Tick, Tick, Tick: Time running out for QB Matt Moore

VERO BEACH-- The clock is quickly approaching midnight on this 2011 Miami Dolphins season.  When it hits all zero's on Sunday against the New York Jets, owner Stephen Ross will immediately jump into the most important off-season in this franchise's storied history, one that will impact South Beach for years to come. 

Before turning the page on this year's team, however, Ross still has some unfinished business to attend to Sunday at Sun Life Stadium, where he'll have a special eye on a certain man under center.

Yes Matt Moore, I'm talking to you.  You're under the microscope starting Sunday afternoon in what will be your most important start not only of this season, but of your career.

The fact that we're even having this discussion says a lot about the Miami Dolphins QB, but still, that may not be enough.

Take Saturday's heart breaker against the New England Patriots for example.  Moore looked like the answer for the first 30 minutes, entering halftime with a QB rating well into the triple digits and torching the Patriots secondary for nearly 200 yards and two touchdowns.

Then he came back down to earth.

Up until a 15 yard 'too little too late' TD pass to Davone Bess in the 4th quarter, Moore fumbled twice and threw a back breaking interception in a disastrous 3rd quarter meltdown that led to 17 unanswered points by Brady and company, and an eventual 27-24 Patriots victory.

Moore was simply not good enough on Sunday.  He finished with three touchdowns and nearly 300 yards passing, but for the tenth time this season the Miami Dolphins found themselves on the losing end of a football game, and with the season down to one game, Matt Moore is quickly running out of time to prove he's the answer at QB.

In Sunday's season finale, Moore not only has to lead the Dolphins to a win, but has to do it in such a fashion that convinces owner Stephen Ross and GM Jeff Ireland that he's the long term answer in Miami.

Anything less than brilliant won't do.

If Moore comes up short like he did against the Patriots, then he's out of there.  If he has another mid-game meltdown like he did in that horrendous third quarter on Saturday, then he's out of there.  Even If Moore throws for five touchdowns and over 400 yards, but throws that one backbreaking, should-of-been touchdown, interception like he did last week, then he's out of there.

Stephen Ross wants perfection out of the QB position, and if Moore doesn't show that on Sunday, for the ENTIRE game, not just for 30 minutes, then he'll be taking the backseat next season to somebody who Ross believes can.  And why shouldn't he?

Didn't we just go through three years of consistently inconsistent play from Chad Henne?  That's exactly what Matt Moore has been this season folks, a more exciting, less robotic form of good ol' number seven.  He's been brilliant at times, and then he's been terrible at times.  He'll throw a perfect 18 yard touchdown strike to a tightly covered Brandon Marshall, then under throw a wide open Brian Hartline in the end zone.  Sounds an awful lot like Chad Henne, doesn't it?

Is that really what we want next season?  A more polished form of Chad Henne?

I can promise you Stephen Ross doesn't.

 Starting next season, anything less than 60 minutes of perfection will be deemed a failure in the eyes of the Dolphins owner.  Gone will be the days of third quarter meltdowns and under thrown touchdown passes.  Starting next season there will be a new head coach on the Dolphins sidelines, one ready to bring a Super Bowl back to South Florida.

The question is, will Matt Moore be along for the ride?

He's got 60 minutes left to prove that he will be.

Tick, Tick, Tick..

Gameday! Dolphins @ Patriots: Who has the Edge?

When the Dolphins run the Ball: Reggie Bush is coming off a 203 yard performance last week in Buffalo, and is just 27 yards away from his first ever 1,000 yard season.  Quite a jump the "fragile" man out of USC has made this season, huh?  I expect him to easily surpass 27 yards in this game, and he's going to have to be a key factor if the Dolphins want to upset the Patsies.  Brian Daboll has got to keep Reggie Bush invoved at all times, and don't be afraid to throw him out in the slot where he can be just as dangerous.  EDGE--Dolphins

When the Dolphins pass the ball: The Patriots are second to last in defending the pass this year, giving up nearly 300 yards a game through the air.  Matt Moore can seriously make a statement for starting next year with a big game today, and I expect him to do so as long as he gets everybody involved, especially Davone Bess, who's coming off his first career game without a catch.  Protect the football and spread the ball around Matt Moore.  If you do that you should have a career day.  EDGE--Dolphins

When the Patriots run the ball: You do not run the ball on this Dolphin defense.  You just don't.  They are third in the league at stopping the run and that can only get better this week as BenJarvus Green-Ellis doesn't pose to much of a threat.  Be wary of him in the redzone however, as he has nine touchdowns this season, showing a nose for the endzone.  EDGE--Dolphins

When the Patriots pass the ball: Does anybody ever get the advantage in this category when they're facing Tom Brady?  Doubt it.  Brady's having another superb season, and torched this Dolphins secondary in week one for over 500 yards in what Mike Nolan called earlier this week his "worst game ever."  That secondary, however, has tightended up considerably in the second half of the season and is coming off a three interception day against Ryan Fitzpatrick.  This is Tom Brady though, and like I said, does anybody ever get the advantage over him?  Oh, and for the love of God, cover Rob Gronkowski. Apparently that's a lot easier said than done.  EDGE--Patriots

P-R-E-D-I-C-T-I-O-N

While the Dolphins have nothing to play for, something tells me they want this one.. badly.  Matt Moore could have a signature day if he leads Miami to a win in the house that Brady built, and i've got a gut feeling that tells me he will.  This Dolphin defense is a completely different unit than it was in week one, and on that same note, so is the offense.  Maybe it's the Christmas spirit in the air, but give me the Dolphins in a really, really tight one- 27-24.

Again, I will not be doing the live blog today, so until tonight I wish everybody a very Merry Christmas Eve, and of course, Go Dolphins!

UPDATE: Anthony Fasano will NOT play today after suffering a mild concussion in practice earlier this week.  Expect Charles Clay to get a majority of the snaps.

