FML. Jones is arguably the most indispensable player on the team. He was battling through a groin injury yesterday. If he's gone for the season, Michael Thomas probably gets the first crack at filling in. Walt Aikens might be the guy though. He's not great at coverage, but he's big and fast and can tackle.
2016 Miami Dolphins: Amazing Gase
- Thread starter sodenj5
- Start date
i can't say I saaw one play of the game Sunday due to kids sports responsibilities, but....wtf? the highlights I saw made Ajayi look like Larry Csonka. And the defense played...well? huh?
Maxwell has always been good when he can play press. he is atrocious when he has to play zone or out in space. LEt me guess, he played press all game? Wake started and held the edge?
Sucks about Jones, it really does. I still think they should tank or trade away assets for draft picks. I think yesterday was a reflection on Pittsburgh more than Miami in the long term. But, the Bills have been pushing around Miami for the last few years, just destroying them physically. Let's see how sunday goes
Maxwell has always been good when he can play press. he is atrocious when he has to play zone or out in space. LEt me guess, he played press all game? Wake started and held the edge?
Sucks about Jones, it really does. I still think they should tank or trade away assets for draft picks. I think yesterday was a reflection on Pittsburgh more than Miami in the long term. But, the Bills have been pushing around Miami for the last few years, just destroying them physically. Let's see how sunday goes
Ugh. AWFUL. Aside from the obvious blow this presents to the defense, this also impacts Miami's watchability. Jones has become my favorite Dolphin to watch play. Huge loss, if the report is true.
You know, I wonder if Isa could get a crack at Jones' position, as he played a Jones-lite role for the Lions last year. He was fantastic against the run during that stretch. That'd leave Michael Thomas at FS, a position he's had more experience with. A.J. Hendy would likely be added from PS, also.
Adam Schefter @AdamSchefter 4m4 minutes ago
Dolphins' S Reshad Jones will be out for the season. CB Chris Culliver slated to practice for first time this year, per sources.
Dolphins' S Reshad Jones will be out for the season. CB Chris Culliver slated to practice for first time this year, per sources.
One of my favorite players in the league. Still underrated IMHO. Really hurts the Phins (or helps in terms of draft pos).
Man, what a bummer. I was desperately hoping for a miracle change in diagnosis. So much for that ...
From Gase:
http://dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2016/10/19/miami-dolphins-s-reshad-jones-shoulder-out-for-season/
“We’ll go through this week of practice and kind of figure out what our best personnel package will be back there,” Gase said. “We have a lot of moving pieces as far as what we like do with defensive packages. We played a lot of different guys.”
Expect Michael Thomas to enter the lineup for Jones, one of the NFL’s most underrated players.
Coach Adam Gase has said Isa Abdul-Quddus and Jones are somewhat interchangable in their skill sets, to Quddus’ role may evolve, too.
From Gase:
http://dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2016/10/19/miami-dolphins-s-reshad-jones-shoulder-out-for-season/
“We’ll go through this week of practice and kind of figure out what our best personnel package will be back there,” Gase said. “We have a lot of moving pieces as far as what we like do with defensive packages. We played a lot of different guys.”
Expect Michael Thomas to enter the lineup for Jones, one of the NFL’s most underrated players.
Coach Adam Gase has said Isa Abdul-Quddus and Jones are somewhat interchangable in their skill sets, to Quddus’ role may evolve, too.
Eh, I'm going to quibble with that. I think Michael Thomas is an excellent special teams player, but he's repeatedly been given opportunities to win roles as a safety or nickel corner and has consistently underwhelmed. I think he's a good, smart player to have on the team, and he's versatile, but he's not a guy you want in a regular starting role unless you have to.
I don't think he'll be beaten horribly like Aikens or Taylor were repeatedly last year, but I also don't expect him to stand out in any way. If he provides replacement level play, that's about the best I would hope for.
They should go back to the old uniforms they were wearing today. Much better than the ones they've used for the past few seasons.
Having a little bit of time to digest the game, here's what I loved about yesterday's game:
Adam Gase's call on 3rd and 6 at the end of the game.
There is a -100% chance that Joe Philbin makes that call or has that amount of trust in Tannehill. Philbin runs the ball, picks up 3 or 4 and punts it back to the Bills. Gase went for the kill, and I loved it. He max protected Tannehill on Rex's blitz and had Stills one on one on the outside. Ajayi did a great job stepping up and blocking a LB in the hole. IMO, Tannehill made the right throw underthrowing Stills. If he leads Stills, he's throwing right into the DB's coverage. By underthrowing, it's either going to be caught by Stills, or incomplete. Stills did a great job cutting in front of the defender, and the rest is history. Huge play.
