Outsiders will level to the plain when giving the explanations for the Dolphins’ 7-3 begin and first-place place within the AFC East — quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, huge receiver Tyreek Hill and coach Mike McDaniel.
Insiders, nonetheless, will level to 2 different key contributors — left sort out Terron Armstead and cornerback Xavien Howard.
Put both participant on an opposing crew’s high participant, sit again, and watch the present.
Think concerning the variety of big-time gamers that didn’t do big-time injury towards the Dolphins this season: Baltimore linebacker Justin Houston (three tackles, one sack), Buffalo receiver Stefon Diggs (seven receptions, 74 yards), Buffalo edge rusher Von Miller (no tackles, no sacks), Pittsburgh linebacker Alex Highsmith (one sort out, no sacks), Detroit edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson (one sort out, no sacks), Cleveland receiver Amari Cooper (three receptions, 32 yards) and Cleveland edge rusher Myles Garrett (two tackles, no sacks).
Howard, the All Pro, and Armstead, the three-time Pro Bowl choice, have been at their finest towards the most effective.
Looking on the Dolphins’ remaining seven video games, 4 of that are on the street, Armstead and Howard might want to duplicate their lockdown one-on-one performances a couple of extra occasions. But that in all probability gained’t be a problem.
Pro Football Focus lists Armstead No. 14 amongst offensive tackles, whereas Howard is listed at No. 90.
But each can shut down, or restrict, top-notch opponents.
“Players that are able to do that, it isn’t necessarily their flat-out talent, even though for confidence reasons, they love to think that it’s just their talent,” McDaniel mentioned.
“But both competitors have this thing called competitive greatness that I see.”
McDaniel mentioned it brings to thoughts the quote by legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden that claims, “Perform at your best when your best is required. Your best is required every day.”
McDaniel acknowledges that Howard, who has battled groin accidents, and Armstead, who has been coping with toe, calf and Achilles accidents, are each exceptionally gifted.
But he mentioned it’s their aggressive nature that permits them to manage a number of the league’s finest gamers.
“There are certain people when the adrenaline is high, when the moment is large, there are certain people that get nervous and worry about failure,” McDaniel mentioned. “Then there are particular those who solely see the rewards reaped from success. Those kinds of folks, if you’re round, you’ll be able to really feel and also you depend on these folks, and also you need as lots of these folks within the constructing as potential.
“I think Terron and ‘X’ are both prime examples of that.”
The system hasn’t been excellent. Howard has struggled at occasions. Minnesota huge receiver Justin Jefferson totaled six receptions for 107 yards within the Vikings’ 24-16 victory. But virtually half of that got here on a 47-yard reception.
And don’t low cost the harm conditions involving Howard and Armstead.
Both have missed video games that resulted in losses.
Howard missed the fourth quarter towards Cincinnati when the Bengals scored 13 factors, doing a lot of the injury via the air, on their strategy to a 27-15 victory. He missed your complete New York Jets loss (40-17) the next week.
Armstead left the Jets sport within the first quarter. He stayed in a single day in New York to see a specialist. He then missed your complete Minnesota loss the next week when the Dolphins gave up six sacks and 13 quarterback hits.
Make no mistake, Armstead and Howard are key gamers.
When groups win seven of their first 10 video games, such because the Dolphins, there are often many causes for his or her success.
At the highest of the meals chain for the Dolphins are Tagovailoa, Hill and McDaniel. Elsewhere on the record is high quality depth, teaching and the entrance workplace.
But don’t overlook to incorporate Howard and Armstead.
They do issues one-on-one that may’t be duplicated. They make everybody’s assignments simpler.
Put Howard on a receiver and the protection can do something you need round him. Blitz. Play an eight-man entrance. Whatever. For instance, Against Cincinnati, the Dolphins put Howard on No. 2 receiver Tee Higgins and double-teamed No. 1 wideout Ja’Marr Chase in an effort to get the Bengals to throw at Howard.
It’s the identical take care of Armstead. Put him on a go rusher and overlook about it. You can slide protection to another person, reminiscent of Cleveland’s Jadeveon Clowney, or chip him, and even double-team him, if mandatory.
Neither Howard now Armstead is the most effective within the league at what they do, however each are among the many finest, and for the Dolphins, each are invaluable.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com