A Merry Helping of Week 16 Picks!

Welcome to our week 16 edition of picks here at the Dolphinsider, and before we begin let me be the first to extend the happiest of holiday's to all of our readers, and of course, a Merry Christmas!

Now to the important stuff.

Cleveland @ Baltimore: Seneca Wallace didn't look to bad last week in Arizona, and it makes you wonder is he should stay behind center, doesn't it?  Just saying.  However, Ray Rice should put up big numbers against the league's 30th ranked defense, and on that and that alone I'll take the Ravens in what should be a relatively easy win.

Minnesota @ Washington: The way the NFC East is panning out this season the Redskins really aren't that far off from being a contender. Rex Grossman is good for two picks a game though, and with Jared Allen coming from his blind side on every play that number could rise.  Christian Ponder has cooled off considerably, but with Adrian Peterson in the backfield anything can happen.  Give me the Vikings in a mini upset in a game decided by less than a touchdown.

Jacksonville @ Tennessee: Wow, Jacksonville is beyond bad.  At this point, you have to start feeling bad for Maurice Jones Drew, don't you?  He's stuck on a team that has no offensive line, no Quarterback, and no receivers.  To be honest, I have trouble naming anybody else on that entire team besides Jones Drew.  On the other hand, Matt Hasselback will start for Tennessee, and with the Titans still fighting for January football I'll take them in an easy, easy win.

St. Louis @ Pittsburgh: Even with Big Ben out for this game, I'd still take Charlie Batch over... Well, who is the Rams QB now?  Sam Bradford and AJ Feeley are out for this game, and I couldn't even begin to tell you who the Rams third string QB is.  At this point they're better off losing out in hopes to snag Andrew Luck with the first overall pick.  I'll take the Steelers in a laugher.

NY Giants @ NY Jets: This is easily the game of the week in the NFL.  The winner stays alive in the playoff hunt, while the loser takes the backseat in that very same hunt.  A loss for Mark Sanchez could put his starting spot in jeopardy for next season, however, a loss for Tom Coughlin could do that very same thing. Eli Manning has brought his game to the next level this season, and the QB play in this game will be critical.  In that regards, I'll give the edge to the Giants in a season saving win.  But it's very, very close.

Denver @ Buffalo: A win for Tim Tebow and company will clinch a playoff spot for the Broncos.  No, seriously.  Believe it or not, like it or not, the Denver Broncos are 60 winning minutes away, well really only 15 winning minutes away, from playing football beyond January 1st.  Going in the complete opposite direction is Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Buffalo Bills, who have lost seven in a row after a 5-2 start.  However, in my upset of the week, I'll take the Bills at home in December more times than not, and I like them this week to knock off the comeback kid himself.

Tampa Bay @ Carolina: If Raheem Morris is still on the Tampa sidelines next season I'll be stunned.  However, I would not be so stunned if Josh Freeman found himself on the sidelines if he doesn't start to turn this thing around in what has been a beyond disastrous third season for Freeman and the Bucs.  Cam Newton, on the other hand, is really something quite special.  While he doesn't have many wins to show for it, the kid is electrifying from every aspect of the game.  Give me Newton over Freeman, and the Panthers over the Buccaneers.

Arizona @ Cincinnati: Surprisingly, this is one of the more compelling matchup's in week 16.  The Cardinals are surging as of late, going 6-1 in their last seven games and still hanging around in the NFC playoff picture.  John Skelton has settled down in that offense and may be keeping Kevin Kolb on the sidelines for the foreseeable future if he continues his strong play.  However, Andy Dalton and the Bengals have to much to lose, and with this game being in their stadium, I'll give a slight, slight edge to the orange and black.

Oakland @ Kansas City: Romeo Crennel couldn't have scripted a much better start to his coaching era in Kansas City last week, knocking off the unbeaten Packers in dominating fashion.  Kyle Orton looked superb and had the Chiefs offense moving for the first time in weeks.  The Raiders on the other hand have been reeling, losing three in a row and taking the backseat in the AFC playoff picture.  Give me the Chiefs at home who, with a Bronco loss, could be setting themselves up for a winner takes all game next week in Denver.

San Diego @ Detroit: Well, they're at it once again.  Norv Turner's Chargers convinced everybody they were dead three weeks ago, but Phillip Rivers has the offense rolling once again, and the Bolts' are making another last gasp playoff push.  The Lions have won two in a row and seem to be back on track after a mid-season mini collapse, but Matt Stafford can't do it all, and that run defense has been brutally bad this season.  Luckily for them though, the Chargers are a passing offense, and while it'll be a shootout, I like the Lions to end San Diego's late season run, and subsequently Norv Turners run as head coach.

San Francisco @ Seattle: This one is tough.  Both teams are playing exceptionally good football right now. With the Niners' coming off an emotional win on Monday Night, and the Hawks' looking impressive in a win against Chicago, I could see either team winning.  The game being in Seattle makes it enticing to pick the Seahawks, but that 49er's defense is damn near impossible to move the ball on, and in that regards, I'll give the edge to the team from the Bay area.  But it's close.

Philadelphia @ Dallas: Weren't we just talking about how much of a failure this year's Eagles were?  All of a sudden they're knocking at the door in the NFC East, and with some help could be hosting a playoff game in two weeks.  No, seriously they could.  However, Tony Romo will put all those thoughts to rest this week, as I like the Cowboys size to overmatch the Eagles speed.  Gimme the Boys in a good one.

Chicago @ Green Bay: I'm interested to see how the Pack respond to a loss for the first time this season.  I'm not all that worried though, especially with Aaron Rodgers at the helm.  I expect Rodgers and crew to put up huge numbers this week against a depleted Bears team who've lost all four games since Jay Cutler's season ending injury.  The Packers are always scary, but now coming off a loss?  Gulp.  Good luck Josh McCown.  Good luck.

