Latest news with #Eichenberg
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Tommy Eichenberg answers the call against 49ers
Linebacker is a weak spot on the Las Vegas Raiders' roster, where the defense is looking for players on the depth chart to separate themselves heading into the regular season. In the Raiders' preseason game last Saturday against the San Francisco 49ers, second-year pro Tommy Eichenberg answered the call. Eichenberg led Las Vegas with seven total tackles, and his impact went beyond the traditional box score. According to Pro Football Focus, the Ohio State product was the team's third-highest graded defender (77.6) and was second-best in coverage with a mark of 80.5, surrendering just nine yards when targeted. The latter is significant since that was considered his weakness coming out of college. So, let's flip on the tape and break down the 2024 fifth-round pick's performance. The Raiders run a fire zone here, where the two other linebackers (No. 33 Jamal Adams and No. 42 Matt Jones) blitz, leaving Eichenberg in the middle of the field and as the only underneath defender. Meanwhile, the 49ers run a play-action bootleg with a drag route from the outside receiver at the top of the screen and the weakside tight end working across the formation and into the flat. The offense's play call is designed to put the linebacker in conflict via a levels concept, giving him a threat behind and in front of him. However, Eichenberg does a great job of staying deep in his zone to take away the crossing route from the wide receiver, and then rallying to the tight end in the flat after the ball is thrown. Finally, he takes a good angle and shows off some closing speed to make the open-field tackle and keep this to a one-yard gain. This time, San Francisco comes out in an empty formation, forcing the linebacker to play in space as a slot corner over a wide receiver at the top of the screen. In other words, that gets a run-defending backer like Eichenberg out of his element. The 49ers try to take advantage of this matchup by running a screen to the slot receiver. However, Eichenberg is quick to read it, crashing downhill and getting his hands up to take on the block and pushing the tight end backward, who is lined up at a wide receiver position. Additionally, the outside receiver comes to block him, so the second-year pro ends up occupying and holding his ground against two players. That prevents the pass-catcher from getting up the field and allows Sam Webb (No. 27, the outside cornerback) to make the tackle short of the sticks. PFF didn't give Eichenberg as much love against the run last weekend, posting a slightly above-average 64.1 grade in that department. But he did have a few quality reps that were encouraging for his development. His ability to take on blocks was one area where he struggled as a rookie, often having a hard time getting extension to be able to make tackles. But here, the former Buckeye meets San Francisco's fullback in the B-gap with good leverage and hand placement at the point of attack to generate some knockback power and lock out the fullback. So, when the running back hits the hole, Eichenberg's able to get off the block and get involved in the tackle short of the sticks. Finally, this next play against the run doesn't have Eichenberg taking on a block, but it is a well-timed blitz to defeat the receiver's block. On top of that, the linebacker does a good job of getting flat down the line of scrimmage once he gets into the backfield to make the tackle from the backside of the play for about a one-yard gain. So far, Eichenberg has turned in a pretty good preseason. He's still a long shot to be a Week 1 starter, but he's shown improvement to be a quality backer off the bench and potentially take on a starting role down the line.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
3 Dolphins veterans whose roles will be pushed by rookies in 2025
The post 3 Dolphins veterans whose roles will be pushed by rookies in 2025 appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Miami Dolphins are entering the 2025 NFL season with a renewed sense of urgency after an 8-9 finish in 2024. General Manager Chris Grier and Head Coach Mike McDaniel have made it clear: competition will be fierce, and no veteran's role is safe. With a draft class headlined by physical, NFL-ready prospects and a flurry of offseason moves, several established Dolphins now find themselves in direct competition with rookies eager to make their mark. Here are three veterans whose roles are most at risk as the Dolphins' rookie class arrives. Liam Eichenberg's Versatility will be Tested by Jonah Savaiinaea Liam Eichenberg has been a mainstay on Miami's offensive line since being drafted in the second round in 2021, making 52 starts across every position on the line. However, his tenure has been marked by inconsistency and unmet expectations. The Dolphins' decision to trade up for Arizona guard Jonah Savaiinaea with the 37th overall pick signals a clear shift in philosophy and a challenge to Eichenberg's standing. Advertisement Savaiinaea is already penciled in as a likely starter, bringing a reputation as a hyper-aggressive