Dolphins' Gase to use short-pass offense to avoid QB hits

Miami Dolphins first-year head coach Adam Gase has a reputation for passing the ball, but that doesn't mean he plans to only go for deep passes.

The Dolphins have been using a high number of screen passes, dump-offs, and short-to-intermediate pass routes through training camp. While some coaches are weary of becoming a dink-and-dunk offense, Gase doesn't see an issue with the quick-pass strategy.

"I’m fine with it. I’m the one scripting the plays, calling the plays," Gase told Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald when asked about the limited number of vertical passes thrown. "I’ve had a little success with what we do. There’s a time and a place. There’s also a time and a place not to get sacked 60 times in a year, too."

Gase believes keeping his quarterback upright and contact-free by calling shorter passes will be a more productive strategy than attempting deep passes and conceding the opportunity to give up quarterback hits.

"The whole league is 10 yards and under. That’s what it is," said Gase. "Nobody is going down the field. There’s one team that does it really, maybe two. Pittsburgh and Arizona. Hold onto the ball and they chuck it down the field.

"More teams than not, it’s 10 yards and under. That’s where all the passing game is. The D-ends are too good. If you want to stand back there and have your quarterbacks get your brains beat out, go at it."

Gase has had success in the past with this strategy when he was the Denver Broncos' offensive coordinator in 2013 and 2014. The team finished both seasons with the least sacks given up in the NFL, though that may have had more to do with Peyton Manning being under center than Gase's coaching.