CAMP SPOTLIGHT: MIKE GESICKI

Mike Gesicki lined up on the right side of the formation, across from New England safety Patrick Chung. It was first and goal at the Patriots’ 5-yard line. There were 29 seconds remaining and Miami trailed, 24-20, at Gillette Stadium in last year’s season finale.

- CHRIS PERKINS

Gesicki, the 2018 second-round pick from Penn State, had a good season. His good fortune eventually carried over into this offseason, a time that’s seen him get engaged and make a video that attracted lots of attention.

But at the time of the aforementioned play, there was still a question whether Gesicki could be a red zone threat.

At the snap Gesicki used his angular, 6-foot-6, 250-pound body to keep Chung on his right hip. It was textbook technique, a concept Gesicki didn’t quite grasp as a rookie. As quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick took the snap and then a quick five-step dropback, Gesicki used a strong jab with his right foot to indicate a move to the outside, another technique he never mastered as a rookie. Chung adjusted his body. After another step or two, Gesicki again planted his right foot to indicate another quick movement to the outside. That was followed by a final, decisive inside move in the end zone. Gesicki set up Chung, and the post pattern, perfectly.

Fitzpatrick fired a strike to Gesicki about 5 yards deep in the end zone and in front of the goal post. Gesicki, with Chung still on his hip, hauled in the pass for the game-winning touchdown.

The Dolphins won, 27-24.

Gesicki, who finished the season with 51 receptions for 570 yards and five touchdowns, was one of the heroes of Miami’s inspiring upset.

Gesicki, who had a rough rookie season with 22 receptions for 202 yards and no touchdowns, downplays the success of the play and his 2019 season. He chooses to look forward.