On to the 2nd.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Bengals lead Fins 6-0 after 1st quarter
Turnovers. They're killing the Fins in this game much like they've done all season long. A Jovorskie Lane fumble ended a nice drive inside the Bengals 20, and that led to a Cincinnati field goal. The other field goal came off a Miami punt return in which the ball touched a Fins player and was recovered by the Bengals.
Fins, Bengals ready to go from Chilly Cincinnati; the inactives
Fall is here, and you can tell from looking on in Cincinnati, where it's overcast with temperatures in the 40's.
The Fins are in all white today for you uniform geeks.
The inactives include: Pat Devlin, Richard Marshall, Will Yeatman, Michael Egnew and Rishard Matthews. Carroll starts for the injured Marshall. Also inactive is newly acquired WR Jabar Gaffney, who may be struggling to learn the new playbook.
Come back later and follow the live, quarter by quarter, blog!
Until then, go Fins!
Gameday: The "X" factors' in today's game PLUS prediction
The Fins and Bengals are set to kick it off from Paul Brown Stadium in just a few hours. Until then, let's start week five off right with some pre-game analysis here at the Dolphinsider. Here are the "X" factors' in today's game. Players who I believe will play a big part in deciding the outcome. Enjoy.
Jake Long, T: The Cincinnati Bengals are second in the league with 16 total sacks through four games, only one behind last weeks opponent, Arizona. Jake Long hasn't had a bad year by any standards, but at the same time, the pro bowl tackle hasn't been all that great either. Long has given up a team leading three sacks in the Fins first four games, this after allowing just sixteen in his first four seasons. Long must protect Ryan Tannehill today, because a rookie QB under duress, on the road, in a hostile environment, never bodes well for anybody except the defense.
Brian Hartline, WR: Speaking of Brian Hartline, the Fins receiver is coming off a record breaking week four performance, and while he probably won't put up numbers quite that impressive today, he's still going to play a huge part in this one. Hartline must continue to stretch the field and provide Ryan Tannehill with big play opportunities, along with freeing up fellow WR Davone Bess on the other side of the field. When Hartline and Bess are hot, this Fins offense is tough to stop, so Hartline must not have a letdown game today. 
Andy Dalton, QB: Who said there was such a thing as a sophomore slump? Don't try to tell Andy Dalton it exists, as the second year QB out of TCU is having himself a fine season thus far, throwing for over 1,100 yards, 8 TD's, and a QB rating in the three digits. If the Fins are to win this game, containing this X factor will be as crucial as any of them.
Ryan Tannehill, QB: Speaking of the rookie QB, didn't think I'd forget him, did you? Tannehill put up monstrous numbers last week, torching the Arizona defense for over 400 yards en route to a career day. However, with that being said, Tannehill must limit his turnovers today. The rookie threw two interceptions last week, one in overtime, and fumbled once late in the fourth quarter. The rookie must correct this today or that Cincinnati defense will feast on him from the word go.
Reggie Bush, RB: I believe this to be the biggest factor of the day for the Miami Dolphins. OC Mike Sherman must expose the Bengals subpar run defense, and with Reggie Bush close to full health for the first time in two weeks, I believe he can. If Bush can put up a performance like he did in week two vs Oakland, then the Fins will have a huge leg up in this one.Prediction:
Another tough one today for the Fins, but they matchup well with the Bengals. The key today will be containing A.J. Green, and this is especially true since the secondary will be without CB Richard Marshall, who is out with a back injury. Offensively, RB Reggie Bush will play a huge factor in this one. I believe that in order for a Fins win, Bush has to have a day like he did a few weeks ago against Oakland, and with the Bengals only ranked 22nd against the rush this is a real possibility. Like I said, I like this matchup today for the Fins, and believe they've played too well over the course of the last three games to lose again.
Final: Dolphins 23 Bengals 17
Remember to check back right before kickoff for any last minute updates and the inactives list. And don't forget to follow the live, quarter by quarter, blog of today's game!
Until then, Go Fins!
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Week five in the NFL: Picks and predictions
Had a great rebound round last week after a dismal performance in week three. Lets try to keep it up, shall we?
Last week's record: 11-3
Overall record: 30-29
Lets do it:
Green Bay @ Indianapolis: Have the Packers figured it out yet offensively? Tough to tell after last week's win over New Orleans, only based on the fact the Saints boast one of the leagues worst defenses. However, with that being said, I think they have, and it's going to take a near perfect performance from Andrew Luck this week to keep up with it, and I don't see that happening just yet for the rookie. Give me the Packers.
