Sunday, October 23, 2016
Credit to Gase for Bringing Out the Best in Ajayi
Posted by
Jay Lopez
A wise person said on this Blog that he was withholding judgement on this team until he saw a healthy O-line playing together. That wise person wasn't me- I was too busy standing on the ledge to see that particular strand of reason. It was Carl- hats off, sir.
So as this particular football team shows signs of life and recovery even as many of us were shoveling dirt into the hole, it is time to reassess:
1) The loss to Tennessee at home- pathetic as it was- did come with extenuating circumstances. The Dolphins players and coaches were handling a major life disruption in the form of a property (and potentially) life-threatening storm. Perhaps we should have expected some chaos- even before ankle gate.
2) The win over Pittsburgh may not have been entirely due to desperation on one sideline and looking ahead on the other. The Dolphins have beaten two hot teams two weeks in a row.
3) There may be life for this team after losing arguably its best defensive player. This was a very solid defensive effort without our All-Pro safety.
And most importantly:
4) Jay Ajayi may be a superstar in the making.
This last is the hardest for me to believe I am typing. I recently thought Ajayi (after his week one attitude problems) was not long for the team. When Gase left him home for the season opener, I thought another fifth round flier had gone by the boards. I was sad about it, because he seemed like such a smart risk for us to take late in the draft, with tremendous upside and small-conference sleeper potential. When he missed the opening roster for poor attitude, I thought the door was closing.
As with so much about this year's Dolphins, I was stark, raving wrong. A young coach was simply sending a still younger player a message: attitude counts. The player was listening. By all accounts, Ajayi has attacked his opportunities since that early misstep, and the results are a historic two game run.
Does it help that the line he was always meant to run behind finally started two games? Does it also help to have a coach who calls your crap and runs mediocrity out of town? It gets interesting now. For another week, Lazarus walks.
Jay Lopez
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36 comments
Welcome back, Jay! After we rest our bones and heal our bruises next week, the Jets come to town. We'll see if this momentum is truly real. Love a win against a tough divisional team the week prior to a bye. And LOVE beating Rex. What a douche - 5 of his 6 team captains today were former fins. Didn't work out, A-hole!
Welcome back, Jay! After we rest our bones and heal our bruises next week, the Jets come to town. We'll see if this momentum is truly real. Love a win against a tough divisional team the week prior to a bye. And LOVE beating Rex. What a douche - 5 of his 6 team captains today were former fins. Didn't work out, A-hole!
The last few years I've picked as many Dolphins for my fantasy team as possible. After week 3 I dropped Ajayi. I'm such an idiot. The sting is gone when the Dolphins win though! Phins up!
Couldn't agree more with you Eric, about Rex. If there's one player, or coach I despise more than Brady, or Bill, ITS REX, FLIPPIN' RYAN! & I don't even think "despise", is the term I would use for Ol' Rexy'. I don't know what it is, about the guy, but he just "rubs me wrong". Actually, I don't even think he deserves being mentioned with the "Brady's"(whom is the Bain, to my "football existence".) of the world. NO... Actually, I think it more fitting to put him in with the likes of maybe, say... -Omar Kelly?! (every Phins fans favorite, local sh*t spinner!) NEITHER OF WHICH HAVE MUCH TO SAY THIS WEEK, do they?!!! I actually prefer it, when(after a good showing) Omar, &Rex(after a poor bills showing) slither, & skulk, slowly, back into the dark hovel from whence they came! Even more than a win(actually I'm fibbing, a smudge here), I DO ENJOY, & TRULY CHERISH the week long reprieve, & silence, from their NORMAL DRIVEL!!!! -Go Get Em' Gase!- ~Phins Up, Haters Down!~
It is great to see j is developing into a fearless runner. Kids got some heart. Like landry. O line. Nice. 2nd string te's stepped up. And the most exciting aspect of these changes is that it seems, perhaps, as tho the aggression of ajayi and landry may be actually rubbing off on t hill. Kid is finally on the move. Good work by Gase.
Rex's style of "leadership" has always been to rub the other guy's nose in it while his worst element hoots, hollers, and eventually becomes his leadership. This is why he wins games, not seasons. Today he wins neither. Always love your comments, Hoges. Fins UP.
I think Vance Joseph is due a little love for the way his defense played without Jones. Now we get a chance to rest some players, maybe get Sims back. (And pleeaase, no more shower accidents). "Hope springs eternal!" 'phins up!!
I think Vance Joseph is due a little love for the way his defense played without Jones. Now we get a chance to rest some players, maybe get Sims back. (And pleeaase, no more shower accidents). "Hope springs eternal!" 'phins up!!