Atlanta @ New Orleans: While winning the division looks bleak for the Falcons, they are still in the drivers seat for a wild card spot in the NFC.  Mike Smith has had extra time to game plan for Drew Brees and that explosive Saints offense, and Matt Ryan seems to be hitting his stride at the perfect time.  However, this game being in New Orleans raises several red flags for me.  Drew Brees is undefeated at home this season, and Matt Ryan has a knack for losing on the road.  In that respect, I'll give this one to the Saints as they finish off a season sweep of Atlanta.


Check back in later this morning for the full rundown and prediction of the game today in New England featuring the Dolphins and Patriots.

 Also, I have heard rumblings about the comments section of our blog, and in order to leave a comment you MUST be a member and follower of the blog.  To do so, just click the "join this site" button on the far right side of the page and follow the instructions.

One more note.  Unfortunately, I will not be able to do a live blog of the game later today as I myself won't even be able to watch the entire game live due to prior obligations.  I will be recording it and watching it roughly two hours after kickoff.

Until later, I leave you with this preview of today's game.  Enjoy.

Dolphins @ Patriots

As Miami Dolphins season winds down, biggest challenges still to come

VERO BEACH-- How close are these Miami Dolphins to becoming a playoff contender?  Well...

Ask me again in two weeks.

Ask me again after the dust settles on this 2011 season, and especially after a two game stretch that could either provide more answers, or raise more questions about the direction of this once elite organization.

Oh yes, the biggest challenges are still to come for the Miami Dolphins.

Starting this week with Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, and ending on New Year's day when Rex Ryan and "Gang Green" come rolling into Sun Life Stadium, these final two games for the Miami Dolphins will test this resilient bunch more than the first 14 did combined.

Not only will owner Stephen Ross be watching both games with a magnifying glass, but more importantly so will those "star" head coaches that Ross hopes to bring to Miami in the coming months.  You better believe that coaches like, say, Bill Cowher, Jon Gruden, Jeff Fisher, and Brian Billick will be watching on Saturday when the Dolphins take on the Patriots in Foxborough, and if you don't think they are, then you're sorely, sorely mistaken.

You see, in the NFL when you're in the position the Dolphins are in, an underacheiving team openly pursuing a big name head coach, the roles become a bit reversed.  Guys like Cowher and Gruden don't have to interview for the head coaching position, rather, the Dolphins have to interview for the landing spot of those head coaches.  All four of the guys I mentioned earlier have already proven that they can win in this league, the Dolphins however, have not.

But that could change in the coming weeks.

If Miami goes into New England and upsets Tom Brady and company, followed by a third straight win in the season finale against the Jets, finishing 4-2 in the division this year and 7-2 in the second half, then that head coaching position becomes a bit more enticing, doesn't it?

However, those are big, BIG, ifs.

Unlike the Dolphins, both teams are in the thick of the AFC playoff hunt.  With the Patriots looking to clinch home field advantage, and the Jets just looking to get into the tournament, the Dolphins have a large, scratch that, enormous task in front of them.

But that may be what it takes to reel in a big name head coach, because let's be honest folks, right now the Dolphins aren't that enticing.  Right now they're a 5-9 team coming off a victory over the the lowly Buffalo Bills, and with only one win against a team with a winning record, the Oakland Raiders, this season.

However, wins against the Patriots and the Jets to close out the season may be enough to inspire a Jeff Fisher or a Brian Billick to come back to coaching, because wins like that inspire something much larger, much more powerful than a head coach...

Wins like that inspire hope.

And if the Dolphins win those final two games, and again that's a huge if, then we may have something special brewing here in Miami.  We may have hope.

Bush, Dolphins escape Buffalo with 30-23 win

Reggie Bush may have just jolted himself into the elite running backs discussion.

Bush capped off an already stellar afternoon with a 76 yard touchdown run en route to a 203 yard performance on the ground and a 30-23 Dolphins victory over the Buffalo Bills.

Matt Moore had another solid performance, throwing for over 200 yards and two touchdowns while posting a 122.2 QB rating. Not to shabby, huh?

Anthony Fasano and Brandon Marshall caught the TD passes from Moore.

The win gives the Dolphins their fifth in seven games, and the first for interim head coach Todd Bowles.

However, the Bills gave Miami a run for its money towards the end of the game, pulling within 10 and then recovering an onside kick with under three minutes to play.

After a Dave Rayner field goal made it a seven point game with 1:22 to play, Chris Clemons recovered the onside kick, all but ending any hopes of a Buffalo comeback.

The Dolphins are now 5-9 on the season.

Keep checking back for more post game coverage and reaction right here, at the Dolphinsiders!

Dolphins lead Bills 20-7 going into the 4th quarter

Will the real Brandon Marshall please stand up?

After a terrible first half, Marshall caught a beautiful 65 yard touchdown pass in stride from QB Matt Moore on the first possession of the third quarter.

 Speaking of Matt Moore, he's 10-20, for 217 yards and two touchdown passes.  Another solid performance from the fifth year man out of Oregon State.

After a Vontae Davis interception, his second of the afternoon, Marshall caught a 4th and 1 pass for a first down, then had the ball ripped away by a Buffalo defender leading to the Dolphins third turnover of the day.

Reggie Bush has surpassed 100 yards for the third straight week and seems well on his way to his first 1,000 yard season of his career.

The live blog continues into the 4th quarter.  Join me there, won't you?

Dolphins lead Bills 13-7 at halftime

Brandon marshall has been targeted four times.  He has no catches.  But he does have two drops, both in the endzone, so he's got that going for him...

Matt Moore connected with Anthony Fasano on the first play of the 2nd quarter for a 22 yard touchdown to tie the game at seven.

