2016 Miami Dolphins: Amazing Gase

[pdaj]

Same here and my decision wouldn't even be close. You never risk injuries in Week 17 to play for seeding. Most of your regulars are banged up anyway so aside from eliminating injury risk they get an extra week to recover to be at optimal strength in the playoffs.

Congratulations to you Dolphin fans here. Enjoy this time.

You realize this game means nothing, right? We already made the playoffs. Let the cloud of pessimism pass for just one week.

So now, that's Reshad, Isa, Misi, Cameron, and Pouncey on IR. And Ryan Tannehill is probably unlikely to play again this year. Our Sports Science department better not be asking for raises this year. Just bad timing, guys, haha.

Anyway, the more I think about it, the more I agree with HRB, especially since we're (nearly) certain to face the Pats again if we get past the first weekend. (Also not likely, but play along, please.) In order for the Miami defense to be successful, the defensive line (Suh, Wake) need to dominate. Makes sense to rest them both, ensuring their at their best come the playoffs.

Also, if we're fortunate enough to get to NE in the playoffs, you certainly don't want them to see everything you have in store for them Week 17 -- in a game that just won't matter.

I might feel differently if this team wasn't so banged up or if the #5 seed was more possible, but as BB would say, it is what it is ...

 

[Michelle34B]

Drake had trouble picking up blocking schemes, so it was tough to use him as a regular third down back I thought? But agreed the guy will be a stud

He's built like a wide receiver, and I don't think Alabama asked him to pass block much. I don't have much to go on besides that in terms of his pass blocking.

He has very severe fumbling issues. This seems to be the perfect game where you can take that chance, and a good performance gives layoff opponents something to guess about. Call his number between the 40s, especially on second and short. Let him try to break another one down the sideline.

 

[sodenj5]

Tannehill not actually practicing, but attending practice, on the field with a knee brace. Positive step forward. Looks to be getting around without any issue.

 

[Clears Cleaver]

I know vance joseph is rumored to be candidate for the Denver job and SF job et al, but man he makes some of the dumbest calls. The blitz on third and 7 was so easy to see and left edelman uncovered and required alonso to go from middle of field to outside the hash to make a play and also took away the safety. I know Brady made the right read, but why call for that there? basically ended the game when a stop gives Miami the ball down 6.

Yes, I know the defense is decimated, but at any point have you thought "wow, Miami is really schemeing creatively and smartly on defense?"

edit: and yes, I know they are great on third down. but not because they blitz

 

[mcaqua]

The defense is bad. It has been all year. The injuries haven't helped matters but the talent at LB and DT has been questionable all season. It's a matter of trying to make chicken salad out of chicken shit and I'd say, as evidenced by their 3rd down %, mission accomplished. Ultimately they need an infusion of talent in the offseason. The good news is that they've gotten some really fine growth out of Lippett in the secondary, so the talent deficit on that unit isn't as dire as parts of the front seven.

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

Folks, let's not spill anything from the game thread over to the main threads. Deleted a few posts to nip'em in the bud.

 

[pdaj]

The Williams' fumble at the end of this one was really disappointing. If Miami can get in the end zone there, they're down 6 with about 8 or so to go -- with a shot to steal one. That's all you can really ask for. Instead, the TO occurs, which includes a very long return, and the game's over. Definitely puts a damper on the team's efforts after falling behind 20-0. Overall, though, I thought Miami played hard.

Michael Floyd had a number of key plays on offense (loved his effort on the TD catch), including the block on the Edelman TD pass. It was an important block, but I think fans tend to exaggerate how great these type of WR blindside blocks are. It's not hard to put someone on their ass when they don't see you coming. I was relieved to see Lippett return to the game.

I'll have a better idea when I re-watch this one, but it sure as hell looked as though both teams kept things pretty "vanilla" in this game. The Patriots showed just enough to put together a few scores, and Miami did just enough not to get the doors completely blown off. Perhaps in case these two teams meet again this year?

Patriots' agenda: Win the game, secure the #1 seed, and stay healthy.
Dolphins' agenda: Continue to build winning, competitive culture, not get blown out, stay healthy.

The game was closer than the 35-14 final score, so I think both teams met their objectives.

