This is not a game thread. Let's not post this type of this stuff on other team threads.RIrooter09 said:
2014 Miami Dolphins: Raw Doggin' It
- Thread starter pdaj
- Start date
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sodenj5 said:
From an outside perspective, I definitely think the Dolphins are still in it. I'm going to assume the Chargers will win ~12 games and take the #5 seed, leaving the #6 seed up for grabs. At the moment, here are the teams likely to compete for the #6:
1. Ravens (4-2)
2. Browns (3-2)
3. Texans (3-3)
4. Steelers (3-3)
5. Bills (3-3)
6. Dolphins (2-3)
7. Chiefs (2-3)
I think the Ravens (or the Bengals, if you prefer) are the odds on favorite. The Ravens probably have the best coach/QB combo of the group, defense has looked pretty good, and they have a relatively easy schedule (NFC South). Other than that? The Steelers, with that defense? The Browns interest me, and have a great chance to be the surprise team at the mid-point (their next 3: @JAX, vs.OAK, vs.TB) but they finish vs.IND, vs.CIN, @CAR, @BAL. That could be heartbreak brewing in Cleveland. The Texans and Bills are sort of similar teams: defense has some great players and they've got talent at the RB position, but they're limited both by the weak links on the defense and low-upside QB play.
If I were the Dolphins I would probably circle Week 14, BAL @ MIA on the calendar. Even if headed into that game the Ravens are 8-4 and the Dolphins are 7-5 (or even 6-6), that could get very interesting.
dynomite said:
Similar to last year, that game could make or break the season for Miami as the head to head tie break could be huge.
I think they showed that their defense can keep them in a game with even the best of offenses in the league, but their offense has to help them out. The play in the first half lost the game for them. They weren't able to capitalize on golden opportunities, and they were completely incapable of controlling possession to give the defense some rest.
I'll say it again, they have to find a way to start the game the way they play in the second half. Miami has been absolutely brilliant in making halftime adjustments this season, but too often their down by 7+ heading into the half. That's a steep hill to climb.
This Bears team is a beatable team. Cutler is a pick waiting to happen, and their defense is not that good. It will be a tough road game, but if they can pressure Cutler into making mistakes, the offense has to capitalize.
Just saw this. Did this happen at practice yesterday? Or during the game? It seems to have come from nowhere.BigSoxFan said:
Edit: just saw a tweet from Omar Kelly and he said he thinks he saw where the injury to Moreno happened, but he got up, waved Miller on, and jogged off the field.
Really unfortunate for Moreno. Looks like it's going to be the Miller and Daniel Thomas show now. I'm trying to be optimistic about Thomas because he's been playing well since his return, but it's going to be on Miller to carry the load.
it happened in the game. Miami never reported the injury.
is Chicago a must-win? 2-4 and Philbin and tannehill both on hot seat....little chance they galvanize off that. Players were grioping about Coyle vs Chiefs and after that ridiculous clock and game management versus GB, I'm sure players are questioning Philbin's abilities
is Chicago a must-win? 2-4 and Philbin and tannehill both on hot seat....little chance they galvanize off that. Players were grioping about Coyle vs Chiefs and after that ridiculous clock and game management versus GB, I'm sure players are questioning Philbin's abilities
i just started watching. first two plays were a intentional grounding on tannehill and a blocked FG. I guess I missed the good parts?
now bears are about to score
now bears are about to score
Just a little bit.Clears Cleaver said:
Great offensive game plan, and great team effort on D. I love how they FINALLY turned Tannehill loose on the ground. As for his passing performance, he obviously deserves credit for a great game, but I'm still skeptical about his ability to remain consistent.
Very impressive today.
And while last week still hurts and there are no "morale victories", looking at how GB is playing, the Defense was great last week as well (outside of the final minute).
I also don't mind Jacksonville getting a win out of their system this week.
I'm willing to bet Denard Robinson does not go for 100+ next week.
And while last week still hurts and there are no "morale victories", looking at how GB is playing, the Defense was great last week as well (outside of the final minute).
I also don't mind Jacksonville getting a win out of their system this week.
I'm willing to bet Denard Robinson does not go for 100+ next week.
really? only took 36 games to do that. Well, that's...encouraging.
