It’s Time to Open The Gates
By Matt Patrick
The Dolphins made an interesting choice in this year’s draft by selecting Wide Receiver Edmond Gates in the 4th round. He would later change his first name to Clyde, a childhood nickname that was given to him by his father. The Texas native never played high school football but decided to give it a shot by trying out for Abilene Christian, a Division II school. He was able to turn heads and drop jaws with his blazing speed. His senior year, he recorded 66 catches for 1,182 yards and 13 touchdowns. Gates entered the NFL Scouting Combine and ran a 4.37 in the 40 – yard dash, tied with the fastest time among receivers. He recorded that time even with a nagging groin injury. The guy can flat out run. Even the Dolphin players are dazzled by his speed and concede that he is the fastest player on the team. The Dolphins have nothing to lose and it’s time to open up this offense with some Clyde Gates!
We are now eleven weeks into the season and the Dolphins sit 3 – 8 with no shot at making the playoffs. Gates has had very little playing time as a WR and has yet to start a game. He only has 2 catches for 19 yards on the season. This team needs a burner like Gates who can use his speed to spread the field to open up more plays on offense while keeping defenses honest. Other players as Brandon Marshall, Anthony Fasano, and Davone Bess can benefit from a having a guy who runs a 4.37 line up next to them. Maybe Marshall will no longer command a double team when a guy like Gates is running post-corners or “go routes” down the sideline.
The Dolphins have lacked a deep threat that could score at will since Chris Chambers left in the middle of the 2007 season (I never considered Ted Ginn Jr. a threat because of his brick hands). We all know the capabilities of Brian Hartline. He has been a very serviceable receiver but he certainly doesn’t intimidate any secondary with his average speed. Marlon Moore and Roberto Wallace have had their opportunities the last two seasons but have failed to capitalize on them.
Right now is the time to incorporate Gates into the offense with more plays so the Dolphins can have an idea of what this kid can actually do. Most importantly, it will allow this organization to figure out if they need to draft another 4th round WR in next year’s draft. Miami Dolphins’ Offensive Coordinator, Brian Daboll, needs to open up his bag of tricks with creative packages that will utilize his speed. Dolphin fans have been patiently waiting all season for Gates to blow by a safety for a fifty yard bomb to bring some excitement to this team. Instead of calling HB dives on second and nine, try going deep for once. There’s only five games remaining and it’s time to turn this question mark wide-out into an answer. The Dolphins literally have nothing to lose at this point. Get Gates involved now!