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Miami Dolphins: What is 'Plan B' at tight end behind Julius Thomas?
Nov 13, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Houston Texans defensive back Eddie Pleasant (35) tackles Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Julius Thomas (80) during the second half of a football game at EverBank Field. The Texans won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
The Miami Dolphins are thin at tight end behind oft-injured Julius Thomas. What are the team's options if he misses significant time again?
The game of football is a violent sport. Injuries are a reality that every team has to face. Some teams are hit more strongly than others, but every team deals with the injury bug. For the 2016 Miami Dolphins, the injury bug hit hard. Key players were lost at vital positions, yet the team persevered and made a playoff run anyway.
One of the key focus points for the Dolphins front office this offseason seems to be adding depth. Miami did their best work on offense when the offensive line was completely healthy. Once center Mike Pouncey went down, the offense took a noticeable dip. To safeguard themselves against a repeat performance, the team has added Ted Larsen through free agency as insurance. They also drafted Isaac Asiata in the 2017 NFL Draft, who should have a shot at starting immediately at one of the two guard positions.
The 2016 team also lost key players at safety (Reshad Jones) and linebacker (Koa Misi). The front office was aggressive in the offseason in their search for depth at these positions. In comes T.J. McDonald, Nate Allen, Lawrence Timmons, and the Dolphins second-round pick, Raekwon McMillan. In one offseason an area of great concern has become a non-issue, if not a possible strength.
However, there is one position that is still lacking in depth, and that's at tight end. The Dolphins traded for Julius Thomas in the offseason to help bolster the passing game. Thomas had two great seasons in Denver with Adam Gase as his offensive coordinator. Miami is hoping Thomas can rekindle that magic after two lackluster seasons in Jacksonville. A big factor in that poor performance was injuries.
This begs the question, what is the plan in Miami if Julius Thomas misses significant time again? Let's take a look at the team's current two best options.
Sep 13, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tennessee Titans tight end Anthony Fasano (80) looks to get past Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Major Wright (31) in the first half at Raymond James Stadium. The Titans defeated the Buccaneers 42-14. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Option 1: Anthony Fasano
In an effort to bring more depth to the position, along with shoring up the offensive line, the Dolphins brought in former Titans tight end Anthony Fasano. Dolphins fans should recognize this name, as Fasano spent five seasons with the team from 2008-12. A young Fasano was a member of the last Dolphins team to make the playoffs prior to last season.
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In the years since his departure from the Dolphins, Fasano has made a name for himself around the league as one of the premier blockers at the position. Fasano was arguably the best blocking tight end in all of football last season. Adding Fasano to the fold will likely mean the Dolphins running a lot of two tight end sets. Fasano will also likely be the tight end on the line in obvious running situations. But what does he bring to the passing game?
Not much. Fasano's best season from a yardage standpoint was in 2010 with the Dolphins. That season Fasano caught 39 passes for 528 yards and two touchdowns. Fasano has never had more than five touchdowns in a season, and never caught more than 41 passes. Fasano was not brought in to handle the bulk of the offensive responsibilities. He's still a capable pass catcher, but you're not getting much from him at this point.
Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Option 2: MarQueis Gray
If Anthony Fasano isn't the answer at tight end from an offensive standpoint, what other options does Miami have? Seldom-used MarQueis Gray. Gray showed some flashes last season in his limited playing time that should give fans reason for optimism.
The journeyman tight end seems to have found a home in Miami as the third-string tight end behind, now, Thomas and Fasano. In 2016, Gray posted career highs in every relevant stat except touchdowns. Gray was active all 16 games last season, posting 14 receptions and 174 yards. He's still looking for his first touchdown of his career.
Those numbers aren't great. They aren't even all that good. But Gray did show the team some potential to develop into a decent receiving option, particularly in the matchup against Pittsburgh. In the game that kick-started the Dolphins run to the playoffs, Gray played his most extensive roll in an offense yet. That game saw Gray haul in three receptions for 81 yards, good for a whopping 27 yards per reception.
Gray would go on to have only one other game with double-digit yards per reception (Week 15 against the Jets). But with added opportunity, Gray could become a pleasant surprise at the position. He wouldn't bring the All-Pro caliber production that a healthy Thomas is capable of, but with the limited options currently at Miami's disposal, he seems to be the one to fit the bill.
