Branden Albert Must Anchor O-line Against Seahawks
Despite all Branden Albert’s injuries, he has been a top Left Tackle.
Branden Albert hasn’t played like Branden Albert all Preseason…why?
Quality Offensive Line play is a premier concern for the 2016 Miami Dolphins, and as the line’s most important cog, Branden Albert‘s play is crucial for the Fins to find success.
Right out of the gate in Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks and their fierce pass rush, Albert will be in the spotlight.
In 2014, despite only playing 9 games, Albert was ranked the 4th best Left Tackle by PFF. In 2015, after recovering from a torn ACL and playing in 14 games, PFF ranked him the 8th best Left Tackle.
But, throughout this Preseason, Albert hasn’t played as a top ten tackle — actually, he’s played quite poor. But what’s the cause?
After breaking down his play against the Dallas Cowboys and the Atlanta Falcons, alot of things jumped out at me — and most of it wasn’t pretty.
The video below will demonstrate what I saw. I originally wanted it to be a written presentation, but for the sake of succinctness, while still being thorough, film and pictures with narration seemed more digestible than the “War And Peace” version. It’s not Howard Cosell and NFL films, but it gets the point across.
As I state in the video, Albert should bounce back and correct most of his issues. And if he does, the offensive output who take a big step forward in areas, most critically in the run game.
But, the one major question that lurks in my mind is the right knee. Coach Adam Gase tried to get Albert to practice without his knee brace, but it seems he still prefers to play the game with it. I wonder if his lack of knee bend and driving power stems from the after-effects or ongoing degeneration of his injury of 2014 or possibly due to restriction caused by the knee brace?
Not even the pay per head sportsbook providers know for certain.
Maybe it was just a very rusty Preseason for him. Dan Marino had many terrible Preseason’s that led to rumblings about his professional demise…only to have those rumors be dispelled come Week 1.
Miami can only hope that this is the case.
The Dolphins need Albert to play like the Albert of 2015, at the very least. Seattle will be a true litmus test. Go Fins!!!
Here we are, here we go. Had a looong summer. Been itching to speak w/my fellow Fin fans as well as some hatters.
Believe we have been pretty fortunate on the injury front throughout the preseason leading up too week one. Parker is a disappointment, so glad that Gase called him out, hopefully Parker will take notice and learn how to maintain his body. Would have liked to see Jenkins ready and 100% for Seattle game. Pouncey is starting to annoy me, am I the only one? This could be a blessing in disguise; that we stumble across a player such as Steen to step right in and not miss a beat. Preseason is one thing, Sunday in Seattle will be the real test. I know I’m being a homer, but I trust this new staff’s evaluation much much more than any of the last 3-4 regimes. All in all, team injury status could be worse.
Lemus, looks as though the O-Line is starting to take shape and looking as though this unit could be a asset opposed to the glaring weakness we’ve been accustomed to lately. Albert is a big piece to the puzzle, if he can take off where he left off last season the left side should be lock and loaded. Believe James could be flirting w a pro bowl status this season. The run blocking will come, patience, if thy can keep Tanny clean to start, good things should follow.
Bid day for Tanny Sunday, I am anxious to see this Gase lead offense in action, holding nothing back. Drake looked like he could be a match-up nightmare from his minimal body of work we’ve seen thus far. Foster is smooth, not great at any, but smart as they come and is a dual threat out of the backfield. Wr’s should be a threat, the Parker issue hurts, Stills has an excellent opportunity here, if the preseason is any indicator, Stills will receive a nice payday at the end of the season and have a real good season.
Enough of the name game,,,, time for the D-Line to step up and control the game. Several BIG names along the front, can we see some disruptive production from this group? I would like to say they will answer, I just have to see it first. This unit will be the difference in the game; rather win or lose.
Again, small sample size, but Xavien Howard looks to have the make up for a real good corner. Good safety tandem could also make a difference at some point of the game.
Opening day; here we are. Time to walk the walk, and no bigger test than @ Seattle.
HEY Dunner, good to have you back. Hope you had a nice vaca’. Yeah, Pouncey stinks at RB…and that’s crucial. Albert played poorly, but if he can get his game back, then this O-Line could be the best since 2008. I think Miami stands a chance. I watched the Seattle / Dallas preseason game and saw several points where Miami can take advantage. Not saying it’s a W for them…but, this shouldn’t end up a forgone conclusion before the 4th at the very least. Seattles Oline isn’t that good and as far as lines go when adding up both sides of the ball, I’d give the edge to Miami. My biggest concerns are QB play in the clutch, CB play from Miami and Miami’s ability to run the ball — that will be the most difficult for Miami getting yardage on the ground. Im amped for the game and will end up watching it several times…glad to have you back!
Posted Sep. 6, 2016 at 3:11 PM
FOXBORO – The writing was on the wall for Bishop Sankey this offseason when the Tennessee Titans traded for DeMarco Murray and then drafted Derrick Henry in the second round – changes were coming at running back.
Sankey was once thought to be the future at running back for the Titans, who selected him in the second rounder during the 2014 NFL Draft. Instead, the 23-year-old found himself on the way out as he was cut last weekend.
Now, the third-year back is starting over in Foxboro, where the Patriots added him to the practice squad. This is a different situation for Sankey, but he’s ready to prove that he deserves a spot on the 53-man roster.
