2014 Miami Dolphins: Raw Doggin' It

Clears Cleaver · Sep 2, 2014

I am pleasantly surprised by the lack of respect the Fish are getting nationally. Mike and Mike had them winning 5 and 6 games, ESPN had them as the 22nd best team in the league. This is a much deeper and better roster than last year with a QB who has been much improved this preseason than ever before. is the schedule harder? they were a couple plays from 10-6 last year but I guess all anyone can remember is the last two games.

My optimism is increasing the more I read. How many of these games are automatic losses?

Patriots
At Bills
Chiefs
At Raiders
bye
Packers
At Bears
At Jaguars
Chargers
At Lions
Bills
at Broncos
At Jets
Ravens
At Patriots
Vikings
Jets

TomTerrific · Sep 2, 2014

One criticism I've heard of the Fins is that they have not played particularly well at home the last couple of years. Simmons in particular played this up on his most recent podcast with Cousin Sal, and to be honest I had a recollection from last year of Miami being a scary away team but not nearly as scary at home.

Looking at the record, this doesn't really seem justified. Last year MIA was 4-4 at home and 4-4 away, but 5-3 at home and 2-6 away in 2012. What does stand out is some surprising away victories, such as taking ARI to OT (before losing, so not really a victory) in 2012, then beating the Bengals the following week in Cincy, and of course beating the Colts in Indy last year. Balance this against them finishing the year by beating the Pats at home, and then losing to Buffalo 19-0(!) in Buffalo.

I'm curious what the Phins fan perspective is on this. Any sense down there that they perform better than expected when on the road?

Clears Cleaver · Sep 2, 2014

outside of when its hot and humid, the dolphins might have the worst home field advantage in the league. Fans are apathetic and rarely sell the stadium out. they struggled at home against some teams they should have beaten last year.

dwainw · Sep 6, 2014

Numerous reports about Gronk's snaps being limited tomorrow. No reports (that I've seen) on how limited, however. I guess it's safe to assume the closeness of the game will dictate that. Which is all the more reason I think the Dolphins strategy should be to go for the blowout.

But seriously, I'm coming down with a worsening case of optimism about this team. A bit of the usual season opening excitement and irrationality mixed with the recognition that there is talent on this squad--and a built-in boost of talent as guys start to come back after the first quarter of the season. So much rests on Tannehill, of course, but my eternal hope has been sprung.

sodenj5 · Sep 7, 2014

Today feels like Christmas. Haven't been this excited for a Fins opener in quite some time. This is a team that possibly could have beaten NE twice last year had they not shit the bed in in NE earlier last year and by all accounts seems improved offensively, and should have a formidable defense.

I'm with pdaj. Will my season prospects be ruined by losing in week 1? No, however I would like to see growth. I'd like to finally see this Lazor offense, for whatever it is. I'd like to see Tannehill not get sacked half a dozen times. I'd like to see a running back pick up a blitz or two. I'd like to see the linebackers tackle anything. I'd like to see an option or two ran successfully. Maybe even a bootleg or two. Miami has one of the most athletic quarterbacks in the league that just so happens to be excellent at throwing on the run, and they've spent 2 years trying to make him into a statue.

The pass rush will be key for Miami. Pressure Brady. Make him move his feet and feel uncomfortable in the pocket. Miami has the weapons to do this.

I also feel that this offense should be dynamic enough where BB can't just key in on one thing to stop, and successfully stifle the offense as a whole as in years past. Also, I hope Lazor has a couple of tricks up his sleeve for halftime. BB is the master of halftime adjustments. Whatever may be working in the first half will be accounted for in the second half. Adjustments made at the half will be absolutely critical. Would I predict a win? No, but I feel like, even with the Patriots improvements this offseason, Miami finally has the tools to legitimately compete with them.

sodenj5 · Sep 7, 2014

TSC · Sep 7, 2014

rodderick · Sep 7, 2014

sodenj5 said:

The days of having to throw jump balls to Austin Collie and Danny Amendola with the game on the line are over (for now), my friend!

amarshal2 · Sep 7, 2014

sodenj5 said:

Just seeing the name on the back of that jersey pisses me off.

This game isn't going to look anything like the last time these teams met.

Edit: which isn't to say it won't be close, just that the active rosters hardly resemble each other from last time...for the pats in particular...and the sidelines look different in Miami.

Shelterdog · Sep 7, 2014

pdaj said:
Haha, just messin', Shy. It's good to see Gronk back; I just hope there proves to be a lot of rust.

Counterpoint. Your team sucks and will suck again this year but once again you've moronically convinced yourself that they don't suck.. Enjoy another shitty season.

Tony C · Sep 7, 2014

Sheesh. Chill.

soxfan121 · Sep 7, 2014

I hope this season goes better than last season. It would be hard not to, even if you go 1-15 (and you're not going 1-15).

