Short week against a suddenly hot team. Landry is a tough cover. Lamar Miller in the run game is tough too. Pats are a banged up team so simply surviving this game with a win is good enough.
Dolphin Day: Thursday
- Thread starter RedOctober3829
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But it's true that they could probably beat a rested Redskins team tonight. After dinner and drinks.
I'm kinda ok with a Thursday game this week, after what we witnessed today. Double digit dropped passes should have LaFell and Edelman (hopefully) focused on redeeming themselves. Plus, no one else got injured so we go into Thursday "healthier" than we came into this game.
I think, despite the win, the team is not happy and being able to get back at it in 4 days could be a good thing
I think, despite the win, the team is not happy and being able to get back at it in 4 days could be a good thing
Ed Hillel said:
Plus, the short turnaround probably favors the team playing at home with the GOAT coach that has dealt with this situation many times before over the team led by the interim guy with two games experience total as a head coach at any level of football and who had never even been a coordinator before getting the top job a couple weeks back. Just saying...
It would be interesting to take a look at how Thursday night games in general effect strategy / prep / in game results. I think there's certainly an argument that having a great coach who makes excellent in game adjustments, and a very disciplined team overall, favors you in a short week. However, one also wonders if the general sloppiness of Thursday games and the relative lack of opponent-specific prep might reduce coaching advantages and increase the relative importance of momentum and individual play.
Overall I'd rather have BB and Brady, obviously. But the unpredictability of Cameron and the fact that the Dolphins had a relatively easier game today might matter.
Overall I'd rather have BB and Brady, obviously. But the unpredictability of Cameron and the fact that the Dolphins had a relatively easier game today might matter.
In this year's NFL where only 11 teams are only above .500 a 2 game streak is significant. I agree with your sentiment, but they look a heck of a lot better than under Philbin.DrewDawg said:
DrewDawg said:
Even as a Fins fan, I share your exact sentiments. Sure, I'm encouraged by the team's performance following their walking-dead approach to the first quarter of the season, but Hasselbeck, along with Gore and Indy's subpar offensive line, dominated the same Houston team a couple of weeks ago. Washington, Tennessee, Houston. I'm waiting for Miami to beat a good team before I let myself get excited.
However, reasons for optimism?
- Wake and Albert, two of Miami's top players, finally look to be healthy.
- Today's game was nice and easy -- perfect for an upcoming short week. If Brice McCain returns, as expected, Miami will be as close to 100% as any team in the league.
- For two straight games, the Fins have been committed to running the ball, and have done so successfully. Albert's addition has surely helped with this, but so has Billy Turner replacing Jamil Douglas and Sims returning from injury. Something, perhaps, Philbin never understood -- but Lazor's offense, like Chip's, is all about the running game. It's what makes everything else work.
- The defense, and especially the D-line, has been very, very active. They're stopping the run and getting to the QB, often with just four committed to the pressure.
- Rishard Matthews has really emerged as a solid, physical #2 -- someone Tanny's clearly comfortable with. Between him, Landry, Miller, Cameron, Stills, Jennings, Parker -- there should be plenty left in the bag going forward.
- Grimes may be one of the few CB in the league that can stick with Edleman.
That said, this is still a TNF game, on the road, against the best team in the league. Reshad Jones on Gronk will be interesting, but these LB + Jamar Taylor vs. Gronk, Amendola, LeFell, and a returning Lewis is going to be the story. TB should have plenty of opportunities to push the ball down the field. I think the Fins will have win the TO battle by at least 2 to have a realistic shot.
Here's how the teams have fared with the short week Sunday to Thursday since 2009. Probably not super relevant to these particular teams, but just for reference.
View attachment 1388
View attachment 1388
I would say if there was ever a good time for Miami to play the Pats on a sort week, it would be this one. They're relatively healthy, they're coming off two blowout wins, so confidence is high, and it appears they've bought in big time to what Campbell is selling. Whatever extra rest some of the starters got in the second half is a cherry on top.
Realistically, Miami is one game out of a wild card spot right now. Their schedule is a bit daunting, but if they can make it through this stretch, they finish the year with a bunch of home games. I think the division is way out of reach at this point, but the Dolphins have gotten themselves back into the playoff hunt these last two weeks.
If you want to know why this team is different, watch that Landry catch and run for a TD. Landry is always looking to break a play open, but watch towards the end of the play. Pouncey and Turner come flying down field and throw the last 2 block 50+ yards downfield and get Landry into the end zone. Effort like that was non-existent under Philbin. These guys are ready to run through walls for Campbell.
Realistically, Miami is one game out of a wild card spot right now. Their schedule is a bit daunting, but if they can make it through this stretch, they finish the year with a bunch of home games. I think the division is way out of reach at this point, but the Dolphins have gotten themselves back into the playoff hunt these last two weeks.
