Dolphins Tight End Learning Position On The Job
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Miami Dolphins tight end Michael Egnew has gone from the toast of the University of Missouri to the doghouse in his first pro season. Never was that more evident than in this week's episode of "Hard Knocks."
Egnew is trying to make the transition from Missouri's spread formation offense to being a tight end in a three-point stance attached to the line of scrimmage. Egnew has reportedly struggling with blocking and just his performance overall, and coaches have noticed.
"Terrible, terrible," offensive coordinator Mike Sherman said while singling out Egnew's performance in a team meeting. "I would cut you today if I was the general manager. I would cut you."
It's not that Sherman and Egnew aren't familiar with each other. While at Mizzou, Egnew torched Sherman's Texas A&M team in 2010 with 10 catches for 87 yards and in 2011 had 4 catches for 51 yards. In the two games, Egnew averaged 9.4 yards per catch against the Aggies.
But that was then, and in the NFL, the spread offense isn't used like it is at Missouri and other colleges. That's led to Egnew's tough transition into an NFL tight end. It's a problem not uncommon for star tight ends at Missouri.
Former Tiger stand out tight ends Martin Rucker and Chase Coffman were both stars while at Mizzou but flamed out quickly in the NFL. Coffman is trying to stay on the roster with the Atlanta Falcons during training camp.
For his part, Egnew wasn't worried about the criticism.
"I guarantee you, any player here can tell you about the experience," Egnew said. "It's one of those things that happens a lot."
The Dolphins had hoped Egnew, who stands 6'5" and weight 251 pounds, would turn into a seam route and red zone threat in the mold of Jermichael Finley in Green Bay. Based on reports from beat reporters in camp, the transition may take a long time for the developing tight end.