Miami's physical nature.
Buffalo has dominated Miami physically the last few years and Miami has never been able to keep up. Yesterday, they brought the fight to the Bills and beat them at their own game. For the second straight week, the defense shut down a dominant rushing game, and the offense plowed out yards on the ground in chunks. IMO, Jordan Cameron doesn't have a place on this roster outside of being a third down receiving option. He doesn't block well enough to be out their on first or second downs.
Ryan Tannehill's feet and awareness.
We all know that Tannehill struggles with pocket presence, but yesterday may have been the best I've seen him move around and using his feet ever. He moved around in the pocket, rolled out of trouble several times, and picked up a couple of critical first downs with his feet. This is the role Tannehill should be in. He can't carry an offense by himself, but he can be a very good complimentary piece, and can make plays off of playaction. He made the plays that Miami needed him to make. Nothing amazing, but just what they needed.
Jay Ajayi looking like the second coming of Ricky Williams.
Sweet Jesus Ajayi. I loved the pick of Ajayi last year, but I never thought he was capable of this. He's running with speed, decisiveness, and lots of power. He's breaking through arm tackles and bowling people over. He's showing good patience and vision. He's been the best running back in football the last two weeks and he hasn't even really been a part of the passing game. I don't think talent was ever the issue with Jay. It's can he be consistent and can he stay healthy. I think the bye week comes at a great time for this team. Get rested up and get ready for another slugfest with the Jets.
Adam Gase's call on 3rd and 6 at the end of the game.
There is a -100% chance that Joe Philbin makes that call or has that amount of trust in Tannehill. Philbin runs the ball, picks up 3 or 4 and punts it back to the Bills. Gase went for the kill, and I loved it. He max protected Tannehill on Rex's blitz and had Stills one on one on the outside. Ajayi did a great job stepping up and blocking a LB in the hole. IMO, Tannehill made the right throw underthrowing Stills. If he leads Stills, he's throwing right into the DB's coverage. By underthrowing, it's either going to be caught by Stills, or incomplete. Stills did a great job cutting in front of the defender, and the rest is history. Huge play.
Miami's physical nature.
Buffalo has dominated Miami physically the last few years and Miami has never been able to keep up. Yesterday, they brought the fight to the Bills and beat them at their own game. For the second straight week, the defense shut down a dominant rushing game, and the offense plowed out yards on the ground in chunks. IMO, Jordan Cameron doesn't have a place on this roster outside of being a third down receiving option. He doesn't block well enough to be out their on first or second downs.
Ryan Tannehill's feet and awareness.
We all know that Tannehill struggles with pocket presence, but yesterday may have been the best I've seen him move around and using his feet ever. He moved around in the pocket, rolled out of trouble several times, and picked up a couple of critical first downs with his feet. This is the role Tannehill should be in. He can't carry an offense by himself, but he can be a very good complimentary piece, and can make plays off of playaction. He made the plays that Miami needed him to make. Nothing amazing, but just what they needed.
Jay Ajayi looking like the second coming of Ricky Williams.
Sweet Jesus Ajayi. I loved the pick of Ajayi last year, but I never thought he was capable of this. He's running with speed, decisiveness, and lots of power. He's breaking through arm tackles and bowling people over. He's showing good patience and vision. He's been the best running back in football the last two weeks and he hasn't even really been a part of the passing game. I don't think talent was ever the issue with Jay. It's can he be consistent and can he stay healthy. I think the bye week comes at a great time for this team. Get rested up and get ready for another slugfest with the Jets.
Yeah, it's been fascinating and a bit shocking to watch the transformation of this team from their early-season lackluster efforts to what we've seen the past two weeks. Everything seems to emanate from a finally-healthy offensive line--knock on wood. I wonder if that group's full participation in practice the last few weeks has contributed to the defensive line's resurgence. Clearly, they're playing with renewed vengeance on both sides.
Agreed on Tannehill's improvement in moving around the pocket and beyond. This play really sticks with me as kind of a signature example of that. It was thing of beauty. Tanny stays composed and focused with guys bearing down on him, and then while on the run leads Landry perfectly. Gorgeous.
