on his ass as usual. Well, he’s flat on his back, actually, which is worse than being knocked to your butt. Eichenberg and Hunt are inches away from the QB, giving him no room. THIS is our offensive line.
They certainly don’t have the coaching as has been pointed out for a loooooooonnnnnnggggggg time! Additionally maybe there is a “Look” you must master impersonating before you can sign your contract as a Dolphins Lineman but all of them have this lost, blank, questioning look on their face every time (seemingly every play) a defender rushes untouched past them. For added effect they usually put both hands in the air in a “what just happened” fashion. After seeing this week after week on tape you would thing they would start to recognize what is happening but they never do. So it make me wonder if we draft the lowest IQ lineman in the draft? I mean if they could simply understand the guy on the other team shouldn’t run past them maybe we would see some adjustments. Maybe the coaches could produce a white board animated video for them and just ply that everyday?
Yeah, I added a photo above to prove your point.
I’m on my ass with Jesse Davis but unlike him it’s because I’m laughing so hard at this picture! Thank you for posting how funny!!
WQAM radio has been addressing the problem with the offensive line and the fact it’s been a problem for years. The lingering question is why we can’t figure this out. And seriously, why is this still a problem? There was also some talk that since Ross is infatuated with Deshaun, it would make sense if Tua requested a trade. Can’t really blame him if he does. Who wants to be a quarterback on a team where you’re constantly running for your life?
I wouldn’t blame him. I’ve seen article with Jimmy Johnson talking of his Dallas days, and how they didn’t invest a lot of draft picks on linemen. You just pick up the guys and mold them into what you needed. Mark Tunei went undrafted. Nate Newton: Undrafted free agent. Went to Redskins. Left and went to the Cowboys as a free agent. I mean these are Hall of Fame worthy linemen who no one else wanted, and look what Jimmy molded them into. THAT’s coaching.
Has to be coaching as they’ve invested a ton into the oline. It’s the common denominator as even blind luck you’d find a few decent players with the picks they’ve used. Last few games they’ve been a bit better but the jets are crap and ravens were worn down. Sunday will be a good test as they have a decent dline.
Like the pick up of RB Linsday. Can’t hurt to add a vet who has some speed. Hopefully he can turn back time a bit.
Looks like TE Long will finally play maybe he’ll surprise us. Shaheen is out.