2014 Miami Dolphins: Raw Doggin' It

[pdaj]

The suspension is a bit misleading because amphetamines  are on the league's PED list, but it's also an ingredient in the fun-lovin' drug, molly, i.e. Wes Welker. DJ has entered into treatment for his drug use -- which is good to hear -- but this news certainly makes his path to "bustom" more likely. Very unfortunate. 

 

[sodenj5]

The suspension is a bit misleading because amphetamines  are on the league's PED list, but it's also an ingredient in the fun-lovin' drug, molly, i.e. Wes Welker. DJ has entered into treatment for his drug use -- which is good to hear -- but this news certainly makes his path to "bustom" more likely. Very unfortunate. 

Just brutal. I thought when the Fins drafted Jordan, they were getting a guy of high character that was going to work hard and also happened to be freakishly athletically gifted. It now appears that Jordan is content with being a millionaire and first round NFL draft pick. It doesn't seem like he has the desire to be a great, or even a good NFL player. He doesn't have that burning desire that guys like Wake and Grimes have.

Maybe with his treatment and being away from from football for almost half a season, he will rediscover a passion for football or dedicate himself to not squandering his gifts and opportunity.

I now have literally zero expectations for Dion Jordan. He may find himself and make something out of his career, but it would come as a surprise to me.

 

[sodenj5]

After doing some reading, it appears that Jordan's mother had a long history with drug abuse. It's good that he's seeking treatment for his issue, but it still doesn't make him less of a disappointment this far.

 

[CaptainLaddie]

By my count, the Dolphins have left 24 points on the board in the first quarter.

 

[SMU_Sox]

By my count, the Dolphins have left 24 points on the board in the first quarter.

Hah, well played. I need a Miami win here. Where's my support, SoSH fin fans? Your team brtter deliver or this nice guy will finish last (forced elimination pick. Partner wouldn't let me pick NO, PHI, or NE)

 

[sodenj5]

The drops and mental mistakes have been ridiculous thus far. Sturgis misses the 48 yarder.

 

[smastroyin]

You can only talk about drops for So long before you start looking at whether the quarterback is actually delivering the football properly.

 

[CaptainLaddie]

No, Steve.  This is the best offense in the NFL by a healthy margin.  They just make mistakes.  It's not their fault that they haven't scored more points.  It's just Tannehill.  It's not his fault that the receivers drop the ball.
 
Or something.

 

[Shelterdog]

The drops and mental mistakes have been ridiculous thus far. Sturgis misses the 48 yarder.

You know that every receiver drops the ball from time to time, right?

 

[CaptainLaddie]

Up to 34 points by my math.
 
Edit: up to 50 now.  Jeez.

 

[Stitch01]

Dolphins in sole possession of last place after the 400 games.

 

[CaptainLaddie]

I mean, the game isn't over.  Time for a Tannethrilling ending.

 

[sodenj5]

You know that every receiver drops the ball from time to time, right?

You know that Miami leads the league in drops right?

 

[smastroyin]

Now that the game is basically over let's tone down the trolling a bit.

 

[CaptainLaddie]

If you can't take it, don't dish it out.
 
Some of these folks decided to troll all over the game thread + here, sucks when it bites you in the ass.

 

[sodenj5]

If you can't take it, don't dish it out.
 
Some of these folks decided to troll all over the game thread + here, sucks when it bites you in the ass.

Good job at being an adult.

 

[smastroyin]

Should I ask less nicely next time. Clears I'm sure can take it but it makes the thread mind bogglingly useless.

 

[CaptainLaddie]

Good job at being an adult.

I like not being one.
 
Regardless, yeah, trolling sucks.  I wasn't actually being serious.

 

[Ed Hillel]

What a stupid throw.

Wrong thread, sorry.

 

[Ferm Sheller]

What a stupid throw.

Wrong thread, sorry.

No, no. Go on. You're in the right place.

 

[SMU_Sox]

How do you lose to freaking KC at home my brothers? I have no desire to troll any of you. IF you 1) watched the game (I did not) and 2) can be objective about this... what the hell happened?

