Give new Dolphins coach Adam Gase credit for trying to lay a foundation in Miami. Instead of running a traditional rookie mini camp this week, he’s thinking outside the box and training his rookies on how to be Miami Dolphins. Gase recognizes how important it is for him to develop a winning culture in Miami. Installing plays is important but it’s more important the rookies learn how to be pros before they step on the field.  From dealing with the media to managing their money, Gase’s rookie mini camp is designed to show these young men the ropes as they enter the league. 

Of course the naysayers will say that Gase is trying too hard to be different and that his “outside the box” thinking will ultimately hurt the Dolphins rookies because they are not practicing fundamentals and schemes. I disagree. I think what Gase is doing is great. The Dolphins culture sucks! They haven’t won anything since 2008. I commend Gase for being willing to to try something different and put his stamp on the organization. 

Gase is a terrific offensive coach and a proven quarterback coach. There is no doubt in my mind that from a coaching standpoint, the Dolphins will be better moving forward. In order to compete with the Patriots in the AFC East however, you need to develop a winning culture and a belief that you can win football games. That’s what Gase is trying to do. He’s trying to instill a winning attitude in his players.

I don’t know if this mini camp format will work or not but the Dolphins have been so bad for so long that it’s worth a shot. If Gase can reach his rookies and they buy in, he’ll have a core group of players that believe in him and what he’s trying to do.  If they don’t buy in, then it doesn’t matter what he does because the players don’t want to win and he’ll be out of a job.

I know fans and media alike are skeptical when new coaches come into a situation and implement a new philosophy. It’s a tough sell for all involved. However, before Dolphins label Gase the next Chip Kelly because he’s doing things differently, give him a chance. For all you know, his way might work out and if it does, you have a winner Miami.