Well, Happy Halloween from Miami!
Ryan Tannehill orchestrated a late game drive, leading to a Caleb Sturgis 44 yard FG with 11 seconds to left to tie the game at 20 and send it to OT.
Tannehill hit Brian Hartline twice, Charles Clay, Rishard Matthews, and Mike Wallace all on the drive.
With the season on the line, the Fins and Bengals head to overtime.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Dolphins lead Bengals 17-10 after third quarter
The Miami offense didn't take the field until 2:21 to play in the third quarter.
That's because this quarter featured two long Cincinnati drives. One ended in a Brent Grimes 94 yard INT return for a TD.
The other ended in a Bengals TD.
The only Miami drive featured a three and out.
Dolphins lead going into the fourth quarter.
Go there now.
That's because this quarter featured two long Cincinnati drives. One ended in a Brent Grimes 94 yard INT return for a TD.
The other ended in a Bengals TD.
The only Miami drive featured a three and out.
Dolphins lead going into the fourth quarter.
Go there now.
Dolphins RUN their way to 10-3 lead at halftime
A good, SMART first half from the Miami Dolphins.
A Ryan Tannehill QB sneak, and Caleb Stugis FG has these Fins up 10-3 at the thirty minute mark.
Tannehill finished the first half 8-12, for 98 yards.
Running the ball has been the all the talk this week out of Miami. Well, they've responded SO FAR.
Lamar Miller had 11 touches for 98 yards, including a 41 yard run that should have ended in a TD, but instead ended in a Cincinnati fumble recovery. Carlos Dunlap came up behind Miller and knocked the ball out, but Miller had a WIDE OPEN left side of the field and just didn't see it.
However, the Miami defense would hold Cincinnati, much like they've done the entire night. Andy Dalton finished the first half 13-22, 121 yards, and an INT at the end of the half that resulted in the Sturgis FG. It was Dimitri Patterson who came up with the pick, his 4th of the season.
Miami ran the ball for a 142 yards in the first half, their most in a half since 2002.
The big thing now will, as it was last week, be what Mike Sherman does in the second half. Will he stick with the run, like he should, or get away from the game plan that's worked all night long.
The defense is playing great, and the offense is running the football.
That's a recipe to end a losing streak. But it MUST last 60 minutes.
To the third.
A Ryan Tannehill QB sneak, and Caleb Stugis FG has these Fins up 10-3 at the thirty minute mark.
Tannehill finished the first half 8-12, for 98 yards.
Running the ball has been the all the talk this week out of Miami. Well, they've responded SO FAR.
Lamar Miller had 11 touches for 98 yards, including a 41 yard run that should have ended in a TD, but instead ended in a Cincinnati fumble recovery. Carlos Dunlap came up behind Miller and knocked the ball out, but Miller had a WIDE OPEN left side of the field and just didn't see it.
However, the Miami defense would hold Cincinnati, much like they've done the entire night. Andy Dalton finished the first half 13-22, 121 yards, and an INT at the end of the half that resulted in the Sturgis FG. It was Dimitri Patterson who came up with the pick, his 4th of the season.
Miami ran the ball for a 142 yards in the first half, their most in a half since 2002.
The big thing now will, as it was last week, be what Mike Sherman does in the second half. Will he stick with the run, like he should, or get away from the game plan that's worked all night long.
The defense is playing great, and the offense is running the football.
That's a recipe to end a losing streak. But it MUST last 60 minutes.
To the third.
Dolphins, Bengals scoreless after first quarter
Great first quarter defensively for the Fins.
Bad first quarter offensively.
Cameron Wake strip sacked Andy Dalton inside Miami territory, and recovered the fumble. However, a three and out for Miami, followed by ANOTHER Caleb Sturgis missed FG led to zero points.
Lamar Miller has ran the ball well for Miami, averaging close to 5 yards a carry.
However, Ryan Tannehill and the passing game has done nothing.
Cincinnati is currently driving inside Miami territory.
To the second.
Bad first quarter offensively.
Cameron Wake strip sacked Andy Dalton inside Miami territory, and recovered the fumble. However, a three and out for Miami, followed by ANOTHER Caleb Sturgis missed FG led to zero points.
Lamar Miller has ran the ball well for Miami, averaging close to 5 yards a carry.
However, Ryan Tannehill and the passing game has done nothing.
Cincinnati is currently driving inside Miami territory.
To the second.
Desperate Dolphins, Sizzling Bengals Ready To Go; the inactives
A beautiful Miami night ( and by that I mean kinda rainy), scratch that, Halloween night, as the Miami Dolphins and Cincinnati Bengals are about 30 minutes away from kicking off week nine in the NFL.
This game will be FULL of emotion from the reeling Fins, as in house drama has all of sudden picked up steam in the last 72 hours.
Here are the inactives for Miami:
Jonathan Martin
Will Davis
Danny Watkins
Dallas Thomas
Mike Gillislee
Pat Devlin
Dion Sims
And now for Cincinnati's:
LB Rey Maualuga
RB Rex Burkhead
CB Chris Lewis-Harris
LB Michael Boley
C Trevor Robinson
DT Devon Still
OT Andrew Whitworth
The Fins are in the aqua tops and white pants. The Bengals are in all white.
Halloween Night football is set to begin!
Live blog starts after the first quarter.
GO FINS
This game will be FULL of emotion from the reeling Fins, as in house drama has all of sudden picked up steam in the last 72 hours.
Here are the inactives for Miami:
Jonathan Martin
Will Davis
Danny Watkins
Dallas Thomas
Mike Gillislee
Pat Devlin
Dion Sims
And now for Cincinnati's:
LB Rey Maualuga
RB Rex Burkhead
CB Chris Lewis-Harris
LB Michael Boley
C Trevor Robinson
DT Devon Still
OT Andrew Whitworth
The Fins are in the aqua tops and white pants. The Bengals are in all white.
Halloween Night football is set to begin!
Live blog starts after the first quarter.
GO FINS
Gameday: 5 Keys to a Dolphins Win PLUS Prediction
It's game day (night) in South Florida, as the Miami Dolphins, losers of four straight, welcome in one of the hottest teams in football, the Cincinnati Bengals.
This is basically the season tonight for the Dolphins. If they want to get back into the playoff race, this is the game that must get them back in the win column.
The state of the locker room is also teetering. As I reported yesterday, starting RT Jonathan Martin left the team after a practical joke gone wrong yesterday afternoon. He will NOT play tonight.
Starting LG Richie Incognito told reporters today that, in order to win games, they need to run the ball "30, 40 times a game." This is coming off the heels of a report following the Patriots loss saying that members of the locker room are beginning to question OC Mike Sherman's game plan.
So, how does ALL of this get fixed?
WIN TONIGHT.
Here's how:
1. Stick to the game plan: The play calling in the first half on Sunday was brilliant. Miami was running the ball effectively, stuck to it, and went into the locker room up 17-3. Then, for some reason, Mike Sherman abandoned the run in the second half, and slowly (actually, pretty quickly) watched his two TD lead turn into a 10 point loss. Lamar Miller is a GOOD running back! Use him early, use him often, and reap the benefits.
2. Win the trench battle: I realize this may be asking a lot, especially given the state of the offensive line, but trench play is SO key in every football game. This is more so for the Miami defensive front, and especially Cam Wake. It's been nearly two months since we saw a healthy, dominant Wake, and that needs to end tonight if Miami wants to have any chance of winning. Between Wake, Jared Odrick, Randy Starks, and Olivier Vernon/Dion Jordan, this defensive line MUST be a force tonight.
3. Exploit the matchups you're supposed to exploit: The one I want to look at here is Charles Clay against the Cincinnati linebackers. Clay has been quiet the last few weeks, but leads the team with 3 TD's this season and has shown big play ability. With Ryan Tannehill struggling, expect him to lean heavily on Clay, especially with young WR Rishard Matthews the new slot receiver in place of Brandon Gibson. Watch for a big game from Clay tonight.
4. Take some chances: Last week was the perfect time to do this. Up by 14, on the road, against New England. I expected AT LEAST one or two deep throws to Mike Wallace, or SOMETHING to try to put the dagger in Tom Brady. But nothing but slant passes and sacks. If the Fins get up tonight, at home, on national TV, they need to go for the kill.
