Eric Smith
olcoachsmith63.bsky.social
Eric Smith
@olcoachsmith63.bsky.social
Offensive Line Coach.

@5ReasonsSports contributor, Co-Host - The Scouting Combine

https://youtube.com/@olcoachsmith63?si=enWEj-hZuAT1gtdw
I know we don't want to talk special teams - but Cam Goode was a nice addition to the STs in his return.

These may seem insignificant- but if you get a couple guys to play like this - it's what generates the splash returns as coverage guys are no longer getting to their lanes.
December 27, 2024 at 1:34 PM
1st drive for Bengals vs Browns.

Pin & Pull and then later Crack-Toss, both for chunk gains.

These are both concepts that Miami has run (with minimal success) earlier in the year - but might be worth revisiting for next week based on how the Browns played them here.
December 22, 2024 at 6:27 PM
Outside Zone right. Jaguars walk the safety up to adjust run fits.

Frontside run D is solid- But boot action from Stroud puts the edge defender in conflict. He takes 1 step towards the boot and that's all thats needed to get Mixon into the secondary for a 30 yd gain.
December 12, 2024 at 11:27 AM
Malik return more impressive when you consider 3 players circled didn't block anyone.

Design has the other deep man trying to get to the widest gunner- he can't get there & Malik makes him miss. Malik's cut allows Durham to get back in it.

Duke could have been called for hold.
December 11, 2024 at 2:16 PM
2nd Jonnu screen.

Check out Brewer's block 🔥. This is high level IQ and discipline. Reddick sees it and has a chance at the play.

If Brewer puts hands on him, potential for block in the back.

Hip check is just as effective and eliminates that possibility.
December 9, 2024 at 4:00 PM
Short yardage issues?

Don't run dumb stuff like this. It's Duo. The numbers don't work. 6 PS defenders and 5 blockers.

Someone is coming unblocked.

But the line can't win in short yardage 🙄
December 9, 2024 at 3:58 PM
Why run the ball? Even on a day when it wasn't super productive - you get this.

As soon as the CB widens out with motion, it's a simple 1st read on the OLB.

The instant he steps forward it's an automatic throw to space to Achane (who makes a nice adjustment)
December 9, 2024 at 3:57 PM
Nice use of reverse action here.

Everything says outside zone to the right. Even the toss is on path to Wright as if he's running OZ.

But Tyreek goes between and 'intercepts' it on what is essentially a naked reverse.

Unlike GB, early run game forces DE to crash.
December 9, 2024 at 3:55 PM
Run defense is about gap integrity.

Here, you can see that SF has all of the gaps covered. The motion & bump by Warner (and no bump from 59) puts Warner trying to cover 2 gaps.

Once he commits, the RB makes an easy cut to make him wrong.

Communication is key Thursday.
November 26, 2024 at 5:04 PM
W11 Pats

Last week I pointed out that Miami started running some OZ to a 2 TE set.

This week, it evolves to a double TE split zone action - something i don't recall seeing on this offense so far.

Always fun to see the new wrinkles added every week for teams to prepare.
November 25, 2024 at 11:51 AM
W11 Pats

I feel like we've been seeing more true RPO as we get further into 2024 Tua.

Heres an example where the motion to screen should have worked based on numbers and Jonnu misses.

But if you look at the run option with the light box numbers, that's a win too.
November 25, 2024 at 10:53 AM
I'm intrigued, as a guard.

College OTs seem to be favored by the front office for this scheme - so Mbow may be one to keep an eye on.

@grindingthetape.bsky.social ranking (#73) is right around where I would have him as well.
November 22, 2024 at 7:53 PM
November 20, 2024 at 3:16 PM
Food for thought:

If Achane cuts earlier and avoids arm tackle attempt, gets 1v1 with the corner and takes this 97 yards to the house...

... how many still say the run game or offensive line struggled?

One play really can change perception.

Video here. Error on this app:

x.com/OLCoachSmith...
November 19, 2024 at 9:13 PM
Something is off with Miami's crack-toss execution this year.

On this rep - Waddle is the crack. Crosby slides way inside creating awkward angles. Washington bumps into Waddle.

Waddle can't get Crosby. Washington can't get Jones. Lamm can't get 30.
November 19, 2024 at 12:51 PM
I don't know why my phone won't let me slow down this clip.

But - keep an eye on the left hand of #69 (white glove) as he grabs Brewer's right shoulder preventing him from reacting to the stunt. On the Tua fumble.
November 19, 2024 at 11:31 AM
Three Palms Cuban Cafe:

My go-to breakfast when in the Ft Lauderdale/Miami area.
November 18, 2024 at 1:08 PM
November 17, 2024 at 4:17 PM
Dolphins vs Raiders preview 👇

Rams ran OZ vs Raiders 7 times (Miami's most used run concept).

Here are all 7. Predictably they ran away from Crosby lined up over RT.

They key, to me, will be controlling #69, Adam Butler. I have him highlighted in this cutup.
November 15, 2024 at 4:05 PM
OZ Right. Watch 2x

1 - RG, straining to get head across 4i. When he cant, watch the left arm extension to wash him out.

2 - LT, doesn't even block his 4i, but his effort to get in position eliminates the direct pursuit angle and takes DT 3 yd downfield so he can't get cutback.
November 15, 2024 at 11:45 AM
Screens are typically a numbers game. The blue lines here represent the matchups based on numbers. Ingold has #2, Jackson #3.

The yellow arrow shows a post snap swap by the defense of those numbered defenders.

Ingold adjusts to the new #2, Jackson does not.
November 15, 2024 at 2:11 AM
I was asked my opinion on protection for this play. I believe Miami was in a 4 man slide left where OL is accountable for the 4 DL (circled).

So I believe that Lamm originally set to the LB inside in error - then both Mostert & Lamm try to adjust.

Regardless, great play by Tua
November 14, 2024 at 6:14 PM