Basically everything they've done poorly the first 4 weeks they've done well today. Lamar Miller with almost 100 yards and a TD in the first half. Cam Wake with 4 sacks and two forced fumbles in the first half is absolutely destroying.
2015 Dolphins: Fire the Lazor!
- Thread starter sodenj5
- Start date
Tannehill has two picks, one is absolutely on Cameron, and the other one probably is. The resurrection of Lamar Miller was something they needed badly. Reshad Jones with the pick 6 looking for that Pro Bowl this year.Clears Cleaver said:
Yes. D is inspired. Tannehill missed wide open deep pass and is not on same page w guys.
Where are stills and Parker? With Phillips hurt that's another game where first three draft picks not additive
Where are stills and Parker? With Phillips hurt that's another game where first three draft picks not additive
No mention of the low hit on Mariota by Vernon? Campbell did just boast about walking the line between clean and dirty plays. Whisenhunt called it bullshit after the game.
It didn't look blatant to me at all. Understandable to be upset when your QB takes a shot around the knees, but it didn't look dirty. Vernon got called for a second roughing call that didn't look like roughing at all. Seems like Miami was sending a message. They're coming after the QB.SemperFidelisSox said:
Agreed. Campbell's comments following his hiring certainly warrant closer scrutiny of anything resembling dirty play, but it seemed apparent that the entire team dialed up their intensity yesterday, with the exception of Landry, who's always dialed it up. They were keeping their motors running hard through the end of each play and maybe a bit beyond. This was exactly what Campbell was talking about and I think his choice of words suggesting they might cross the line was unfortunate. Anyway, to me Vernon looked like someone who was busting his ass to get to the QB and allowed his aggression to get the better of him. He deserved to get flagged but I don't think it was a deliberate cheap shot.sodenj5 said:
I'm curious from those of you who are better schooled than I: Do you think Wake's performance yesterday was more a product of their defensive scheme, that he was facing crappier protection than in previous games, or the fact that he had 2 weeks to get healthy? Or was it some combination thereof?
dwainw said:
Probably a combination of him feeling fresh off the bye week (he was fighting a hamstring issue) and basically being turned loose on the QB. He had 4 sacks and at least two holding calls that would have been sacks. No question they came hard after Mariota, and I would expect them to do the same against Hoyer and the Texans.
The big thing for me was the running game. Miller is one of the best players they have on offense and Lazor and Philbin made him a complete non-factor for a quarter of the season. The re-commitment to the run game made the whole offense run better and opened up the playaction a few times. If they weren't up big in the 4th quarter, they probably would have racked up more yards with Miller.
Another point that stood out to me was Miami's execution in the red zone was so, so much better than the first 4 weeks. They scored three TDs in the red zone, and one from just outside the red zone with Landry's end around. They looked like a completely different team out there.
smastroyin said:
If anything, the Titans had at least established themselves as a tough, physical team, especially on defense. But the Dolphins were the more physical team yesterday. Considering the soft-serve Miami delivered the 3 games prior, I see that as a huge positive.
pdaj said:
I was thinking about this previously and the Titans were actually one of the better defenses in the league prior to yesterday's game. #8 according to DVOA, so they're no pushovers. To have that kind of game, on the road, against what was a top 10 defense after struggling so badly to get off to good starts and convert red zone trips into TDs are all big strides in the right direction for this team. I'm not saying their lack of depth and other things are suddenly fixed. It's only one game, but they definitely improved upon areas that were glaring weaknesses. The Texans at home should be another good game for them to build upon what they did against the Titans in preparation for the Thursday night game the following week @ New England.
They need more of the same. Commit to the run. Let Lamar Miller actually get some touches and take some of the pressure off of Tannehill. Open up the playaction for the offense. Get after the QB on defense and commit to stopping the run.
Some quick thoughts:
I found it interesting that the offensive play-calling was much more balanced this week (32/29 run-pass ratio). Pretty clear that Philbin's pass heavy philosophy was a detriment to this offense.
Looked like Anarumo had Wake on a pitch count. In obvious pass situations, he seemed to be fresh and just absolutely wrecked the Titans offense. He had four sacks, but in Campbell's PC today he referenced that there were two other occasions where he was held - otherwise we're potentially talking about six.