5. Put together a full 60 minutes: I wrote about this yesterday, and I'll reiterate again here. This was the difference last week, it was the difference against Buffalo, and it was the difference against Baltimore. Lamar Miller hit on it yesterday, and I've been saying it for weeks now. Playing a solid football game, from the first quarter to the final quarter, will be the difference in 4-4, and 3-5.
PREDICTION
For some reason, these Miami Dolphins always play Cincinnati tough. In-fact, a much less talented team went there last year and won. The problem with that theory is, Miami teams of the past were much more physical than this year's team. Whenever the Fins get into a battle with a physical team like the Bengals, they usually win. However, I just don't know if I can see that happening tonight. Home field will help, especially at night, and Joe Philbin's team is desperate. But until I see a win, I can't predict one.
Final: Bengals 24 Dolphins 17
Check back right before the game for any last minute news, including the inactives for both teams.
The live blog will be up and running tonight, so make sure to follow it!
GO FINS
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Jonathan Martin Out Tomorrow, but Bigger Concern Surfaces; Clabo Set to Start
Well, things have officially gotten weird in Miami.
I guess that's what a four game losing streak will do, huh?
RT Jonathan Martin has been absent from practice all week (which is really only one practice), and has been ruled "doubtful" for tomorrow's game with an illness.
Well, a new report has surfaced tonight saying that there is much, much more to the story.
Here's The Miami Herald's Armando Salguero:
..according to FOX Sports 1, which just reported that Martin "kind of flipped out," and smashed a food tray on the floor of the team lunch room on Monday when a practical joke perpertrated by teammates didn't sit well with him.
Teammates apparently walked away from an ill Martin when he sat down near them in the lunch room. And not appreciating the joke, Martin went off ... like into the sunset.
And he hasn't returned to the team since.
The Herald has confirmed from two sources the story is accurate.
Martin is said to be getting "treatment" for an unknown problem away from the team, a Dolphins source confirmed for the Miami Herald. The source declined further comment.
Wait, what?
I can tell you that last year, as a rookie, Martin was considered the shy one of the bunch, and this is something teammates joked with him about often. Could he have finally gone of the edge here?
More from the Herald:
Martin has seemed "more aloof" in recent days prior to the incident Monday, a teammate just texted. This teammate said he's reached out to Martin and has been told the player is spending time with his family.
A source also told the Herald that this incident is in no way related to Martin's recent position switch from LT to RT to make room for Bryant McKinnie.
Regardless, this means that fan favorite Tyson Clabo will be reinserted into the starting lineup tomorrow night, just a week after being benched for McKinnie.
Gulp.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Dolphins Try to Salvage Season on Short Week; Sherman Losing Locker room?
Well, this once promising season seems to have come down to this:
Win on Thursday, and you keep it alive.
Lose, and you're done. Finished. An afterthought.
Personally, I can see this giving Miami an edge. Backs against the wall, on your home field, under the lights, on national TV. If EVER this team was going to put it all together, it would be then. This team has shown you how good it can be. Take the first half against New England. That was undoubtedly the best half of football this team has played all season long.
From the play calling, to the execution on both sides of the football, it was a dominant first half from the Miami Dolphins. The problem is, and has been during this four game skid, they can't put together TWO good halves. And this isn't an outside perspective, or a shot in the dark opinion, this is a known fact WITHIN the Miami lockeroom.
Here's what Lamar Miller told NFL Network this morning:
"We've got to play a whole 60 minutes in all three phases. On offense, special teams, and defense, we have to find a way to win and make plays."
Miami played a good first half against New Orleans, and were obliterated in the second half.
After that they played a good first half against Baltimore, led at halftime, then ended up losing in the final two quarters.
Last week, against Buffalo, Miami started awful, played a good second and third quarter, then lost in the fourth quarter.
And finally, on Sunday, this team DOMINATED for the first 30 minutes. They were outscored 24-0 the final two quarters.
How do you lose four in a row? That's how.
SHERMAN LOSING LOCKER ROOM?
NFL Network's Jeff Darlington reported today that members in the Miami lockeroom are beginning to question OC Mike Sherman's game plan.
"This is the big concern: Players are starting to wonder about this offensive game plan. I came out of the locker room, and let me not overstate this, the lockeroom is still together, there's still a good vibe in there. I talked to several players today, they still feel like they can get this season back on track. However, there is some questioning about what offensive coordinator Mike Sherman is starting to do. And it really started to come to head after this Sunday's loss to the Patriots."
Darlington goes on to say what I told you yesterday, Sherman had a brilliant offensive game plan in the first half. He ran the ball 22 times, and threw it 18 times. The Fins were running all over New England, and had nearly five yards per carry.
Then, up 14 in the second half, Sherman proceeded to run only SIX times, while throwing 11 times.
"Players were wondering why they abandoned the run, why they got away from it when it was working in the first half, and that's a problem when the players start to question the offensive coordinator."
I don't blame the players one bit here. They're mad, and they SHOULD be mad. The play calling from Mike Sherman has been suspect for weeks now, and Sunday may have been the tipping point.
On a short week, with only one day of practice, it'll be very interesting to see what this offense does for the entire 60 minutes on Thursday night.
Monday, October 28, 2013
The Fallout from 27-17 Collapse; Gibson Out for Season
Sorry about the lack of updates since the first half of yesterday's game. My phone died during halftime and that was pretty much all she wrote.
Speaking of halftime, man, what we'd give to go back to that, huh?
Up 17-3. Dominating on offense. Dominating on defense. Running the ball whenever we wanted to. Converting third downs. Sacking Brady. Keeping Tannehill unusually clean.
As I said, Miami could not have asked for a better first half.
And then, with one Tannehill sack, one Caleb Sturgis missed FG, and another Tannehill sack/fumble, it was all gone. Just like that, a seemingly cake walk of a game was knotted at 17, and the momentum that was on the Dolphins sideline for the first 30 minutes had suddenly relocated 50 yards across the field.
New England would never look back.
The Fins have now dropped four in a row, fell under .500 for the first time this season, and now have to host a Bengals team coming off a 49-9 drubbing of the Jets. Oh yeah, all of that on a short week too, as Miami gets the Thursday night game this week.
A must win game for the Fins will no doubt be their toughest test of the season.
Gulp.
Other thoughts:
- Again, I question the play call here. Mike Sherman ran the ball 22 times in the first half, and the duo of Miller and Thomas were gaining 5 yards a carry. But in the second half, Sherman only ran NINE times.
Now, I know the game dictates the playcalling, and the Patriots were coming with a vengeance. However, this has become a troubling trend with Sherman, as he continuously abandons the run in the second half. I just don't get it.
- Mike Wallace was AWFUL yesterday. He dropped AT LEAST three passes, including a probable TD pass. He's not getting open, he's dropping passes, he's not being used correctly, and right now, he's wasting a lot of money for these Miami Dolphins.
- Ryan Tannehill was okay yesterday. Could have been worse, definitely could have been better. He had an efficient first half, throwing two TD's, but when the Fins abandoned the run in the second half, and put more on his shoulders, the flaws started to come out. The worst pass of the day was his first INT, where he went long to Wallace, was eyeing him the entire time, and floated the ball, leading to a tip drill INT.
The pressure also got to Tannehill in the second half, as he was sacked SIX times after being taken down ZERO times in the first half. He also had three more turnovers (2 INT's and the fumble). Thats 14 on the season. That's a huge problem.
- Dimitri Patterson was extremely solid. He picked off Brady's first pass of the day, had a huge deflection on third down, and, when he came out briefly, his replacement, Nolan Carroll, gave up a TD pass to Aaron Dobson.
- Highly, highly, HIGHLY questionable officiating this week. That pass interference call on Jimmy Wilson was absolutely terrible, and it led to a New England FG. The call that really irked me, however, was the illegal batting call on Olivier Vernon. This was the play that changed the game for the Miami Dolphins. With their backs against the wall, trailing by 3, Jimmy Wilson sacked Brady on second down, jarring the ball loose.
Vernon went for the ball, and intentionally or unintentionally, knocked it about 15 yards back, near midfield. New England would recover and face a third and a mile, but a flag was thrown for batting. This gave the Patriots a FIRST DOWN, and, a few plays later, the clinching TD. Highly questionable calls all day.
- Caleb Sturgis started the season 10-10. He's since missed 3 of his last 4. And yes, he definitely deserves a part of the blame in the loss yesterday.
