Joe Philbin emphasizes importance of chunk yardage on offense

Written by Matthew Cannata | Twitter: @PhinManiacs
You will often hear a coach talk about chunk yardage but not everyone knows what it means. Basically, it’s when a play is made for a lot of yards at one time – perhaps 15 yards or more on a single run or pass. These types of plays are important throughout the course of the game as it keeps the defense on its toes and keeps them guessing as to what might be coming. Against the Raiders on Sunday, the Dolphins’ offense had plenty of chunk yardage plays.

“I haven't really reflected on that and compared it to other games, but we did have a good rhythm going, and sometimes the tempo, even though it wasn't necessarily a no‑huddle tempo, you felt like we had a good tempo going.  We were moving, getting set, making plays.  We talked to the guys before the game about having some fun and making some plays.  This game is not that complicated.  Let's not overcomplicate things.  Let's go out as a team, play hard, have some fun and make plays, and it was fun to see us do that.”

Part of the reason for this was because offensive coordinator Bill Lazor did a lot of different things – letting Ryan Tannehill run with the ball, getting more guys involved in the offense and more. Philbin recognized this but also credited the players for making it happen.

“I think the staff put together a very good plan, and I think the players executed the plan.  We sat in there I remember yesterday in the offensive unit meeting and we watched a bunch of plays, and we felt we would have an opportunity to execute.  We did.  I thought Bill did a nice job.  The players executed well, and the assistant coaches also taught it to the players, and it worked well.”

Let’s hope the Dolphins continue to play to Tannehill’s strengths on offense and allow him to shine like they did in London. If they do, they can continue to have an impressive offense as they did against the Raiders.

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