This was a game that matchup wise seemed to be in Miami's favor.

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

@omarkelly I was very disappointed that PLENTY of Dolphins players bolted from the locker room before the media entered. Kind of telling.

Uh oh. Tough losses are one thing. This is another.

Good thing they have the Raiders next week.

 

[sodenj5]

How do you lose to freaking KC at home my brothers? I have no desire to troll any of you. IF you 1) watched the game (I did not) and 2) can be objective about this... what the hell happened?

This was a game that matchup wise seemed to be in Miami's favor.

Offense was terribly out of sync the entire first half. The defense did a good job to start the game but looked worn out by the end of the game because the Chiefs were sustaining long drives.

Tannehill again couldn't get it going. He looked better than last week, but still not good enough, often times staring down his receiver and holding the ball too long. He also had about 4 passes tipped and there were several drops again this week.

All in all, a performance that was not good enough all the way around.

 

[dwainw]

How do you lose to freaking KC at home my brothers? I have no desire to troll any of you. IF you 1) watched the game (I did not) and 2) can be objective about this... what the hell happened?

This was a game that matchup wise seemed to be in Miami's favor.  

I'll leave it to the more analysis-minded regulars in here to offer a more sophisticated breakdown of this debacle if they so desire.  What I will say is:  as beyond disgusted as I am in the listlessness of every aspect of the passing game, despite some great moments, the defense had some incredible lapses today.  The usual missed tackles and some gaping holes opened up for KC 2nd/3rd string running backs.  I didn't see that coming.

Back to the passing game, on top of everything else Tannehill is doing wrong, he's got to stop holding on to the ball/taking sacks.  How about tucking the damn ball and taking off or even a QB run by design once in a while?
 
Edit:  sodenj beating me to the punch.

 

[Stitch01]

Why the hell did they throw it twice on second and a foot when they were coming back? That was sort of the turning point

 

[dwainw]

Why the hell did they throw it twice on second and a foot when they were coming back? That was sort of the turning point

Especially since they'd been running the ball pretty well.  The last 10 minutes of the game, after the defense & special teams came up big a few times to get them the ball back in good field position only to have Miami repeatedly go 3 and out--until the defense finally just gave way--was flat out pathetic.  

 

[Red PR]

Philbin has to be #1 accountable for the way this team is playing. He inspires no one. 

 

[pdaj]

I'll leave it to the more analysis-minded regulars in here to offer a more sophisticated breakdown of this debacle if they so desire.  What I will say is:  as beyond disgusted as I am in the listlessness of every aspect of the passing game, despite some great moments, the defense had some incredible lapses today.  The usual missed tackles and some gaping holes opened up for KC 2nd/3rd string running backs.  I didn't see that coming.

Back to the passing game, on top of everything else Tannehill is doing wrong, he's got to stop holding on to the ball/taking sacks.  How about tucking the damn ball and taking off or even a QB run by design once in a while?
 
Edit:  sodenj beating me to the punch.

 

Why the hell did they throw it twice on second and a foot when they were coming back? That was sort of the turning point

 
This was an extremely concerning loss. From the head coach to the QB -- the two most important people in an NFL organization. I'm not going to go into now; I have work early in the AM, and I'm too angry. But I'll force myself to rematch this game soon and go from there. I should be calmer and more objective at that point.
 
The 1 thing the Fins did really well in this game? Run the ball. But on 2nd and 1, we see two asinine play calls in a row. To make it worse, Tanny could have bailed out his coach on both of them, but didn't have the awareness to do so.
 
The Chiefs suck, utilized a simple offensive game plan, and still managed to grab a win on the road. Fucking sad.
 
I'm 1/2 hoping we plummet, clean house, and manage to grab a Harbaugh in the off-season. I'm firmly in the playoffs or burn it group now. This loss may inevitably cost Philbin his job.
 
Yet, if by the end of next weekend we're 2-2 heading into the BYE, he still has a puncher's chance.