@JAcksonville
San Diego
@Detroit
Buffalo
@Denver
@New York Jets
Baltimore
@New England
Minnesota
New York Jets
@JAcksonville
San Diego
@Detroit
Buffalo
@Denver
@New York Jets
Baltimore
@New England
Minnesota
New York Jets
Thinking about RT and his legs, I think I can understand why the coaching staff has taken this long to really let him do his thing. Coming out of college, you knew that he was athletic. There's no debating that. He has rare athleticism for the QB position. What he needed the most work on is actually being a quarterback. His footwork, his reads and progressions, adjusting to the speed of the game, etc.
I think they've shielded Tannehill from running the ball for a couple different reasons:
1. Development. As I mentioned above, you know the guy can run. He needs work on being a quarterback. They spend most of their time and reps in practice molding him into a quarterback, not an athlete. Looking through the lens of longterm development, I think this was (is) probably the correct decision. He likely could have been a more dynamic player earlier had they turned him loose right away, but I think his development as a passer, which still needs work, would be stunted. When Philbin was quoted after the game, it seems like they've just recently started to devote reps in practice to running the read option. It's been very successful the last two weeks, and I hope it continues. It gives the opposing defense another dimension to defend.
2. Health. See RGIII. The guy takes enough shots in the pocket, especially the previous two seasons, by limiting designed runs for him, you lower the exposure for hits on him. He also doesn't slide very often. They should work on that. He's a big guy that obviously has been hit a bunch as a WR in college, but seriously, slide or get out of bounds sometimes.
I think that was one of Tannehill's top 2 or 3 games as a pro. He was accurate, smart with the football, and was dangerous as a runner. If Miami can CONSISTENTLY get this type of performance from Tannehill, they're a different team. The blueprint and foundation is there. This week against the Jags should be an easy W and a good chance for the offense to build on that momentum they built over the last 6 quarters of football.
I think they've shielded Tannehill from running the ball for a couple different reasons:
1. Development. As I mentioned above, you know the guy can run. He needs work on being a quarterback. They spend most of their time and reps in practice molding him into a quarterback, not an athlete. Looking through the lens of longterm development, I think this was (is) probably the correct decision. He likely could have been a more dynamic player earlier had they turned him loose right away, but I think his development as a passer, which still needs work, would be stunted. When Philbin was quoted after the game, it seems like they've just recently started to devote reps in practice to running the read option. It's been very successful the last two weeks, and I hope it continues. It gives the opposing defense another dimension to defend.
2. Health. See RGIII. The guy takes enough shots in the pocket, especially the previous two seasons, by limiting designed runs for him, you lower the exposure for hits on him. He also doesn't slide very often. They should work on that. He's a big guy that obviously has been hit a bunch as a WR in college, but seriously, slide or get out of bounds sometimes.
I think that was one of Tannehill's top 2 or 3 games as a pro. He was accurate, smart with the football, and was dangerous as a runner. If Miami can CONSISTENTLY get this type of performance from Tannehill, they're a different team. The blueprint and foundation is there. This week against the Jags should be an easy W and a good chance for the offense to build on that momentum they built over the last 6 quarters of football.
Now we begin to find out if yesterday was a talented yet inconsistent quarterback playing at his absolute best, or if it represents a real progression as a 1st year OC and his QB each become more comfortable.
I'm not going to get too excited yet, but it is at least encouraging to know the latter is a possibility. Especially when you consider that this would seem to be the first real big change in offense Ryan's had since High School.
I'm not going to get too excited yet, but it is at least encouraging to know the latter is a possibility. Especially when you consider that this would seem to be the first real big change in offense Ryan's had since High School.
One other thing I remeber seeing out of Tannehill that I haven't seen frequently enough: his head was on a swivel. He was getting through his progressions. He wasn't just dropping back, staring down one receiver, and firing. On the TD pass to Wallace, Wallace was the 3rd or 4th read on that play. I think it's equal parts the maturation of Ryan Tannehill and the familiarity and execution of Lazor's offense that lead to this performance.
Again, the key is consistency. He put it together for a full game, now can he string two games together. Can he be consistent over an extended stretch? When the offense succeeds, it makes the defense, which is already pretty good, that much better. They're built to play with a lead and be aggressive in getting after the quarterback. When the offense can sustain possesion and put together drives, it keeps the defense fresher, which I think was the ultimate downfall in the GB game.