Vontae Davis followed that with an interception inside the Bills 25 that led to a Dan Carpenter field goal.

The referees also have played a part in this one, upholding a controversial fumble call on QB Matt Moore.  The ball was knocked out of Moore's hand as his arm, in my opinion, was going FORWARD.  However, the play was ruled a fumble and eventually upheld.  The bills then drove down the field only to miss a chip shot field goal as time expired.

The Dolphins have left at least 17 points on the field today, and really should be up by a lot more.  The live blog continues into the 3rd quarter.

Bills lead Dolphins 7-0 after 1st Quarter

Reggie Bush fumbled the ball inside the Dolphins 30 yard line and after a Buffalo recovery CJ Spiller ran untouched into the endzone for a 24 yard Bills touchdown.

Matt Moore has already been sacked once on the opening drive.

The live blog continues into the 2nd quarter.

Todd Bowles era set to begin; Jake Long inactive

The snow is falling pretty steadily in Buffalo today as the Dolphins and Bills are just minutes away from kicking off.

The big story today, next to interim coach Todd Bowles making his coaching debut, will be how the Dolphins offensive line protects QB Matt Moore, who will start today. Jake Long will not be a factor however as he is inactive for the game.

Join me for our live quarter by quarter blog as kickoff is just about 10 minutes away from Orchard Park, New York.

Miami Dolphins at a Crossroads

VERO BEACH--These are trying times in South Florida.

The playoffs are out of reach, Tony Sparano's expiration date finally came earlier this week, and everyone's job, minus Reggie Bush's, is on the line.

The Miami Dolphins have a choice to make.  A big one.

Do they throw in the towel for the final three games, give up, quit.  Or do they fight back like they've done over the last month.  Fight for pride, fight for respect, and for almost everybody, even newly anointed interim coach Todd Bowles, fight for a job next season.

Oh yes, a crossroads indeed.  The latter option seems like the more likely choice, especially when Tony Sparano was manning the ship, however, that ship is in between captains right now, and there in lies the problem.

 The Sparano era is over.  The Todd Bowles era has begun, and how the Dolphins perform today against the Bills in frigid, hostile Buffalo will say a lot about the character of the team.

You thought the Dolphins faced adversity earlier this year during the 0-7 start, well, that was nothing compared to what they're facing now.  That adversity didn't fall on the players, at least not most of it.  No, most of that adversity fell on then head coach Tony Sparano, the Dolphins proverbial father figure, a father who's since been dismissed from the team.

Now it's time to be big boys, Miami.  Now you're on your own.  Now, it's all on you.  It's all on you Matt Moore. It's all on you Reggie Bush. It's all on you Karlos Dansby. It's all on you Kevin Burnett. Its all on - well, you get the picture.

Daddy Sparano won't be there when the time's get tough, and oh yes, they will get tough.  Daddy Sparano won't be at the podium after the game tomorrow taking the heat if you guy's lose.  Those day's are over.

 Those day's are over for a while.

 The responsibility now falls squarely on the players, and how they respond may very well determine whether or not they have a job next year.  Starting today in an always bitter Ralph Wilson Stadium, the Miami Dolphins have a choice to make.  To flee, or to fight.

Yes, these are trying times in South Florida.

Trying times indeed.

Dolphinsider back and better than ever!

I would like to apologize for my absence the last six days as I had some family issues arise earlier this week.  The Dolphinsider will be back up and running tomorrow, or for you technical buffs later this morning, and will include pre-game and post-game coverage, along with a live blog of the game.

Again, I would like to apologize for my lack of blogging this week and I plan to get back to covering the Miami Dolphins on a daily basis starting later this morning with all the pre-game coverage and up to the minute updates as they happen in Buffalo.

Until then I leave you with this preview of the game between the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills.  Enjoy.

Preview: Miami Dolphins @ Buffalo Bills

Stephen Ross and Jeff Ireland- Full Press Conference

Here is the link to the FULL press conference held today by Dolphins team owner Stephen Ross and GM Jeff Ireland announcing the firing of Tony Sparano.

Ross and Ireland press conference

Sparano axed, out as head coach of Miami Dolphins

BOSTON--Well, that's that.

This time last week we were talking about Tony Sparano possibly keeping, scratch that, saving his job.  This time last week the Dolphins were enjoying the day off after a 34-14 drubbing of the Oakland Raiders.  This time last week Todd Bowles was the assistant head coach to then head coach Tony Sparano.

My, what a difference a week makes.

The Tony Sparano era in Miami, is over.

Reports surfaced just hours after the Dolphins 26-10 loss to the Eagles that Tony Sparano would be fired after the season finale against the Jets.

Stephen Ross, however, couldn't wait any longer.  Along with GM Jeff Ireland, Ross relieved coach Sparano of his duties, effective immediately, on Monday afternoon.


"I feel that it's in the best interest of the Miami Dolphins that we replace him at this time," Ross said. "As you know, when I purchased the team I told you it was nothing more important to me at all than being a winning team and bring back the glory to Miami." 


And so the Stephen Ross era officially begins in Miami.


He no longer faces the difficult decision of what to do with Tony Sparano, as I wrote in my column last week, once the season is over.  The only decision Stephen Ross has now is the most important decision he'll make as owner of the Miami Dolphins. 


 Finding the next head coach.


"I'd like to find a young Don Shula, if that's possible," Ross said. "Certainly, we will look at everybody, interview them and try to find the person that we think would be the best fit."


Until Ross and GM Jeff Ireland, who according to the owner is safe (but that's a whole other topic), find the next "young Don Shula," assistant and defensive backs coach Todd Bowles will step in on an interim basis starting this Sunday in upstate New York against the Buffalo Bills.  Bowles, who is black, fulfills the Rooney Rule aspect of NFL requirements for filling vacancies, and is considered by many to be a legitimate head coach in the future.