Finally, Gase benching Ajayi in that first game could wind up as a little a stroke of coaching genius after all is said and done. Granted, it's taken Ajayi a few weeks to hit his stride, but it's safe to say they've been coaching him up hard since that week to help him get his mind right and translate that to his performance on the field. I haven't heard or read much about that side of it, but whatever they're doing, keep doing it.
Agreed on Tannehill's improvement in moving around the pocket and beyond. This play really sticks with me as kind of a signature example of that. It was thing of beauty. Tanny stays composed and focused with guys bearing down on him, and then while on the run leads Landry perfectly. Gorgeous.
Finally, Gase benching Ajayi in that first game could wind up as a little a stroke of coaching genius after all is said and done. Granted, it's taken Ajayi a few weeks to hit his stride, but it's safe to say they've been coaching him up hard since that week to help him get his mind right and translate that to his performance on the field. I haven't heard or read much about that side of it, but whatever they're doing, keep doing it.
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Great comments. I just have a few of my own.
- Adam Gase certainly isn't the perfect coach yet. (Dan Campbell had Jay Ajayi pegged as the Fins' best back in fewer games.) But I love that fact that he's flexible, open-minded, and always thinking of different ways to address performance issues. Versus Seattle and New England, Miami ran the ball a combined 36x (20 and 16), while doing so a combined 75x against Pittsburgh and Buffalo (38 and 37). Gase would clearly prefer to throw the ball more, but he adjusts to his team's strengths. It seems like a no-brainer approach, but we've seen that isn't quite the case the last decade or so.
- I also fear the return of Jordan Cameron, and was honestly hoping he'd be out for the rest of the year. With the BYE week upcoming, Dion Sims could very well be back, and I think he's earned a long look as the team's starting TE. He's the team's best blocker at the position, and he's capable enough in the passing game. Additionally, considering what we've seen from Gray and Jones, who do you want to see cut? At this point, Cam's role should exclusively be on passing 3rd downs and in the red zone.
- Albert, Tunsil, Pouncey, Bushrod, James. This unit plays very well together, but can they all stay on the field? That'll be the key going forward. Also, next season, Albert's cap hit is 10.6, and then 11.3 in '18. If he were to be cut prior to next year, the dead cap hit would be 3.4. In '18, it'd be 1.7. Should Miami keep Albert 1 more year, or slide Tunsil to LT and add a cheaper G option? Decisions, decisions.
- I agree that Tanny's pocket awareness is a weakness, but as Gase mentioned a bit earlier in the season, there were times previously where Tannehill had nowhere to step up. That's changed for the better the past 2 games, and we've seen the effects. I know a lot of people on the Derek Carr bandwagon, and personally, I like him -- but last week, when constantly under pressure vs KC, he looked as though he was being asked to throw left-handed. In fact, I truthfully believe that had Miami drafted Carr, he'd already be ruined psychologically or drinking through a straw. Tannehill's toughness goes way too under the radar.
- What's great about Miami's emerging ground attack is that RT is very, very good off of play-action. Additionally, with teams bound to put more resources into stopping the run, Tanny's should have some opportunities to strike big in the passing game. This is a huge contrast to his typical 2nd and 3rd down and long from shotgun experiences earlier in the year. I'm still hoping Parker becomes a consistent big-play target by season's end.
- What a perfect time to have the BYE, with the Jets coming up at home. This gives the team some time to get healthy, and for the coaching staff to add some new wrinkles. If Miami can grab the W, they'd suddenly be at .500 with games vs. San Diego (3-4), LA (3-4), and SF (1-6). I see the Chargers being the most challenging contest, especially considering the fact that SD could easily have 2 more wins.
- I swear, this year's schedule has been the f-cking worst. @SEA, @NE, and @CIN (Thu) in the 1st 4 games, and then @SD and @LA in back-to-back weeks. Any chance Miami just stays in California after the Chargers' game?
- I can't say enough about how satisfying it is to be the Bills at their own game (finally!). Outside of Landry's block, which I thought was a 6 out of 10 on the "cheap scale", I loved the intensity/physical nature throughout.
- I love Landry's intensity, but his block yesterday was unacceptable. He didn't lead with his helmet or anything, but he surely propelled himself into a player that clearly wasn't in a position to defend himself. He seemed quite contrite, so I'm pretty hopeful it won't happen again. Also, Landry seems to be good for at least 1 15-yard penalty per game. While I think the NFL's wrath on fun is moronic, players have to adjust accordingly. His constant celebrating, barking at the sidelines, etc. is costing this team far too often.