GIBSON OUT FOR YEAR
What we feared yesterday has become a reality today. WR Brandon Gibson suffered a season ending Patella tendon tear in the first quarter of yesterday's game, ending his very solid season. Gibson had 3 TD's, all in the last four quarters, before suffering the injury. He finished with 30 catches on the season. Expect to see a lot of Rishard Matthews for the remainder of the season.
That's it for now. This is a short week, so expect the Fins to turn the page very quickly. This game against Cincinnati is winnable, but things need to change, and they need to change quickly.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Dolphins lead Pats 17-3 at halftime
Could not have asked for a better first half for these Miami Dolphins.
Ryan Tannehill has been accurate with the football, and HAD TIME TO THROW. So far, he's been sacked a total of zero times.
Defensively, the Fins have dominated the line of scrimmage and allowed Tom Brady to complete SIX passes.
Lamar Miller had run the ball fantastically, gaining 63 yards on the ground. Daniel Thomas has been just as effective, running for 40 yards.
Tannehill finished the first half 11-18, 72 yards, and two TD's.
Brady finished 6-8 for 25 yards and an INT.
The one negative here has been WR Brandon Gibson, who left with a knee injury that is believed to be very serious.
Expect Miami to come out running the football.
To the third.
Fins lead Pats 7-0 after first quarter
Good first quarter for the Miami Dolphins.
Dimitri Patterson intercepted Tom Brady's first pass of the day, and Ryan Tannehill would capitalize with a TD pass to Brandon Gibson.
The defense has so far stifled the running attack, and limited Brady through the air.
Tannehill has been sharp, as has the running game.
Offensive line has been very good. But it's early.
To the second.
Talib INACTIVE as Fins, Pats near kickoff
BEAUTIFUL day here in New England. Sunny and high 50's. Weather will not be an issue.
The inactives are out for Miami, and they include Jamar Taylor, Will Davis, Pat Devlin, Mike Gillislee, Dallas Thomas, Danny Watkins and Will Yeatman.
For New England, Aqib Talib is INACTIVE today. That's huge for the Miami Dolphins.
WR Danny Amendola WILL play.
Miami, as always, is in all white.
Patriots in the blue and grey.
Kickoff is ONE HOUR away!
Live blog starts then, so follow it.
Go Fins!
Gameday: Three keys to a win PLUS Prediction
At stake today?
Only everything for the Miami Dolphins. A own today puts an end to a three game losing streak.
A win today, as I mentioned yesterday, validates everything Jeff Ireland did in the offseason.
And, most importantly, a win today puts the Miami Dolphins at 4-3, and only a half game out of the division.
So yeah, there's a lot at stake..
To the keys! (Yes, only 3 today. Can't tailgate and blog, that's crazy talk, people).
1. Win the turnover battle. This is something Miami, and Ryan Tannehill failed at miserably last week. You can't turn the ball over three times and expect to win. You just can't. Tannehill must play mistake free football today, and the defense MUST make some plays on Tom Brady. You saw the Jets game last week. How big was that pick six? Win the turnover battle, win the game. It's a simple, yet incredibly difficult, concept to grasp for these Miami Dolphins.
2. Pressure, pressure, pressure Tom Brady. This is how you beat the New England Patriots, by constantly pressuring Tom Brady. Get him out of rhythm, throw off his flow, get in his face every down, all day. That's the ONLY way you slow down and defeat Tom Brady. Cameron Wake, Dion Jordan, and those blitzing linebackers (who Ireland signed JUST FOR THIS GAME) MUST be on their game today.
3. Cover Gronk. This one should be an absolute no brainer. Rob Gronkowski is the Patriots ONLY legitimate threat. Don't tell me Danny Amendola's a threat, because he's not. Don't tell me Kembrell Thompkins is a threat, or Aaron Dobson is a threat, because they're not. Shut down Gronkowski, and you win the game. It may sound simple, but it's a formula few teams have ever figured out. DC Kevin Coyle MUST make this priority number one today.
PREDICTION
Do I think Miami has a chance? Absolutely. Do I think they have a relatively good chance? Maybe. But until Tom Brady isn't behind center I just can't go against the patriots at home, coming off a loss. Would a Dolphins win shock me? No. But my head says New England in a close one.
Final: Dolphins 23 Patriots 27
Check back in right before game time for a LIVE check in, including the inactives.
And, as always, follow the quarter by quarter blog thought the day!
4 hours.
Go Fins!
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Week 8 in the NFL: Picks and predictions
Big week in the NFL, big week for the Miami Dolphins.
Lets get to it.
Last weeks record: 7-7
Overall record: 62-38
San Francisco @ Jacksonville: Another great representation of the NFL over seas. Yikes. 49ers.
Cleveland @ Kansas City: Jason Campbell is still in the league? Chiefs move to 8-0.
Buffalo @ New Orleans: Thad Lewis is in for a rude awakening here. Give me the Saints at home.
Dallas @ Detroit: Good, even game here. I was unimpressed with Dallas last week, but at the same time I can't get a good read on these Lions. This is one of those coin flip games, and when that happens I usually lean towards the home team. Give me Detroit in a close one.
N.Y. Giants @ Philadelphia: The Giants even managed to look bad against Minnesota, despite getting the win. I'll take Vick and the Eagles to get back on track here.
N.Y. Jets @ Cincinnati: If Geno can pull this one off then I'll become a believer. Until then, I'll take the Bengals.
Pittsburgh @ Oakland: Don't look now, but here they come. Two straight wins turns into three straight here. I like the Steelers.
Atlanta @ Arizona: Despite their lackluster offense, this Arizona team is tough to beat at home. I like an upset here, especially with that defense. Give me the Cardinals.
Washington @ Denver: Poor Redskins defense. They get to play a ticked off Peyton Manning. Ouch. Give me the Broncos, easily.
Green Bay @ Minnesota: Good lord. Packers.
Seattle @ St. Louis: Rams make it tough at home, even without Bradford, but the Seahawks are the much better team here.
That'll do it for now. Check back in tomorrow morning for all your pre-game coverage, including my prediction. And remember to follow the live blog tomorrow afternoon, as I'll be at the game covering all the action!
GO FINS
For Miami Dolphins, Road to Relevancy Goes Through New England
Jeff Ireland gets it.
The embattled Miami Dolphins GM may not be the most liked guy in South Florida, and, despite getting a contract extension two months ago, his future may very well depend on these next ten games.
But during this past offseason, nobody can look at Ireland's moves and question the thought process behind them, because in all honesty, it's quite clear.
Every move Ireland made was tailored for this game, on this stage, against this team.
He brought in Brent Grimes to limit Tom Brady's options.
He brought in Dannell Ellerbe and Philip Wheeler to attack Brady in a bigger, stronger, and faster way than Kevin Burnett and Karlos Dansby ever could.
He traded up to the third overall pick to draft Dion Jordan, hoping, in return, he'd get a Cameron Wake type apprentice on the right side of the defensive line.
And finally, he brought in Mike Wallace and Brandon Gibson for Ryan Tannehill, hoping they would give the sophomore quarterback all the tools he needed to keep up with Brady.
Ireland knew that, in order to beat the New England Patriots, you needed to attack Tom Brady on defense, and keep up with Tom Brady on offense.
Some people questioned the moves, and the motives behind them, pointing out that Miami only plays New England twice throughout the season, while facing 12 other teams.
But Ireland never flinched, never backed off the throttle, and never changed his approach, because he knew the ONLY thing you need to know as a General Manager in the AFC East:
The division goes through New England. And it always will until somebody proves otherwise.
For over a decade now, teams like Miami, New York, and Buffalo have done nothing more than fill up space in the AFC East.
The battle has never been for first, it's been for second.
Like LeBron in the NBA, the motto for the AFC East has, for as long as I can remember, been this:
It's Tom's world, we're just living in it.
And it has been.
Until this season, where the door has been cracked open ever so slightly.
The injuries have begun to take their toll.
The names Thompkins, Dobson, and Amendola don't quite give you that shiver like, say, Welker, Moss, and Hernandez did.
And, for the first time since, well, ever, Tom Brady just doesn't seem as sharp, crisp, or dominant as he's always been.
In years past, a 3-3 Dolphins team would have been four games behind New England in the division at this point in the season.
This year, however, they're knee deep in the fight for first, along with the rest of the former "cellar dwellers."
I'm not saying the door is wide open, but I think even the biggest Patriot fan would acknowledge that the lock's been broken, the handle's starting to turn, and the once spacious room is suddenly getting a little crowded.
