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The more I listen to Adam Gase talk, the more I get a taste of his enthusiasm and passion, the more impressed I become. He just gets “it.” His personality comes across as so genuine, so sincere, that it is easy to gravitate toward him.
You see some first-year head coaches come into the league and they seem so hesitant, so unsure. But Gase is different. He has a confidence about him, a real sense of purpose. Even at just 37 years old, he understands the business he is in and the challenges he is facing. He embraces that, which was evident from the first day he was hired up until Tuesday morning, when he met with the media at the annual owner’s meetings in Boca Raton.
It is no coincidence that Gase’s table at the AFC head coach’s breakfast was filled to the brim with inquiring minds. Everyone wants to know a little bit more about this interesting young man who so many former players swear is one of the most intelligent, likeable coaches they have come across.
Sure, it is early. In so many ways, Gase is still learning the roster. But you can tell by his answers that he has jumped into this job with his body and soul and it is clear that he covets the day he can get these players out on the practice field for the first time. He has worn many hats since arriving in South Florida, but let there be no doubt that the hat he savors most is the one he wears on the practice field, imparting knowledge, building trust and putting together a master game plan to get this franchise back where it belongs.
Some thoughts and insights on Gase’s press conference as well as some other impressions as OTA’s quickly approach.
• I’m beginning to see why Gase’s former players respect him so much. One of the first things Gase told quarterback
• Gase openly endorsed the trade that brought Eagles linebacker
• Gase has a clear vision for this defense. “We’re going to be a 4-3 penetrating attacking style defense,” he says. “Front going to get after it. Press on the outside.” Isn’t that what you wanted to hear?
• While significant roster moves are still in order, Gase clearly likes his skill players and sees such players as
• Something you can’t put a value on: How the current set of players will improve under a new coaching staff. There is a real belief among this staff that they can make a difference, especially with some of the younger players who have yet to take their games to another level. I’m especially interested to see the fruits of their work with returning guards
• “We’re not going to force guys to do things they are not good at,” Gase said. How refreshing is that?
• The Dolphins clearly need more help at running back, but Gase also likes what he has seen in second-year player
• Count owner Steve Ross among those who believe that Tannenhill will make significant progress under Gase. “Ryan is a rare individual who is exceptionally bright,” Ross said Tuesday. “If you look at Adam and his track record working with quarterbacks, you won’t find anybody better.” In light of that, I really believe we will see Tannehill’s true upside this season.
• Really like the fact that the Dolphins brought back quarterback
• And finally, this from Ross: “Off the field, we’re as good as any team in the league. Now we’ve got to see the results on the field.” And, in every way possible, that’s what the 2016 season is really all about.