 

[CaptainLaddie]

In fairness, I'm not sure the Chiefs are that bad.  They almost beat Denver in Denver last weekend.  They've got skill at running back and tight end and Alex Smith doesn't suck.  And the defense is pretty good.

 

[sodenj5]

 
 
This was an extremely concerning loss. From the head coach to the QB -- the two most important people in an NFL organization. I'm not going to go into now; I have work early in the AM, and I'm too angry. But I'll force myself to rematch this game soon and go from there. I should be calmer and more objective at that point.
 
The 1 thing the Fins did really well in this game? Run the ball. But on 2nd and 1, we see two asinine play calls in a row. To make it worse, Tanny could have bailed out his coach on both of them, but didn't have the awareness to do s
 
I'm 1/2 hoping we plummet, clean house, and manage to grab a Harbaugh in the off-season. I'm firmly in the playoffs or burn it group now. This loss may inevitably cost Philbin his job.
 

 
 
There is some grumblings that a lot of the defensive players were pretty unhappy with Coyle's game plan and play calling. Specifically his inability to make in game adjustments. 
 
One thing is pretty clear, Hickey isn't married to Philbin or Tannehill. These two guys are going to either sink or swim together. I don't think Hickey will hesitate on pulling the trigger on cleaning house should this team fail to meet expectations (playoffs). 
 
On a small positive side note, Jenkins continues to play very well, and Lamar Miller stepped up and played well in the absence of Moreno. I would imagine that Ellerbe is all but gone at this point, especially if Jenkins keeps up this play. 15 tackles and 1.5 sacks, including the half sack on the safety? He's playing fantastically now. He was a five star recruit coming out of high school in Maryland, but injuries hampered him at Florida. I guess it shouldn't be a total shock he's playing well, but definitely a very pleasant surprise.
 
It's hard to keep everything in perspective, but this is a team that has been riddled by injuries. Pouncey may be back this week for the Raiders game and Jones will be back following the bye. 2-2, while maybe disappointing after the week 1 win, still isn't a bad start to the season, all things considered. 

 

[smastroyin]

Every team has injuries, though.

On offense, I think they are trying too much with a completely new Oline and a qb who is the worst I've ever seen at checking down.

On defense yesterday's schemes had wake covering linebacker responsibilities, often. I realize they have some injuries there but come on. You're taking your best pass rusher and having him cover running backs in the passing game. It feels like trying to be too smart. And after it failed a couple of times, maybe stop doing it.

 

[soxhop411]

RT @ArmandoSalguero: Joe Philbin declines to say whether Ryan Tannehill is going to start versus Oakland.
 
link

 

[Stitch01]

He'd be sort of signing his own death warrant, so that would be a curious decision.  Matt Moore aint taking this team to the playoffs.

 

[soxhop411]

He'd be sort of signing his own death warrant, so that would be a curious decision.  Matt Moore aint taking this team to the playoffs.

Jason La Canfora ‏@JasonLaCanfora  2m
Not surprised Philbin not really backing Tannehill. Reported back in spring how much he supported Moore, viewed him as competition for job
 
Seems he has been a big fan of Moore
 
https://twitter.com/JasonLaCanfora/status/514104164990078976

 

[pdaj]

In fairness, I'm not sure the Chiefs are that bad.  They almost beat Denver in Denver last weekend.  They've got skill at running back and tight end and Alex Smith doesn't suck.  And the defense is pretty good.

 
"Suck" was strong; but I view the Chiefs as a 7-win team. They're always going to give Denver a run for their money, ala Fins-Pats. This game was at home, vs a team missing several key starters, and a very below average offensive line.
 
Like the Bills last week, the Chiefs won the field position battle, often a sign that you're being out-coached. KC often started drives around the 40 or better. Drives went as such --- WR screen, run, WR quick slant, TE in the flat, run, angle route to RB (vs. LB), pass to RB in flat, run, TD.
 
Very quick, low risk; and a lot of RB on LB isolation. Fins were often punished when blitzing, because it featured the Chiefs biggest playmakers (RB) vs. the Fins worst defensive unit (LB).
 
