Reasons why the Dolphins named Mauia starting FB

By Hugo Guzman  |   Monday, September 03, 2007  |  Comments( 14 )

Miami Dolphins
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The Miami Dolphins' decision to cut wide receiver Az Hakim is one thing, but giving fullback Cory Schlesinger his walking papers is quite another.

Never mind the fact that Schlesinger is a 13-year veteran who was a Pro Bowl alternate between 2003-05. Never mind the thought that Schlesinger could have served as a mentor for rookie bruiser Reagan Mauia. Never mind that Mauia is still wearing a cast on his left arm after breaking a bone in his wrist on Aug. 20.

The fact of the matter is that Mauia has yet to play a single down of meaningful down in the NFL, but he will now be called upon to provide running lanes for Ronnie Brown & Co., handle short-yardage situations, and catch passes in the flats.

Oh, and one more thing: Mauia will, at times, be used as a last line of defense for protecting quarterback Trent Green.

Clearly, coach Cam Cameron feels rather strongly about the sixth-round draft pick out of Hawaii. Cameron knows a thing or two about effective fullbacks, having coached perennial Pro Bowler Lorenzo Neal in San Diego, so it's hard to second-guess him on this call.

Here are a few additional reasons to think twice before criticizing the release of Schlesinger:

1) Though Mauia is recovering from injury, he has already been cleared to play with a soft cast in Week 1 against the Washington Redskins. As far as bone breaks go, the one that Mauia suffered is little more than bump and a bruise.

2) While it can be argued that Mauia is still learning the nuances of NFL run blocking and pass protection, the truth of the matter is that Schlesinger had actually struggled at times during the preseason. It's better to have Mauia falter but learn on the job than have a veteran make similar mistakes while a talented rookie sits on the sidelines.

3) It had become quite evident that Mauia was a much more effective offensive weapon than his older counterpart. The 35-year-old Schlesinger has lost a step over the years and has never really had the nimble feet and soft hands that Mauia has showcased during the preseason.

4) The Dolphins are not exactly Super Bowl contenders, so there's really no sense in keeping capable rookies out of action. Other than second-round quarterback John Beck, who could benefit from a year or two of apprenticeship, the rest of 2007 draft class should play as soon as possible.

There are probably many other subtle reasons why Schlesinger is out and Mauia is in at fullback, but the message that Cameron has sent is stunningly clear, especially to veterans like Chris Chambers, Marty Booker, L.J. Shelton, and maybe even Green.

The offense is going to get young in a hurry, and there will be no concessions made to underperforming veterans.

Original Miami Dolphins insight, courtesy of RealFootball365.com
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About Hugo Guzman

Trying to bring an objective approach to NFL analysis.
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