Oops! Sorry for the double post.
I came close to making that same point: hell of a game plan.
Well as long as Jay Ajayi keeps running like he is being chased by a rottweiler; we should have a chance to win most games. Thus with this new found run game; I know that if we had a QB who can throw deep balls accurately; I don;t think that we would lose another game this season. Why? Because we have two WRs who can get open deep at will and a third WR who is unstoppable underneath. So for that reason; I hope that Matt Moore gets a shot soon. We will be blowing teams out in the firsthalf; like the 07 cheators and 84 Dolphins.
Apollos. Your comments are always so diverse and exciting.
It's about time we RUN THE BALL !! Our team desperately needs this. It helps the defense! It sets up the pass for I don't know...66 YARD BOMBS! And how about our defense STOPPING THE RUN !!
RUN THE BALL! STOP THE RUN! VERY IMPORTANT!
The throwback jerseys would be cool in white.
The throwback jerseys would be cool in white.
You're a brave soul to admit that. Go get him back.
Like it!
Not your fault. It happens to everyone.
Once again, you're true to form.
Looks good, doesn't it.
Broke out my Marino Throwback, haven't worn it in a while.
This team has found out what it is. Run, play action, defense. That is it, and that could be more than enough to squeak into the playoff race. PLAYOFFS ?? Perhaps. Cannot imagine anything sweeter than for the Jay Train to run off for another 200 yards vs the Jests !
That would be historic, and why not it be a Phin and vs NY to boot ?
Heal up Phins this week and come out and beat the Jets, go 4-4 and take it from there. Many winable games thereafter. Wake is back, and maybe Mario Williams is a DT now, coupled with Suh could be his new spot. Pressure up the middle and Wake and Branch on the outside. Nice. Chris Culliver comes back too. This dude is a nasty CB and we can use it. Watch out for history and the J- Train vs Jets 200x 3 !
Thank you Jay. Well written post, as usual.
I like what Gase is doing. If you aren't going to cut the mustard, you are gone. There is no point in keeping guys who simply don't perform well, even as back ups, since eventually they have to play.
I like how Gase brings in an extra lineman for short yardage or even late in the game when the entire world knew we going to run the ball in the fourth quarter.
Williams run hard too. That 12 yard TD was a thing of beauty watching him drag guys into the end zone.
We have a new identity. We have gone back to smash mouth old school football. And Tanne-Hype ( sorry but until he leads us into playoffs, that's what I am calling him ) looks great throwing the ball now. He had a few drops yesterday too. I cannot complain about RT.
The OL is the difference in our success. Football is still a game won in the trenches. Whether you run or pass, you gotta block.
I am happy to see what team we can now be. Look back at most of the great championship teams and they had good running games. And every 7-10 years a team comes along with a mediocre QB and wins the Lombardi Trophy.
Hopefully, we are next in line.
@ David Apollos. You sound like a broken record and the worst thing is you don't know what the hell you're talking about. I read an article just last week where Tannehill is one of the top 4 Qb's in deep ball accuracy and stats this year. Oh and BTW he ranked high last year in deep ball categories too. His problem also has been an Oline problem. When he has a healthy Oline his QBR is always high and we win 8 out of 9 games. Tannehill is not elite and neither are many QB's who have Superbowl rings. However Moore is not the answer and certainly would not have better stats or more wins than Tannehill. Tannehill wasn't the reason we lost so many early games this year and anyone who looks at coaches film would know that. But we can win with him when we play as a team. You are so warped by your hatred of Tannehill that you can't see or think straight. Even when Moore won a bunch of games for us he was a turnover machine that would put the team in bad positions. You are full of crap on the WR's too. Look how many passes Stills has dropped this year and it's not just him. Gase has said that Tannehill will be the QB the rest of this year. You really need to accept that fact and quit whining about it. This is a team game and the team is finally playing together and establishing an identity. Quite honestly we've had two really good wins where Tannehill played well and had zero turnovers. Instead of recognizing the accomplishments of the team (even though they still need to improve in some areas) you come in here bashing Tannehill undeservedly. I think several people here would agree with me when I say it's time for you to STFU! Learn something about football and have something of value to say.
As one of the folks who was "...shoveling dirt into the hole..." I am so happy, scratch that, I am so *ecstatic* that the Phins appear to be turning it around. Now, what we need is some more wins (keep 'em coming), the o-line and team in general to stay health (I think it's safe to say the team has little depth), and see how they react *if* they lose in the upcoming weeks (hopefully we won't have to find out...) Go Phins!