Again, the key is consistency. He put it together for a full game, now can he string two games together. Can he be consistent over an extended stretch? When the offense succeeds, it makes the defense, which is already pretty good, that much better. They're built to play with a lead and be aggressive in getting after the quarterback. When the offense can sustain possesion and put together drives, it keeps the defense fresher, which I think was the ultimate downfall in the GB game.
I read a good article this am that Lazor really cut back the playbook and basically focused on those things RT does well....throw short and intermediate passes, get outside the pocket, and run the read option. it seemed to work. lol
They spread the field horizontally better versu their usually fruitless attempts to stretch it vertically. however, this could open up the deep ball to Wallace, too.
Just beat JAx and stay healthy before the toughest stretch of the year starts. being 6-5 before the last five versus the Jets twice, NE, Minnesota and Buffalo at least gives them a fighting chance
They spread the field horizontally better versu their usually fruitless attempts to stretch it vertically. however, this could open up the deep ball to Wallace, too.
Just beat JAx and stay healthy before the toughest stretch of the year starts. being 6-5 before the last five versus the Jets twice, NE, Minnesota and Buffalo at least gives them a fighting chance
I was just watching the Herd and they had Greg Cosell, whom I enjoy, giving his weekly film breakdown.
Now as I'm coming on here it looks like Sodenj5 already pointed this out, but while breaking down the tapes Cosell's most impressive play of the week was Tannehill's touchdown pass to Wallace.
It was great watching that play with his narration and watching it progress. As Sodenj5 said, Cosell confirmed Wallace was the 4th read. The play was designed to get the ball to Clay. And not only that, but it was Cosell's assertion that it was an improvisational route by Wallace. On the coaches tape Tannehill throws the ball before Wallace even makes that break outside.
That was exciting to see, because it wasn't just success due to play design, but as Cossell said it was "incredible trust, anticipation, accuracy, this is NFL Quarterbacking...this is high level NFL Quarterbacking on this particular play."
Very encouraging because plays like that indicate real signs of progress.
Now as I'm coming on here it looks like Sodenj5 already pointed this out, but while breaking down the tapes Cosell's most impressive play of the week was Tannehill's touchdown pass to Wallace.
It was great watching that play with his narration and watching it progress. As Sodenj5 said, Cosell confirmed Wallace was the 4th read. The play was designed to get the ball to Clay. And not only that, but it was Cosell's assertion that it was an improvisational route by Wallace. On the coaches tape Tannehill throws the ball before Wallace even makes that break outside.
That was exciting to see, because it wasn't just success due to play design, but as Cossell said it was "incredible trust, anticipation, accuracy, this is NFL Quarterbacking...this is high level NFL Quarterbacking on this particular play."
Very encouraging because plays like that indicate real signs of progress.
I think Miami will beat Jacksonville. If they don't have TOs or special teams disasters, they should win by 10 points or more. If they win, that SD game is enormous. SD will have a couple extra days rest but will still have to travel cross country to play a 1:00pm game. Being 5-3 is materially better than 4-4, especially with road games at Denver and NE and Detroit still left.
Seems as though practices have been better the last couple weeks
Seems as though practices have been better the last couple weeks
I think Miami has a really good chance against SD. Ultimately what killed Miami against GB besides zero offense in one half was Aaron Rodgers ability to escape pressure and extend plays.Clears Cleaver said:
Several times they had Rodgers on the run and he would make a transcendent play to extend the drive. Rivers doesn't have that athleticism to fall back on. I think Miami can get to Rivers and pressure him. Force him to make bad throws.
I actually think Denver can do that too and it will be interesting to see how they play defense tonight.
lots of guys banged up for Miami. Odrick, misi, grimes, clay and lamar miller all with various injuries
in an ideal world they'd all rest and Miami would still win...
in an ideal world they'd all rest and Miami would still win...
I'm not sure if my skepticism is "healthy" or simply borne of the disappointment the past umpteen years have heaped upon us, but I still have my doubts about this team. Nonetheless, several things still trouble me in a general sense.
1) Tannehill and the passing game. I want to love him, I really do. And whether it's spin or not, I see glimmers of hope in some of the analyses and some of what you guys include in here. But has he really improved or has the offensive scheme finally adapted to his limitations? And what will happen when defenses adjust to what the Dolphins are doing now? There's been observations in Miami about how Wallace is turning into a more accomplished possession receiver and curiosity about if/when the deep ball is coming. Well into the second year of Wallace's inflated contract, and this is where we're at? Anyway, they haven't strung together nearly enough strong performances to convince me they can maintain any level of consistency.