Tony Sparano was 29-32 in nearly four years as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins, including a division title and playoff appearance in 2008.

Check back tomorrow here at the Dolphinsider as we continue to breakdown the day that was for the Miami Dolphins.

Dolphins to hold a 4:15 press conference

The Miami Dolphins will be holding a press conference at 4:15 today, the announcement coming just moments ago.  This will likely be to announce, or at least address, the reports late last night regarding head coach Tony Sparano's future.

Check back later for details.

The press conference can be seen streaming live by following this link:

http://www.miamidolphins.com/

UPDATE:  According to sources, Tony Sparano has been officially fired and will be replaced by assistant coach Todd Bowles. Details coming at 4:15.  Follow the link.

BREAKING NEWS

According to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, Miami Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano will be fired after the season.  Keep checking back for details as we continue follow this story.  Also according to sources, GM Jeff Ireland will be retained beyond this season.  Again, keep checking back for more details.

Dolphins lose QB, then game 26-10

Simply put, the offense was just not good enough today. The offensive line, depleted by injuries let up a season high nine, yes that's right nine sacks to go along with a safety and an injured Matt Moore, who left the game with concussion like symptoms in the 3rd quarter.

Check back later with more post game analysis.

Dolphins trail Eagles 24-10 going into the 4th quarter

Matt Moore is out indefintely after taking a punishing hit late in the 3rd quarter. JP Losman is now the Dolphins QB.  Gulp..

The Dolphin defense has kept them in the game and has to hope the offense starts getting into the endzone or this one is over.

The live blog continues into the 4th quarter.

Eagles lead Dolphins 24-7 at halftime

The Eagles have rattled off 24 unanswered points.  The Dolphins offense has turned it over three, THREE, times including two fumbles and an interception.  Matt Moore has struggled with his accuracy and the offensive line has been dominated by the Eagles front seven.

The Dolphins get the ball to start the second half, and if they want any chance at coming back they have to start scoring touchdowns.

The live blog continues into the 3rd quarter.

Dolphins lead Eagles 7-0 after 1st Quarter

The Dolphin offense has not done much so far today, however they have found the endzone once when Matt Moore connected with Brandon Marshall on a 15 yard touchdown strike following a Jimmy Wilson blocked punt.

Defensively, the front seven have harassed Michael Vick all day, however, a missed Dan Carpenter field goal has set up the Eagles with good field position heading into the 2nd quarter.

Tackle Jake Long missed most of the first quarter with an undisclosed injury.  The live blog continues into the 2nd quarter.

LIVE BLOG right here, all day from wet Sun Life Stadium!

We are just under an hour from kickoff from a wet and rainy Sun Life Stadium.  The Dolphins, to no surprise at all, are in their all white uniforms today, with the visiting Eagles are in their green tops and white pants.  


Steve Slaton, Ike Alama-Francis, Will Barker, Ryan Cook, Ray Feinga, Will Yeatman, and Ryan Baker are inactive for the Dolphins today.  


Again, it is raining at Sun Life Stadium and is expected to be on and off throughout the entire afternoon and it will absolutely become a factor.


Come back later and follow our live, quarter by quarter blog as the Miami Dolphins and Philadelphia Eagles are just over a half an hour from kicking things off down in South Florida. 

Predictions, predictions, predictions

Remember to join me for a live, quarter by quarter, blog of today's game.  Until then, I offer you up my official predictions for the game today.  Enjoy.


Who has the Edge?

When the Dolphins run the ball:  I'll give the edge to the Miami Dolphins, and especially Daniel Thomas.  The Eagle defense features speed and quickness, not strength, and I think Daniel Thomas can heavily expose that with hard, down hill running.  Edge--Miami Dolphins

When the Eagles run the ball:  This one is a toss up.  LeSean McCoy has thrusted himself into the top tier of running backs in the NFL with a Pro Bowl caliber 2011 season.  He is among the most elusive, electrifying rushers out of the backfield.  However, the dolphin defense has established itself as one of the best for the second year running.  They rank fifth in stopping the run and could pose problems for the Eagles offensive line.  Edge--Even

When the dolphins pass the ball:  That Eagle defense will be healthier than they have been in weeks today, and that means both Both Asante Samuel and Nnamdi Asomugha will be in the secondary,which could make life difficult for QB Matt Moore.  Look for Moore and the dolphins to try and get TE Anthony Fasano involved down the middle of the field early and often.  Edge--Eagles

When the Eagles pass the ball:  Michael Vick will return to action for the first time in nearly a month today, and I believe that the dolphins will take advantage of this.  Expect defensive coordinator Mike Nolan to dial up a lot of blitzes from different angles to try and force the bad throw from Vick.  Word of the wise, always know where DeSean Jackson is on the football field, especially you Yerimiah Bell.  Edge--Even

Special Teams:  Clyde Gates seems to be coming into his own as of late, with things nearly climaxing last week when he returned a kickoff 70 yards to open up the second half.  However, DeSean Jackson knows a little something about returning kicks, and when it comes to punting the football, let me offer Tony Sparano a piece of advise:  Just kick it out of bounds please.  Edge--Eagles

Prediction: The Eagles may be in a downhill spiral at 4-8, but they will be healthier than they've been in weeks when they take the field today, and I don't care what their record is, with those kind of weapons they're scary.  If the dolphins remain humble and don't take them lightly, and I believe they will, than they will ride their momentum to a fourth straight home victory.  Dolphins, 24-16.

Gameday Coverage!

It's gameday here at the Dolphinsider, and with the Dolphins and Eagles set to kickoff at Sun Life Stadium in less than three hours, we've got your full game day coverage right here.  We'll have breakdowns, predictions, live game coverage, and of course, post game analysis.  It's all set to kickoff in South Florida in less than three hours, so lets get this show on the road!