As one of the folks who was "...shoveling dirt into the hole..." I am so happy, scratch that, I am so *ecstatic* that the Phins appear to be turning it around. Now, what we need is some more wins (keep 'em coming), the o-line and team in general to stay health (I think it's safe to say the team has little depth), and see how they react *if* they lose in the upcoming weeks (hopefully we won't have to find out...) Go Phins!
nice Jose! and i completely agree about RT, David.
RT can play. And since QBs are lasting well into their 30's, you can expect to see him under center for quite a while.
He has improved dramatically in the past 2 years and I expect he will be even better by years end.
If this OL and Ajayi stay healthy, we can turn a lot of heads.
Think about how scary it could be to play us, having to tackle that truck running downhill at you. Ouch!
RT can play. And since QBs are lasting well into their 30's, you can expect to see him under center for quite a while.
He has improved dramatically in the past 2 years and I expect he will be even better by years end.
If this OL and Ajayi stay healthy, we can turn a lot of heads.
Think about how scary it could be to play us, having to tackle that truck running downhill at you. Ouch!
David Killer; of the truth; it is you who is lost out in left field. The dolphins OL and defense were always elite. I have known this for sometime. The OL and defense were merely holding back because both sides wanted tannehill gone. But since another coach has taken over and is determined to win with tannehill anyway; the OL and defense have decided to show their greatness for a few games; as long as tannehill does not go back to blowing games with numerous 3 and outs and interceptions. If tannehill falls back to either one of those things; I can assure you that the OL and the defense will shutdown and there will not be a damn thing Adam Gase or anyone else will be able to do about. And Adam Gase and tannehill knows this to be true. And by the way; tannehill's deep passes are not accurate most of the time;the WR has to make an adjustment to catch them most of the time; and tannehill is not going to be retained after this season. If they try to extend him after this season; many personnel participants will face a violent mutiny from several players and angry fans. It almost reached that point 3 weeks ago.
Therefore; the dolphins are not winning because of tannehill; but they are winning DESPITE of tannehill. They will not accept another season with tannehill under center. MARK MY WORDS!
@David Apollos - First, you are delusional with your conspiracy viewpoint. LOL. Second, Would you be willing to put your money where your mouth is? I'll bet you $100 that Tannehill is our QB next year unless injured. All the people on this site can verify the bet being made and that we honor the bet.
Man, great commentary ALL ROUND! Apollos, always on the "we need Moore" stuff though... Come-on' Man!!! Just let the kid play till "he doesn't"! I don't know what we've found,(or better to say "how we've found") this new identity, but I'm "bout' it", for sure! I don't want to get ahead of myself, but it DOES, look like we've finally found an answer, & identity with the hard nosed running game. & I LOVE that style of play. - there's a reason Dallas is 5-1, & it's NOT ALL Dak! (Though he's playing "lights out, WITHIN' THE SYSTEM, & true to their identity!) As long as Jerry don't "screw the pooch", & bring back Romo.-(which I'm afraid he will) Just getting to my point though, on Thill.... WHY IN GODS NAME, would we want to bring in Moore NOW??? That's COMPLETELY, counterproductive! No, we need to "stick with who yah' brung'l"(sry, that's my "cracker comin' out)& keep Thill in. Atleast, until things get "proven false", like our "NEW(still in its INFANCY)-IDENTITY", & Thill doesn't "show better", behind this MIRACULOUSLY IMPROVED "FRONT". NOW, as for that...-KNOCK ON WOOD, "SALT OVER THE SHOULDER", "RUB MY RABBITS FOOT"!! -Because things, are FINALLY, FINALLY, looking up for an organization that has DEEPLY DEPRESSED(atleast THIS FAN), for..??... Damn, it's been alooooong time!👍😉 I'm SOO HAPPY!---BUT,----LETS NOT GET CARRIED AWAY, & LET THIS CRUSH OUR SOULS(like it did, JUST LAST YEAR!)