2) Mistakes (& injuries). I think there is a lot of talent on this team. Like most teams, however, I don't think there's enough talent to overcome turnovers (they're +2 on the season now, thanks to last week), dropped passes, general brain farts, or enough depth to overcome inevitable injuries. And they make too many mistakes. I'll give them this: they're the third least penalized team in the league (by yardage). Sadly, that doesn't seem to correlate real strongly with wins/losses.
3) Special teams. I suppose to some extent you could lump this with the last point, but damn ST have been shaky this year. What the hell? I really like what we've seen from Jarvis Landry (both in the slot and on kick returns) but as the brightest spot on special teams, he's made and will likely continue to make rookie mistakes. If they do manage to improve in the areas I mentioned above, damn if this isn't guaranteed to bite them in the ass at the worst possible time.
Anyway, I'm concerned about this week v. JAX. Not for any particular rational reason because they damn sure should win (Posluszny's loss is a big blow for Jacksonville), but because we have watched this team lose games like this time after time after time. And what makes me really nervous is that they have way more to lose than to gain in this game. A win would be a relief for me more than anything. Just get through this game with a win however they have to and then take their chances with SD.
Sorry to sound like a downer, but a serious case of mediocreitis is giving me the blahs.
1) Tannehill and the passing game. I want to love him, I really do. And whether it's spin or not, I see glimmers of hope in some of the analyses and some of what you guys include in here. But has he really improved or has the offensive scheme finally adapted to his limitations? And what will happen when defenses adjust to what the Dolphins are doing now? There's been observations in Miami about how Wallace is turning into a more accomplished possession receiver and curiosity about if/when the deep ball is coming. Well into the second year of Wallace's inflated contract, and this is where we're at? Anyway, they haven't strung together nearly enough strong performances to convince me they can maintain any level of consistency.
2) Mistakes (& injuries). I think there is a lot of talent on this team. Like most teams, however, I don't think there's enough talent to overcome turnovers (they're +2 on the season now, thanks to last week), dropped passes, general brain farts, or enough depth to overcome inevitable injuries. And they make too many mistakes. I'll give them this: they're the third least penalized team in the league (by yardage). Sadly, that doesn't seem to correlate real strongly with wins/losses.
3) Special teams. I suppose to some extent you could lump this with the last point, but damn ST have been shaky this year. What the hell? I really like what we've seen from Jarvis Landry (both in the slot and on kick returns) but as the brightest spot on special teams, he's made and will likely continue to make rookie mistakes. If they do manage to improve in the areas I mentioned above, damn if this isn't guaranteed to bite them in the ass at the worst possible time.
Anyway, I'm concerned about this week v. JAX. Not for any particular rational reason because they damn sure should win (Posluszny's loss is a big blow for Jacksonville), but because we have watched this team lose games like this time after time after time. And what makes me really nervous is that they have way more to lose than to gain in this game. A win would be a relief for me more than anything. Just get through this game with a win however they have to and then take their chances with SD.
Sorry to sound like a downer, but a serious case of mediocreitis is giving me the blahs.
The Chargers didn't look like one of the best teams in the league last night. I was never buying that. Look at their schedule. They beat one good team so far in Seattle, but all of their other wins (Bills, Jags, Jets, Raiders) are no big deal.
If Miami takes care of business against Jacksonville, I feel like they have a really good chance of beating SD and being 5-3.
If Miami takes care of business against Jacksonville, I feel like they have a really good chance of beating SD and being 5-3.
sodenj5 said:
SD has a pretty good offense, but their defense looked pretty bad against Denver, which is not unexpected, but also looked bad against Oakland. If Miami can hold SD's offense in check like they did against Chicago and do just a little better than than did against GB, the offense should be able to put up enough points to win.
Dion Jordan has been activated and WR Damian Williams has been cut (again) to make room.
Don't expect much this week, but he should contribute on ST and provide good depth for when OV or Wake needs a rest.
I'm still really hoping they come to their senses and start using him as a Sam LB eventually. His athleticism and coverage abilities would make him a weapon. If he can develop as a LB and Jenkins can stay healthy, Miami suddenly has the makings of a hyper athletic LB unit that can actually cover RBs and TEs, something they've struggled with for a long time.
Don't expect much this week, but he should contribute on ST and provide good depth for when OV or Wake needs a rest.