All of this will be on full display tomorrow. The wheels will be set in motion, and the battle for the AFC East will be on.
All of the work done in the last eight months will finally come to fruition. The plan, blueprint, and vision of Jeff Ireland will be put to the test, with everything at stake.
A win puts Miami back over .500, a half game out of first, and ends a month long drought in the left side of the record column.
A loss could send this once promising season into a headfirst downward spiral.
This is the game we all circled following that 28-0 drubbing last season, and this is the game that will define Jeff Ireland as a GM, Joe Philbin as a head coach, and Ryan Tannehill as a franchise quarterback.
The door to the AFC East crown has been cracked open.
A win tomorrow could tear it down.
A loss could lock it back up forever.
Friday, October 25, 2013
News and Notes Heading Into Patriots Weekend
We've reached the 72 hour mark before Sunday's HUGE division game up here in New England. A quick note: I'll be at the game Sunday, so expect an EVEN better live blog of the game.
Anyways, it's no secret that this game could very well send this season in two directions for the Miami Dolphins.
It could send their season spiraling downwards..
Or it could get them back on track and back in the division race.
Besides, a win puts them only a half game out of first with nine games to go. Doesn't sound too bad, huh?
So, needless to say, this is a big one for your Miami Dolphins. And, for the first time in a while, I think this is a game, in New England, that they can win. The matchup FAVORS Miami in many areas, folks.
But I'll save my prediction, as always, for Sunday. For now, here's the latest from Miami, as the Fins are just hours away from heading to Boston.
- First thing's first, lets get to the injuries. The biggest name on the injury report this week was Ryan Tannehill, who appeared on both Wednesday and Thursday's report with a right shoulder injury. Tannehill was listed as limited in practice, but obviously he's going to play.
This is a HUGE cause for concern though. I've said this all year long, and, unfortunately, I fear that I'm going to end up being right soon: If this offensive line doesn't sure up, Tannehill WILL NOT MAKE IT. This is the second time this year he's been limited with this shoulder injury, and the hits are piling up more and more each week (did you see that Mario Williams body slam last Sunday? Yikes).
Mark my words, Tannehill won't last much longer at this rate. He just won't.
- LB Dannell Ellerbe practiced this week and is hopeful he'll play on Sunday. Ellerbe missed last week's game with a shoulder injury.
- New LT Bryant McKinnnie worked ONLY at left tackle this week, meaning that, when ready, he'll be your starting LT with Jonathan Martin moving over to his old RT spot. Notice I said when he's ready. There is no guarantee that McKinnine starts this week, as he's only had a handful of days to learn the offense and new blocking schemes.
Joe Philbin was pretty quiet on whether he would play or not, as expected, so I think this is more of a wait and see type situation. Obviously, the sooner the better, but don't be surprised to see another week of Tyson Clabo. Gulp.
- Joe Philbin on Tom Brady's declining numbers: "I’m not buying any of that. This guy is one of the best ever. They are playing well and we have to expect them to play extremely well."
- Dannell Ellerbe on playing against Brady and the Patriots offense: "You got to be on your Ps and Qs. It’s always a chess match when going against Brady. You got to stay on your film extra longer. You just got to stay focused. You can’t get rattled when they make plays, because they’re going to make plays."
- And finally, Cam Wake on pressuring Brady: "He puts his pants on one leg at a time, and he probably doesn’t like getting hit, just like any other quarterback. We’ve obviously played him quite a few times and gotten to him. Like any other person, if we get him off his spot, mess up his timing and hit him, he’s not going to be the same guy patting the ball and throwing it downfield."
- One last note before I go. Miami will play Oakland next year in London. May sound great, but it just doesn't do much for me. Never been a big fan of London games, and never will be.
Picks and predictions tomorrow, don't forget!
Three Days.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
With Season Teetering, It's Gut Check Time For Miami Dolphins
For years now I've compared an NFL season to a roller coaster.
And if you think about it, there really isn't a more perfect, more accurate analogy.
You go up and down; sideways and upside down. You go fast at times. You slow down once in a while. And you hit bumps along the way.
You laugh, scream, shout and cry all in the span of three minutes, and sometimes, all at one time.
You reach the highest of highs, the lowest of lows, and everything in between. All of this in one ride.
Now, I've never been much of a roller coaster guy. In-fact, it's probably been close to a decade since I've even been on one. But there is one part about the entire experience that I do remember, and it's the part that I hated the most. The part that turned my stomach.
The part that I had buried deep down within me, strategically placed so the memory, and the feeling that it gave me, wouldn't resurface.
Unfortunately, when the Sun Life Stadium clock hit all zero's on Sunday, and the dark possibility of a three game losing streak became a grim reality, the Miami Dolphins season had officially reached that part.
The very top of the roller coaster. The part where you're teetering on the edge, stopped for just a moment, forced to look back at where you've came from, and to look down at where you're about to go.
At 3-3, the Miami Dolphins have reached this point in their roller coaster of a season.
And it was bound to happen. It happens to every team. The difference is WHEN it happens. For example, the Kansas City Chiefs haven't reached this part yet. Neither have the Colts, or the Saints, or even the Patriots.
But teams like Miami, Chicago, and Baltimore are all there right now. All at the point where it's time to make a decision about where they're going to go, and how they're going to get there.
It's gut check time.
This is especially true for the Miami Dolphins, just look at their schedule. In the next nine days they'll travel to New England, where they haven't won since the infamous 2008 Wildcat game, and then come back home to host the Bengals on Halloween night, just three days later.
It doesn't have to be Halloween for that to look terrifying.
What's even scarier is the state of this once unbeaten team right now.
They haven't won a game in a month. Their quarterback is a sitting duck behind the NFL's worst offensive line. Not to mention that he's got seven turnovers in the last three games.
They have no starting running back, Cameron Wake hasn't been healthy since September, and their offensive coordinator's play calls have been just that: Offensive.
And now, coming off a game in which they couldn't beat a guy named Thad Lewis, they get to go play a guy named Tom Brady.
Somebody they haven't beaten since 2009.
This roller coaster is about to take off in Miami. With 10 games still to go, that may seem a bit premature, but a three game losing streak has a way of speeding things up.
These next nine days will truly show us what kind of men these Miami Dolphins are. As Ryan Tannehill said, they can either tank it, or face adversity.
Real men, real football teams face adversity.
It's the frauds and the pretenders who run from it.
Right now, this season is teetering for the beaten and battered Miami Dolphins.
It's time for a good old fashion gut check.
Monday, October 21, 2013
Dolphins trade for LT McKinnie; fallout from Bills loss
As I was writing this, we had some breaking news out of Miami.
Fox Sports' Jay Glazer has reported that Ravens LT Bryant McKinnie has been traded to the Miami Dolphins. The trade has since been confirmed, but what Miami gave up is still unknown.
McKinnie, 34, was recently replaced as the Ravens starting left tackle by Eugene Monroe, whom the Ravens traded to acquire from the Jacksonville Jaguars two weeks ago.
The former University of Miami star has started 152 games in his 12 NFL seasons, and has let up one sack, four quarterback hits and 15 hurries so far this season.
Right now it remains unknown whether McKinnie will play LT, with Jonathan Martin sliding back to his RT position where he started 12 games last year, or if he'll replace Tyson Clabo at RT and keep Martin where he is.
I suspect it'll be the latter. We'll see.
Is McKinnie the player he once was? No. But neither is Tyson Clabo, and at this point, after yesterday, and after the first six games, there is no way McKinnie can be ANY worse than Clabo has been. This is a desperation move by Jeff Ireland, but one that needed to happen, and needed to happen today.
FALLOUT FROM LOSS
Now, back to what I was originally writing.
I have a couple takeaways from yesterday's disastrous loss:
- Lets start with Ryan Tannehill. I've listened to South Florida radio all morning, and after Tannehill's three turnover performance yesterday, many fans have (rightfully so) voiced their concern. Some are even calling for Matt Moore.
Let's simmer down, Dolfans. Tannehill had an atrocious start yesterday, there's no doubt about it. To come off a bye week, and throw a pick six on the third play of the game is nothing short of humiliating. However, lets not forget that Tannehill also brought this team back from the 14-0 hole he helped create. He threw a career high 3 TD's, AND had them leading with three minutes to play.
