Miami Dolphins special teams coordinator Chris Tabor said the unit must improve its play and coaching before Sunday while the team evaluates a replacement for unavailable punt-coverage gunner Kyle Louis.
Tabor spoke with reporters Sept. 17 and said the coverage unit is still a work in progress. The Miami Dolphins are preparing to face a team with strong returners, including Deebo Samuel, whom Tabor described as an electric punt returner.
“We’ve got to play better, got to coach better, and that starts with me,” Tabor said. “We’re not in the excuse business, we’re in the production business and we got to get better.”
Miami Dolphins evaluate replacement for Kyle Louis
Louis had been one of the starting gunners on the Miami Dolphins’ punt coverage units, but Tabor said he is unavailable. The team is working through its options and will determine who takes over the assignment.
Tabor said the replacement process is focused on finding the next player and determining what production that player can provide. He also said coverage involves more than simply staying in a lane, calling that phrase a general description of a more detailed process.
“I like the guys that I have, and I know it wasn’t up to what we want it to be, but I believe in them and I believe they’ll get better,” Tabor said.
Jaylen Wright continues working on special teams skills
Jaylen Wright received praise from Tabor after a big return, and the coordinator said the running back continues working after practice on catching and related skills. Tabor said Wright has been productive from the preseason through the game and hopes the performance helps him continue building momentum.
“I’ve always felt since I’ve been here that he’s a guy that this play is for him. He’s a big, strong running back with vision. He can break tackles. He has good speed,” Tabor said.
Tabor also clarified that the missed field goal was not partially blocked. He said the kick was simply missed.
Assignment, alignment and technique remain priorities
Tabor identified assignment, alignment and technique as the three fundamentals young or inexperienced special teams players must master. He said players can return to those points when noise, a different environment or the pressure of a first game makes execution more difficult.
“There’s three things: assignment, alignment and technique. I want to be a master of those,” Tabor said. He also said every player must understand his responsibility, regardless of his place on the game-day roster.
“Regardless what your role is, whether you’re the starting quarterback or you’re the 48th guy up on game day, be a star in your role,” Tabor said.
Miami Dolphins prepare for emergency special teams situations
Tabor said the Miami Dolphins practice emergency snapping after practice in case a backup snapper is needed. He said Cal Adomitis has played in the league and does a nice job, while directing broader personnel questions to Coach Hafley.
Tabor also praised the stadium in Santa Clara and said it would be fun for the players to compete there. He highlighted a Washington Commander gunner who defeated a double team, made the hit and completed the tackle as an example of the physical effort he wants from special teams players.
“That was definitely one of the top plays I’ve seen,” Tabor said.
FSB Take
The Miami Dolphins’ immediate special teams focus is improving coverage while replacing Kyle Louis and preparing for a dangerous return threat in Deebo Samuel. Tabor’s message centered on accountability, production and the fundamentals of assignment, alignment and technique. Those are the areas he identified as the team works to improve before Sunday.
Source: Original report