When the Miami Dolphins conducted an abrupt “about face” with their offensive scheme this offseason, the end result was assumed (at the time) that the Dolphins would be continuing on their path as a Patriots-centered system. That isn’t likely to be the case with the hiring of new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey — but we can’t be all too certain on what it will look like until we have the chance to talk to Gailey.
Gailey hasn’t spoken with the media since his hiring — but we got the next best thing this weekend with the Dolphins’ annual Cancer Challenge kicking off and putting coaches and players into the local spotlight. One of the players in attendance at yesterday’s golf tournament was backup quarterback Jake Rudock, who provided some context on what to expect.
“I would venture, let’s look at old film,” said Rudock via Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald. “That’s the best way to get a grasp for it.”
Gailey’s offense in New York (and in Buffalo with the Bills, for that matter) was considered a quick-spread passing attack. It wasn’t nearly as heavy into multiple tight end sets like the Patriots system Dolphins fans were exposed to in 2019. That horizontal spacing was complimented with calculated vertical shots to bigger bodies — like what Miami has in wide receiver DeVante Parker.
From a personnel perspective, Miami has some good fits here that should ease the transition — but more run after catch threats will inevitably be needed at some point down the road to get the Dolphins into optimal productivity in the passing game. Whether that becomes a priority for the 2020 offseason or if it is put on the back burner as the team builds up the trenches is yet to be determined — but know that it is likely coming on the horizon.
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