I've said this before -- I hate Landry at PR. Sure, on paper, sticking a play-making rookie at this spot may make sense and save a roster spot. But Landry never fielded punts in college, and it's obvious from the eye of an average fan that he's not completely comfortable. After fumbling last week, he opted this week to field an over-the-shoulder punt on 1 one and return it a couple of yards, rather than let the ball go into the end zone so the offense could start at the 20. This is basic fucking shit. 
 
The Fins, on the other hand, continued to punt to the Chiefs play-making returner, which lead to big returns; most of which that were luckily negated by penalties. But the last one was a game-ender. Perhaps Philbin should have eventually opted to kick it to the sideline?
 

He'd be sort of signing his own death warrant, so that would be a curious decision.  Matt Moore aint taking this team to the playoffs.

 
I've been a Tanny supporter since his start, but near the end of the 1st half, when Tannehill kept the ball far too long, taking a sack and nearly fumbling (all due to indecision), I wanted to see him replaced by Moore. I think Moore could have won yesterday's game.

 

[sodenj5]

Jason La Canfora ‏@JasonLaCanfora   [URL="https://twitter.com/JasonLaCanfora/status/514104164990078976

https://twitter.com/JasonLaCanfora/status/514104164990078976"]2m

link to tweet[/url]
Not surprised Philbin not really backing Tannehill. Reported back in spring how much he supported Moore, viewed him as competition for job
 
Seems he has been a big fan of Moore
 
[URL="https://twitter.com/JasonLaCanfora/status/514104164990078976

https://twitter.com/JasonLaCanfora/status/514104164990078976"]https://twitter.com/JasonLaCanfora/status/514104164990078976

link to tweet[/url]

Philbin's job depends on making the playoffs. If they were to make the switch, it would seem to make sense to do it this week. The Raiders are a soft opponent and then Miami has the bye. If he feels that Matt Moore gives the team the best chance at winning, let him play.

I feel like Moore would make better use of Miami's best offensive weapon in Wallace than Tannehill has. You lose some of Tannehill's athleticism, be the guy has zero awareness and pretty much never runs it, so who cares, really?

All in all, if they make a switch, I wouldn't be mad.

 

[Stitch01]

I wouldn't do it, this team isn't making the playoffs with something like the 25th best QB in football at the helm and that's probably Moore's upside.  I guess if Tannehill sucks worse than that Philbin should make the change, but its basically a 6-10 coach/QB are getting shitcanned and start the rebuild situation either way in that case.

 

[rymflaherty]

I wouldn't do it, this team isn't making the playoffs with something like the 25th best QB in football at the helm and that's probably Moore's upside.  I guess if Tannehill sucks worse than that Philbin should make the change, but its basically a 6-10 coach/QB are getting shitcanned and start the rebuild situation either way in that case.

 
I'd be inclined to give it one more week.
If they lay an egg vs. the Raiders I don't think you'd hear too many dissenting voices regarding a change.  Plus it would provide extra time for the transition since they have a bye.
 
The whole situation is just depressing because admitting Tannehill is not the starter, and thus not the long-term answer, is taking two steps back...And then what you mentioned is basically the nightmare situation.
I say that's the nightmare because I can't see Philbin surviving that, at which point it's likely to turn into a circus once again since they brought in Hickey last year.I was as happy as anyone when they fired Ireland, but in a weird way, if they were sticking with Philbin it seemed like they should have stuck with Ireland and let them succeed or go down together.....or once they went with a new GM they should have let him bring someone else in.  It was a half-measure consistent with the way they've done things in the Ross era. Same as keeping Ireland and throwing Tony under the bus creating a situation and dynamic that turned away coaching candidates.
If this year goes to hell I fully anticipate an off-season of complete bullshit.  Ross chasing big names, leaving Hickey in limbo. Or you back Hickey (realistically he can get blame but you can't judge a GM after 1 year) and it limits the coaching options, etc. etc.
 
Admittedly that's all jumping the gun at the moment, so I do still hope they can turn things around, but at this point it is worrisome that those scenarios are potential possibilities.
In the meantime, at least the Dolphins are the best team in the state of Florida...I think.