run blocker with the mentality to 'take someone's job'. His college tape shows a player who finishes blocks and brings a physical edge that Miami's line has sorely lacked. Eichenberg, meanwhile, is now facing a battle just to make the roster, with free agent James Daniels and Savaiinaea expected to anchor the guard spots. While Eichenberg's versatility makes him a valuable backup, his days as an expected starter are over. He'll need to outperform a younger group of linemen, including Braeden Daniels, Chasen Hines, and Andrew Meyer, to avoid being a camp casualty. The message is clear: Eichenberg must prove he belongs, or risk being pushed aside by Savaiinaea and the new wave of linemen. Alexander Mattison's Short-Yardage Role Threatened by Ollie Gordon The Dolphins signed Alexander Mattison from the Raiders this offseason, envisioning him as a third running back and short-yardage specialist. However, Miami's selection of Oklahoma State's Ollie Gordon in the sixth round jeopardizes Mattison's role. Gordon, known for his physical running style and reliable pass blocking, brings fresh legs and upside to a backfield that struggled in power situations last year. Advertisement Mattison's 2024 campaign was underwhelming, 420 rushing yards, four touchdowns, and just 3.2 yards per carry. While he was expected to provide veteran stability, Gordon's college production and skill set make him a direct competitor for those valuable short-yardage snaps. Gordon's ability to contribute on third down as a pass protector could tip the scales in his favor, especially as the Dolphins look to get younger and more dynamic at the position. Mattison finds himself in a crowded and competitive backfield with Jaylen Wright in the mix as a strong pass blocker. If Gordon impresses in camp and preseason, Mattison could find his roster spot in peril or, at best, significantly reduce his role. Cam Smith is Under Pressure from Jason Marshall Jr. Cam Smith, a second-year cornerback, is one of the few Miami defenders who benefited from the team's draft strategy, as the Dolphins waited until the fifth round to select a cornerback, Jason Marshall Jr. from Florida. However, this doesn't mean Smith's role is secure. After playing just 155 snaps in two seasons and facing questions about his commitment, Smith is under pressure to prove he can handle a starting role. Advertisement Marshall Jr. brings size, athleticism, and a competitive edge to the cornerback room. While he may not be a high draft investment, his presence adds another layer of competition for Smith, who must show consistency and reliability to earn the trust of the coaching staff. General Manager Chris Grier has made it clear that Smith is on notice: 'He's got to stay healthy and be on the field. He has shown some flashes, but this is a very big year. He knows what's expected because we can't hold his hand and wait for him anymore'. The Dolphins' secondary is crowded, with veterans like Artie Burns and young players such as Storm Duck and Ethan Bonner also vying for snaps. If Smith falters, Marshall Jr. could quickly climb the depth chart and carve out a significant role by midseason. The Dolphins' approach to the 2025 offseason has created a culture of accountability and competition. Veterans like Liam Eichenberg, Alexander Mattison, and Cam Smith now face direct challenges from a talented rookie class determined to make an immediate impact. For these veterans, training camp and preseason will be make-or-break, adapt and compete, or risk being left behind as Miami reshapes its roster for a playoff push. Related: Jalen Ramsey's expected mandatory minicamp status amid Dolphins' trade talks Related: Rising Miami Dolphins rookie turning heads in 2025 OTAs
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Court battle looms after ethics board rules Bernalillo County treasurer broke conduct code with hire
May 13—Bernalillo County Treasurer Tim Eichenberg violated the code of conduct when he hired former County Clerk Linda Stover the day after her term ended, according to a Tuesday ruling from a county ethics board. However, the Bernalillo County Code of Conduct Review Board left the door open to Eichenberg's argument, contending that he is bound to state law — not county ordinance — when choosing who he hires as deputy county treasurer. The review board said they could not rule on that argument because they lacked the jurisdiction to do so. "The ruling in today's Code of Conduct hearing upholds the integrity of Bernalillo County's Code of Conduct Ordinance," County Commission Chair Eric Olivas said in a statement. "The Code of Conduct is specifically designed to guide our ethical behavior as public servants to maximize the public trust in government and ensure accountability and transparency. Elected officials must wait one year after their term ends to enter into a contract or paid position with the county." The County's Code of Conduct, which is meant to limit the possibility of corruption and promote fairness, calls for a "cooling off" period that prohibits elected officials from holding positions in the government for up to a year after their term. But Eichenberg ignored that