I know you guys were pretty embarrassed to be fans of this team last year. I remember what that was like as a Pats fan (Kiam, Zeke Mowatt, etc.) and it sucks.

So, as long the team isn't fighting itself and making a spectacle of itself, you're gonna have a better year.

And I sincerely hope you guys bounce back from being 0-1 when you play next week. ;-)

amarshal2 · Sep 7, 2014

pdaj said:
'Cheese from the game thread posted: "... The defense should be stifling. The offense with Gronk, Edelman, Amendola, Dobson, Thompkins, Vereen, Ridley and Wright should be out of control. I'm hoping for big things from the new look o-line. GO PATS GO!!!"

The Pats at full strength are scary. Anxious to see how the Fins' secondary holds up.

Starters/guys with lots of snaps who didn't play last time:
Offense:
Gronk, Dobson, LaFell, Thompkins, and possibly Wright (avg height of the group ~6'2")
Vollmer and Solder (he started but missed much of the game)
Notable losses: Mankins and LGBT

Defense: Mayo, Revis, Wilfork (there's more but point made)
Notable losses: Spikes

I've got Dobson having a big game.
Edit: apparently Dobson is still out.

CouchsideSteve · Sep 7, 2014

sodenj5 said:
Today feels like Christmas. Haven't been this excited for a Fins opener in quite some time. This is a team that possibly could have beaten NE twice last year had they not shit the bed in in NE earlier last year and by all accounts seems improved offensively, and should have a formidable defense.

I'm with pdaj. Will my season prospects be ruined by losing in week 1? No, however I would like to see growth. I'd like to finally see this Lazor offense, for whatever it is. I'd like to see Tannehill not get sacked half a dozen times. I'd like to see a running back pick up a blitz or two. I'd like to see the linebackers tackle anything. I'd like to see an option or two ran successfully. Maybe even a bootleg or two. Miami has one of the most athletic quarterbacks in the league that just so happens to be excellent at throwing on the run, and they've spent 2 years trying to make him into a statue.

The pass rush will be key for Miami. Pressure Brady. Make him move his feet and feel uncomfortable in the pocket. Miami has the weapons to do this.

I also feel that this offense should be dynamic enough where BB can't just key in on one thing to stop, and successfully stifle the offense as a whole as in years past. Also, I hope Lazor has a couple of tricks up his sleeve for halftime. BB is the master of halftime adjustments. Whatever may be working in the first half will be accounted for in the second half. Adjustments made at the half will be absolutely critical. Would I predict a win? No, but I feel like, even with the Patriots improvements this offseason, Miami finally has the tools to legitimately compete with them.

Christmas, indeed.

Despite my admitted skepticism that this team will make the playoffs, I fully expect to hang tough with NE for four quarters, and think there's a very legitimate chance to pull off the upset. On defense, the pass rush will obviously be key, as will finding a way to keep Vereen in check (can't afford 1x1 match-ups with our LBs). Offensively, I'd like to see Lazor find creative ways to get the ball in Mike Wallace's hands, either through bubble screens or even the type of designed runs we saw the Seahawks feature for Harvin on Thursday night. As noted by others, would also love to see Tannehill using his athleticism to make plays outside the pocket.

T-minus 90min to kick-off. Let's get this done.

Royal Reader · Sep 7, 2014

Clears Cleaver said:
I am pleasantly surprised by the lack of respect the Fish are getting nationally. Mike and Mike had them winning 5 and 6 games, ESPN had them as the 22nd best team in the league. This is a much deeper and better roster than last year with a QB who has been much improved this preseason than ever before. is the schedule harder? they were a couple plays from 10-6 last year but I guess all anyone can remember is the last two games.

Really? I had the opposite impression - pretty much everyone had them on the bubble for the playoffs. Then again, I tend to avoid the four-letter. Barnwell, Simmons, and Andy Benoit all have them making the playoffs. Don Banks had them 8-8 and just outside.

mwonow · Sep 7, 2014

Anyone else surprised to see Klein and White inactive?

Clears Cleaver · Sep 7, 2014

two TDs to Wallace missed. TWO. two wide open TDs.

The defense is a joke, especially with Jenkins and the like playing. But finnegan has been awful, too. That third down running play has certainly helped by an illegal block, but still, that play changed the game. Along with the TWO missed Wallace TDs

TWO

sodenj5 · Sep 7, 2014

Brutal. However, with all the turnovers, to only be down 10 is encouraging. Tannehill did miss Wallace deep twice. Like last year, if anyone complains about Wallace not being effective, they're high. Wallace has been doing exactly what he should be doing. The onus is on Tannehill to hit him, and not only hit him, but hit him in fucking stride so he can pick up YAC.