Assuming Drake's okay, no significant injuries were noted, so Miami will head to Pittsburgh to face the Steelers no less-healthy than they were today. Jelani and Maxwell should be back, also; plus, Tannehill's return hasn't been ruled out yet.

Whatever happens going forward, this season's been a blast. I'm really excited about the organization going forward.

 

[mcaqua]

Whatever happens going forward, this season's been a blast. I'm really excited about the organization going forward.

I'd like to second this - really entertaining year. Been a pleasure sharing it with the good group that frequents this thread.

Let's give Gase another go at that Pats defense in two weeks.

 

[Kenny F'ing Powers]

The Williams' fumble at the end of this one was really disappointing. If Miami can get in the end zone there, they're down 6 with about 8 or so to go -- with a shot to steal one. That's all you can really ask for. Instead, the TO occurs, which includes a very long return, and the game's over. Definitely puts a damper on the team's efforts after falling behind 20-0. Overall, though, I thought Miami played hard.

Michael Floyd had a number of key plays on offense (loved his effort on the TD catch), including the block on the Edelman TD pass. It was an important block, but I think fans tend to exaggerate how great these type of WR blindside blocks are. It's not hard to put someone on their ass when they don't see you coming. I was relieved to see Lippett return to the game.

I'll have a better idea when I re-watch this one, but it sure as hell looked as though both teams kept things pretty "vanilla" in this game. The Patriots showed just enough to put together a few scores, and Miami did just enough not to get the doors completely blown off. Perhaps in case these two teams meet again this year?

Patriots' agenda: Win the game, secure the #1 seed, and stay healthy.
Dolphins' agenda: Continue to build winning, competitive culture, not get blown out, stay healthy.

The game was closer than the 35-14 final score, so I think both teams met their objectives.

Assuming Drake's okay, no significant injuries were noted, so Miami will head to Pittsburgh to face the Steelers no less-healthy than they were today. Jelani and Maxwell should be back, also; plus, Tannehill's return hasn't been ruled out yet.

Whatever happens going forward, this season's been a blast. I'm really excited about the organization going forward.

Dont say Vanilla. It drives certain Miami fans bonkers.

Classy team.

 

[pdaj]

Dont say Vanilla. It drives certain Miami fans bonkers.

Classy team.

Did you think there was dirty play in this one? I thought both teams played hard, and there was a lot of jawing back and forth, but that's to be expected in a divisional game.

 

[E5 Yaz]

Did you think there was dirty play in this one? I thought both teams played hard, and there was a lot of jawing back and forth, but that's to be expected in a divisional game.

I thought McClain (sp?) was chippy from the get-go, and the facemark pulled on Hogan on the end zone was unnecessary. But Suh aside, it's just that Miami seems to jaw more than most teams

 

[dhappy42]

Blount on Suh: he's always been a dirty player. Even his own teammates don't like him. We kicked their ass. We're good.
http://offthemonstersports.com/2017/01/legarrette-blount-went-off-on-ndamukong-suh-for-being-a-dirty-player-in-epic-rant/?otmsportsaff=5

 

[5dice]

97 was making awesome playoff level celebration moves after making routine stops down 2 touchdowns. Suh goes without saying. Landry spiking his helmet in epiphany in the end zone like he had just scored a go ahead touchdown (they were still down) and cost his team 15 yards on the ensuing drive. His emotion gets a lot of play, but that's silly--it's unprofessional.

 

[Mugsy's Walk-Off Bunt]

Suh is extremely dirty. He was again today.

 

[pdaj]

I thought McClain (sp?) was chippy from the get-go, and the facemark pulled on Hogan on the end zone was unnecessary. But Suh aside, it's just that Miami seems to jaw more than most teams

McCain's definitely a talker; it's a weekly thing for him. It's amazing to me that he's only had 1 unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against him all year, which just so happened to be vs. the Pats in Week 2. Seems like teammates always have to push him away from opposing players at the end of plays. It's that "little guy" thing.

Suh's reputation proceeds him, and it's certainly deserved, but he's been more like a choir boy in Miami. He had only 7 penalties headed into this week, 6 of which being neutral zone or encroachment infractions. The other was illegal use of hands. No 15-yarders.

