2014 Season Predictions: Second Quarter; other notes

Four down, 12 to go.

To the halfway point:

Week 6 (following a bye):

Green Bay Packers

All time record against: 10-3

This team has always struggled with elite QB's, as most teams do, and, despite an improved secondary, I can see more of the same here. I expect a high scoring game, and it's hard to go against Aaron Rodgers in a shootout. It's close, though.

OUTCOME: LOSS

Week 7:

At Chicago Bears

All time record against: 7-4

Back to back tough contests for the Miami Dolphins against two of the better teams in the NFC. I really like what Chicago is doing right now, and expect them to go a long way this season. Offensively, they're just on a different level than Miami. I expect a similar game, and, unfortunately, a similar outcome in this game as the week before.

OUTCOME: LOSS

Week 8: 

At Jacksonville

All time record against: 3-3

I fully, and I mean fully, expect Blake Bortles to be the starter for Jacksonville at this point in this season. That doesn't really change my prediction, however. The Jags are better this year, but they're not scary.

OUTCOME: WIN

Week 9:

San Diego Chargers

All time record against: 15-14

This is always a good matchup, as these two teams have always seemed similar to me. Last year, Ryan Tannehill and Charles Clay led the way for the Fins in a season saving win in Miami, and I can see a similar game unfolding this time around. This one's a toss up, but I'll take the Dolphins with the slight advantage at home.

OUTCOME: WIN

Second quarter record: 2-2

Overall record: 5-3

INJURY REPORT

The injury report was released today following the team's full padded practice:

Center Mike Pouncey (hip), defensive end Terrence Fede (knee), and LB Jordan Tripp (chest) have all been ruled OUT for Sunday's game.

S Walt Aikens (hand), TE Charles Clay (knee), LB Koa Misi (shoulder), DE Derrick Shelby (illness), K Caleb Sturgis (groin), CB Jamar Taylor (hip), G Billy Turner (foot), LB Philip Wheeler (thumb) all participated on a limited basis today.

RB Knowshon Moreno (knee) practiced in full today. He's all systems go for Sunday and appears to be close to, if not fully, healthy.

LEADERSHIP COUNCIL 2014

The leadership council is back for another season under coach Joe Philbin, but it's a tad different this time around.

Instead of having, say, 4-5 players on the council this season, the team will instead pick the most experienced players at each position to make up the council.

For example:

Mike Pouncey and Branden Albert.

Ryan Tannehill and Matt Moore.

Mike Wallace and Brian Hartline.

Brent Grimes and Cortland Finnegan.

Cam Wake, Randy Starks, and Earl Mitchell.

Charles Clay and... well, just Charles Clay.

I don't mind this twist. I also don't mind Mike Pouncey being back on the council. I was in the locker room all summer long, and I can tell you, he's as respected a player in there as anybody. Don't mind it at all.

More predictions tomorrow.

4 days.