Game Breakdown--

When the dolphins have the ball: Brian Daboll has been nothing short of a magician over the last month with his game plans.  However, the important thing to do this week is to keep it simple.  The Eagles rush defense is ranked in the bottom third of the league, and the combo of Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas is coming off a season high performance in yards with 209 last week against Oakland.  Run the ball early and often, Brian Daboll, keep it simple.  One more thing to keep in mind.  Anthony Fasano's production over the last month has been stellar.  However, his worst game came in the dolphins only loss against the Cowboys.  Keep Anthony Fasano involved throughout the entire game.

When the dolphins are on defense: Please put a spy on Michael Vick.  Mike Nolan has had this defense fully prepared over the last month and it's shown as they've only allowed four touchdowns in five games.  I'd put Kevin Burnett on Michael Vick for the entire game and make him throw the ball, because with an opportunistic defense like the dolphins, he's bound to make a mistake.  Another player to watch out for is LeSean McCoy.  He is arguably one of the fastest running backs in the NFL and can be a nightmare out of the backfield.  Cameron Wake has got to set the edge and not let McCoy get around him, because once he's gone, he's gone.

When the Dolphins are on Special Teams:  DeSean Jackson.  Yes, he may be a clubhouse cancer and in the midst of a letdown 2011 season.  That being said, his speed and awareness are just the same as they've always been, and they are among the most lethal in the NFL.  Punter Brandon Fields has had another pro bowl type season, and it's got to continue this week maybe more than ever.  Message to Tony Sparano and company, kick it out of bounds!  Don't give him a chance, because a chance is all he needs.

Player to watch: On the offensive side of the ball I'd watch out for receiver Brian Hartline.  An unorthodox choice, I know, but Hartline's season has been hit or miss.  He had a great game on Thanksgiving against Dallas, but then disappeared last week.  Brandon Marshall will attract the most attention, but forgetting about Brian Hartline could prove costly for the Eagles.  Defensively the player I'd watch out for is defensive end Jared Odrick.  The second year man out of Penn State has come on strong in the second half, recording three of his four sacks in the last month.  Odrick must be a factor up front to take away from the double team on Cam Wake, if not Wake could be a non- factor as well.

Continue checking in all morning for more dolphins game day coverage, including my official pick for the game today and a live, quarter by quarter blog of the entire game.  Kickoff is mere hours away, as the dolphins get set to take on the Philadelphia Eagles from Sun Life Stadium.

Miami Dolphins putting the life back into Sun Life Stadium

Zach Dean
12.10.11
3:39 pm


Boston-- Remember when the dolphins had one home win in 2010?  Remember when, up until the month of November, those same Miami Dolphins had failed to win a home game through the first two months of this season?

Remember it, you may, but those memories, those sickening images of home mediocrity are beginning to fade away, aren't they?  With every home win, scratch that, drubbing, the Miami Dolphins of before, the 1-10 at home Miami Dolphins, become harder and harder to remember.

And it's been a damn fun ride as well, has it not?  At least for the players it has.

"Our swagger has changed,” veteran linebacker Jason Taylor explained following Sunday's 34-14 win. “This team is a lot looser now and not playing uptight, not preparing uptight, not acting uptight, and that shows on Sundays."


Having a new "swagger," as Taylor puts it, may be the only way to explain the dolphins recent turn around in which they've outscored opponents 139-54, and 120-34 at Sun Life Stadium.


That newfound swagger may have never been more evident than on Sunday when, late in the 4th quarter, running back Reggie Bush dropped a screen pass after taking a punishing hit from a Raiders defender.  After the hit, Bush proceeded to stay on the ground and bang out a couple push ups, much to the delight of the crowd who, in return, began chanting "Reg-gie, Reg-gie, Reg-gie!"


"I wanted to let him know his hit didn’t hurt me,” Bush would later explain. “Just a little humor. Having fun out there …"


And how could you not have fun when you're in the midst of winning four out of five games, with three of those wins coming in front of a fan base in desperate need for a reason to cheer. 


According to linebacker Kevin Burnett, however, it's the fun that brings the winning, not the winning that brings the fun.


"We’re having fun again," Burnett, who had a touchdown of his own on Sunday, would go onto say. "I can’t explain how much that takes away the pain."


That pain can be further removed tomorrow, when the dolphins take the field shortly after the one o'clock hour in search of their fourth straight home win, and fifth overall in six chances.  The game was declared a sellout early on in the week, something that hasn't happened since week one against the Patriots.  


Maybe that's a sign of things to come in Miami, maybe, just maybe, the fun is starting to spread.


"They like having a good time with each other," Coach Sparano said of his fun loving group, "but when they’re out on the field and they get going it’s something that they feed off of."


Let's hope the feeding frenzy continues tomorrow.


Lets hope it continues for a long, long time.

10 BOLD Predictions For Week 14

In part two of our Friday's picks and predictions segment, I offer you 10 bold, at times extreme, and almost never accurate predictions for teams and players across the league.  Enjoy.

1. TJ Yates will put up better numbers than Andy Dalton, but the Bengals will still win.
2. Tyler Palko will throw three interceptions in the first half against the Jets, but the Chiefs will still be in the game at halftime.
3. In that same game, Mark Sanchez will have a QB rating of over a 100 and will hoist Rex Ryan on his shoulders during the post-game celebration.
4. Indianapolis will hold a 4th quarter lead against Baltimore....
5.  ...but will ultimately lose by 20
6. Ronnie Brown will score a TD out of the wildcat to give the Eagles the lead late in the 4th quarter...
7. ...Then Matt Moore will run for the game winning touchdown with mere seconds left sparking his inner Tebow as he then prays on the sidelines while the final seconds tick off.
8. Speaking of Tebow, he'll throw an interception on the final Broncos drive sealing a Raiders victory, however the Raiders feel so bad for depriving the world of seven more days of Tim Tebow talk that they instead forfeit the game.
9. Shortly after that, Green Bay will finish off Oakland and San Diego will take care of Buffalo leaving a one game gap in the AFC West.
10. Green Bay will indeed finish off Oakland, however, it comes on a Mason Crosby field goal in overtime.