Baltimore @ Kansas City: In order for the Chiefs to win this game Jamaal Charles has to have a week similar to the one he had in New Orleans a few weeks ago, and I don't see that happening against this Raven defense, who is 12th against the run. That, combined with a mediocre QB in Matt Cassel, tells me that the Raven's could have their way with the Chiefs in this game. Oh yeah, they also boast the leagues 2nd ranked offense, led by a top ten QB in Joe Flacco. Give me the Ravens.
Philadelphia @ Pittsburgh: I have a bad feeling about the Eagles in this one. Michael Vick was harassed two weeks ago in Arizona and that could look like a cake walk after this one's over. The Pittsburgh defense will be the healthiest it's been all season, and that, combined with a Mike Tomlin led team coming off a bye, has me going Steelers all the way in this one.
Atlanta @ Washington: RGIII did it again last week in Tampa, leading the Skins down the field late in the game to come from behind against the Bucs. The rookie has looked superb so far this year, boasting the leagues 4th best QB rating at 103.2 en route to a 2-2 record through the first quarter of the season. However, it's awfully tough to go against Matt Ryan and the undefeated Atlanta Falcons, and while I wouldn't be surprised to see an upset here, something tells me the Falcons will be too much on both sides of the ball for the Skins to keep up with.
Cleveland @ New York Giants: Giants. Next.
Seattle @ Carolina: Cam Newton looked better in last week's loss to Atlanta, however, the second year QB is still fighting through an inconsistent sophomore season. The bigger problem with the Panthers has been their defense, which struggles to stop both the run (24th) and the pass (21). However, a young Seahawks team, led by a young QB in Russell Wilson, could be just the cure for that, especially at home. Give me the Panthers.
Chicago @ Jacksonville: The Bears should win this game, especially with the way they played on Monday night in Dallas, however, this one screams trap game to me. Jay Cutler looked all world a week ago, and if he follows his usual patten, he could throw up a dud in this one. Maurice Jones Drew will be the only chance for the Jags offensively, and with the Bears boasting a defense ranked 3rd in the league against the run, I don't see much coming out of that department this week. I'm going with the Bears, but this could be a trap if they're not careful.
Denver @ New England: Game of the week from Gillette Stadium, as Peyton Manning and Tom Brady are set to renew their rivalry after a year off. The Denver defense will be the deciding factor in this one, as they rank 7th in the league overall, and 12th against the pass. Tom Brady and the Pats offense seemed to finally put it all together in the second half last week, but the true test will come tomorrow. In a game that will most definitely be high scoring one, can Peyton Manning keep up? I think he can, and in my upset of the week, I'm going with the Broncos.
Buffalo @ San Francisco: I'll keep it short. The 49ers are the far better team, they're at home, and they're coming off a routing of the Jets. Enough said. San Francisco.
Tennessee @ Minnesota: Chris Johnson finally got it going last week in Houston, however, it still wasn't enough as the Titans got pummeled 38-14. On top of that, QB Jake Locker left the game with a shoulder injury and will not start this one as Matt Hasselebeck will be behind center for Tennessee. Whether this will be good or bad is still unknown, but the bigger issue for the Titans will be that Viking defense, which ranks 8th overall through the first four games of the season. That, combined with an already bad Tennessee offense, has me going Minnesota all the way.
San Diego @ New Orleans: A month ago this game looked like one of the premiere games of week five. Now, I'm guessing NBC wishes it would switch places with that New England/Denver game. The Saints are winless through the first quarter of the season, and the team is so desperate for a win that they've been granted permission to have coach Sean Payton in attendance for this one. On the other side of the ball, the San Diego Chargers are enjoying a 3-1 start to their season, including a routing of Kansas City a week ago. I don't know what it is, but there's something about the Saints that just tells me not to put them away just yet, and as crazy as it may sound, I'm taking the Saints to pull out the desperation of all desperation wins on Sunday night. Gulp.
Houston @ N.Y. Jets: First Darrell Revis and now Santonio Holmes? If there was ever way to make an already mediocre team even worse than the Jets have done it, and last weeks' loss to the 49ers may only be the beginning of it. This week they get the undefeated Houston Texans, who bring with them the leagues leading defense, and one of the more explosive offenses, yikes. I don't care who your QB is- Mark Sanchez, Tim Tebow, or, heck, throw Joe Namath in there- it won't matter in this one, because when you're facing a defense like this, you're going to struggle. Give me the Texans.