- Penalties, penalties, penalties. If Miami needs to clean this part of their game up. It's affecting drives/points and field position.
Gase has taken a very smart approach with all of the young players. He has made them all earn their playing time. Tunsil started with the second stringers. Ajayi got benched in favor of Foster when he looked lackluster in the preseason. He seems to know how to push the right buttons with the players and he has a super competitive streak that I think is starting to rub off on the players.
I remember the last possession of the first half, Gase was giving Tannehill an earful going into the locker room because Tannehill got taken down for a gain of like 2 yards and let the clock run out. Gase wants to win every possession. His attitude has been a complete 180 from Philbin.
Apart from the bye coming at a good time, Miami should see some reinforcements coming in the secondary in the form of Chris Culliver and Xavien Howard in the next couple of weeks. It wouldn't surprise me if Culliver was ready for the Jets and Howard soon after that. A much need boost for a unit that's been running on fumes.
Edit-just to touch on the wrinkle aspect, I think you saw a hint of it with Jakeem Grant running the play action jet sweep. At least one Buffalo defender went running after him and it opened up a lane for Ajayi. With his speed, it has to be something a defense respects. Could be interesting to see him worked in more.
I think you guys are probably right as it relates to Gase and Ajayi. Jay didn't have a strong pre-season and his reaction to his drop on the depth chart had to be addressed accordingly. Meanwhile, he wasn't cut and Ajayi certainly responded strongly. Considering the results, it's hard to argue the fact that it could have been handled any better. Gase could have certainly recognized Ajayi's talent, but he needed beffer effort/execution on the field.
I'm really surprised that Gase hasn't found a way to utilize Grant on offense. I loved the jet sweep fake that contributed to Dwain's TD run. I think he could have an Austin-lite impact on offense this year if used creatively. Give the guy a chance, Gase!
Speaking of the secondary, I haven't heard Lippett's name called often the past couple weeks. That's a good thing, right? With Culliver coming, Maxwell's resurgence, Howard eventually coming back (2-3 weeks?), McCain holding his own, and even a guy like Benwikere on board ... could the secondary become a plus for this team? At the very least, it's looking much less dire.
I think Grant will be the guy to give their runs a bit of a different look. Right now, they're running straight power football, and the Bills couldn't stop it. Not much mystery to it, just good blocking and very hard running from Ajayi. Eventually you want to mix it up, and getting Grant the ball on PA Screens or jet sweeps can add another dimension of misdirection or confusion that they don't have right now.
I don't know if it will be a strength, but less dire would be nice, because they were on life support for a week or two. Add benching Maxwell to the list of good moves by Gase. Howard will be about 5 weeks post-surgery when they play the Jets, I would guess his return for the following week at the Chargers or the Rams. Somewhere in that 6 week window if all goes well.
EDIT-shit, I forgot Earl Mitchell still exists. Vance Joseph said that he should be back in two weeks. He'll be a good addition to throw into rotation. Give Suh an occasional breather. He's out there like 95% of the plays. Joseph also credits Wake and Branch for stepping up and improving the D-Line play. Wake has been let off the leash the last two weeks and he's playing more on first and second downs against the run.
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I think that sounds right with Howard --- it'd be nice to have him back for the road game in San Diego.
I just dug this article up on Culliver and the secondary.
http://dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2016/10/19/miami-dolphins-cb-chris-culliver-returns-to-practice/
DAVIE — Miami Dolphins cornerback Chris Culliver has been working on a documentary about his return from a knee injury, called “R2R2” or “Road to Recovery Two.”
After six weeks on the physically unable to perform list, Culliver was finally cleared to practice and was issued a Miami helmet on Wednesday. He’s almost back.
“It’s been a good journey,” Culliver said. “It’s been a little bit. It’s been mentally draining because you want to be with your guys. The season hasn’t gone how we expected it to go. But I’m ready to get back out there and ready to get busy.”
Culliver could not commit to being available for Sunday at Buffalo.
“I’ll be amped up on the field but it’s about repetition,” Culliver said. “I can’t emphasize that enough. I can’t go out there and go ballistic. It’s not realistic to do this and do that. I definitely feel confident catching the ball and running, cutting, jumping, pretty much every aspect like that. But it’s a different feel when you have the helmet on and your pads and things like that.”