 

[CouchsideSteve]

If we're benching Tannehill for Moore, it's as much a punitive move as it is one aimed at turning things around: "Ryan, you sucked the last two weeks, so take a seat." That's not how a well-run organization makes decisions. If we're moving on from Tannehill, we're also closing the door on Philbin, and very likely shedding several of our more expensive vets in the off-season. Philbin has to know his future is tied to his QB's success, so I imagine this is just intended to be received as a wake up call and shot across the bow.

I think the team will respond, beat Oakland, and head into the bye at 2-2... which is right where most would've pegged prior to the season. But ultimately, the longer we go questioning whether Tannehill can be the answer long-term makes it increasingly likely that answer is "no" and we're back shopping for a QB and HC in 2015.

 

[soxfan121]

You guys should stop pretending you're not gonna have Jim Harbaugh's Pleated Pants Parade on South Beach next season.

Literally, the only reason to not fire Philbin after last season was that Steve Ross' main man couldn't get out of his contract, despite flirting openly with Cleveland and clashing with the GM.

Harbaugh's fixed Alex Smith. He can make Tannehill look good too.

The bad news is that it is Week 4. Try to enjoy the ride to Harbaugh's waiting, loving arms.

 

[tims4wins]

This oughta end well
 

"Obviously, it doesn't feel good," Tannehill said of how Philbin publicly handled the quarterback questions. "It creates a bunch of stir [and] a bunch of distraction in the locker room -- mostly from the outside coming in and guys having to deal with the distraction of it. So it's not a good feeling."
Tannehill, who was clearly bothered by the events, explained his conversation with Philbin.
"I asked him what his reason was; you're going to have to get that from him," Tannehill said. "He has his reasons. Honestly, yes [I wished he handled it differently]. Does it feel good to deal with all the distractions that have been created with the situation? No. But that's life."

 
QB controversies are always good.

 

[pdaj]

Tannehill has been the clear-cut starter since David Garrard's comeback was halted by a knee injury in 2012. I'm cool with Philbin trying to light a fire under his ass. Tanny, and the entire offense, need to feel a sense of urgency. If RT buckles due to his coach's lack of (enthusiastic) publc support, then he's not headstrong enough to be a difference-maker in this league. This is year three,not one. I'm really, really curious to see how he responds vs. the Raiders, a team that could present some problems defensively.
 
But, hey ... win Sunday, and you're 2-2. You come out of the BYE with Pouncey, Jones, and Misi back. And then the real season starts at home vs. the Packers. This whole "blip" in the season will be forgotten if this team just wins.

 

[Clears Cleaver]

I'm not sure u can light a fire under Tannehill's ass. I think he just isn't good. The Grantland article was spot on. He isn't accurate and doesn't find the right receiver. This is all that matters. He's not good enough. Maybe it's the new offense and have to give him half a season, etc to see if it gets better. But the same issues exist. No magic pixie dust from lazor other than running game is better. Maybe that will be identity and they can be play action team. But name me a QB that went to Super Bowl with horrific completion and ypa numbers in his third season.

I think Coyle is an ok coordinator. It's hard trying to hide an entire line backing unit from getting exploited. Which is exactly what KC did to their credit. Smart coaching. ISO RB on linebackers and DE. I think fish are lucky they have Oakland now in London away from the self made distractions. Second year in a row locker room issues. Philbin is on very thin ice.

As far as the other nonsense in this thread, please note that the Pats are a mediocre team. They just are. If they win this division it's because the other three teams are wretched. That being said, those wretched teams with three of the six or seven worst QBs in the league are bad matchups for pats because they each have solid front seven who can get to QB. Buffalo will kill Brady and run the ball on them. Jets will too. Key is to get ahead and force the law firm of Geno, tanne and Manuel to throw often. Fish and jets are injured now. Looking at schedule I think Pats at most win 10 and least 6 or 7. KC, Detroit, Chicago are swing games. I assume split with buffalo and jets and beat Miami. I think they lose to Denver, SD, Indy and Cincy. But who knows. And something has to get better for nyj, Mia or buffalo to get to 9 wins.