• When it came time to pick his next stop, the Patriots were a no brainer.
“Really just the culture that they’ve created, that coach Belichick has created. They’re a winning team and that’s really what attracted me the most,” Sankey said. “I feel like I can play every down. I’ve just got to out here and pick up the playbook and prove it in practice each day.”
At this point, the Patriots will rely on
LeGarrette Blount, James White, Brandon Bolden and D.J. Foster at running back.
But you can already make the case that Sankey is already a better between the tackles back than everyone on the roster except for Blount.
Sankey said it’ll be different being on the practice squad, but he’s ready to do whatever it takes to help his new team.
“Definitely, but I’m taking on that role,” Sankey said. “Coach has explained it to me already, what that role is with the practice squad, and whatever position I’m in, I’m looking to be the best at it, whether it’s practice player or not. It’s really just on a day-to-day basis at practice, trying to get better, and make plays in practice.”
We were a sleep on Sankey he is durable every down back the PAT’s just Stole him. No Sankey but we did get another receiver??? We have Tony Lippett A receiver DOLPHINS DONT KNOW WHO THEY GOT!
Perfect example of Sugar Coating disaster
(Foster Nursing injury, Drake Nursing Injury, Pead Nursing Injury)
Here we GO: Starting line up (Ajayi – Williams- Thomas)
THE SEATTLE HAWKS ARE WAITING!
He has a very good attitude …that’s not a great sign for Miami on this one. Hope Pead trumps him.
M.J
True Statement:
Quality Offensive Line play is a premier concern for the 2016 Miami Dolphins, and as the line’s most important cog, Branden Albert‘s play is crucial for the Fins to find success.
Jim Bo Fisher for FSU made a comment last night after the FSU and Old Mis Game in Orlando. He stated you either got it are you don’t.
A Freshman QB evolved last night. His team evolved along with him by giving them hope. FSU 22 points come back biggest in team history After watching the game its clear the QB can pump life into his team. We watch the offensive linemen fail constantly sure it appeared they were over powered but scratch and fault back to block for their QB and R/B.
We need 60 minutes out of our Dolphins, Not 5 minutes,10 minutes, 58 minutes 60 minutes on the field playing and coaching to win
PS: Georgia Bull Dogs player of week Nick Chubb R/B
Yeah, it’s me admin — just using the title before I became admin on my articles. Admin sounds lame. I spent alot of time going over the line play. Pouncy and Albert were two of the biggest culprits of breakdown, then followed by Tunsil, then Bushrod and finally James. When Pouncy was gone alot of run failures left with him..and a couple pass failures were added — but very few. Albert this week will be essential. My biggest concern in the run game by Miami…they need to get 90-110 on the day with at least 3.8 per carry in my eyes.
And you called it on Sankey and even said Pats would pick him up– you nailed it.. I hope you are wrong on his skill level though. Nothing personal…I just want the Pats to fail.
Tomorrow night should be a good game–looking forward to the season!!!
Admin
Yes! this was a no brainer. This was clearly a PAT’s moved.
Recognizing talent getting it for free and will turned around and trade that player to an organization like the Dolphins for numberous draft picks.
And YES — a full 60 mins is what separates the Pats, broncs and Seattle from the rest. That is essential and very difficulty to achieve…if we could get that this team would make the playoffs…but, it’s easier said than done. If Gase pulls 60 mins off in his first years, I’ll be quite the happy fan — to say the least.
Admin
What is the different in the Effort given by FSU Monday and Old Mis Monday night VS the 4th preseason game by the Dolphins with Henry running over the Dolphins defense? We can use the excuse they were try outs? Okay trying to digest that excuse!
Do we have a Pro Team?
A. Yes we have a Pro Team Suh and Wake are the hard and soul of our defense. They must demand perfection and accept nothing less from that defense? It has to start with them.
B. Tannehill entering his 5th year He must demand perfection from that offense. We have a new coach but Tannehill has seen those defenses 5 years now! Why run a play that you already know will not work?
A. Foster being healthy would be the Beast. But really how long?
B. The remaining Dolphins Running Backs why run up a Clogged hole? Don’t have tunnel vision. The great Backs have great vision to locate positive yardage.
Sorry Admin; I must…..
The 4th preseason game was strictly 3’s and 4’s. Very very vanilla on both sides of the ball. Basically as basic as it gets.
A) Suh and Wake can demand perfection, however; some may not be able to perfect (limited). What Suh and Wake can demand is effort and responsibilities.
B) I don’t see this staff running a play that they know will not work (unlike last years crew, guessing). Having said that, not every play will be successful, but this staff a reason behind every play/move, etc.
A) Again, going back to the staff. When is enough, enough? There are complimentary pieces behind Foster, so the ability to keep him fresh/healthy throughout a game and/or season will be implemented by this staff. Another words = This staff is NOT afraid to put a first or second year player in any situation at any time. So sick of the last staff failing to put a rookie or second year player in because “they” didn’t feel they were ready. They weren’t ready because they were not coached up. A BIG difference right there between staffs.
B) So if the running game struggles, just give up on the run game??? Have 8 rushing attempts (last year), not this staff, must run to keep the defense honest regardless of ability to do so! AGAIN, comes down to philosophy, game plan of the staff something last years staff could not apply or maybe didn’t know how to apply.
Answer: YES, we do have a pro team, and this staff will demonstrate that starting on Sunday!