If I was a non-Fins fan, it would probably be Landry that I hated the most. He's that type of player you only like if he's on your side.

 

[mcaqua]

I thought McClain (sp?) was chippy from the get-go, and the facemark pulled on Hogan on the end zone was unnecessary. But Suh aside, it's just that Miami seems to jaw more than most teams

Would be interesting to find out what happened between Suh and Blount on his touchdown run a drive before Blount's PF penalty. Clearly the PF was an extension of the previous drive, as you could see both parties jawing heading to their respective sidelines.

Suh's reputation precedes him, but I think it might be disingenuous to pin it all on Ndamukong, considering Blount himself is a noted shitstain.

 

[mcaqua]

Blount on Suh: he's always been a dirty player. Even his own teammates don't like him. We kicked their ass. We're good.
http://offthemonstersports.com/2017/01/legarrette-blount-went-off-on-ndamukong-suh-for-being-a-dirty-player-in-epic-rant/?otmsportsaff=5

That's rich coming from Blount.

 

[sodenj5]

McCain's definitely a talker; it's a weekly thing for him. It's amazing to me that he's only had 1 unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against him all year, which just so happened to be vs. the Pats in Week 2. Seems like teammates always have to push him away from opposing players at the end of plays. It's that "little guy" that.

Suh's reputation proceeds him, and it's certainly deserved, but he's been more like a choir boy in Miami. He had only 7 penalties headed into this week, 6 of which being neutral zone or encroachment infractions. The other was illegal use of hands. No 15-yarders.

If I was a non-Fins fan, it would probably be Landry that I hated the most. He's that type of player you only like if he's on your side.

Landry is definitely Miami's chippiest, chattiest player.

 

[Kenny F'ing Powers]

A handful of Miami players shook hands at the end of the game, 45 of them went straight to the locker room. Good sports.

 

[mcaqua]

A handful of Miami players shook hands at the end of the game, 45 went straight to the locker room. Good sports.

Didn't 12 in white do exactly the same thing?

 

[Kenny F'ing Powers]

Didn't 12 in white do exactly the same thing?

Is TB 90% of the team?

 

[Van Everyman]

My guess is that the Dolphins came into this game, to pdaj's point, trying to prove they belong with the Patriots – and thus probably had a harder time controlling their emotions. Thus the chippiness, the talking and the flexing after penalties. It was annoying as hell but outside of Suh, not indicative of a dirty team.

 

[pdaj]

97 was making awesome playoff level celebration moves after making routine stops down 2 touchdowns. Suh goes without saying. Landry spiking his helmet in epiphany in the end zone like he had just scored a go ahead touchdown (they were still down) and cost his team 15 yards on the ensuing drive. His emotion gets a lot of play, but that's silly--it's unprofessional.

That was Jordan Phillips -- I noticed him a lot, too. Interestingly enough, the jab on him is that he doesn't play hard/physical enough and that he takes plays off. It's something he's clearly working on, as he certainly played more like a lunatic today.

But I think, in big games, we as fans are more likely to notice the opposing team doing shit like that. Trey Flowers had a number of good plays in this one and certainly let it be known, while Edelman is similar to McCain -- he loves to jaw.

The NFL's a tough, physical game. These guys are so amped on the field. I only played football in HS, and when I did, I probably said, "Mother----er!" 30x a game; a word I now only reserve for times I stub my toe.

 

[pdaj]

My guess is that the Dolphins came into this game, to pdaj's point, trying to prove they belong with the Patriots – and thus probably had a harder time controlling their emotions. Thus the chippiness, the talking and the flexing after penalties. It was annoying as hell but outside of Suh, not indicative of a dirty team.

I think this is very likely.

 

[dwainw]

The Williams' fumble at the end of this one was really disappointing. If Miami can get in the end zone there, they're down 6 with about 8 or so to go -- with a shot to steal one. That's all you can really ask for. Instead, the TO occurs, which includes a very long return, and the game's over. Definitely puts a damper on the team's efforts after falling behind 20-0. Overall, though, I thought Miami played hard.

The game was closer than the 35-14 final score, so I think both teams met their objectives.