Billy Turner looked really good in the running game. I don't think we missed Jamil Douglas' presence on the field all that much. Certainly not in the ground game.
Here's a hell of an interesting stat: In the last two games not coached by Philbin, the Dolphins have outscored their opponents 75-10. (Last season, they defeated SD 37-0 in Week 9).
I found it interesting that the offensive play-calling was much more balanced this week (32/29 run-pass ratio). Pretty clear that Philbin's pass heavy philosophy was a detriment to this offense.
Looked like Anarumo had Wake on a pitch count. In obvious pass situations, he seemed to be fresh and just absolutely wrecked the Titans offense. He had four sacks, but in Campbell's PC today he referenced that there were two other occasions where he was held - otherwise we're potentially talking about six.
Billy Turner looked really good in the running game. I don't think we missed Jamil Douglas' presence on the field all that much. Certainly not in the ground game.
Here's a hell of an interesting stat: In the last two games not coached by Philbin, the Dolphins have outscored their opponents 75-10. (Last season, they defeated SD 37-0 in Week 9).
mcaqua said:
Billy Turner has always physically had the skills. He's a big, strong guy. The questions were could he adapt from a power blocker to a zone blocker, and could he hold up in pass protection. He hadn't shown that he was capable of doing either of those things with any type of consistency until yesterday, where Miami changed some things up, going with a little more power, several times lining up with Earl Mitchell in the backfield as a fullback in the I-formation. Turner actually finished the game as Miami's second highest graded O-Lineman after Branden Albert yesterday with a +0.8 according to PFF.
sodenj5 said:
Any time a player is diving headfirst into the knees, it's dirty by definition.
Whether it is a foul or not is a different story. But IMO, you don't make that play without malicious intent.
Edit: On second thought, I looked for another replay and noticed (from a different angle) that he turned his head and did not drive it into the knee area. So maybe not dirty (in the sense of intent to injure) but reckless?
Average Reds said:
Pretty sure that's the consensus here. It was an aggressive play, probably worthy of a flag, but didn't appear to be intentionally dirty or malicious. Wisenhunt complaining about it and calling it a BS play is the only reason people are assuming it was dirty. He has bigger problems than Vernon to worry about if the Titans don't start winning at some point.
I didn't watch the game, but did they really give a Gatorade bath for Campbell at the end of the game?
1st Head Coaching win so I guess it makes some sense, but it does speak volumes about how they felt about Philbin.
What happens if Campbell hits a rough spot or two going forward though? Does the team give up on him too?
1st Head Coaching win so I guess it makes some sense, but it does speak volumes about how they felt about Philbin.
What happens if Campbell hits a rough spot or two going forward though? Does the team give up on him too?
edmunddantes said:
I saw the play a few times. Because of the spin move, Vernon had his down and was locked in on the QB's lower half. He had no idea the ball was gone a split-second before he dove; and as was mentioned, his technique was that of a legitimate tackle -- head to the side/legs wrapped up. Unfortunate play for sure, but you can't classify that effort as dirty.
But you may have to classify it as OV doesn't have the awareness he needs, considering he has committed some costly penalties, dirty or not.
smastroyin said:
He doesn't come across as the smartest dude -- on or off the field. And considering what he's apparently thinks he's worth in FA (10 mil/per), he won't be back in Miami.
I think Hoyer to Hopkins is going to be very productive, provided Watt doesn't break Hoyer. Houston is going to put points on the board. Just not enough.
Honest Question - Is that the most dominant quarter ever?
I can't imagine you can do much better than 200 yds. to 0 in one qtr.
Even more surprising that they held them to zero without even having a sack. Houston may not be great, but they do have some talented players on offense. Unreal start.
I can't imagine you can do much better than 200 yds. to 0 in one qtr.
Even more surprising that they held them to zero without even having a sack. Houston may not be great, but they do have some talented players on offense. Unreal start.
Anyone catch the new Fins' DC in his interview this past week? When asked about Reshad Jones Pick-6, which involved a flip into the end zone, he stated, "I spoke to Reshad; he won't be doing that anymore."
Well, so much for that.
Well, so much for that.
My brain can barely comprehend what's happened thus far.
