Gase points at ‘best players’ for problems
Coach Adam Gase, in measured, but clearly agitated tones, put the target on his offensive leaders for the Miami Dolphins’ problems Friday. What happens now is anyone’s guess.
“I’m done compromising with anybody,” Gase said. “I’ll do what I think is best, and those that want to come on board, great. Those that don’t, we’ll get rid of them.”
Gase emphasized that the offensive struggles won’t change unless the change starts at the top.
“Until our best players actually put forth some effort,” Gase said of the offense, “it’ll be [expletive].”
Among the significant criticisms Gase leveled was players tune out coaches when they try to make corrections after victories, as if the players think they’re above corrections.
“When we win, what happens is everybody brushes it under the rug and just tells everybody how great they are, and then I’m just an [expletive],” he said.
Gase said that kind of attitude leads to losses such the 40-0 debacle against Baltimore, the 20-6 disaster at the New York Jets, and the 20-0 shutout against New Orleans.
It’s clearly a hot-button issue with the second-year coach.
“When you win and you address them and guys just think, ‘Oh, he just wants to fix something,’ ” Gase said.
“OK, well we’ve been embarrassed three times in three losses, so maybe at some point, what we’re saying might make some sense.”
Friday was the first time Gase mentioned his players’ arrogance.
Gase said coaches need to do a better job “because obviously our players not knowing [what to do] is a direct reflection on them.”
But as he’s done most of the season, he reserved the majority of his criticism for his offense, which averages a NFL-worst 13.1 points per game.
Gase, in the midst of criticizing players for not doing enough homework, said “it starts with our best players.”
Digging deeper might offer a glimpse into Gase’s ire.
Gase, at least for now, has eased up on his criticism the offensive line.
“[The offensive line is] trying to do what they can and they’re fighting,” he said. “There’s times where I wished they would do things better, but at least I’m getting effort.”
The defense, which is 10th overall at 306.3 yards allowed per game, was also largely exonerated. Gase said the rules there are simple.
“Just do your job, keep your responsibility, keep your gap integrity, and things have worked out,” he said.
“Our defensive front does try to maintain their responsibility and at the linebacker and safety level, if we stick with what we’ve been doing, we’ll be alright.”
That basically leaves the quarterbacks, tight ends, running backs and wide receivers.
None of the tight ends are among the team’s “best players.”
Gase has rarely put major blame for the offensive problems on the quarterbacks.
That leaves the running backs and wide receivers, a of few of whom are among the team’s “best players.”
Gase has pointed out that running back Jay Ajayi needs to do a better job with his decision-making, saying he needs to accept 4- and 5-yard gains and not try to get touchdowns on every run.
“It’s on the running back,” Gase said. “Do your job. That’s what you’ve got to do. It’s not hard.”
Gase didn’t specifically mention anything about the wide receivers Friday.
Gase said the issue with players not doing enough homework has been going on for as long as he’s been the head coach.
“Yes, I’ve been addressing this for a while,” he said, “so I’m kind of fed up with it.”
With players off until Tuesday, he had a suggestion for how they spend their free time.
“I hope they get their minds right and try to figure out why they’re here,” he said, adding, “Hopefully it’s to win some football games.”
chperkins@ sunsentinel.com; On Twitter @Chrisperk