Check back in tomorrow for your latest Miami Dolphins news, as we continue to get you ready for Sunday's showdown against the Philadelphia Eagles at Sun Life Stadium. Until then I leave you with a preview of the dolphins upcoming game with the eagles.  Enjoy.

Week 14 preview: Eagles @ Dolphins

Week 14 picks

Zach Dean

12.9.11

3:13 pm

It's Friday around the NFL and here at the Dolphinsider that can only mean one thing... It's time for my weekly picks and predictions for all of Sunday's games!  I know, you're bursting with excitement.  Lets dig in, shall we?

Tampa Bay @ Jacksonville   Pick: Both these teams are terrible, did you see them last week? In a battle of inferiors, the Bucs will reign superior.

Houstan @ Cincinnati   Pick: Two rookie QB's going head to head here, however, they've had very different path's to the NFL, give me Dalton over Yates, and a Bengals victory.

Kansas City @ New York Jets    Pick: Tyler Palko has looked beyond lost in his last two starts.  Expect Rex Ryan to feast on the young QB, and no, that's not a knock on his weight.  Give me the Jets in a game that's over by halftime.

Minnesota @ Detroit   Pick: The Lions are a mess lately, losing four out of their last six games, not to mention that they've taken on the "bully" role in the NFL.  Christian Ponder has looked good in his first season, but give me the Lions in a season saving win.

Indianapolis @ Baltimore   Pick: Peyton Manning may very well become the first ever MVP not to play in a single game if the Colts go 0-16.  Word of warning, do not take them lightly, just ask the Patriots.  That being said, give me the Ravens as Indy's losing streak hits lucky number 13.

New Orleans @ Tennessee   Pick: The Saints are really flying under the radar, aren't they?  Drew Brees is having another fantastic season, Darren Sproles and Jimmy Graham have made that offense more dangerous than ever, and they're 6-0 at home!  However, this game's in Nashville, and CJ2K, yes he's good again so he's earned his nickname back, will be to much to handle as the Titans continue their late season playoff push with a huge upset at home.

Atlanta @ Carolina   Pick: Cam Newton is having an unbelievable season, and with a couple more pieces defensively the Panthers could be in the thick of the NFC playoff race.  However, they're not, and Atlanta is, so give me the Falcons in a shootout.

New England @ Washington   Pick: Rex Grossman will move the ball up and down the field, he's proven that, what he has not proven, however, is the ability to finish drives.  Give me an upset Bill Belichick coming off an ugly finish against the winless Colts over an upset Mike Shanahan any day of the week.  Patriots win big.

Chicago @ Denver   Pick: Caleb Hanie was out-dueled by Tyler Palko last week, that's bad.  Imagine what Tim Tebow's going to do against him.  Chicago's defense keeps it close, but Tebow and the Broncos keep the good times rollin'.

San Francisco @ Arizona   Pick: Kevin Kolb provided a spark in his return last week against the Cowboys.  However, that spark can only last so long, and with the league's top ranked defense, the 49er's will put it out, but it's close.

Buffalo @ San Diego   Pick: As always, Norv Turner's Chargers have underachieved all season, yet they're making a last gasp effort at a playoff spot.  Buffalo has lost five in a row after a sizzling start out of the gate, and with injuries mounting on both sides of the ball I see the Chargers making it six in a row.

Oakland @ Green Bay   Pick: This one will be closer than most think.  Carson Palmer matches up very well with the Green Bay secondary and he alone will keep the Raiders in the ball game.  However, that Raider defense doesn't stand a chance against Aaron Rodgers, not a chance.  Give me the Packers in a game that's close going into the 4th quarter.

NY Giants @ Dallas   Pick: The winner of this game could very well be hosting a playoff game next month.  Both teams are coming off tough, tough losses in week 13, so expect an all out war on Sunday night.  I'll give the edge to the Cowboys in a game decided by a field goal, something Jason Garret knows all about.

St. Louis @ Seattle   Pick: Man, when is Monday Night Football going to start flexing games?  First the Jags and Bolts last week and now the Rams and Hawks? Talk about a ratings drop, personally I'd much rather watch How I Met Your Mother than tomorrow night's "game."  However, it still needs to be picked, and in that regards I'll take Marshawn Lynch and the Seahawks.  

No, I did not include the dolphins in my week 14 picks, for that pick you'll have to tune back in on Sunday morning.

Come back later for my 10 bold predictions for week 14 in the NFL, you will not want to miss them.    

Thursday night musings, plus thursday night football pick, and coach Tony Sparano press conference video

Zach Dean
12.8.11
7:23 pm


Some news and notes from around the world of sports on this Thursday evening:

• Dolphins starting Right Guard Vernon Carey practiced today for the second straight day, and was with the starting unit for the entire practice.  Barring a setback, Carey should be a go for Sunday.
• Michael Vick, who will be back behind center for the first time in nearly a month due to broken ribs, said earlier this week, well, take a look...

“I made a pact to myself this weekend that I was going to get down from here on out. No more diving, no more trying to get the extra yard if there is no reason to,” Vick said. “[I’m going to] protect myself, be accountable."

Say what you'd like Mr. Vick, I'll believe it when I see it.