If you want to know why this team is different, watch that Landry catch and run for a TD. Landry is always looking to break a play open, but watch towards the end of the play. Pouncey and Turner come flying down field and throw the last 2 block 50+ yards downfield and get Landry into the end zone. Effort like that was non-existent under Philbin. These guys are ready to run through walls for Campbell.
Do we have an update on the status of Lewis, Sheard and Cannon?
edit- looks like Shaq Mason didn't play either, do we have a time table?
edit- looks like Shaq Mason didn't play either, do we have a time table?
Continuing my reasons to not trust the Patriots' Revenge Tour and what it means to Las Vegas lines, so I can remind myself just how silly I am after I think about it.
I am scared of Pittsburgh because the Patriots are going to be so angry after the awful offseason and will be too tightly wound.
I am scared of Buffalo because Rex Ryan has taken an awesome D and made it better and the stadium will be crazy.
I am scared that Jacksonville at home is a trap game.
I am scared of the Cowboys and the return of Greg Hardy because Tom Brady doesn't like facing scary pass rushers.
I am scared that Indianapolis is really prepared and compensating for the way we have been running over them.
I am scared of an inferior (but still good) Jets team led by Ryan Fitzpatrick because it now carries itself semi-professionally.
I am now scared that an inferior (but still talented) Dolphins team has been scared into beating two AFC South teams (that are a combined 3-10) by a mouth-breathing tight ends coach.
I am scared of Pittsburgh because the Patriots are going to be so angry after the awful offseason and will be too tightly wound.
I am scared of Buffalo because Rex Ryan has taken an awesome D and made it better and the stadium will be crazy.
I am scared that Jacksonville at home is a trap game.
I am scared of the Cowboys and the return of Greg Hardy because Tom Brady doesn't like facing scary pass rushers.
I am scared that Indianapolis is really prepared and compensating for the way we have been running over them.
I am scared of an inferior (but still good) Jets team led by Ryan Fitzpatrick because it now carries itself semi-professionally.
I am now scared that an inferior (but still talented) Dolphins team has been scared into beating two AFC South teams (that are a combined 3-10) by a mouth-breathing tight ends coach.
Yeah, pretty clear the original coaching staff was a big net negative, but lets try not to overreact to beating up on two of the absolute worst teams in the league.
Any reason to think the Pats don't put up 30? Any reason to think the Dolphins are going to get to 30? I think the answer is no on both counts and the Pats win rather comfortably.
Any reason to think the Pats don't put up 30? Any reason to think the Dolphins are going to get to 30? I think the answer is no on both counts and the Pats win rather comfortably.
MarcSullivaFan said:
Perhaps, but this team overcomes injuries like no other by being ready with next man up, so my "scared" factors are usually derived from the other team's situation.
The ability to be ready for next man up is one of the things that separates this team along with special teams when we care to look outside of specific offense/defense matchups.
I hate that Sunday - Thursday chart because it just reminded me of the Dolphins 2010 game vs. the Bears.
That was one of the ugliest offensive performances I have ever seen . Tyler Thigpen was the starting QB, and if I'm recalling correctly, due to injuries, every lineman available was on the field, including a guy playing Center who wasn't a Center.
From what I've seen, the short week really favors the better team. If your poorly coached, lack depth/talent, etc. that seems to be accentuated on short rest, especially on the road. That said, the Patriots coming off a tough game with the Jets and the Dolphins having to really only play a half of football is about as good a situation you can hope for as a Dolphins fan.
At this point I feel like the Dolphins at least have a slim chance at victory, which I'll take, because after that London game I felt like the Patriots would be able to come out on the field and name their score.
That was one of the ugliest offensive performances I have ever seen . Tyler Thigpen was the starting QB, and if I'm recalling correctly, due to injuries, every lineman available was on the field, including a guy playing Center who wasn't a Center.
From what I've seen, the short week really favors the better team. If your poorly coached, lack depth/talent, etc. that seems to be accentuated on short rest, especially on the road. That said, the Patriots coming off a tough game with the Jets and the Dolphins having to really only play a half of football is about as good a situation you can hope for as a Dolphins fan.
At this point I feel like the Dolphins at least have a slim chance at victory, which I'll take, because after that London game I felt like the Patriots would be able to come out on the field and name their score.
We will have no updates on the Pats walking wounded unless and until there are practice reports regarding absences or limited participation and the list of the inactives comes out.
Not that the Pats often (or even ever) get trapped by taking an opponent lightly, but given that it's a short week, I don't mind that Belichick has such easy material to work with (the two blowouts). Make no mistake, I would prefer that the Fins were playing terribly, as they did under Philbin. But it doesn't suck that Bill's warnings almost write themselves after an intense game yesterday and the short turn around time.
