Miami Dolphins: Evaluations at many key non-player positions start now

Dave Puloka is a name most casual fans may not know. But his role within an organization is one of the most critical positions every week. His work is on full display. His role is just as important as the decisions made by the Head Coach managing the game.

He may be sitting on the sideline most games, but his work is front and center. The drive within a guard’s legs to move defends out of running lanes—the hand fighting of a defensive end to get around the tackle for a sack or, most common on the Miami Dolphins roster, the lack of upper body strength among the offensive linemen during pass blocks.

When looking at the tape of this young Miami Dolphins team, many players lack play strength. The constant every week that shows up on the video is that many players lack the physical strength and conditioning to stay healthy and remain competitive against the elite athletes in the National Football League.

Watching Austin Jackson’s film, you can see he compensates with his lower body that is more powerful and explosive than his upper body. His little upper body punch in pass block sets has given him a decrease in confidence this season. Every week his play remains the same, and it does not seem to be a change in his workout plan coming.

Also, many players have seen time on the Injured Reserve this season; the lack of the strength and conditioning department to get these players ready every week is a significant issue that needs to be addressed.

Dave Puloka has been with the Miami Dolphins for 14 years. He has also been in his current position since January of 2016.

Head Coach Brian Flores should be beating down Puloka’s door weekly. The growing number of injured Dolphins increases every week, and the number of embarrassing film sessions showing Miami Dolphins players physically overmatched weekly never ends.