Agree with the first paragraph, for the most part. Not so much with the last point. NE owned all but the last 5 minutes of the 1st half (and even then could have essentially sealed the game away after the dumbass penalty by Landry), and after leaving a window cracked for Miami in the second half, slammed the door with authority on that turnover. Miami put together 2 1/2 solid drives, which was nice, but really had no answer on D. That's not to say they didn't show some fight--they were just overmatched. I was thinking something like 28 - 20 was likely and would have been respectable, but whatever.

So yeah, the outcome was expected. Ultimately, though....this:

I'd like to second this - really entertaining year. Been a pleasure sharing it with the good group that frequents this thread.

Let's give Gase another go at that Pats defense in two weeks.

Ditto. Thanks to my fellow Dolphins fans in this thread for giving me somewhere to vent and someone in the world with whom to share my misery and now, thankfully, joy. Now, let's put in a good showing in Pitt and get excited for the offseason.

 

[mcaqua]

Is TB 90% of the team?

No, it's just weird to lament the Dolphins when the camera catches Brady and Bolden (I'm sure there were others, but TV caught those two for sure) doing the exact same thing.

 

[Kenny F'ing Powers]

No, it's just weird to lament the Dolphins when the camera catches Brady and Bolden (I'm sure there were others, but TV caught those two for sure) doing the exact same thing.

I'm just reinvigorated with AFC East hate. It's a good thing.

 

[E5 Yaz]

No, it's just weird to lament the Dolphins when the camera catches Brady and Bolden (I'm sure there were others, but TV caught those two for sure) doing the exact same thing.

Well, to be fair, there was no reason to have the camera on the Dolphins after the game

 

[pdaj]

I'm just reinvigorated with AFC East hate. It's a good thing.

Haha, that's just it. We, as fans, get so worked up for these games, especially the big ones. Just imagine how amped the players get out there on the field. I'm amazed that, for the most part, players are able to keep from street brawling out there sometimes.

Belichick has dominated AFC East so severely, that any flash of success from another coach seems to breed outside excitement. This has been a fantastic 1st season from Gase, but he has a lot more to prove before he should be considered a "match" for BB. I'm hoping that, over the next few seasons, Gase makes this rivalry a lot more interesting.

 

[nothumb]

McCain's definitely a talker; it's a weekly thing for him. It's amazing to me that he's only had 1 unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against him all year, which just so happened to be vs. the Pats in Week 2. Seems like teammates always have to push him away from opposing players at the end of plays. It's that "little guy" thing.

Suh's reputation proceeds him, and it's certainly deserved, but he's been more like a choir boy in Miami. He had only 7 penalties headed into this week, 6 of which being neutral zone or encroachment infractions. The other was illegal use of hands. No 15-yarders.

If I was a non-Fins fan, it would probably be Landry that I hated the most. He's that type of player you only like if he's on your side.

I admittedly don't watch a ton of Dolphins games, but I have always liked Landry. I don't mind guys who are demonstrative if they back it up with extraordinary effort & ability.

 

[Old Fart Tree]

I think this is very likely.

That was my impression as well, and that's the right way to approach the game. You're never going to dethrone the favorite if you're genuflecting on the way into the stadium. You should get wound up to try and bury them, and that has the downside of sometimes having your emotions spiral out of control if things don't go as planed.

Miami was a little chippy today but nothing like Denver. Talib was literally grabbing people's chains and breaking them.

 

[sodenj5]

We're on to Pittsburgh. An unexpected bonus from our new Browns bros: taking that game into OT can only be a plus for Miami. Every extra snap wasted on that Browns game was a good thing for the Dolphins.

The immediate question becomes: can Tannehill play and is it worth the risk? Gase has said several times if he doesn't feel great about Tannehill playing, he won't play and Moore will start. I imagine they'll have to make a definitive answer by Wednesday at the latest.

As good as Pittsburgh looks on paper, this is a matchup that favors Miami for a couple of reasons:

They like to hold the ball and throw it deep. Awesome. Miami has been great at defending the deep pass and the longer Ben holds the ball, the more likely Wake or Suh can get to him.

They can't stop the run or tackle anyone. Double awesome. The game plan should be obvious. Pound the ball with Ajayi again. Keep the ball out of Roethlisberger's hands as much as possible. Then absolutely do whatever it takes to keep Bell from scoring 4 TDs and racking up 700 yards, because I think that's how Pittsburgh will look to beat Miami.