It would be hard to recreate this start if you were playing Madden on Rookie Mode.
It would be hard to recreate this start if you were playing Madden on Rookie Mode.
pdaj said:
With all the emphasis on player safety, I'm actually surprised the league hasn't legislated against that yet.
I've seen quite a few guys land awkwardly on their head/neck,
I'm trying to keep my optimism in check for two big reasons. They beat up two bad teams and they have the Pats on the road on a short week.
That being said, holy cow, they look like a team on a mission the last two weeks. Lamar Miller has gone from being a ghost to being a one man wrecking crew the last two weeks. Everything I've read thus far suggests that the pass happy approach was a byproduct of falling behind early and JP's influence. It sounds as if Campbell has given Lazor free reign to run the offense how he sees fit.
Tannehill set a record for consecutive completions today. He was getting the ball out in a rhythm, and guys like Matthews and Landry were making plays after the catch. The line did a tremendous job keeping Tannehill protected for the most part against Watt and Clowney.
The D and D line played like they played last week. I think NE is going to have a hard time blocking Wake and Suh now that the handcuffs appear to be off. Jones had another pick 6.
Again, it was two bad teams, but they blew them out like a team looking for the playoffs should blow out a bad team. That hasn't always been the case in Miami, where they seem to always play to their competition.
That being said, holy cow, they look like a team on a mission the last two weeks. Lamar Miller has gone from being a ghost to being a one man wrecking crew the last two weeks. Everything I've read thus far suggests that the pass happy approach was a byproduct of falling behind early and JP's influence. It sounds as if Campbell has given Lazor free reign to run the offense how he sees fit.
Tannehill set a record for consecutive completions today. He was getting the ball out in a rhythm, and guys like Matthews and Landry were making plays after the catch. The line did a tremendous job keeping Tannehill protected for the most part against Watt and Clowney.
The D and D line played like they played last week. I think NE is going to have a hard time blocking Wake and Suh now that the handcuffs appear to be off. Jones had another pick 6.
Again, it was two bad teams, but they blew them out like a team looking for the playoffs should blow out a bad team. That hasn't always been the case in Miami, where they seem to always play to their competition.
ipol said:
They're coming off two wins against high school teams and they play four of the next five on the road. I wouldn't be too excited.
sodenj5 said:
"I think the Pats are going to have a hard time blocking Williams and Dareus."
"I think the Pats are going to have a hard time blocking Wilkerson and Richardson"
Little nervous to hear that Landry sat in the second half due to possibly tweaking something, as reported by Armando in his blog. Hopefully just precautionary, but I won't rest easy until we hear something official.
Pats dropped back 61 times and threw 9 times beyond 12 yards down the field. Really the pass rush doesn't matter much unless its third and long. Just stand there and put your hands up, that's more effective against that offense. That and punish the WRs and backs after they catch the ball. Concussions are definitely in play for Amendola and Edelman. 15 yards is worth the helmet to helmet.
Of course, we know the goal is to injure Brady and/or Gronk, so do what you need to do. I am looking forward to the Suh cheap shots.
But seriously, Miami has to continue to run the ball. Tannehill had great day but I think threw to secondary receiver twice in the first half. Texans were just awful on D. My guess is Pats will double Landry whenever they can and stack 7 in box all game to stop Miller and force Tannehill to throw to Matthews, Cameron, et al. Let's see if Dolphins press these WRs at all.
Of course, we know the goal is to injure Brady and/or Gronk, so do what you need to do. I am looking forward to the Suh cheap shots.
But seriously, Miami has to continue to run the ball. Tannehill had great day but I think threw to secondary receiver twice in the first half. Texans were just awful on D. My guess is Pats will double Landry whenever they can and stack 7 in box all game to stop Miller and force Tannehill to throw to Matthews, Cameron, et al. Let's see if Dolphins press these WRs at all.
Is there such a thing as a fairweather Dolphins fan in 2015?TheShynessClinic said:
I was at the game today and it was a shitload of fun (Sun Life was delirious in that first quarter) - but yeah, I'll be shocked if we don't lose on Thursday. Unfortunately, those shitty conference (JAX) and 'home' divisional losses are going to bite us in the ass.