After six games, Tannehill's numbers look like this:
133-219, 1,577 yards, 9 TD's and 7 INT's. His QB rating sits at 83.1, and his completion % is 60.7.
He's currently the 18th best QB in the NFL, ahead of Andrew Luck, Alex Smith, Russell Wilson, and Colin Kaepernick.
In his upcoming matchup with Tom Brady, it's Tannehill who'll have the better QB rating, not Brady.
Are the turnovers a concern? ABSOLUTELY. But lets not kid ourselves here, there are MUCH bigger problems on this team than Ryan Tannehill. Let this season play out, let's see if Tannehill can learn from these mistakes, and then, come January, lets revisit this conversation. Not now.
- It's time to hold this coaching staff accountable. I'll give Joe Philbin the smallest shred of credit for taking responsibility after the loss yesterday, but I need to see more. This team was AWFUL yesterday. They were awful at home, against a depleted Bills team with their 5th string QB, and with TWO weeks to prepare. It doesn't get much worse than that, folks.
- Let's talk about Mike Sherman. Many people are berating Sherman for his fourth quarter play-calling yesterday, where he called for a second down pass with under four minutes to go, and the lead. Tannehill was sacked on the play, fumbled, and the rest is history.
I don't completely disagree with the decision to pass the ball. What I DO question is the pass play that was called. To have your WORST offensive lineman in Tyson Clabo, go up one on one with Mario Williams, one of the BEST in the league, was a disaster waiting to happen. And a disaster is what it was.
If I'm calling plays there, I run the ball against the league's 28th worst rush defense. If I'm calling plays there, I run the ball because you've average over FIVE yards a carry on the day. With that being said, it was a second and long, a passing down, and I can't completely disagree with Sherman's decision to go in for the kill. But the play that was called was awful. Just awful.
Three things I liked yesterday:
1. Sherman rolled Tannehill out more than in any other game this season.
2. Both Lamar Miller and Daniel Thomas were effective.
3. Tannehill shook off two bad INT's to throw 3 TD's and give Miami a late lead.
Three things I didn't like:
1. Down 14-0 before most fans were even in their seats. Unacceptable.
2. With 30 seconds to play, Miami got the ball back near midfield needing only a FG to win. They moved the ball ZERO yards on four tries. That's on Tannehill.
3. The defenses INability to get off the field on third down. Buffalo was 9-19 on the critical down.
Tense times in South Florida.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Dolphins suffer crushing defeat, lose third in a row 23-21
Terrible. Awful. Season altering. Season crushing.
23-21.
Ryan Tannehill fumbled with under four minutes to play. That led to a Dan Carpenter FG, and a Bills win.
Tannehill had 3 TD's on the day.
He also had three turnovers. Each one more painful and costly then the last.
That 3-0 start?
Gone. Erased.
The Fins are now right back to square one at 3-3. Next up? New England.
This was a must win for the Dolphins. To lose at home, off a bye week, to a division opponent without their starting QB is beyond crushing.
Too many turnovers. Too many sacks at critical times. Too many questionable plays.
The icing on the cake?
Dan Carpenter, yes, that Dan Carpenter kicked the winning field goal. Caleb Sturgis, Carpenter's replacement missed his only attempt of the day.
This is a bad, bad loss, folks.
Just terrible.
Dolphins lead Bills 21-17 after third quarter
Another Sunday, another nail biter for the Miami Dolphins.
Ryan Tannehill found Brandon Gibson for his second TD of the day, and the third for Tannehill.
However, Buffalo is driving deep in Miami territory as we speak.
A must win game for Miami will come down to the final quarter.
Let's go there now.
Dolphins trail Bills 17-14 at half
Somehow, some way, the Miami Dolphins are only down 17-14 after two quarters.
Why?
Well, a brilliant two minute drive by Ryan Tannehill, Mike Wallace, and Brandon Gibson helped.
Tannehill hit Wallace 46 yards down field to put Miami in Buffalo territory, and would later find Gibson for a 13 yard TD. It was Gibson's second catch of the drive, and both were extremely impressive.
Tannehill finished the first half 11-23, 129 yards, 2 TD's and 2 INT's.
The Fins have also ran the ball extremely effectively, gaing 80 yards on the ground.
Defensively, Miami has dominated. They've pressured Thad Lewis on multiple occasions, sacked him twice, and been a wall against the run.
If the defense continues this for the next two quarters I think Miami wins this game somehow, despite looking beyond rusty coming off the bye.
To the third.
Sloppy Fins trail 14-0 after first quarter
Miami could not have played a worst first quarter out of the bye week.
Ryan Tannehill has been awful. Two bad INT's.
The first, a pick six on the third play of the game. The second a severely under thrown ball to Brian Hartline in the end zone.
A bad Don Jones penalty negated a great punt from Brandon Fields, and set up the Bills in great position. They would score.
14-0.
Wow.
Fins, Bills ready to go from hot Miami; the inactives
Cameron Wake will start today.
Dannell Ellerbe is out.
Dimitri Patterson will play for the first time in 6 weeks.
The other inactives for Miami include Pat Devlin, Michael Gillislee, Josh Kaddu, Will Davis, Danny Watkins and Dallas Thomas.
Nolan Carroll and Jason Trusnik will start.
Fins are in all white.
It's hot.
See you in 90 minutes for the live blog.
Gameday: Five Keys To A Dolphins Win PLUS Prediction
(Courtesy of Dolphins.com)
It's been two weeks since your Miami Dolphins played a football game, and four weeks since they won one. That 3-0 start seems like it was last year, huh?
Today, Miami opens up division play, something I told you earlier this week will make or break their season.
A win will set up a huge showdown in New England next week.
A loss will prove this team to be a pretender.
The keys:
1. PROTECT YOUR QUARTERBACK: Yes, that's my way of shouting that. Ryan Tannehill's your season, your franchise, your hope for a playoff spot; keep him upright! You know what, I'll even set the bar low here. Keep the sacks today under THREE. If that "offensive line" can do that (which literally is asking the bare minimum), then Miami should have success.
2. Balance out the offense: Mike Sherman has abandoned the running game in nearly every game this year, but especially in the last two, which, coincidentally (or not), have been losses. Now, I don't put ALL of this on Sherman because, well, the running game has been incredibly inefficient. With that being said, I believe this offense will only reach it's full potential when they identify some sort of running game. Gotta find a way to get Lamar Miller going today, somehow, some way.
3. Force Buffalo to throw the ball: I was impressed with Thad Lewis last week, however, lets be honest- we're not scared of Thad Lewis. We are, however, scared of C.J. Spiller. Kevin Coyle needs to tailor this defense today to bottle up Spiller, take away the run game, and force former practice squad QB Thad Lewis to beat you. Because my bet is he won't.
4. Start STRONG: This team needs to come out today and act like a team coming off a two week layoff, and coming off back to back losses. Come out of the gates firing, take a lead, and don't look back. This is an division game, at home, with a chance to move to 4-2 at stake. Act like a team who's hungry for a win, go out, and take it.
5. Get creative on offense: Move Mike Wallace around, roll Ryan Tannehill out, use Marcus Thigpen out of the backfield. GET CREATIVE. Mike Sherman cannot keep up this vanilla, Wallace on one side of the field, Tannehill ALWAYS in the pocket even though he's better on the run, style of offense. Use screens, roll outs, play action, and show us that, with two weeks to "self evaluate" you've made the adjustments necessary.
PREDICTION
They're coming off a bye week in which they had to stew over back to back losses. They get Cam Wake back after angrily patrolling the sidelines for a month. They're facing a quarterback named Thad Lewis. Stop C.J. Spiller, Mario Williams, and Stevie Johnson, and the Miami Dolphins will win this football game. I look for them to get back on track today with a big AFC East win.
Final: Bills 16 Dolphins 28
Alright folks, that will do it for now. Kickoff is a little over three hours away from Miami. Come back before the game for any last minute news, including the inactives. And, as always, follow the quarter by quarter blog starting after the first quarter!
Until then...
GO FINS
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Week 7 in the NFL: Picks and Predictions
We've made it past the bye week. Round of applause!
Now, to the good stuff.
Last weeks record: 12-2
Overall record: 55-31
Tampa Bay @ Atlanta: A desperate Atlanta team coming off a bye, against a rookie QB? Give me the Falcons.
Chicago @ Washington: This is it. This is the week RGIII looks like RGIII again. Give me the Redskins at home.
