Durham Smythe and Mike Gesicki aren't talking (this week, anyway)
MIAMI GARDENS — Dolphins tight end Durham Smythe was targeted seven times in Sunday's win at the Chargers.
Smythe's good friend, Mike Gesicki, was targeted three times in his first game with the Patriots.
Does Smythe, once drafted by Miami as a blocking complement to Gesicki, have a shot to grab more catches or more touchdowns than the New Englander this year?
"Up in the air," Smythe said with a grin in the Dolphins locker room this week.
Smythe and Gesicki vacationed together in the off-season and remain in close contact.
"This week, ever since really the day after the game last week, it’s been kind of radio silence," Smythe said. "And I was just telling these guys, it’s another faceless opponent. That’s all it is."
Smythe has emerged as a complete tight end in his fifth and sixth NFL seasons.
Miami let Gesicki walk in free agency because he doesn't fit in Mike McDaniel's scheme, which requires solid blocking from tight ends.
Smythe had three catches for 44 yards on Sunday, including a clutch fourth-down conversion.
"Obviously, when you have receivers like we do on the edges, they’ll draw a lot of attention," Smythe said. "So that gives opportunities for guys on the inside."
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Smythe, 28, has improved his receiving skills every season.
"If you guys watched how he practices, you wouldn't be surprised on Sunday," Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith said. "It's about the work you put in. He's what you're looking for in the mindset and make-up."
Smith said Smythe is detail-oriented, available and understands the game.
"He knows the intent of the concept," Smith said. "And he understands the timing in which he needs to be there. And he recognizes the defense very well. You have guys with skill sets that can block. And so he's the blocker? Well, he can catch, too. So I think ultimately, you know, when you say he's this or he's that you create an absolute."
Dolphins coaches do not believe in absolutes.
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The Dolphins rely on Smythe as a key component to the running game. It turns out he is an above average blocker and receiver.
In 10 previous meetings with the Patriots, Smythe has totaled only 17 targets, 12 catches and 0 touchdowns.
But Gesicki, a strong receiver, was on Miami's roster then.
"We’ll talk after the game," Smythe said with a smile.
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Joe Schad is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on social media platforms @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Dolphins tight end Durham Smythe and Patriots tight end Mike Gesicki are best buds