Not that the Pats often (or even ever) get trapped by taking an opponent lightly, but given that it's a short week, I don't mind that Belichick has such easy material to work with (the two blowouts). Make no mistake, I would prefer that the Fins were playing terribly, as they did under Philbin. But it doesn't suck that Bill's warnings almost write themselves after an intense game yesterday and the short turn around time.
Chris McCain's twitter page
https://twitter.com/DolphinEret?ref_src=twsrc^google|twcamp^serp|twgr^author
https://twitter.com/DolphinEret?ref_src=twsrc^google|twcamp^serp|twgr^author
I wouldn't be surprised to see a big game out of LaFell. Even with the drops yesterday, Brady still went to him a bunch. His body is probably not as banged up as the others. And Grimes will probably be stuck on Edelman most of the night.
BernieRicoBoomer said:Here's how the teams have fared with the short week Sunday to Thursday since 2009. Probably not super relevant to these particular teams, but just for reference.
The funniest asterisk ever is not getting enough love.
Fair enough. But I guess I'm missing your point. Are we supposed to assume the Patriots are going to roll over every opponent until we see someone stop them? Is pointing out bad matchups being "scared"? I've been on this board for 8 or 9 years now, and this is probably the most optimistic and confident I've ever seen it.5dice said:
This is a very good team, no doubt. Probably the best in the league. But I don't see it as being more talented then last year's team, which lost four games, and I don't see the "revenge" aspect as anything but talk radio fodder. My assumption is that this team will lose 2-3 games, likely including a perplexing loss to an inferior team. And I couldn't care less, so long as they take care of business in the playoffs.
And aren't short week injury reports sort of made up? (Edit: prior to practice on Wednesday) Could be wrong, but I remember that because teams aren't practicing normally they're supposed to represent who "would have" been limited participants if they had held practice.TheoShmeo said:
Anyway, Cannon didn't practice last week, so I'd be surprised if we don't see Sea Bass/Flemming again. Unless they promote that practice squad rookie (Clausell), they would once again be one injury away from "Michael Williams, Right Tackle," right?
One of the side benefits from not rushing vs. the Jets is they have a very fresh Blount for Thursday. WAS, BUF and NYJ all ran at will against MIA with bigger backs. They seem to playing the run a bit better under the new regime but how much of that is the fact they have gotten out to huge leads vs an actual material change?
I'm expecting a big Blount game this Thursday.
I'm expecting a big Blount game this Thursday.
I wonder if the fantastic depth (not that everyone on the bench is a star....but "next man up" knows his job) that the Patriots have traditionally had has helped with the Thursday night games.
Anyone know if the "Backups" play any additional minutes (when compared to a Sunday game) in the Thursday night games?
Anyone know if the "Backups" play any additional minutes (when compared to a Sunday game) in the Thursday night games?
j44thor said:
I was wondering about this as well. Twenty to 30 rushes against the solid Jets defensive front might have taken a toll with such a short body-recovery span.
It seems like one of those theories that makes more sense to fans, though; so, it's entirely possible that this had nothing to do with it. ESPN guys were suggesting this morning that what the offense did was designed to tire out the Jets front by the fourth quarter
Ryan Hannable @RyanHannable 6s6 seconds ago
Projected injury report if Patriots would have practiced has Marcus Cannon, Rufus Johnson and Jabaal Sheard not practicing.
Ryan Hannable @RyanHannable 7s7 seconds ago
More projected injury report:
Limited: Bolden, Lewis, K. Martin, Mason
Full: Flowers, Hightower, Kline (shoulder)
Projected injury report if Patriots would have practiced has Marcus Cannon, Rufus Johnson and Jabaal Sheard not practicing.
Ryan Hannable @RyanHannable 7s7 seconds ago
More projected injury report:
Limited: Bolden, Lewis, K. Martin, Mason
Full: Flowers, Hightower, Kline (shoulder)
tims4wins said:This is... unwise
As Gronk points out, that'd be a penalty.
http://www.csnne.com/new-england-patriots/gronkowski-reacts-mccain-tweet-thatd-be-penalty?p=ya5nbcs&ocid=yahoo
That's literally been around for months. I'm guessing since its Pats week, it probably got retweeted by McCain or picked up by the media. McCain isn't the brightest bulb in the tree, and if Brady needs motivation from the Twitter account of a reserve DL/OLB, then so be it.Marciano490 said:
Like BB said in the locker room after the Jets win "Tomorrow (meaning Monday) is Thursday" in terms of preparation for the Phins.
Kick butt, take names and they are on to Washington.
Kick butt, take names and they are on to Washington.
sodenj5 said:
McCain set it as his twitter avatar and then sent out a tweet referencing it. So, it got picked up because McCain is a ding-dong who will almost assuredly be getting a LOUD lecture from PC Principal about it (if he hasn't already).
And no, I don't think Tom Brady gives a shit about what the backup OLB for the Dolphins is tweeting.