Dallas @ Philadelphia: I like the Cowboys, but they're just too inconsistent right now. Give me Nick Foles and the Eagles to take control of this division.
New England @ N.Y. Jets: Gronk or no Gronk, I like the Patriots here. That Jets offense can be brutal at times.
St. Louis @ Carolina: I want to like Cam Newton and this Carolina team, but they never seem to prove me right. I'm taking Sam Bradford and the Rams to get a big road win here.
Cincinnati @ Detroit: Stafford, Bush, and Calvin Johnson>Dalton, Green, and Bernard. Lions at home. Even with a banged up Megatron.
San Diego @ Jacksonville: They're winners in Vegas, for what it's worth. Chargers.
San Francisco @ Tennessee: UPSET ALERT. Jake Locker's coming back, and the 49ers, despite a couple wins in a row, still don't look quite right. Give me the Titans at home.
Houston @ Kansas City: Case Keenum time!!! Gulp. Chiefs move to 7-0.
Baltimore @ Pittsburgh: Does it have the appeal it once had? No. But it's a must win for Pittsburgh, which could give us a good game. Give me the Steelers to keep their season alive with a hard fought win.
Cleveland @ Green Bay: Big win last week for Green Bay, but it came at a price. I don't think it matters here though. Give me the Packers.
Denver @ Indianapolis: You know what's scarier than facing Peyton Manning? Facing a Peyton Manning with a Jim Irsay sized chip on his shoulder. Give me the Broncos.
Minnesota @ N.Y. Giants: Another Monday Night winner. I'll take the Giants? Who cares. Suck for Clowney!
That'll do it for now. Check back in tomorrow morning for your pre-game coverage, including my prediction!
Until then..
GO FINS
Friday, October 18, 2013
Final Injury Report For Fins, Bills PLUS Wallace Interview (audio)
The Dolphins finished up their final day of practice today, as they continue preparation for the Buffalo Bills. Don't think this game is important? If not, I advise you to check out my latest column regarding the importance of division play.
Click HERE to check it out.
Now, to the injury reports.
For Miami:
Doubtful: LB Dannell Ellerbe (shoulder)
Questionable: CB Dimitri Patterson (groin), WR Brandon Gibson (hip)
Probable: S Chris Clemons (knee), P Brandon Fields (back), OT Nate Garner (knee), DE Dion Jordan (ankle), Koa Misi (shoulder, knee), C Mike Pouncey (ankle), LB Jason Trusnik (rib), DE Cameron Wake (knee), OT Will Yeatman (shoulder)
I don't expect Ellerbe to play. He's been fighting through injuries all season long, and with 11 games left I wouldn't be surprised to see him take another week off here. Expect Jason Trusnik to start in his place.
As for Patterson and Gibson, look for Gibson to play and Patterson to be more of a game time decision. Gibson has played with this hip injury all season, and performed pretty well, so I don't expect him to miss this game barring a setback between now and Sunday. Patterson is the healthiest he's been since week one, and participated in a full week of practice. I'd be surprised if he's not AT LEAST active.
Look for a big game from Cameron Wake this week. He's close to, if not at 100% for the first time in nearly a month, and he's been forced to sit on the sidelines and watch back to back losses. That's not a good recipe for the Buffalo Bills. I expect a huge game from the All Pro defensive end.
Buffalo:
Out: QB EJ Manuel (knee)
Probable: RB C.J. Spiller (ankle), LB Manny Lawson (hamstring), CB Ron Brooks (foot), DE Mario Williams, DT Kyle Williams (illness, Achilles), WR Steve Johnson (back), QB Thad Lewis (foot)
The one big question mark for the Bills this week was the status of QB Thad Lewis. Clearly, that's not a big question anymore, because, as you can see, the Miami native is listed as probable and expects to plays on Sunday. Lewis had a solid debut last week, and will have some extra motivation playing in his hometown.
WALLACE INTERVIEW
WR Mike Wallace sat down with The Finsiders Jesse Agler earlier today and talked about his growing chemistry with QB Ryan Tannehill, and what he expects from this team going forward. Give it a listen.
Check back tomorrow for your week 7 picks and predictions!
Go Fins
Two. Days.
Check back tomorrow for your week 7 picks and predictions!
Go Fins
Two. Days.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
With Division Play Set to Begin, Miami Dolphins At a Crossroads
Three straight wins to open the season gave us a glimpse of who these Miami Dolphins can be.
Back to back losses forced us to back away, take our foot off the gas, and approach this team like we have with so many Miami teams of the past:
With caution.
With every Ryan Tannehill pass, every big time drive, and every key defensive turnover, hope pours out of fans brighter than the South Florida sun.
But with every sack, every failed third and one, and every dropped ball, that hope is washed away, erased, eroded like a Miami beach after a hurricane.
Right now, fresh off a much needed bye week, the Miami Dolphins find themselves at an all too familiar fork in the road.
Awaiting at the end of one path? A winning season, a playoff appearance, perhaps even a division title.
At the end of the other? An offseason like so many before, filled with frustration and question marks.
Down one road you have Ryan Tannehill playing in January.
Down the other you have LeBron James.
Call it a fork in the road, call it a crossroads, call it a franchise defining stretch of games, I don't care.
But one thing is for certain, beginning Sunday afternoon in the friendly confines of Sun Life Stadium, and spilling over into 'The house that Brady built' next week, these next two games for the Miami Dolphins will give us a much clearer picture of who they are.
In-fact, I'll venture to say that two weeks from now, we'll know exactly which path this team has chosen.
Because that's what division play does. The stakes are higher during these games. The losses hurt more, and the wins taste that much sweeter. Three wins against Cleveland, Indianapolis, and Atlanta look nice on paper, and they certainly help come December.
But two wins, back to back, against your most hated, most bitter division rivals?
Those are the ones that define a team, a season, even.
Those are the ones that build confidence, chemistry, and winning streaks. Those are the ones that mean EVERYTHING when you start talking playoffs.
And make no mistake about it, these Miami Dolphins will be talking playoffs come December.
But there are two kinds of playoff talk in this league:
The real, legitimate ones.
Or the pipe dreams.
And, unfortunately, for the past decade, the Miami Dolphins have found themselves in the ladder portion of that talk.
In 2009 they were talking playoffs, but lost two of their final three division games. That's a pipe dream.
In 2010 they were talking playoffs, then lost back to back games to the Patriots and Jets. Pipe dream.
Last year, as young and under-talented as they were, they were still talking playoffs. Then, they finished 2-4 in the division.
You guessed it. Pipe dream.
So here they are, one year later, with an improved quarterback, a fine core of receivers, an opportunistic defense, and a non-existent offensive line.
And, like so many years before, they're once again talking playoffs.
The difference between legitimate, and hopelessly optimistic, will be determined in the next two weeks.
Division play is set to begin in South Florida. Sunshine, or hurricane.
The Miami Dolphins may be at a crossroads today.
But they won't be for long.
Monday, October 14, 2013
Dolphins, Blog Return After Much Needed Bye; News and Notes
The team last met last Tuesday before taking five days off to regroup, get healthy, and, as Joe Philbin put it, do some "self-evaluating."
They entered the bye week at 3-2, coming off a heartbreaking loss to the Baltimore Ravens, and very much in the AFC playoff race (in-fact, if the season ended today they would hold the 6th and final playoff spot. But it doesn't, and it's too early for that kind of talk.). Ryan Tannehill has been excellent thus far in every game besides New Orleans, and has, as I wrote about last week, kept this team above water despite three key things:
A lack of a running game.
Several key defensive players being injured (Cam Wake, Dimitri Patterson, Paul Soliai, Dannell Ellerbe, Nolan Carroll).
And, of course, an offensive line that's allowed a league high 24 sacks.
Without Tannehill, this team could, and probably would, be 0-5 right now. But the kid has clearly taken control of this offense, led game-winning or game clinching drives in two of the three wins, and improved in several key areas (accuracy, completion percentage, rating, yard per attempt, turnovers).
So today, after five days off, the Miami Dolphins (and, in effect, The Dolphinsider) returned to Davie fresh, revamped, and ready to get back to work. They find themselves in sole possession of second place in the AFC East, with the next two games coming against division foes. What does that mean?
It means these next two games take on an entire new level of importance, as division games tend to do.
