Just want to pop in and thank all the Phins fans here for the insightful posts here, including pdaj's post above.
Ditto. Thanks, guys, this is interesting reading.
Thanks, gentlemen; the kind words are appreciated. The subgroup we have here has been a lot of fun to participate in over the past few seasons. Now, just imagine if the playoffs become more than just a once or twice per decade thing?
In other news, Cam Wake has been ruled out for Sunday. Let's do an injury tally:
Possibly out just this week: DE Cameron Wake, LB Chase Allen, WR DeVante Parker
Likely out multiple weeks: CB Bobby McCain, DE Andre Branch, TE A.J. Derby
Out for the year: DE William Hayes, LG Josh Sitton, C Daniel Kilgore, TE MarQueis Gray, QB Luke Falk
Others listed as questionable: Ja’Wuan James (pectoral), S T.J. McDonald (foot), RB Brandon Bolden (hamstring), LB Stephone Anthony (hamstring).
So much for Tannenbaum's "futurist performance program" designed to prevent injuries?
Andre Branch, while among those listed as questionable, is reportedly most likely to play next week, at the earliest. (This is the 2nd week of a 2-4 week timetable.) The story is similar for Allen, though there appears to be more of a chance that he gives it a go tomorrow. Miami will roll with Quinn, Harris, Woodard, and Malveaux at DE, and a 3-man DT rotation consisting of Spence, Godchaux, and Taylor. Malveaux did take some snaps at DT during the preseason, so that's a possibility, also. Non-blitz, QB pressure (as always) will be important in this game, so this would be great time for Charles Harris to "breakout". Or to just make any sort of positive impact, really.
You have to think Miami gives thought to having Minkah play CB2 in Base with McCain on the shelf, though Cincy is likely to showcase a lot of 11 and 01 personnel, so we'll see plenty of Nickel. (I expect Fitzpatrick to remain in the slot under these circumstances, on most occasions.) Is this the week Cordrea Tankersley makes an appearance? It's also possible that Burke assigns Xavien to shadow A.J. Green and Minkah to do the same vs. Tyler Boyd. These are tall tasks (no pun intended), though Cincy being without Eifert and John Ross is very helpful. I'm a little worried about Tyler Kroft, who has the potential to "Ebron" the Dolphins tomorrow.
Which brings me to Jerome Baker. He needs to play
a lot more, and I think it's likely that starts on Sunday.
With my final thoughts, I'd like to vent just a little bit.
So, uh, Luke Falk ... either the Miami FO/coaches made up this injury, purposely caused this injury, or just got plain lucky, because regardless of what Adam Gase says, carrying 2 below average to mediocre backup QBs, in addition to a rookie/project QB, is asinine. This decision just looked sillier each week following every player injury. Now, at least, Falk can be stashed without negatively impacting this season’s team.
I’m excited about Gesicki and Smythe long-term, but it’s clear that both are struggling with some of the responsibilities Gase has (curiously) asked of them. I’m interested to see how Nick O’Leary is utilized now that he's been promoted to the 53-man roster — perhaps as an H-back? A Buffalo fan/friend of mine claims that he was developing into a decent blocker. He’s not a great athlete, but he finds ways to make plays. Plus hands. Hey, why not?