I'm still really hoping they come to their senses and start using him as a Sam LB eventually. His athleticism and coverage abilities would make him a weapon. If he can develop as a LB and Jenkins can stay healthy, Miami suddenly has the makings of a hyper athletic LB unit that can actually cover RBs and TEs, something they've struggled with for a long time.
It's been a crazy 3 weeks for me. Aside from an insane work schedule, I have two friends/colleagues in the hospital batting cancer; and my sister just gave birth to her first child, a beautiful daughter. I just got around to re-watching the last 2 weeks, and man, while it still hurts to have split those games, it's hard not to feel hope for the remainder of the season. The Fins are certainly trending upward, particularly due to 5 things:
- The offensive line leading the running game and providing improved protection in the passing game.
- The emergence of key play-makers, in addition to Mike Wallce -- Lamar Miller, Jarvis Landry, and Charles Clay.
- This, of course, has contributed to the improved performance and consistency of Ryan Tannehill.
- Which, all included, has given Lazor a lot to work with offensively.
- The talent, depth, and health of this defense looks great right now. There's a lot of speed and versatility with this group.
I think Dion Jordan ends up being a LB at some point in his career, and it may happen next season after Wheeler and Ellerbe are shown the door. In the meantime, I think Coyle will use him a lot like McCain has been used, sometimes as an outside rusher, other times as a LB in a 3-4 look or similar "speed" package.
I'm most interested in how the offensive line and secondary units progress from this point on. Pouncey's been below average at RG thus far, which is to be (somewhat) expected; but I really like this group's potential to jell week by week. Tannehill's looked his worst when pressured up the middle, and I think Colledge-Satele-Pouncey offer the best interior protection the team has available. I'm hoping Pouncey's adjusted in time for the Bills rematch -- Kyle Williams single-handedly destroyed the offense.
Overall, I've been happy with the Grimes/Finnegan tandem at CB, and Miami (right now) has a lot of options at nickel, including Jimmy Will' (when he returns), Taylor, and Thomas, in addition to Finny. And I'm still a fan of Will Davis' potential. Lovin' the Jones/Delmas safety tandem right now.
Ideally, the Dolphins destroy the Jags tomorrow and head into the SD game ready to play their best. The game with the Chargers is one of the handful of games that look to have the most playoff impact at this time. I'm a big fan of playing West Coast teams at 1 PM on the East Coast. It'll be a huge opportunity for the team.
I think Miami has to head to Denver either 7-3 or 6-4 and into the Ravens game 7-5 (at least). That's also a home game. Being 8-5 and having to win 2 out of three vs. NE, Minny, and NYJ would have me feeling pretty good.
But this is the NFL. One week at a time or risk losing your sanity.
- The offensive line leading the running game and providing improved protection in the passing game.
- The emergence of key play-makers, in addition to Mike Wallce -- Lamar Miller, Jarvis Landry, and Charles Clay.
- This, of course, has contributed to the improved performance and consistency of Ryan Tannehill.
- Which, all included, has given Lazor a lot to work with offensively.
- The talent, depth, and health of this defense looks great right now. There's a lot of speed and versatility with this group.
I think Dion Jordan ends up being a LB at some point in his career, and it may happen next season after Wheeler and Ellerbe are shown the door. In the meantime, I think Coyle will use him a lot like McCain has been used, sometimes as an outside rusher, other times as a LB in a 3-4 look or similar "speed" package.
I'm most interested in how the offensive line and secondary units progress from this point on. Pouncey's been below average at RG thus far, which is to be (somewhat) expected; but I really like this group's potential to jell week by week. Tannehill's looked his worst when pressured up the middle, and I think Colledge-Satele-Pouncey offer the best interior protection the team has available. I'm hoping Pouncey's adjusted in time for the Bills rematch -- Kyle Williams single-handedly destroyed the offense.
Overall, I've been happy with the Grimes/Finnegan tandem at CB, and Miami (right now) has a lot of options at nickel, including Jimmy Will' (when he returns), Taylor, and Thomas, in addition to Finny. And I'm still a fan of Will Davis' potential. Lovin' the Jones/Delmas safety tandem right now.
Ideally, the Dolphins destroy the Jags tomorrow and head into the SD game ready to play their best. The game with the Chargers is one of the handful of games that look to have the most playoff impact at this time. I'm a big fan of playing West Coast teams at 1 PM on the East Coast. It'll be a huge opportunity for the team.
