Schlesinger brings toughness to Miami

By Danny Dabiri  |   Wednesday, July 04, 2007  |  Comments( 18 )

Miami Dolphins
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Casual football observers have long overlooked the importance of fullbacks because their impact on the game doesn't show in the stat column and is therefore difficult to rate. Among teammates, the fullback is usually considered the unsung hero and toughest contributor to the team.

The Miami Dolphins' free-agent signing of Cory Schlesinger during the offseason immediately added an element of toughness and grit to the team.

Over the last decade Schlesinger, a former sixth-round pick of the Detroit Lions -- whom with he spent the first 12 years of his career -- has proved to be one of the most successful players at his position. He was named as an alternate to the Pro Bowl for three consecutive seasons from 2003-2005.

Schlesinger appeared poised to play his entire career in Detroit, but that was before ex-St. Louis Rams head coach Mike Martz arrived as offensive coordinator for the Lions just over a year ago. The pass-happy Martz does not utilize the fullback position in his offensive schemes.

In stark contrast, Miami head coach Cam Cameron understands the value of a player like Schlesinger. At his previous coaching stop as the San Diego Chargers' offensive coordinator, Cameron was lucky enough to have Lorenzo Neal as the lead blocker for NFL MVP LaDainian Tomlinson. Like Schlesinger, Neal has made a living paving the way for halfbacks. The hope for Miami is that Schlesinger will greatly benefit Ronnie Brown's production, and the latter is arguably the best running back the former will have the opportunity to block for since Barry Sanders.

Schlesinger is widely recognized for his propensity to destroy face masks. Nicknamed "Anvil Head," he has broken over 200 face masks in his career. That measures out to more than one a game. That kind of ferocity and reckless abandon will surely help the Dolphins this season.

Perhaps most importantly, Schlesinger should prove invaluable in helping to develop rookie fullback Reagan Mauia. The sixth-round draft pick comes into Miami already sporting the same head-banging mindset that Schlesinger possesses, but Mauia will certainly benefit from learning some of the technical intricacies alongside the 12-year veteran.

At age 35, Schlesinger, who won a national championship with the Nebraska Cornhuskers in 1994, still brings the pain every week. His selfless approach and hard-nosed mentality should make the Dolphins' rushing attack more fearsome and lay the foundation for the next generation of run blockers.

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CommentsComments: 18  |  Sign Up  View all comments
No.1
Anthony		09:59 AM
07/04/2007
I must admit, I know absolutely nothing about this guy. However, the one thing the Dolphins have always needed (Off., Def, and...
No.2
Bart		10:21 AM
07/04/2007
I have a good feeling about our running game this year and that should open up the passing. The O line looks tougher and with...
No.3
Youngman		10:36 AM
07/04/2007
Finally a solid article. Good observations. Schlesinger is a little talked about but very important piece to the puzzle for the...
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