After being scratched last week, cornerback Bene Benwikere said he believes he will dress on Sunday against Buffalo. Byron Maxwell and Tony Lippett should remain the starters, with Bobby McCain in the slot. A week ago, Chimdi Chekwa suited up.
But when Culliver is ready to play, he might contend for a starting position. Cornerback depth could actually become a strength once Xavien Howard returns next month from knee surgery.
“People have been asking me, players and coaches, ‘Is this the week? Is this the week.’ It wasn’t quite yet. And you know it’s been trying to be patient. Stay in there strong, mentally. But like I said, it’s all good. I’m ready to get back to it and get right.”
It might be hard to gage when Culliver will not just be back, but back to being "game ready" and playing well. In the meantime, Max', Lipp', and McCain will have to continue to get the job done. I'm listening to VJ's interview right now, and he mentioned that Earl Mitchell will be back in 2 weeks. That'd be a nice boost.
I just dug this article up on Culliver and the secondary.
http://dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2016/10/19/miami-dolphins-cb-chris-culliver-returns-to-practice/
DAVIE — Miami Dolphins cornerback Chris Culliver has been working on a documentary about his return from a knee injury, called “R2R2” or “Road to Recovery Two.”
After six weeks on the physically unable to perform list, Culliver was finally cleared to practice and was issued a Miami helmet on Wednesday. He’s almost back.
“It’s been a good journey,” Culliver said. “It’s been a little bit. It’s been mentally draining because you want to be with your guys. The season hasn’t gone how we expected it to go. But I’m ready to get back out there and ready to get busy.”
Culliver could not commit to being available for Sunday at Buffalo.
“I’ll be amped up on the field but it’s about repetition,” Culliver said. “I can’t emphasize that enough. I can’t go out there and go ballistic. It’s not realistic to do this and do that. I definitely feel confident catching the ball and running, cutting, jumping, pretty much every aspect like that. But it’s a different feel when you have the helmet on and your pads and things like that.”
After being scratched last week, cornerback Bene Benwikere said he believes he will dress on Sunday against Buffalo. Byron Maxwell and Tony Lippett should remain the starters, with Bobby McCain in the slot. A week ago, Chimdi Chekwa suited up.
But when Culliver is ready to play, he might contend for a starting position. Cornerback depth could actually become a strength once Xavien Howard returns next month from knee surgery.
“People have been asking me, players and coaches, ‘Is this the week? Is this the week.’ It wasn’t quite yet. And you know it’s been trying to be patient. Stay in there strong, mentally. But like I said, it’s all good. I’m ready to get back to it and get right.”
It might be hard to gage when Culliver will not just be back, but back to being "game ready" and playing well. In the meantime, Max', Lipp', and McCain will have to continue to get the job done. I'm listening to VJ's interview right now, and he mentioned that Earl Mitchell will be back in 2 weeks. That'd be a nice boost.
Amen! Where has this come from?? Not just pouncey, but bushrod has been immense. I just watched the game on fastplay. Just pounded them. Over and over.
Ajayi can't do that every week. Nor should he. Foster getting healthy will help. As will play action, they seemed to hardly use it, but wow. I really didn't think they could do this. Kudos to Gase and the coaches for realizing they HAVE to do this and to the o line for embracing it
Suh was a monster yesterday. He was just dominant all game. And jjones played very well outside the stupid penalties on the last drive
I think scratching Culliver was the right decision this week with the bye looming. Give him the extra two weeks. Get 100%, give him more reps in practice. Throwing him out there yesterday likely wouldn't have done anyone any good.
Also, if anyone recalls the play where Taylor ran into the Miami sideline and had to be separated from a Miami player, that was Culliver talking shit to Taylor.
ANOTHER benefit to the BYE? More time for Foster. Coming off his injury, and considering his age, it shouldn't be all that surprising that it's taken him this long to be truly NFL ready. I think it's going to be interesting to see what he could after Ajayi's worn down the defense a bit. With Jay and Dwain running hard inside, and Foster hitting the outside zone and making an impact in the passing game, Miami's RB unit is looking pretty solid at this point.
Edit:
Oh, no question on that decision. Looking forward to seeing him play when he's ready. His addition, Howard's return, Mitchell coming back, etc. Things are certainly trending in the right direction. What a gigantic game the Jets contest is shaping up to be.