rule when he hired Stover on Jan. 1, 2025. Stover was elected clerk in 2016 and served the maximum two terms allowed. She left the office on Dec. 31, 2024, and was hired by Eichenberg the next day with an annual salary of $128,265, according to the county's transparency page. The county manager's office declined an opportunity to comment on the matter. The ruling sends the issue to the county manager's office to review the hiring decision, even as a separate process plays out in district court. Eichenberg told the Journal that he was disappointed that the review board could not consider state law or some of Stover's arguments. "I'm grateful to the board that they recognize that the district court will need to fix this," Eichenberg said. Eichenberg has challenged the county ordinance's authority in 2nd Judicial District Court on two fronts after the County Commission sent the matter to the conduct review board earlier this year. First, he argued that a 3-2 vote in December 2024 to repeal a portion of the code of conduct ordinance should have nullified the ordinance. The reason the "cooling off" period is still on the books is because the County Commission contends that the measure needed a vote of at least 4-1 to repeal. Eichenberg's second argument is that state law supersedes county law. Eichenberg pointed out in his lawsuit that the state constitution permits all elected county officials to hire deputies. Further, he argues that other court rulings have found that county laws, particularly those around merit systems, cannot infringe on this permission. That's a point that the New Mexico Department of Justice agrees with, according to a 2024 opinion issued by Attorney General Raúl Torrez. Eichenberg has asked a district judge to weigh the matter and decide who's right. A hearing in that case has not yet been scheduled. Eichenberg confirmed to the Journal that Stover has remained a part of his team despite the ongoing dispute. The Conduct Review Board's decision is not final until they send a written order to the county manager. A county spokesperson said that should happen by May 28.
USA Today
30-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Dolphins winners and losers from the 2025 NFL Draft
Dolphins winners and losers from the 2025 NFL Draft The Miami Dolphins didn't take huge swings in the 2025 NFL draft. After adding 331-pound defensive tackle Kenneth Grant in Round 1 and 324-pound offensive lineman Jonah Savaiinaea in Round 2, the team didn't pick again until Round 5. Prioritizing the trenches made sense, but several other areas on the roster were ignored altogether with the Dolphins' eight draft selections. Here are the veterans on the Dolphins roster who were affected most by the team's picks: Winners: Storm Duck, Cam Smith Many expected cornerback to be the Dolphins' top priority in the first few rounds. Instead, they waited until Round 5 to address the position and only picked cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. before again filling other areas on the roster with their last few picks. While the Dolphins are likely to add at least one experienced veteran at cornerback, it seems the young cornerbacks already on the roster will have every opportunity to battle for a starting role -- or at the very least, significant snaps. Loser: Liam Eichenberg Earlier in April, Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel told reporters that Eichenberg would need to be the "best version of himself" to stay in the starting lineup. But with Jonah Savaiinaea added to the mix, it'd be a bit of a surprise if Eichenberg even has much of a shot. In all likelihood, he'll be relegated to a role as a versatile backup. Winner: Patrick Paul The Dolphins had every opportunity to look for an offensive tackle to battle Paul for starting duties at left tackle. But the 2024 second-round pick looks unchallenged for the role and Miami didn't even take a tackle to address depth at the position. For better or worse, the Dolphins showed they have a lot of faith in Paul making a sophomore leap. Loser: Jalen Ramsey The clean breakup Ramsey hoped to have with the Dolphins didn't happen on draft weekend. Instead, the seven-time Pro Bowler is still on the roster and there are now fewer suitors to make a deal happen. The Commanders, Cardinals, and Raiders are among the teams that made more sense before they added cornerbacks on Day 2 of the draft. Reconciliation with Miami may be the avenue that makes the most sense for all parties, but that would mean swallowing a lot of pride. The likelier outcome is that the divorce takes at least another month to come together. Winner: Tyreek Hill There's been plenty of speculation about Hill's future in Miami and whether or not the team was fed up with his continued drama. But the draft seemingly confirmed what Dolphins brass has been saying all along: they envision Hill being a part of the team in 2025. In eight picks, the Dolphins didn't pick any receivers and didn't even add a tight end to the mix. While the team found some intriguing pass catchers in undrafted free agency, Miami isn't going to ditch an eight-time Pro Bowler because it's excited about an undrafted rookie.