I think Miami has to head to Denver either 7-3 or 6-4 and into the Ravens game 7-5 (at least). That's also a home game. Being 8-5 and having to win 2 out of three vs. NE, Minny, and NYJ would have me feeling pretty good.
But this is the NFL. One week at a time or risk losing your sanity.
Hartline's play this year continues to get more frustrating. He's struggled to get separation, and when he is open, he drops the ball. Marriage has made him soft!
By the way, interesting to see Colledge benched after getting beaten badly a couple times in pass protection. Gardner came in, got hurt on his first play, and then the sophomore replaced him. I expect the vet to start the 2nd half (assuming he's healthy) -- hard to figure that shit out while at the bar.
The pass protection improved on the last drive -- but Hartline's drop prevented what could have been a big TD before halftime. Jags play fast and rush the passer well. Would love to see some cut-backs by Miller and a couple well-timed screens to make things easier on Tanny.sodenj5 said:
The offense sucked hard -- but I'm not going to dwell on it. Got the win ... next up, San Diego.
smastroyin said:
sodenj5 said:
Almost physically painful to watch, really.pdaj said:
I'm curious to hear what you guys think--especially after there's more time to break down the game--but honestly, I think the OL bears most of the responsibility for today's poor showing. They looked like crap for the better part of the first 3 quarters. I didn't see that coming. I actually thought Tannehill played pretty well when he wasn't being bumrushed. Hartline and Clay didn't do him any favors, either. But that deep completion to Wallace as Tanny scrambled to his right was hugely refreshing to see. And he had another strong showing running the ball, both in his choices and in yards gained.
While the D deserves all the credit today, even they owe a lot to the fact that Bortles blows.
Whew, what a relief to make it out of there with a W today. I hope they learn from this experience.
I think that the biggest takeaways should be:
Miami won fairly handily over a bad team on the road.
Their defense stepped it up yet again and carried the team.
They made it through the week without suffering any significant injuries ahead of a critical game against SD next week.
I would say that this game against SD is one of the 3 most critical games remaining for Miami. I would say SD, Baltimore, and the rematch with Buffalo are probably the games I'm circling on the calendar.
Miami won fairly handily over a bad team on the road.
Their defense stepped it up yet again and carried the team.
They made it through the week without suffering any significant injuries ahead of a critical game against SD next week.
I would say that this game against SD is one of the 3 most critical games remaining for Miami. I would say SD, Baltimore, and the rematch with Buffalo are probably the games I'm circling on the calendar.
sodenj5 said:
Absolutely. I expect this team to come out hot against the Chargers. Gigantic game.
pdaj said:
Home game. Huge implications as far as tie breaking goes in the AFC. I expect the defense to come prepared to stop SD. Like I said, Rivers is very good at spreading the ball around, but he does not have the escapability of a Rodgers. Miami can pressure him and force him into bad throws and mistakes.
The offense is going to need to help out the defense this week. Cannot leave the defense out there for huge chunks of a single half before figuring it out at halftime. I'm not saying they're going to need to light the world on fire, but stringing together a couple of decent drives will go a long way.
San Diego is on a two game losing skid, and I'd say they are being exposed as a good, but not great team like everyone was propping them up to be. As big of a game as this is for Miami, it's equally as big for San Diego. I expect this game to have a playoff feel. A lot of intensity. Should be a great one to watch.
Some rumblings going around that Miami might be interested in Doug Martin. I'd take a big pass on him unless they're giving him away.
I know it's always good to have depth but the guy can't stay on the field (sprained an ankle yesterday) and when he has been on the field he's been junk.
I know it's always good to have depth but the guy can't stay on the field (sprained an ankle yesterday) and when he has been on the field he's been junk.
they need a RB badly, presumably one who can play on third downs and pick up blitzes
I'd like to see they trade for a special teams gunner and a CB. I'm not impressed with Finnegan and Taylor et al. and special teams coverage remains abysmal
I'd like to see they trade for a special teams gunner and a CB. I'm not impressed with Finnegan and Taylor et al. and special teams coverage remains abysmal
Wallace seems to be getting frustrated by the offense's lack of production.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-dolphins-1029-20141028-story.html
From Wallace's perspective, he's still one of the premiere deep threats in the game. He still gets behind coverage just as often as he did in Pittsburgh. It has to be frustrating every week when he roasts a DB and Tannehill under throws him. Or throws him out of bounds. Or overthrows him. I've never seen a complete lack of feel for throwing the ball deep like that. Physically, he's perfectly capable of throwing the ball deep. His anticipation of Wallace's speed is just terrible. In a year and a half, he has yet to hit Wallace in stride on a deep ball.
