“What you’re going to see out there this year is a team that’s smart, a team that’s disciplined, a team that is fundamentally sound and a team that’s violent, tough and aggressive. That kind of who I am and I want our team to reflect that.”
Brian Flores spoke yesterday at the Dolphins coaches clinic and this quote, although we’ve heard it — or something similar — before, was a strong proclamation of who this football team is going to be in 2019 and beyond. The moment the team achieves this state, Flores has cleared a major hurdle in his effort to reshape the team.
Why? The Dolphins were a middle of the pack team in penalties in 2018, 21st in the NFL in penalties against with 108. That’s not a bad place to be, but consider this team’s recent track record.
Adam Gase’s Dolphins were the second most penalized team in the NFL in 2017 (137 penalties). 2016? The second most penalized team in the NFL (131). 2015? The NFL’s 4th most penalized team (134). By and large, this team made life more difficult for themselves, a sin that can’t be consistent when you lack the talent of the teams you’re trying to compete with.
The focus for Brian Flores in 2019 is simple — develop your players and get them out of their own way, something not easily accomplished considering the team’s recent history.