• I'd like to take this time to congratulate the Los Angeles Angels, who apparently had an extra serving of Wheaties for breakfast this morning before they doled out over 300 million dollars for Albert Pujols and CJ Wilson, kudos to GM Jerry Dipoto.
• What is it with LA today?  As I'm writing this post Sportscenter cuts in to break the news that the Lakers have just acquired Chris Paul in a blockbuster deal.  Again, kudos, this time to Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak. UPDATE- (This deal is still pending thanks to David Stern)
• Back to South Florida news, not the dolphins however, no, this time it's about the all of a sudden powerhouse Miami Marlins, who locked in ace pitcher Mark Buehrle today for 4 years.  Where are the fish getting all this money from?  Maybe it's worth taking a look, just saying.

Now to tonight's Thursday Night Football game of the week, although it's hardly that seeing as it features the lowly Browns (4-8) and the Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3).  Give me the Steelers at home, 28-17.  However, do not take the browns lightly, remember Colt McCoy made his rookie debut in Heinz Field last year and had an impressive showing.  (Actual final score 14-3, Steelers) 

Tune back here tomorrow to see the rest of my week 14 picks and remember to check out Coach Sparano's Thursday press conference by clicking on the link below:

http://www.miamidolphins.com/media/videos/Coach-Tony-Sparano-Press-Conference/88fe429a-d058-41ec-9f15-db000900fba5

Moore than enough?

  

Zach Dean
12.8.11
12:26 pm


BOSTON-- Let me begin by saying first that Matt Moore has won me over, much like he's done with his coach, teammates, and at least a portion of South Florida.  I love the guy.  He's your typical down to earth, humble, journeyman type of guy, who by the way has proven he can win ball games.  He's 4-4 as a starter since taking over for Chad Henne, and while those numbers don't exactly jump out at you, keep in mind that his first three losses came during a stretch of seven in a row for the dolphins, who were not the team they are today.  He's 4-1 in his last five games, and is 10th in the entire league with an 87.6 QB rating.  Along with that rating he's thrown nine touchdowns to only five interceptions, with his last INT coming against Washington in week 10.

Again, I'm on the Matt Moore bandwagon completely, he can absolutely be the starter coming out of the gate in 2012, and be a legitimate one at that.  But...

What about Peyton Manning?  Now you're paying attention, aren't you?

There has been speculation that if/when the Indianapolis Colts take Stanford QB Andrew Luck in next April's draft they'll trade Manning and make Luck the full time starter day one.  They may not want to, but the reality is Peyton Manning is still one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time and knowing there's a rookie in the waiting may not sit to well with Mr. Manning, and nor should it.

Manning's brought a decade of prosperity to the colts organization, including two super bowl appearances and one super bowl ring.  He's a sure fire first ballot hall-of-famer, and despite missing the entire 2011 season, still has plenty of fuel left in the tank.

Manning will be looking to be traded to a team with a good defense, something the colts did not have, and with weapons on offense, something the colts also did not have during the latter part of his tenure, with the exception of Reggie Wayne.  And of course, he'll want to go to a team in need of a quarterback.

I'll say it again, I'm a Matt Moore fan, I really am.  But come on, the stars have never been more aligned.  The dolphins defense has become one of the stingiest in the NFL and is well on its way to another top 10 season. The offense is silly with talent, from Reggie Bush to Brandon Marshall and everybody in- between, the dolphins are loaded on the offensive side of the ball.

Matt Moore has done wonders this year, and continues to state a case not only to the organization but to the entire league that he is a viable starter in the NFL.  He's led the dolphins to wins in four out of their last five games and is playing at another level.  But, how do you say no to Peyton Manning?..

I don't think you can.

Sparing Sparano?

Zach Dean

12.7.11

11:32 pm

BOSTON-- On sunday, two 4-8 teams will square off in- front of an already, and surprisingly so, sold-out Sun Life Stadium.  Both sides feature head coaches who could be heading into their final month of a job, and two teams going in entirely opposite directions.  

The two teams are, spoiler alert I know, the Miami Dolphins and Philadelphia Eagles.

Now, if you had to guess which head coach, Tony Sparano or Andy Reid, was more likely to survive to see next season, who would you guess?  

No, it's not Andy Reid.  No Seriously, just hear me out.

The dolphins were winless through the first seven games of the season, and on top of that they were the first of many fallen victims to the almighty Tim Tebow.  At that same time, the Eagles were a modest 3-4 and in the thick of the NFC east race, coming off a 34-7 drubbing of the Dallas Cowboys.  That was week eight of this marathon NFL season.  Right there, did you catch it?  That word, marathon, is exactly what the NFL season is, and that's the difference in these two head coaches, Tony Sparano knew that, Andy Reid did not.  

Sparano preached this, day in and day out, press conference after press conference, meeting after meeting.  Eventually, nine weeks into this marathon, it finally clicked.  Since then, since that 31-3 laugher in Kansas City, the dolphins have been the hottest team in the NFL, rattling off three more victories in four games.  The eagles have gone 1-4 in those same five weeks, and Andy Reid's seat is hotter than ever.  In Miami, however, it's a bit like that one Seinfeld episode, you know the one, the Bizarro Jerry, where everything is the opposite.  Thats what we have here in South Florida, a bit of a bizarre situation.  The seats are beginning to fill up again, despite a 4-8 record, and the national media is catching on more and more with each victory, and now, the real fun begins.  

Now the question of what to do January 2nd, the day after the dolphins season finale against the Jets, becomes a legit one.  What to do with Tony Sparano?  What to do if the dolphins win out, finishing with an 8-8 record and a 7-1 second half?  Those questions were not taken seriously two weeks ago, heck, maybe not until the latest dolphins routing of the raiders, 34-14, have Tony Sparano's boys been taken seriously.  But now, with each dolphin win, the pressure mounts on owner Stephen Ross, because his decision of what to with Tony Sparano has gotten considerably more difficult in the last five weeks.  

The Eagles will be the healthiest they've been in months this weekend, and yes, that means Michael Vick will be behind center.  Both teams may be out of playoff contention, but boy, will it feel like a playoff game.

At least for Tony Sparano it will.