Miami Dolphins tight ends coach Jon Embree was candid when addressing why Durham Smythe has outsnapped Mike Gesicki — and relatively considerably — in three of the staff’s first 4 video games.
“It’s just more of trying to get guys to fit their skill sets,” stated Embree, who doubles as Miami’s assistant head coach, on Thursday. “We’re not going to ask Mike to block power. When we’re doing some of the heavy running stuff, that’s obviously going to be Durham.”
For a lot of the offseason and thru coaching camp, it was believed Gesicki’s deficiencies within the run-blocking facets of the tight finish place have been going to hinder his manufacturing and enjoying time in new coach Mike McDaniel’s wide-zone run-blocking scheme. Despite it, Gesicki was given a $10.9 million franchise tag this offseason.
In the video games in opposition to the Patriots, Bills and Bengals, Gesicki performed 25, 17 and 28 snaps, respectively, accounting for offensive playtime percentages within the decrease 40s in every. In those self same three video games, Smythe was on the sector for 38, 32 and 40 offensive snaps, all greater than 60 p.c of offensive performs.
“It’s just more of a flow of what we’re trying to get accomplished or what’s going on, as far as scheme for that week,” stated Embree. “Durham gives us a little more in the run game, and we want to be a run-first team.”
The one sport the place Gesicki, referred to as the better pass-catching risk, outsnapped Smythe was in Baltimore on Sept. 18. Gesicki had 44 offensive performs to Smythe’s 35 as Miami principally performed from behind in opposition to the Ravens within the 21-point comeback to win, 42-38.
Gesicki, who set profession highs with 73 receptions for 780 yards in 2021, solely has eight catches for 71 yards on 10 targets via the Dolphins’ first 4 video games.
“I feel like we’re getting what we need out of him and what he’s capable of,” stated Embree. “Some of it is coverage-dictated.”
Added offensive coordinator Frank Smith: “Production on the ball at that position obviously gets highlighted a lot, but the difference between many tight ends is, those guys that have that ability to block, they’re really invaluable.”
Embree pointed to a 3 a.m. Tuesday textual content he obtained from his tight finish at his final teaching cease in San Francisco, George Kittle, one of many NFL’s finest. It was a video of Kittle laying out a Rams defensive again on a block within the Monday evening victory.
“That’s what we want. That mentality here,” Embree stated. “It’s not about what number of passes did I catch.
“We’re trying to win a Super Bowl. We’re not trying to win the fantasy league title, and we’re not trying to lift one guy up over another person. We’re going to take what the defense gives us, and we’re going to do it within the concept of our scheme.”
Embree additionally pointed to Miami operating extra “21 personnel,” two backs with one tight finish, with fullback Alec Ingold on the staff and getting concerned. The Dolphins have been one of many extra heavy “12 personnel” — or one operating again and two tight ends — groups in earlier seasons.
Injury updates
The Dolphins remained with out quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion), cornerbacks Xavien Howard (groins) and Keion Crossen (glute/shoulder), offensive linemen Terron Armstead (toe) and Robert Jones (again) and tight finish Cethan Carter (concussion).
Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (groin), who was seen at Wednesday apply however listed on the damage report as a non-participant, was seen once more on Thursday and, this time, partaking in drills. His higher proper thigh was wrapped. Outside linebacker Melvin Ingram returned from a veteran relaxation day on Wednesday.
Safety Brandon Jones (chest) was sporting a crimson, non-contact jersey at Thursday’s session after he was additionally restricted on Wednesday. Wide receiver River Cracraft was sporting a compression sleeve on his left leg.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com