CouchsideSteve · Sep 7, 2014

The turnovers suck. Full stop.

However, I'm encouraged by: 1) The pass rush is hitting Brady; 2) Mike Wallace getting open; 3) Moreno looking sharp; 4) The OL holding the Pats blitzers at bay.

This game is winnable. Need to score on this first possession.

Kenny F'ing Powers · Sep 7, 2014

CouchsideSteve said:
The turnovers suck. Full stop.

However, I'm encouraged by: 1) The pass rush is hitting Brady; 2) Mike Wallace getting open; 3) Moreno looking sharp; 4) The OL holding the Pats blitzers at bay.

This game is winnable. Need to score on this first possession.

1. They've gotten to Brady a little, but he's pretty much done whatever he's wanted so far this game. They've gotten to him a few times, but I wouldn't be overly excited about their success.

2.) He can get open all day, you don't have a QB that can hit him, so who cares?

3.) Agreed.

4.) Pats haven't blitzed much. They are holding the Patriots pass rushers at bay pretty well, though.

Clears Cleaver · Sep 7, 2014

Tannehill has left 19 points on the field now. and fumbled the snap on that drive which could have crushed the Pats soul. seriously, this team is playing very well and still lose this game because of HIM. ughhhh

Devizier · Sep 7, 2014

Cameron Wake looks positively rejuvenated today. Part of that could be the Patriots' line play, but he has been very impressive. Today might be the first game that I've seen from him in a while where he lived up to his reputation.

Clears Cleaver · Sep 7, 2014

The lines were dominant today, but honestly I think the Pats suck. Still, it was an ass-kicking that should have been a 4 TD victory.

Buffalo is going to run, run and run some more, trying to attack whatever LBs the team has left. ITs probably a tougher game for Miami than playing a super soft team in the heat and humidity

Kenny F'ing Powers · Sep 7, 2014

Kenny F'ing Powers said:
1. They've gotten to Brady a little, but he's pretty much done whatever he's wanted so far this game. They've gotten to him a few times, but I wouldn't be overly excited about their success.

2.) He can get open all day, you don't have a QB that can hit him, so who cares?

3.) Agreed.

4.) Pats haven't blitzed much. They are holding the Patriots pass rushers at bay pretty well, though.

Pretty much the second I posted this, everything fell apart.

You're welcome for the win, fin fans!

dwainw · Sep 7, 2014

Clears Cleaver said:
Tannehill has left 19 points on the field now. and fumbled the snap on that drive which could have crushed the Pats soul. seriously, this team is playing very well and still lose this game because of HIM. ughhhh

No doubt he looked shaky early, but with at least 4 drops by several different receivers, every single one of which would have been a first down or a TD, his stat line looks a lot less sexy than it would have. Hell, I think Brady had several more bad throws than Tanny did.

Anyway, I'll chalk a lot of that up to opening game rust. This was just a fantastic win--totally dominated by the Dolphins. To be without all 3 starting LBs and still take care of business this way.....

Oh, and Knowshon Moreno. How fun was he to watch?

SeoulSoxFan · Sep 7, 2014

Congrats to the Phins & the regulars here.

Credit is due where it's due -- great game by the front-4, took advantage of a not-prime-time-ready OL and just beat the Pats on both sides of the trenches.

Brady is 6-7 now in Miami in the last 13 games I believe. It's always a tough game down here and Miami brought their A game in the second half. Everything clicked in perhaps their best half since???

The depth at the already weak LB crew has to be a worry, but couldn't have asked for a better start to the season for Miami.

sodenj5 · Sep 7, 2014

1-0.

Huge game from Chris McCain. That's how you make an impact as an undrafted rookie. Even bigger game from Cam Wake. He had that knee injury last year and never looked like that dominant player all year. He's back.

Moreno set the tone, and it seemed like the entire team fed off of his energy and intensity. Mike Wallace steamrolled a DB for God's sake.

Tannehill still left a lot of points on the field. This game could have been a blow out if he hits Wallace deep.

The offensive line looked impressive for the most part and should get better as they gel and then Pouncey returns.

Buffalo is always a tough matchup. Miami needs to keep up the momentum. That's absolutely a winnable game. They need to put the ghosts of last season to bed, and Buffalo is one of those ghosts.

Dogman · Sep 7, 2014

Congrats Dolphins fans Soshers. You beat us up in the second half.

amarshal2 · Sep 7, 2014

Congrats guys. Dominant win. I can imagine how good that feels considering the last 15 years.

Well all continue to like each other if the gloating is contained here...

sodenj5 · Sep 7, 2014

This is the kind of game Miami has lost time and time again. After the fast start, the Pats pushed back, and normally Miami would fade out.

Something happened, though. They got mad. They brought intensity. They got after Brady and started pounding the ball with Moreno. It's one game, but the feeling of this game is something very different than what I'm used to experiencing.