Having a running threat also allows them to play two backs together more often. This should create matchups for Foster and grant. So they are not just third down backs playing against dime coverages on obvious passing downs
Ryan said yesterday that they had their base defense out there against Miami's three wideout personnel to try and stop the run. Said they tried everything. Helps explain the dagger to Stills. Rex sold out to try and stop the run on third down with his base defense blitzing and they got torched.
Gase is too creative an offensive mind to just keep running 3 TE power runs. He knows how to create mismatches. I think Grant will be an interesting wrinkle teams will have trouble accounting for.
He's been conservative with him thus far, as he's certainly not polished as a receiver quite yet. But I agree with you that it's only a matter of time.
I love the way Gase has approached his use on ST, specifically on PR. If it's a long punt where there's certain to be a lot of room for a return, Grant gets the call. If it's late in the game and/or the Fins are likely to be pinned, the more experienced Landry is given the assignment.
I keep going back to that 1st PS game where Grant killed it on several WR screens and then down the field. He's a match-up problem and gives defenses another thing to think about.
I imagine with a guy like Grant, they're telling him to be patient. When he catches a screen, he has to let the play develop and his blockers have to get into position. I'd bet he catches the ball and wants to turn on the burners right away. If his blocks develop, he can turn a 5 yard screen into a 10-20-30 yard chunk play. I bet that's the kind of stuff they're hammering into his head behind the scenes.
Interesting way to announce one's retirement ... mid-season? Never a dull moment with Foster, but I respect a player for hanging it up when he no longer has it. That leaves Ajayi, Williams, and Drake as the RB on the roster; the latter two being core ST players. Perhaps Miami just brings back Pead? Or Culliver simply takes his spot.
Edit: I wonder if Miami considered releasing him with the emergence of Ajayi, the solid play of Williams, and the similar role Drake could play on 3rd downs. (Not to mention, Foster can't contribute on ST.) Allowed him to retire instead? I'm sure more info will trickle out this week with no game on Sunday.
Edit: I wonder if Miami considered releasing him with the emergence of Ajayi, the solid play of Williams, and the similar role Drake could play on 3rd downs. (Not to mention, Foster can't contribute on ST.) Allowed him to retire instead? I'm sure more info will trickle out this week with no game on Sunday.
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Interesting. I think Foster knew he wasn't going to be playing much and Miami was getting Williams involved more than him. He was basically third string yesterday and had a brutal drop on third down. Good for him to go out on his own terms and not carried off on a cart with another devastating injury.
Officially the Ajayi show now.
Officially the Ajayi show now.
I can't wait to see Foster's final act: getting key yards with the Pats in the 2017-18 playoffs.
The Fins are set to get back some pieces soon. Foster's retirement also opens the door a bit for Dwain and Drake. I think the NYJ is a must-win if Miami wants to be considered a darkhorse playoff team.
Most likely back for the Jets' game:
TE Dion Simms
TE Jordan Cameron
Possibly back for the Jets' game:
DT Earl Mitchell
CB Chris Culliver
Likely back for the Rams' game:
DT Earl Mitchell
CB Chris Culliver
CB Xavien Howard
Possible uses for Foster's spot?
Daniel Thomas, Isaiah Pead, or Karlos Williams
Chris Culliver or Earl Mitchell
ST help?
Likely to see more PT following Foster's retirement:
Kenyon Drake
Most likely back for the Jets' game:
TE Dion Simms
TE Jordan Cameron
Possibly back for the Jets' game:
DT Earl Mitchell
CB Chris Culliver
Likely back for the Rams' game:
DT Earl Mitchell
CB Chris Culliver
CB Xavien Howard
Possible uses for Foster's spot?
Daniel Thomas, Isaiah Pead, or Karlos Williams
Chris Culliver or Earl Mitchell
ST help?
Likely to see more PT following Foster's retirement:
Kenyon Drake
I wouldn't mind if Jordan Cameron never sees the field again outside of occasional red zone work, because he's at least a big target. Also, he may never be out of concussion protocol. He has an extended history of concussions and has a high risk or recurrence.
I think Foster's roster spot goes to a returning player from IR like you speculated, probably Culliver.
I think I recall the coaches saying Kenyon Drake will be seeing more special teams work because they've had some core special teams players getting more regular playing time with all of the injuries and the ST play has been sub par the last few weeks. Not to say he can't see some third down work, but I think it's Ajayi and Damian Williams.
