Gordan Better Than You May Think!

No one on this roster will replace the talent, speed, and threat of De’Von Achane. Bottom line. But I’m here to tell you that after watching the film of Ollie Gordon, the Miami Dolphins rushing attack is far from dead. In fact, when you study his play in Week 3, there should be a ton of excitement about what he brings to the table.

Now, it’s easy to fixate on the 17 carries for 41 yards with a 2.4 YPC and a couple of runs where he could have been better.

This doesn’t tell the real story, and that’s why digging into the film is critical.

Ollie Heading North & South is a Winner

Every running back has a skill set. At 6’2″, 225 lbs., Ollie Gordon isn’t cutting on a dime or jump cutting with ease. But when he has enough of a hole without needing to bend the aiming point beyond 30 degrees, he can do damage. This, though, demands that the offensive line create some level of blocking.

This isn’t to say he is stiff as a board. There was a ton of nimbleness for a big man to change course, as in the third play, and navigate through the traffic that flashes at a high level for such a big guy. He is able to drop his weight with enough space and is nimble enough not to go down when his legs get hit in the film. Add in the number of yards after contact he continually brings, and it’s easy to see what he brings to an offense in a north-and-south attack.

While he is best used running inside, Ollie possesses enough speed to threaten the edge at some level. But he isn’t Achane, who can bounce it outside and threaten the edge, forcing the defense to fear the big play. As you can see below, when the blocking stalls at the line of scrimmage, he doesn’t possess the speed or lateral cutting ability to jump cut. But given the level of blocking on these plays, nothing short of Barry Sanders could have made something out of this nothing.

A good portion of his low YPC came from poor blocking, especially on the right side. Backs like Ollie are in much higher need of YBC than a shorter, shiftier runner. He did find production on the right side and to the outside, but it was feast or famine all day. I think Slowik could have helped his cause more.

The reality is you don’t get elite size, speed, and agility at this height much. The Eric Dickersons of the world are ultra-rare.

Ollie also brings extra tools that enhance his potential and ability to uplift this offense. He showed a very good ability to catch, which is massive for any back. But he can block, too. Here he run blocks, neutralizing the defender. If Washington had read it right or bounced outside, he could have turned it into a positive gain. Ollie can pass block, too, and is the best of the running back group, although Jarquez Hunter might be…

Now, this play was a fixation for some, and it’s understandable why. This was his worst play on the day, which is a shame because it could have been a good gain. Ollie got too cute; he should have simply hit the hole and created space to get to the second level with a stiff arm. This was a chunk play left on the table. But beyond the poor choice of tactics, I might add a tiny caveat: Ollie went in for an IV after cramping, and this is the most touches he’s seen in a long time. The left leg looks like it went out from under him. Was it a lack of agility, dehydration creeping back, or a combination of both? However you slice it, Ollie had his chance to put a big positive stamp on his day, and it didn’t happen.

In my evaluation, Ollie Gordon can be a strong positive for this Dolphins offense if the setup around him accentuates his tools, he can handle the load, and he holds onto the rock.

Ollie will wear a defense down if given the reps and is a piece of the pie instead of the whole thing. I think he works well with Wright and hopefully Hunter. This won’t replace Achane or his impact, but it can create something he couldn’t: prolonged physicality.

Don’t mistake what I’m saying: I’d take Achane back, but a punishing rushing attack is the next best thing.

That is, if Slowik can call the game to match their strengths.

We’ll see.

Go Phins!!!