Now that you're all caught up, lets get to the day that was for the Miami Dolphins, as Bills week has officially begun:
- Cornerback Dimitri Patterson returned to practice for the first time in about a month. If you remember, Patterson played a near perfect game in week one, intercepting Brandon Weeden twice. However, Patterson hasn't seen the field since. All signs point to the CB coming back this week. That would be HUGE for this defense.
- Miami starting linebacker Dannell Ellerbe did not participate in practice and worked on the side with trainers. Ellerbe injured his shoulder in last week's loss to the Baltimore Ravens and his status likely will be up in the air until later in the week.
- Dolphins defensive tackle Paul Soliai and backup tight end Michael Egnew were both absent today due to illnesses.
- Cameron Wake practiced IN FULL today. He did everything, from position drills, to team drills, and all reports had the Pro Bowler looking 100% for the first time in weeks. It appears the bye week served Wake very, very well. This is the best news fans could have hoped for coming off this bye.
- There were NO changes to the offensive line today. It appears, for now at least, Joe Philbin is going to stay the course with the likes of Tyson Clabo, John Jerry, Mike Pouncey, Richie Incognito, and Jonathan Martin.
- Mike Sherman offered up some interesting tidbits today, most noticeably when talking about the sacks Ryan Tannehill has taken:
Well, good. I'm sure that makes Ryan Tannehill feel better...
Good to be back.
SIX days.
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Week 6 in the NFL: Picks and Predictions (Bye Week Edition)
Bye week means an off week, which is exactly what I've been doing this week.
So, without further ado, your bye week/lightning round edition of picks. Read em' and weep.
Last week's record: 9-4
Overall record: 43-29
Green Bay
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
Minnesota
Kansas City
Houston
Cincinnati
Detroit
Seattle
Denver
New England
San Francisco
Dallas
San Diego
Time to enjoy the final off day until January.
Bills week commences in T-Minus 24 hours.
GO FINS
Monday, October 7, 2013
Although It's Early, Miami Dolphins Season Hanging In The Balance
He almost bailed them again.
With a swift roll to his left, a quick peak down field, and a career-defining 46 yard pass, Ryan Tannehill nearly played the role of hero for the fourth time this season.
But this time, it just wasn't enough.
Elvis Dumerville made sure of that.
And now, a day removed from their 26-23 heartbreaker, the Miami Dolphins enter the bye week with more questions than answers. But let's be honest, there's really only one question.
How much more can Ryan Tannehill take?
When's that final, season ending, career altering hit going to happen?
When Mario Williams comes to town in two weeks? When Chandler Jones gets to pin his ears back in three?
When a ferocious, unrelenting, unforgiving defensive line like Cincinnati's terrorizes South Beach on Halloween night?
When?
Okay, maybe that's more than one, but you get the idea. Five games into the season, it's no longer a question of if Tannehill will get hurt, but when. And the scary thing is, it's getting worse!
Going into yesterday's game, all the focus was on protecting Ryan Tannehill. Keeping him upright. Keeping him off the IR. And for the offensive line to respond by giving up a season high SIX sacks is nothing short of humiliating.
Everybody played a part in it.
And everybody should be ashamed.
Richie Incognito half jokingly said last week that "everybody should be fired" if they keep it up.
Still laughing, Richie? At this point, I don't see why not.
Something's got to give, and it's got to give soon for these Miami Dolphins. Jeff Ireland has a week to make a move, if that's the route they so choose. Joe Philbin has a week to make changes within, another route, and a more likely one, Miami could take.
Use Nate Garner. Move Tyson Clabo. Move John Jerry. Roll Tannehill out. Max protect more.
Something has to change.
Anything is better than what Miami has now which is, as far as I'm concerned, nothing more than a record setting group of under-acheiving big men, falsely accused of being offensive linemen.
They may be good guys. In-fact, I know they are.
But, as the saying goes, good guys finish last.
Ryan Tannehill has kept this team above water, and he's done an admirable job at that. But it's only a matter of time until the big Texan, with an even bigger Texan heart, doesn't get up.
And when that happens, all the good that has come out of Miami this season will be for not. And there's certainly been a lot of good. This is a playoff team with Ryan Tannehill upright.
They're a .500 team, at best, when he's not.
It's taken the Miami Dolphins 13 years to find a franchise quarterback. And with all Tannehill's done this season, culminating in his 4th and 10 "Heisman" moment yesterday, I think it's safe to say the search has ended.
But with every sack, and every hit, Ryan Tannehill's longevity grows thinner and thinner.
And when Tannehill goes down, so do the Miami Dolphins.
So does the division.
So do the playoffs.
Joe Philbin told the media yesterday that "it’s hard to function as a team when you are going backwards."
If the sacks don't stop, not only will the Miami Dolphins be going backwards on the field, and in the standings, but as a franchise altogether.
It may be early, and at 3-2 this team remains in excellent position going forward.
But make no mistake about it, the offensive line has this once promising season hanging in the balance.
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Dolphins fall to 3-2 after 26-23 loss to Ravens
Jeff Ireland needs to be on the phone right now.
Whether it's a trade or signing, the Miami Dolphins need to address their pass protection, and they need to do soon.
Tyson Clabo isn't getting it done.
John Jerry isn't getting it done.
Richie Incognito isn't getting it done.
Jonathan Martin isn't getting it done.
Lamar Miller isn't getting it done.
Daniel Thomas isn't getting it done.
And while Ryan Tannehill bailed these guys out the first three weeks, the kid can only do so much. And that was apparent today.
Six sacks.
SIX SACKS.
The biggest came on the final drive, where Elvis Dumerville beat Tyson Clabo for the 6th and final sack. Miami was on the Baltimore 34 yard line, coming off a heroic 46 yard pass from Ryan Tannehill to Brandon Gibson on 4th and 10, when Clabo was beat.
Three plays later, rookie kicker Caleb Sturgis would miss a 57 yard FG to seal the game for the Ravens. It would be Sturgis' first career miss.
But back to the sackfest. Dumerville wasn't even the biggest problem today, as Terrell Suggs recorded THREE sacks on his own.
I'll have to go back and watch them again, but I don't believe these sacks were on Tannehill today. A decent portion of them this year HAVE been on Tannehill, but not today. This is a problem that MUST be addressed this week by Jeff Ireland, especially with a bye.
Other takeaways:
Tannehill finished the day 21-40, 307 yards, and a TD.
Mike Wallace caught 7 passes for 105 yards.
Brandon Gibson caught the 46 yard pass to keep the game alive.
Brian Hartline was his usual self, although he did have a crucial third down drop.
The running game was horrendous. Just awful.
The play-calling from Mike Sherman was also questionable.
Reshad Jones had his first career TD, but struggled for much of the day.
Brent Grimes and Torrey Smith were locked in a battle throughout the afternoon. Both had their moments.
The officiating was extremely questionable in this game. One play comes to mind. Brent Grimes was flagged for pass interference in the end zone that set up a Baltimore TD. It was a bad call, folks. There was absolutely no pass interference on the play, and it cost the Dolphins.
Olivier Vernon had a good day, maybe his best of the season.
The run defense was stout, but let up two Ray Rice TD's.
Cameron Wake played one series today, in the first quarter, and that was about it.
Nolan Carroll left the game with a shoulder injury, came back, then left again.
Dannell Ellerbe was also in and out with a shoulder injury.
Miami now sits at 3-2, and a game back of the Patriots, who lost to Cincinnati. Time to settle down, get healthy, and address some MAJOR concerns during this bye week.
Buffalo will come to town in two weeks, with a trip to New England to follow.
Whether it's a trade or signing, the Miami Dolphins need to address their pass protection, and they need to do soon.
Tyson Clabo isn't getting it done.
John Jerry isn't getting it done.
Richie Incognito isn't getting it done.
Jonathan Martin isn't getting it done.
Lamar Miller isn't getting it done.
Daniel Thomas isn't getting it done.
And while Ryan Tannehill bailed these guys out the first three weeks, the kid can only do so much. And that was apparent today.
Six sacks.
SIX SACKS.
The biggest came on the final drive, where Elvis Dumerville beat Tyson Clabo for the 6th and final sack. Miami was on the Baltimore 34 yard line, coming off a heroic 46 yard pass from Ryan Tannehill to Brandon Gibson on 4th and 10, when Clabo was beat.
Three plays later, rookie kicker Caleb Sturgis would miss a 57 yard FG to seal the game for the Ravens. It would be Sturgis' first career miss.