As far as trolling goes, I "troll" my own team 1000x more than others. Pure frustration vitriol. And never personal to any other posters. Except maybe dukesox but that's only because he finds it to be a turn on. The Dolphins have not been relevant in 20 years. They likely won't be in this "QB is 75 percent of your team" league for several more years. It sucks.

 

[jsinger121]

Well I'd say 30 years it has been since a super bowl contender. Ever since that rainy day in Miami in January of 1986.

 

[dwainw]

Well I'd say 30 years it has been since a super bowl contender. Ever since that rainy day in Miami in January of 1986.

Eh, why quibble over a little decade?  Actually, I would argue they were a "contender" well into the early 90's, especially with Marino  still in his prime.  Their loss to Buff. in in the '92 AFC Champ. triggered a long slow descent into mediocrity.  But we can all agree, they've been irrelevant for a long damn time.

Mercifully, I'll miss Sunday's game (live, anyway).  No idea what to expect, especially with the transatlantic travel ridiculousness.  It's been mentioned about what a great in-game adjuster Lazor is.  Let's see what he can do mid-season, short of attaching a new arm (or probably more aptly, a new head) onto Tannehill.  

Meantime, Oakland's offense isn't good, Miller showed signs of life last week, and the defense is angry, so there's that.  That's all I got.

 

[rymflaherty]

I'm not sure what Lazor can do scheme wise that would be able to make up for how Tannehill has been playing.  I'm checking out Tannehill's splits right now and they are awful as you can imagine...An offense is going to be severely limited if a Defense doesn't have to respect any pass beyond 10 yards.
 
 
According to the ESPN splits, Tannehill is  12-39  31%   193 yds.  4.9 avg.  2 TD  2 INT  on passes over 10 yards.
That includes 0-9  on passes 20+.  And the deep ball inaccuracy really isn't skewing the 11-20 range, as he's completing at just a 40% clip there. 
I don't even have to go to the good QB's to see how that stacks up (though I did check Wilson who's at 56% 11-20) you just have to know Ryan's numbers are below Geno and Manuel.
 
I realize there have also been issues with protection and drops, so Tannehill does not deserve all the blame, but it's clear that if this team is going to turn things around he is going to have to play much better.  A big part of that is being more accurate downfield...I just wish there was a legitimate reason to believe that is going to prove.  As long as he;s starting there certainly is a chance, but with the evidence thus far, it's starting to feel like a wish and a prayer.

 

[pdaj]

Missed my first game in a long time today due to the Autism Walk in Bristol today. I'll watch on rewind later tonight -- but I'd love to hear the thoughts of others in the meantime. I thought the Raiders were the perfect team to face before heading into the BYE -- I'm glad it played out that way. The Fins now go into the break with some confidence, knowing they'll be close to 100% health-wise once the "real" season starts vs. Green Bay.

 

[Clears Cleaver]

I missed it as well. Followed it on twitter and seemed Tannehill got really hot in the first half? Raiders are probably worst team in league, so not sure what to make of it.

They win and get two weeks and get reshad and Dion back and get pouncey and misi plus healthy. But tougher stretch of schedule, too , I think.

 

[smastroyin]

They don't get Dion until October 20. Assuming he stays clean until his next test.

 

[pdaj]

I missed it as well. Followed it on twitter and seemed Tannehill got really hot in the first half? Raiders are probably worst team in league, so not sure what to make of it.

They win and get two weeks and get reshad and Dion back and get pouncey and misi plus healthy. But tougher stretch of schedule, too , I think.

 
Every win's a good win in the NFL -- just ask the Steelers.
 
But, you're right -- the next 4 games will tell us quite a bit. The game at home vs. GB will be especially telling. Good teams/coaches win home games coming out of the BYE. And the Packers are a bit of a finese team. Smack them in the mouth, and they'll wilt. But Miami's got come out with that fire, ala New England.