As always, folks, don't forget to check back in tomorrow morning for all your Miami Dolphin pre-game coverage, including breakdowns, analysis, and predictions for tomorrow's 1 pm kickoff in Cincinnati, and remember to follow the live, quarter-by-quarter blog during tomorrow's game.
Until then, Go Fins!
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Miami Dolphins by the numbers headed into week 5
Some numbers on the Miami Dolphins as they head into week 5 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
- The defense ranks 1st in all of football against the rush, allowing 56.8 yards per game. The Bengals rushing attack ranks in the middle of the pack on the ground, rushing for 110 yards per game.
- The Fins actually dropped down to 5th in the league on the ground with 153.2 yards per game, dropping one spot after only rushing for 86 yards last week.
- Brian Hartline leads the NFL in receiving yards with 455. Ironically, A.J. Green is 2nd with 428 yards. Might there be a battle within the war this weekend between these two?
- Cameron Wake is tied for 6th in the league with 4.5 sacks, three behind leader J.J. Watt.
- The Fins offense ranks 14th in the NFL with 10 touchdowns on the year, six behind the league leading Buffalo Bills. Some notable teams behind Miami include Detroit, Pittsburgh, Dallas, and Philadelphia.
- The knee injury to Reggie Bush has set him back slightly from where he was two weeks ago among running backs. He's dropped from 2nd to to 6th, 54 yards behind leader Marshawn Lynch.
- Despite Sean Smith's two interceptions last week, and limiting Larry Fitzgerald to only 64 yards, the Fins defense ranks 29th against the pass. The Bengals offense ranks 8th in the passing game, with 279.2 yards per game. This will be a problem on Sunday.
- Dan Carpenter has missed three field goals this season (5/8), that's only one shy of league leader Billy Cundiff, who's missed four (6/10).
- Ryan Tannehill ranks 31st in the league with a 66.4 QB rating. However, he has the second most passing yards out of all five rookies, 1,046, and trails only RGIII with 1,070 yards.
- Despite the Fins 1-3 record, they only trail by 1 game in the AFC East. After Sunday's game, the schedule favors Miami for the next five weeks, as they will host St. Louis and Tennessee, and travel to New York and Indianapolis (not in that order), with a bye week squished in the middle.
- Some notable rookie season comparisons to keep things in perspective. These numbers represent the stats after each of the following QB's first 4 games started of their careers. Also included is their records after four games:
Drew Brees: 57-96, 609 yards, 4 TD's, 3 INT. QB rating: 78.8 (4-0)
Aaron Rodgers: 78-126, 961 yards, 6 TD's, 3 INT. QB rating: 91.4 (2-2)
Tom Brady: 74-121, 820 yards, 5 TD's, 0 INT. QB rating: 95.0 (3-1)
Brett Favre: 89-134, 998 yards, 5 TD's, 1 INT. QB rating: 97.7 (2-2)
Average: 75-124, 876 yards, 5 TD's, 4 INT. QB rating: 82.9 (2-2)
Ryan Tannehill: 80-143, 1,046 yards, 2 TD's, 6 INT. QB rating: 66.4 (1-3)
As you can see, Tannehill is right in the middle of the pack. His TD's are slightly down, his interceptions are slightly up, and his QB rating isn't where you'd like it. However, his passing yards are there, and he's got a win under his belt. Just some food for thought to keep things in perspective, folks. The kid's come a far way, but he's got miles to go as well.
Until next time, adios.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Miami Dolphins sign WR Jabar Gaffney, waive Legedu Naanee
The Dolphins have [finally] waived struggling WR Legedu Naanee and signed free agent receiver Jabar Gaffney.
Naanee has struggled this season, and this was no more evident than on Sunday, when he caught his first pass of the year, only to fumble it away to the Cardinals.
Gaffney, 31, worked out for Miami a month ago and has caught 443 passes for 5,622 yards and scored 24 touchdowns in his 10 year career.
Good move by Jeff Ireland.
Despite 1-3 record, 2012 Miami Dolphins turning the tide
The fan in me wanted to say so many things after Sunday's OT loss. He wanted to rip Mike Sherman for the play-calling late in the fourth quarter. He wanted Legedu Naanee cut first thing Monday morning. He wanted Dan Carpenter left behind in Arizona to take lessons from former Fins kicker, and Sunday's game-winning kicker, Jay Feely.
But I knew those were knee-jerk reactions from a fan. Fair reactions? Possibly. But knee-jerk nonetheless. So the journalist in me thought better of it, and decided to give it a day or two before truly giving an evaluation. And in doing so, I've realized a few things from re-watching film, listening to press conferences, and looking at the first quarter of this season as a whole.