 

[Mugsy's Walk-Off Bunt]

How close to returning is the banged up Miami secondary?

 

[sodenj5]

How close to returning is the banged up Miami secondary?

Quddus is on IR, but Maxwell may be returning, which would definitely be a boost. Jelani Jenkins may also be able to go, which would definitely help, because Miami is running out of bodies to put out there at LB.

 

[DaveRoberts'Shoes]

There's no way Tannehill plays next week

 

[Old Fart Tree]

It would be insane to play Tannehill. Insane.

 

[pdaj]

Some interesting Miami-related tweets tonight. The 1st from Jeff Darlington:

"Something I heard from several people on Dolphins sideline: If Vance Joseph gets a HC gig, LB coach Matt Burke likely to replace him as DC."

Coincidentally, the Projo had an article about Burke in today's paper:

http://www.providencejournal.com/sports/20161231/outlook-is-sunny-for-miami-linebackers-coach-and-mass-native-matt-burke

You can also read the article here:

http://hudson.wickedlocal.com/sports/20161231/hudson-native-matt-burke-thriving-in-coaching-role-with-miami-dolphins

He's a well-educated guy with quite a bit of NFL coaching experience.

The other tweet? From Armando:

"Dolphins expect quarterback Ryan Tannehill to practice this coming week."

Gase has continually said that Tanny won't play if there's risk to his knee long-term.

 

[pdaj]

From the Armando article:

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/armando-salguero/article124099764.html

So the process is expected to begin Monday when head coach Adam Gase talks to doctors about the possibility Tannehill can begin to practice.

“Probably,” Gase said. “Like I said before, I’m going to make the call on it. If I don’t feel comfortable with it, then Matt [Moore] will stay the starting quarterback. I need to get a lot of information: I have to see him practice and I have to see him move around and I have to feel really good about it.”

The Dolphins expect Tannehill to practice at least on some level this week. Depending on what happens in those practices, Gase will get an early indication where he’s going with the decision to play Tannehill or not.

If Tannehill looks tentative or seems worried about having players around his legs, the answer will be apparent that he isn’t ready to play. If, however, Tannehill shows he can move around and isn’t tentative in practice, then Gase will have another hill to climb as he decides Tannehill’s fate.

“I’m not going to jeopardize his career by throwing him out there and then extending this [injury] longer than what it already is,” Gase said. “I’m going to make sure that the right decision is made.”

 

[Clears Cleaver]

Pitt is favored by 10 and is-420 money line. Fish +335

Vegas realizes that only hope of having interesting AFC playoffs is to have steelers win

Pats will be -17 next week regardless of opponent

 

[Kenny F'ing Powers]

Plus, the Pittsburgh Steelers have significantly more talent than the Dolphins.

 

[Ed Hillel]

Not trying to start shit, but Miami finished with a -17 point differential. They have had a nice season, but I don't really see them as a contender in the near future if they don't improve at least a decent amount this offseason.

 

[sodenj5]

Plus, the Pittsburgh Steelers have significantly more talent than the Dolphins.

Miami is also decimated with injuries. They have literally 9 starters and almost half of their salary cap on the sideline.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/miamiherald.relaymedia.com/amp/sports/nfl/miami-dolphins/article123424279.html?client=safari

As most have said, Miami simply making the playoffs this year with a rookie head coach and all the injuries and having a +4 win improvement is monumental.

I'm actually glad they have to go through Pittsburgh, because if Miami went through Houston and Oakland and somehow made it to the AFC Championship, it would create unrealistic expectations for next year. If they lose, so be it. It was a great ride. If they manage to beat Pittsburgh, awesome. We'll take it one week at a time.

 

[Kenny F'ing Powers]

Miami is also decimated with injuries. They have literally 9 starters and almost half of their salary cap on the sideline.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/miamiherald.relaymedia.com/amp/sports/nfl/miami-dolphins/article123424279.html?client=safari

As most have said, Miami simply making the playoffs this year with a rookie head coach and all the injuries and having a +4 win improvement is monumental.