But back to the sackfest. Dumerville wasn't even the biggest problem today, as Terrell Suggs recorded THREE sacks on his own.
I'll have to go back and watch them again, but I don't believe these sacks were on Tannehill today. A decent portion of them this year HAVE been on Tannehill, but not today. This is a problem that MUST be addressed this week by Jeff Ireland, especially with a bye.
Other takeaways:
Tannehill finished the day 21-40, 307 yards, and a TD.
Mike Wallace caught 7 passes for 105 yards.
Brandon Gibson caught the 46 yard pass to keep the game alive.
Brian Hartline was his usual self, although he did have a crucial third down drop.
The running game was horrendous. Just awful.
The play-calling from Mike Sherman was also questionable.
Reshad Jones had his first career TD, but struggled for much of the day.
Brent Grimes and Torrey Smith were locked in a battle throughout the afternoon. Both had their moments.
The officiating was extremely questionable in this game. One play comes to mind. Brent Grimes was flagged for pass interference in the end zone that set up a Baltimore TD. It was a bad call, folks. There was absolutely no pass interference on the play, and it cost the Dolphins.
Olivier Vernon had a good day, maybe his best of the season.
The run defense was stout, but let up two Ray Rice TD's.
Cameron Wake played one series today, in the first quarter, and that was about it.
Nolan Carroll left the game with a shoulder injury, came back, then left again.
Dannell Ellerbe was also in and out with a shoulder injury.
Miami now sits at 3-2, and a game back of the Patriots, who lost to Cincinnati. Time to settle down, get healthy, and address some MAJOR concerns during this bye week.
Buffalo will come to town in two weeks, with a trip to New England to follow.
Ravens lead Dolphins 16-13 after third quarter
As per usual, this game will be decided in the final quarter.
Baltimore opened up the third quarter with a TD scoring drive, helped out immensely with two pass interference calls on Miami.
The Dolphins offense had two drives stall, once inside the Baltimore 45.
Ravens have the ball in Miami territory to open up the fourth quarter.
Let's go there now.
Dolphins lead Ravens 13-6 at halftime
Ryan Tannehill, so far, has RESPONDED.
Tannehill finished the first half 14-21, 178 yards, and a TD.
The touchdown came at the end of the first half on a beautiful back shoulder throw to TE Charles Clay.
Tannehill was magnificent on the drive, hitting Brian Hartline twice for big gains.
Defensively, Miami has shut down Ray Rice, and while they've let up a couple big throws, they've stiffened up and held Baltimore to two FG's.
The defensive line has been great as well, sacking Joe Flacco three times.
The offensive line has let up two sacks, and Lamar Miller has been shut down. So we'll see what kind of adjustments Miami makes at halftime.
Baltimore will get the ball to begin the third quarter.
Fins, Ravens tied at 3 after first quarter
The Dolphins defense has been great, forcing a fumble and holding Baltimore to only a FG.
However, the Raven defense has been just as good. Lamar Miller has done nothing, and Ryan Tannehill has been sacked already.
Tannehill has focused on WR Mike Wallace A LOT today. The receiver has a couple catches, but also has a key third down drop. The ball was behind him, but was very catchable.
3-3 game.
To the second.
Wake ACTIVE as Fins, Ravens set to go; the inactives
They're just under an hour away from kickoff in South Florida, as the 3-1 Miami Dolphins and 2-2 Baltimore Ravens are just about ready to kickoff week 5 in the NFL.
Cameron Wake WILL play today. Whether he starts, and how much he'll play, is still unknown.
Here are the inactives for Miami:
Pat Devlin
Mike Gillislee
Dimitri Patterson
Will Davis
Josh Kaddu
Danny Watkins
Dallas Thomas
And here are the Baltimore inactives:
WR Jacoby Jones (knee), WR Marlon Brown(hamstring), T Eugene Monroe, NT Terrence Cody (knee), G/T Jah Reid, C Ryan Jensen (foot), DE Marcus Spears (knee).
The Dolphins are in all white. The Ravens are in the purple tops with white pants.
The live blog starts after the first quarter!
Until then..
Go Fins!
Gameday: Who has the Edge PLUS prediction
(Courtesy of Dolphins.com)
Can they do it? Well, first, lets see who has the edge:
When the Dolphins run the ball: If you read the post yesterday, than you should be well versed in this area. This will be a huge focal point to for the Miami Dolphins. Lamar Miller has shown signs of a breakout game over the past couple weeks, but he hasn't had the chance to put it all together. I think Mike Sherman gives him that chance today.
Baltimore ranks 16th against the run, giving up over 100 yards a game, while Miller averages over 4 yards a carry. That, combined with Ryan Tannehill coming off his worse game, tells me that Miami will try to establish the run game early, and, unlike past weeks, they'll stick with it. Look for a big game from Lamar Miller today. EDGE: Miami
When the Dolphins pass the ball: 18 sacks. This is the NUMBER ONE point of emphasis for the Miami Dolphins today. Protecting Ryan Tannehill for all four quarters will be the difference in this football game. You know that, I know that, so lets just move on.
I expect a bounce back game today for Ryan Tannehill. The sophomore is coming off a three interception performance last week in New Orleans, where he also lost a fumble. What was more concerning for me was the chemistry, or lack thereof, between Tannehill and Mike Wallace.
The two looked out of sync from the start on Monday night, and you have the feeling that one more bad game from the two could set Wallace off. In-fact, it may have already started, as Wallace told reporters earlier this week that he was "worried" about his start to the season. Look for Miami to target Wallace early, and look for OC Mike Sherman to get creative in moving Wallace around pre-snap. As for who has the edge here, two weeks ago I would have given it to Miami, but I need to see Ryan Tannehill rebound first. EDGE: Even
When the Ravens run the ball: Ray Rice carried the ball FIVE times last week. Five! Don't expect that here, even with a stout Miami run defense. Paul Soliai returned on Monday night after missing some time, and his presence was apparent all night long, as the big man out of California was in the backfield on multiple occasions.
However, one thing that does concern me here is the type of back Ray Rice is. He's not the big, power back that Miami handles with ease. He's the quick, elusive, speedy back that this defense has struggled with in the past. That, combined with the fact that Rice will be playing with a chip on his shoulder after only touching the ball five times last week, could spell trouble for Miami's 10th ranked run defense. This will be the battle to watch today. EDGE: Even
When the Ravens pass the ball: Boy, did Joe Flacco look bad last week, or what? Five interceptions, a 50% completion percentage, and a lot of questionable decisions highlighted a day to forget for the Ravens $120 million dollar man. However, don't write off Flacco in this game. He's historically bounced back very well after bad games, and gets to face a Miami defense without CB Dimitri Patterson for the fourth straight week. How'd that defense do last week against Drew Brees? Well, it wasn't pretty. Brees lit up the Miami secondary, throwing for over 400 yards, 4 TD's, and a near perfect QB rating.
However, the Dolphins do have some things going for them. Flacco is working with a receiving core made up of Torrey Smith, Deonte Thompson, Marlon Brown, and Jacoby Jones. To add on to that, Jones and Thompson are questionable for today's game with injuries. Another thing to remember is this: Miami struggles with Tight Ends, you saw it last week and you've seen it all season. However, this is a Baltimore Ravens offense without Dennis Pitta. In his place are Ed Dickson, and Dallas Clark, neither of whom have scored a touchdown this season. Expect a back and forth battle today between Flacco and the Miami secondary. EDGE: Even
PREDICTION
I've said it all week, and I'll say it again here: This game is a RESPONSE game for the Miami Dolphins. They're 3-1, and in good position in the ever competitive AFC, but we haven't got to see this team respond to adversity yet this season. Now, we will. Ryan Tannehill must respond. The offensive line must respond. Mike Wallace must respond. The secondary must respond.
Do I expect them to? Absolutely. This game is Miami's for the taking. They're at home, with a chance to move to 4-1, and playing a depleted Baltimore Ravens team. I like Tannehill to out play Flacco, Miller to out rush Rice, and the Miami Dolphins to head into the bye with a big time win under their belts.
Final: Ravens 20 Dolphins 24
They're about four hours from kickoff at Sun Life Stadium, so we're almost there, folks. If you need something to hold you over, go back and check out the week that was for the Miami Dolphins.
Check back right before kickoff for any last minute news, including the inactives for both teams. And, as always, follow the quarter by quarter blog starting at 1:05 today!
Until then
Go Fins!
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