Miami his 30th in the league in yards per attempt. 30th. Only KC has fewer explosive plays this season than Miami. This offense is a dink and dunk offense due to Tannehill's complete deep ball ineptitude. They've taken Wallace, a Ferrari in the football world, and made him into a station wagon. They've come out and said that they've altered the playbook and scaled it back to what Tannehill excels at. That means they've scaled back the vertical passes and have gone more horizontal. They're spreading the field out and giving Tannehill short to intermediate throws to make, which he's pretty good at.
Drawing a parallel to KC: If Ryan Tannehill turns out to be Alex Smith (which at this point, he isn't; he's still far too inconsistent), meaning a guy that can throw the ball with accuracy short to intermediate, make some plays with his legs, and not make critical mistakes, is that good enough? I think it's ultimately good enough to win with, but do you want to sign Alex Smith-lite to a large contract once his rookie deal expires?
After 2.5 seasons, I feel like we have a good feel for who Tannehill is as a quarterback. He's a guy that shows flashes of really good play over short stretches, but mostly struggles with consistency in his footwork, accuracy, and decision making abilities. One thing is for certain, if First-Half-Tannehill shows up against SD this week, Miami loses. No way they can lay an egg for one half like they've done many teams this season and come away with a W.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-dolphins-1029-20141028-story.html
From Wallace's perspective, he's still one of the premiere deep threats in the game. He still gets behind coverage just as often as he did in Pittsburgh. It has to be frustrating every week when he roasts a DB and Tannehill under throws him. Or throws him out of bounds. Or overthrows him. I've never seen a complete lack of feel for throwing the ball deep like that. Physically, he's perfectly capable of throwing the ball deep. His anticipation of Wallace's speed is just terrible. In a year and a half, he has yet to hit Wallace in stride on a deep ball.
Miami his 30th in the league in yards per attempt. 30th. Only KC has fewer explosive plays this season than Miami. This offense is a dink and dunk offense due to Tannehill's complete deep ball ineptitude. They've taken Wallace, a Ferrari in the football world, and made him into a station wagon. They've come out and said that they've altered the playbook and scaled it back to what Tannehill excels at. That means they've scaled back the vertical passes and have gone more horizontal. They're spreading the field out and giving Tannehill short to intermediate throws to make, which he's pretty good at.
Drawing a parallel to KC: If Ryan Tannehill turns out to be Alex Smith (which at this point, he isn't; he's still far too inconsistent), meaning a guy that can throw the ball with accuracy short to intermediate, make some plays with his legs, and not make critical mistakes, is that good enough? I think it's ultimately good enough to win with, but do you want to sign Alex Smith-lite to a large contract once his rookie deal expires?
After 2.5 seasons, I feel like we have a good feel for who Tannehill is as a quarterback. He's a guy that shows flashes of really good play over short stretches, but mostly struggles with consistency in his footwork, accuracy, and decision making abilities. One thing is for certain, if First-Half-Tannehill shows up against SD this week, Miami loses. No way they can lay an egg for one half like they've done many teams this season and come away with a W.
Wallace chose to leave Big Ben so he could drive around South Beach in his yellow Ferrari--where's the beef? Did they promise him Marino? Jesus.
lambeau said:
Not sure what their slaes pitch was, but he took less money to come to Miami over Minnesota.
As a fan, it's become so frustrating seeing guys like Marshall and Wallace thrive on other teams, and in Marshall's case, leave, and continue thriving. These guys are elite playmakers in the NFL, but Miami can't find a quarterback that can get them the ball effectively and exploit the advantage they have over everyone else.
Huge, huge game today. Miami is as close to 100% health-wise as they're going to get.
Keys to the game:
Pressure Rivers.
Start strong. Don't wait until the second half to get the offense going.
Control possession. Miami has been losing TOP badly when they start slow. Keep the ball away from Rivers.
Keys to the game:
Pressure Rivers.
Start strong. Don't wait until the second half to get the offense going.
Control possession. Miami has been losing TOP badly when they start slow. Keep the ball away from Rivers.
- Status