I'm actually glad they have to go through Pittsburgh, because if Miami went through Houston and Oakland and somehow made it to the AFC Championship, it would create unrealistic expectations for next year. If they lose, so be it. It was a great ride. If they manage to beat Pittsburgh, awesome. We'll take it one week at a time.

This is all very fair. Although, at a nearly 10 point favorite, I think that Pittsburgh is getting way more credit than they deserve. I think they should win this game, but nothing they've done in the past month has instilled confidence in me. Unless Roethlisberger got very healthy in the last week, this team will underperform a lot of expectations.

 

[pdaj]

This is all very fair. Although, at a nearly 10 point favorite, I think that Pittsburgh is getting way more credit than they deserve. I think they should win this game, but nothing they've done in the past month has instilled confidence in me. Unless Roethlisberger got very healthy in the last week, this team will underperform a lot of expectations.

The Steelers are the better team are are playing at home, in the cold -- I get it. But I do agree that the media is trying really hard to convince themselves that there's a formidable team in the AFC that can take out the Pats. I just don't see it.

If Miami can withstand falling behind too early, they'll stay in it. Roth's always good for at least one stupid decision per game, and he's far easier to sack nowadays. Meanwhile, I expect Ajayi to have some success against that D -- eventually. I'd take Miami and anything over 7 points.

Tannehill update today; should be clearer tomorrow:

http://dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2017/01/02/developing-miami-dolphins-adam-gase-provides-playoff-update-on-injured-ryan-tannehill/

Miami coach Adam Gase said he’ll have a better idea on quarterback Ryan Tannehill’s availability for a Wild Card playoff game at Pittsburgh by Tuesday.

“I need to know what his movement skills are and the structure of his knee,” Gase said. “Once I get that update I’ll have a better idea. Any time you get a starter back no matter what position that’s what you want. But since Matt (Moore) has been in there he’s done a really good job.”

Gase is not ready to say if Tannehill can or will practice this week.

Tannehill is healing from a sprained ACL and MCL.


“That guy is a freak of nature with all the hits he’s taken over his career,” Gase said. “His body is unique and the way he heals same way. We’ll take it one day at a time.”

Gase said Tannehill may have taken some medical classes in college but he’s not going to be able to talk himself in to the lineup.

“He knows I really am not going to listen to him,” Gase said. “I know he wants to play.”



Gase said it would be an option to keep Tannehill’s status up in the air until kickoff “but I doubt it.”

“I am going to have to feel really good about this,” Gase said

 

[5dice]

If Miami can withstand falling behind too early, they'll stay in it

Yep, that would be the definition of staying in it, something they couldn't do against a playoff team at home yesterday.

 

[5dice]

double post

 

[mcaqua]

Yep, that would be the definition of staying in it, something they couldn't do against a playoff team at home yesterday.

Outstanding post, thanks for your contribution. I've seen some derogatory posts made in the direction of the Patriots organization but nothing on par with the slap-across-the-face comparison to a thoroughly average Pittsburgh Steelers team.

In the future, you might want to avoid trolling the Patriots in this forum - it never ends well.

 

[5dice]

I am just an outlier, being a New England Patriots fan on a Boston Red Sox message board--I know that is weird around here. Carry on with the scenarios of the Dolphins not being bad against good teams--something that hasn't happened to date this season.

 

[mcaqua]

I am just an outlier, being a New England Patriots fan on a Boston Red Sox message board--I know that is weird around here. [\QUOTE]

I think you'd find the powers that be on this forum would disagree pretty strongly with what you're insinuating here.

Carry on with the scenarios of the Dolphins not being bad against good teams--something that hasn't happened to date this season.

Yeah, how dare us fans think the team we root for belong on the same field as the mighty Pittsburgh Steelers.

 

[sodenj5]

Teams starting to line up to interview Joseph. Despite Miami's defensive shortcomings, he deserves a lot of credit for even keeping them competitive missing his top two safeties, his top corner at times, his rookie second rounder, and two of his three, and sometimes all 3 starting LBs. Everyone has spoke glowingly about his approach and his demeanor with the players. Seems like a good chance Vance will be moving on.

Denver also rumored to be interested. I think the best available job for him would clearly be Denver. He can take over a 4-3 defense with elite talent. There's talent on the other side of the ball, he just needs to get himself a good offensive coordinator to run that side of the ball.