No one would have ever imagined that after Miami gives up 17 straight to go down 10, that they'd respond with 23 straight and just start dominating.

Also, hats off to the coach staff. They made the corrections at half and put it on the Pats.

Clears Cleaver · Sep 7, 2014

pdaj said:
I haven't seen this type of intensity on defense during a home game since Jimmy Johnson was on the sidelines.

true. Its amazing what a RB who can dominant does to a team's psyche. this defense hasn't had anything on offense to help them in so so so long

rymflaherty · Sep 7, 2014

sodenj5 said:
This is the kind of game Miami has lost time and time again. After the fast start, the Pats pushed back, and normally Miami would fade out.

Something happened, though. They got mad. They brought intensity. They got after Brady and started pounding the ball with Moreno. It's one game, but the feeling of this game is something very different than what I'm used to experiencing.

No one would have ever imagined that after Miami gives up 17 straight to go down 10, that they'd respond with 23 straight and just start dominating.

Also, hats off to the coach staff. They made the corrections at half and put it on the Pats.

Even after Miami took the lead it seemed like the type of game they were setting up to lose.
Despite the positive vibes to that point, once they settled for the FG (after getting the TD called back) and after each 3 and out handing the ball back to Brady, in a one score game, the negative thoughts were creeping in.
The Defense was just incredible holding the Pats down the entire half and holding onto that lead until the Offense was finally able to help put it away.

Today seemed like the first time in years that I saw numerous guys making plays beyond the playbook, and playing with a swagger and better yet, a swagger that was justified.
Needless to say a fun afternoon and I hope they can carry it into Buffalo.

CouchsideSteve · Sep 7, 2014

What more is there to say? One of the most gratifying wins in recent memory.

Having had a few hours to reflect, I'm still astounded by how potent the running game was today. Moreno was obviously outstanding, but Miller also ran really hard in the second half. Such a dramatic departure from watching Daniel Thomas dance around behind a putrid offensive line. There were obviously some misses in the passing game, but it was very encouraging to see Tannehill stay upright (only 1 sack) and finding ways to get the ball to Mike Wallace (7 receptions on 11 targets).

This team is better than Buffalo. Need to roll the momentum forward into next week and grab the road W. Simply can't afford a reprise of last year's struggles against BUF & NYJ.

Edit: 7 rec for Wallace, not 8.

rymflaherty · Sep 7, 2014

^
Things went so well today that I'm even looking at the "misses in the passing game" as a positive.
They put up the 30+ without playing a perfect game. They have areas where they can realistically improve and finally (should) have multiple ways to attack a Defense.

Honestly I think the only thing that annoyed me today was how often Wallace lets the ball get into his body. Even with some of the catches, the ball is rattling around off his body before he controls it. It's a pet peeve of mine.
It's nice that, along with the other drops (off the top of my head I believe Sims, Clay and Landry all had drops) didn't hurt them. And again, it shows they have the chance to improve upon today's performance as an offense.

sodenj5 · Sep 8, 2014

rymflaherty said:
Even after Miami took the lead it seemed like the type of game they were setting up to lose.
Despite the positive vibes to that point, once they settled for the FG (after getting the TD called back) and after each 3 and out handing the ball back to Brady, in a one score game, the negative thoughts were creeping in.
The Defense was just incredible holding the Pats down the entire half and holding onto that lead until the Offense was finally able to help put it away.

Today seemed like the first time in years that I saw numerous guys making plays beyond the playbook, and playing with a swagger and better yet, a swagger that was justified.
Needless to say a fun afternoon and I hope they can carry it into Buffalo.

They also had the built in excuse of missing all of their LBs. They could have mailed it in, but they fought back.

Moreno made a huge difference. The difference between this year and last year is Miami finally got a lead and was able to pound the ball and grind down the clock, whereas last year there likely would have been several three and outs. The running game makes a world of difference and Miami's O-Line outperformed any reasonable expectations.

dwainw · Sep 8, 2014

sodenj5 said:
They also had the built in excuse of missing all of their LBs. They could have mailed it in, but they fought back.

Moreno made a huge difference. The difference between this year and last year is Miami finally got a lead and was able to pound the ball and grind down the clock, whereas last year there likely would have been several three and outs. The running game makes a world of difference and Miami's O-Line outperformed any reasonable expectations.

I'm very curious to see how the Moreno/Miller combination progresses during the course of the season. I don't know if Miller had been feeling pressure as a young #1 RB, but maybe with Moreno taking over that role, he can settle in as the change of pace back and hopefully start to excel. With that speed, obviously he still has some great potential. It was interesting how they limited his touches in the first half after his fumble, but once they got him back in the flow of the game, he was productive. Very encouraging.

2014 Miami Dolphins: Raw Doggin' It

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