Number one is, Ryan Tannehill is going to be a good, and has the potential to be a great, quarterback in this league for a long time. No, don't call me a homer, because I would hope you know by now that I call it like I see it. I've sat through the Fiedler-Beck-Lemon-Henne-Moore era's, and I can tell you right now, with absolutely no doubt in my mind, that this, folks, is different. The stats, as coach Joe Philbin said yesterday, are a bit deceiving. Yes, Tannehill only has two touchdowns next to six interceptions. Yes, the kid's completing just over half of his passes through the first four games. But the intangibles that Tannehill brings to the table week after week are something I haven't seen out of a Dolphins QB not named Chad Pennington in all my life.
The poise in the pocket, for starters, is really quite remarkable considering that this is Tannehill's what, 24th career start at QB this Sunday? This from ESPN's stats inc..:
“Ryan Tannehill faced extra pressure on 25 of his 44 dropbacks, and completed 16-of-22 passes for 306 yards, a touchdown and an interception against at least five pass rushers. Tannehill’s 306 passing yards against at least five pass rushers is the highest single-game total by anyone since the start of the 2008 season.”
“More impressive for Tannehill is who it came against–entering Sunday, the Cardinals’ defense led the league with a 34.1 completion percentage and 3.6 yards per attempt allowed when sending at least five pass rushers."
To me, this was most evident in the 3rd quarter of Sunday's game, when Tannehill dropped back to pass on third down and three from his own 43 yard line. Jonathan Martin was beat off the edge and Tannehill had a drive ending sack headed his way. However, where the like's of, say, Chad Henne would have taken a sure sack, Tannehill stepped up in the pocket, evaded the blitz, and threw a 30 yard touch pass to the well defended Brian Hartline at the Cardinals 27 yard line for a first down.
Rookie QB's just don't do that, folks. This one does.
Here's something else that sets the rookie apart from the previous failures before him. Tannehill’s 94.8 rating in the fourth quarter this season is 11th-best in the league, and leads all rookie QB's in his class. I don't have the exact stat on them, but I can guarantee you that Chad Henne and John Beck came no where near that number.
And all this is coming during a stretch where Tannehill faced two of the leagues unbeaten teams on the road, and if you include the Jets, three of the NFL's more blitz-heavy defenses.
The second thing I realized is, first year coach Joe Philbin is no Tony Sparano, or Cam Cameron, or Nick Saban, or Dave Wannstedt.
And this is a wonderful, wonderful sight.
His demeanor, on and off the field, is something I've never seen before in all my years following this team. He hold's his player accountable, for starters, but at the same time instills a quiet confidence in them. Take Sean Smith for example, who had two huge interceptions on Sunday, yet was responsible for the game tying touchdown catch on fourth down.
Here's what Philbin said.
When asked about the play of Sean Smith:
“I thought he did a lot of good things. I thought there was a couple impact plays that he made and really they’re quality plays when you watch them on film. You like them. I thought he did a good job.”
When asked about the game tying touchdown:
"Obviously, Sean Smith's over there...we’ve got to have tighter coverage in the flesh.”
Confidence, yet accountability. Joe Philbin has done this since day one, and it's something we haven't seen out of a Miami coach in a long time.
The second thing I noticed when watching the rookie head coach is the comfort I feel with him at the helm. Tony Sparano, God bless him for trying, never really struck me as a head coach. He was a great motivational speaker, and he had a great football mind, but, and I think most fans will agree with me here, you just never felt comfortable with him. Not in game situations, not in game planning, and certainly not with quarterback development.
This, I believe, is where Joe Philbin excels. Listening to the way he speaks of this football team, watching him on the sidelines, and most importantly, watching the product of football on the field (yes, I did just coin that term from Philbin himself) shows me that the decision Steve Ross and Jeff Ireland made back in January was absolutely spot on. Philbin knows he has a young team, with a young QB, but at the same time, knows the potential of this team, and you can see it with every little smirk he gives in a press conference, or on the sidelines.
I trust him with Ryan Tannehill. I trust him with the offensive game planning. And, above all, I trust him with the direction of this football team. That's something I haven't been able to say, well, ever.
I can say it now with full confidence.
You may be reading this and calling me a dreamer, or a homer, or just a plain bad journalist. Thats completely fine, folks, I understand where you're coming from, the fan inside of me knows all too well.
But this team is different. If you've watched for as long as I have then I think you'll agree with me. Despite a 1-3 record out of this young group I think the tide is finally turning in Miami.
Lets grab a spot on the beach and watch it roll on into Cincinnati.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)