Miami Herald
31-03-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel explains Eichenberg's re-signing, Daniels deal
Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel provided some much-needed clarity about a few of the offensive line signings. Liam Eichenberg and James Daniels created a huge buzz among Dolphins fans when their respective signings were announced. The reactions, however, were polar opposites as Eichenberg's return generated vitriol while Daniels came with praise. 'I expect feelings from fans,' McDaniel said Monday. 'Losses or failure — if you care, you assess blame somewhere.' As for Eichenberg, the re-signing likely had something to do with his positional versatility — he has experience at tackle, guard and center — yet even McDaniel said the four-year veteran needs to improve. 'He really did some things for the offensive line unit that few players would do in terms of sacrifice, position switch,' McDaniel said. 'Liam Eichenberg is well aware that through the different avenues of the remaining free agency and draft that if Liam Eichenberg is starting next year, he's going to have to be the best player he's ever been.' The Daniels signing, however, was a perfect match 'between player need and team need,' according to McDaniel. 'I feel super fortunate, super fired up to get him because I know by experience is the value of having a free agent with something to prove,' McDaniel said. The disappointment in Eichenberg's re-signing comes after a rather dismal four-year tenure with the Dolphins after the team gave up a second- and third-round pick in 2021 to grab him. In 2024, Eichenberg was part of an offensive line unit that dropped to 21st in the run after a top-six finish the previous season. Eichenberg, specifically, received a Pro Football Focus grade of 53.1, which ranked 106 out of a potential 135 guards. 'We see an opportunity right in front of us to improve,' McDaniel said, explaining that they want 'to create some more competition at a higher level' to bring out the best in each player. 'I think Liam is very comfortable with the fact that he'll really have a chore in that he's going to have to be his very best.' Daniels, on the other hand, is on track to return by training camp after a torn Achilles limited him to just four games in 2024. He did, however, look dominant in that short stint: his 92.9 PFF grade ranked second among all guards. 'It was going to take a real strong reason to sign a free agent that was coming off of injury,' McDaniel said, calling him 'a natural fit' due to his familiarity with the scheme and his 'hunger' due to being a bit overlooked because of the injury. The importance of the trenches to this offense – especially with Tua Tagovailoa at the helm – cannot be understated. With Daniels, however, there's hope that he can be the missing cog to help return the Dolphins to their 2023 offensive glory. Daniels, for one, totally understands this and looks forward to the opportunity. 'Every free agent signing, especially when it's a multiyear deal for a total of double digits, you understand that you're being signed to a team for a reason,' Daniels said, later adding he's 'excited' for the season. 'Financially when they're giving you that much money, you're expected to come in and be a change to the team. I understand the position I'm in, and I understand that the Dolphins believe a lot in me and that the fans are expecting a lot from me.'