-when we had our "come to Jesus moment", with our, "soon to find out", fraudulent-(not really, he's a GREAT COACH/wasn't his fault completely) Savior, & his "newly injected toughness", that lasted for???....what?,-2 GAMES!!! -(as I'm writing, "I am down on my knees praying")-lol... But, TRUTHFULLY-(which is REEEALLY HARD TO BE OBJECTIVE)-THIS FEELS, LOOKS, & HONESTLY IS DIFFERENT!!! It's not some aberration, or "false boost" created by a gut check, & a "fiery/hell & brimstone" coach, who injected HIS PERSONALITY, into a team that STILL DIDNT HAVE A IDENTITY! Identity, being the "key word"... This is a different animal, or atleast, after ONLY; 2 games it appears to be so. I'm in NO WAY saying "we're gonna' get to the playoffs", or EVEN do much better than 8-8, or 9-7... BUT I AM PRAYING, that we have FINALLY "FOUND OURSELVES"! & with Gase at the head,(NO MATTER WHAT COMES) I think we can FINALLY SAY!:-(after idk, 10-15yrs)- THE DOLPHINS ARE TRULLY/FINALLY, GOING THE RIGHT DIRECTION!!! & I give Gase, & HIS staff(not including upper mngmt) A TON, of the credit! Even if our identity was found, by accident!-(because, saying it was ALWAYS the plan, is just rediculous). No, he gets the credit because, HE HELD THE TEAM ACCOUNTABLE, put those players in whom HE BELIEVED IN, & "let the chips fall where they must"! You see, That's what GOOD/GREAT coaches do! They hold their players accountable, "teach up" the rookies(which is INSANLY OVERLOOKED, when speaking on great coaching), & PUT THE PLAYERS IN POSITION, "TO CREATE", then "THRIVE IN THEIR CREATION"!! I LOVE IT! Gase... Just don't break our hearts, & try & be more! Atleast THIS FAN, will stick by you(even when things inevitably get tough this year), & CANT WAIT to see the FUTURE you have in-store, for us! -Go Get Em' Gase!- ~Phins Up, Haters Down!~ p.s. Carl, I trully appreciate your commentary, & approach! -your a class act, buddy!-
Again... Spot on! (I sound like a broken record) but David, take it easy on Apollos!... He's consistent atleast, as Carl's already aludded to... & other than his distaste for Thill,(which is justified on occasion) he has some good insight. -(though, I still can't for the life of me figure out his case for "Moore being a STARTING NFL QB"). I TRULLY believe Thill can be a viable starter, atleast BEHIND A DECENT O-LINE. A lot like how Dak's playing behind that "GIANT WALL" in Dallas, along with Zek pounding the ball. -(again-lol-like (this, time I ALUDED TO previously). I think if we can find our own version of their play-style, we COULD POSSIBLY(juuust possibly) make a run this year. Though it will be INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT, after our poor start, & BRAND NEW SYSTEMS, & coaches, on BOTH SIDES. It would be a MIRACLE, but I still think we have a (ever so slight) chance... Because going the rest of the year with out accruing more than a couple losses, will be DIFFICULT(to SAY THE LEAST!) -Go Get Em' Gase!- ~Phins Up, Haters Down!~
I agree... I was juuuust about to say Ryan's eulogy.... (That DOESNT MEAN, I had lost faith in his ability, just the fit w/in THIS TEAM).... Because, JUST AS GASE KEPT SAYING ALLLLL YEAR, -"it's hard to judge a man playing behind "that" O-line"
Dude... I already made a bet with him on the "Thill conspiracy", it's useless to try, & change his mind! But Dave!!!; Don't 4get our bet!!! & I think I'm looking like I might win it too, huh???! :-) Anyways, keep w/ ur crazy conspiracy theories.... They ALWAYS are a INTERSETING, & funny read.... -(in no way am I'm meaning any disrespect, by saying funny.... But it is kinda' silly!) much respect! Go Get Em' Gase! ~Phins Up, Haters Down!~
Dude, u REEEALLY are taking ur "conspiracy comments" to a NEW LEVEL OF "Cray', Cray'"! I'm sorry man, but YOU SHOULD DO ALITTLE "self evaluation" on this matter. Cause' ur not doin' urself any favors w/ these posts.... The responses ur gonna get, are gonna make u upset, or idk.... I just don't EVEN KNOW WHAT TO SAY! We know your position on Thill, maybe switch up, & AVOID that topic(atleast for awhile, just give it a chance)... Just TRYIN' to look out for yah' buddy! I (strangely) enjoy reading some of ur stuff. He's been playing WELL, & we've been wining(because of him last week) recently... So, I'm ahead on our bet. & if you lose, REMEMBER YOU GOTTA' admit YOU WERE WRONG!! I PROMISED, I WILL FOLLOW THROUGH (if ur crazy theory plays out). But your "theory's" REDICULOUS! I like u bra', just relax on that conspiracy talk for awhile-(just FRIENDLY ADVICE)✌️ -Go Get Em' Gase- ~Phins Up, Haters Down!~