As much fun as I had watching the game this past Sunday, I must have said at least a 1/2-dozen times, "Man, I wish we would have signed Lorenzo Alexander." I just felt compelled to post that.
Julius Warmsley has been cut; Culliver will reportedly taken his spot.
The Dolphins secondary right now?
CB: Maxwell, Lippett, Howard, Culliver, McCain, Benwikere, and Chekwa
S: Isa, Thomas, Walt, Rambo, Lucas.
That's 12 players. By comparison, New England currently carries 11 defensive backs.
I think Chekwa's the most likely to be cut once Howard returns. I also believe that Rambo was likely added to relieve Thomas (now starting) of his ST duties. Howard/Culliver/Maxwell should see work exclusively on the outside, with McCain and Benwikere operating in the slot.
Considering the D-Line's pass-rushing capabilities, this defense could be more than decent, health permitting.
Edit: Read this from Barry Jackson a short while ago:
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/barry-jackson/article110773527.html
The Dolphins secondary right now?
CB: Maxwell, Lippett, Howard, Culliver, McCain, Benwikere, and Chekwa
S: Isa, Thomas, Walt, Rambo, Lucas.
That's 12 players. By comparison, New England currently carries 11 defensive backs.
I think Chekwa's the most likely to be cut once Howard returns. I also believe that Rambo was likely added to relieve Thomas (now starting) of his ST duties. Howard/Culliver/Maxwell should see work exclusively on the outside, with McCain and Benwikere operating in the slot.
Considering the D-Line's pass-rushing capabilities, this defense could be more than decent, health permitting.
Edit: Read this from Barry Jackson a short while ago:
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/barry-jackson/article110773527.html
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Just an FYI, I started a Dolphins community over at imzy, which is basically a startup reddit right now. If anyone is interested, you can sign up here.
Not much there yet, but could be decent.
Not much there yet, but could be decent.
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The home game thing is tough. A lesser effect is just traveling to London. Both the Pats and the GIants have gone there twice, though both times as away games, as have most of the East Coast teams. The glaring exceptions are Baltimore, Philly, and Carolina. Hmm.
In the meantime, while Miami has had two home games (and one away game) there, with a third scheduled for next year, JAX has had four(!) home games in London, with a fifth scheduled for next year and a game scheduled each year over there through 2020. Of course, they do have a 2-2 record in London, while their actual home record in games played in Jacksonville over the same period is 6-22. Maybe this is good strategy on their part.
A huge part of that is the Jags owner, Shad Khan, owns Fulham FC, and is very pro-UK NFL.
Part of the net positive for Miami is they're one of the better, if not best, known teams in the UK from all of their games their. Obviously Ross sees the merchandising opportunities with having an extended fan base in London.
From a football perspective, forfeiting a home game is basically the worst case scenario.
Also, I believe LA hosted their game this year, Miami will be hosting a game next year, Atlanta will still be due to host a game there.
Jordan Camerson to IR; possibly retiring, also. Vigil and Duarte added to the roster.
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/armando-salguero/article112773633.html
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/armando-salguero/article112773633.html
Glad Cameron is taking this seriously. He has a long history of concussions. Thinking about his long term health should be his top priority.
I'm interested in Duarte. He seems like a classic WR/TE and could be an interesting piece in the red zone. The remaining TEs on the roster are more classic in-line TEs. Duarte offers a little diversification.
Against the #1 rushing defense in the league:
100+ yards rushing
Rushing TD
I'll definitely take that.
I personally thought they should have used play action a little more when NY was stacking everyone at the line. They countered in the second half by spreading them out a little more with 3 or 4 WR and running out of the shotgun. Ajayi was ripping 8, 9, 10 yard gains at the end.
Matt Darr must feel like the luckiest punter alive.
100+ yards rushing
Rushing TD
I'll definitely take that.
I personally thought they should have used play action a little more when NY was stacking everyone at the line. They countered in the second half by spreading them out a little more with 3 or 4 WR and running out of the shotgun. Ajayi was ripping 8, 9, 10 yard gains at the end.
Matt Darr must feel like the luckiest punter alive.
They are not good, but they have an identity. they can run the football. And they have Suh, Wake and Drake. 
Pretty amazing that they get so very little from Parker, Stills, and Landry (yes, I know Landry makes plays all the time, just as a group)
Pretty amazing that they get so very little from Parker, Stills, and Landry (yes, I know Landry makes plays all the time, just as a group)