Coyle Needs To Go Back To The Basics
Coyle needs to go back to the basics. Rewinding all the games the Dolphins have played this year, one thing that sticks out is how we are attacking the opponent, or lack thereof. The crazy thing about this glaring issue is that I am not referring to Ryan Tannenhill or the fact that the Miami Dolphins highest paid unit is dropping balls left right and center. I am talking about our defensive coverage. One key addition that the Dolphins made in the offseason was signing Cortland Finnegan as well as resigning their pro ball player in Brett Grimes. The Miami Dolphins also selected two key prospects in the 2013 draft in the 2nd and 3rd round with Jamal Taylor and Will Davis. It was a consensus around the Dolphins facility that our cornerback position was not going be a problem and that the Miami Dolphins Defensive Coordinator would understand how to get properly utilize them.
Well, there is a definite problem, one that actually does not make sense to anyone that can read or see the field of play. Our defensive backs are always playing at least 5 to 10 yards off the line of scrimmage. The Dolphins starting cornerback in a base set are Grimes and Finnegan. Watching the Patriots, Bills and Chiefs game we can see that there was not one call where both our cornerbacks played a bump and run coverage. I know and understand that Coyle likes to incorporate a zone base defense, but when a cover 3, 2 or 1 coverage is called, we are failing to see any of cornerback’s line up at the line of scrimmage. This doesn’t make sense, and here is why.
We understand the fact that we do not have six feet corners, rather two agile and quick cornerbacks that came make up their height deficiencies with pure athletic ability. Does this sound familiar at all? Think back to Patrick Surtain and Sam Madison. One key aspect of these legendary Dolphin players is that they were known to play right up on the Wide Receiver and shadow them man to man. This would allow the Dolphins dominating defensive line men a little bit more time to attack the opposing quarterback. Fast forward to our present Dolphins roster, where the Miami Dolphins key strength on the defensive side of the ball is obliviously their defensive line, we fail to see Coyle implementing this technique.
Now we could give Coyle the benefit of the doubt. Defensive Coordinator don’t usually implore this methodology against your tier one group of Wide Receivers…wait a minute, the Dolphins haven’t played against any? The Patriots have one of the smallest Wide Receiver groups in the NFL, The Bills have Sammy Watkins, but he is in his rookie year. Three years ago you would have to respect what Dwayne Bowe could do, but not now, I doubt it. Instead Coyle has the Dolphins top defensive players dropping back into coverage which was evident in last week game where Cameron Wake decided not to rush the passer and cover a Running Back.
We are all for exotic coverage’s and play calling, but Coyle needs to understand how to use key assets on the field. Why hasn’t Grimes jammed a Wide Receiver at the line of scrimmage? Or better yet, the player that plays with the most fire on our team and previous years is Finnegan. We all know the drawbacks of playing in a bump and run coverage. If a Wide Receiver runs a double move or breaks the jam they gain leverage on the cornerback.
However, the benefit is allowing your star players do what they do best. The Dolphins play this week against the Oakland Raiders, who once again do not have a tier 1 Wide Receiver, and if Coyle continues to call exotic and unnecessary calls, the drama that has already been reported in the locker room will continue to grow. Bottom line, Coyle, you have the talent surrounding you, now try to understand how to use them properly. I mean this is Defense 101.