2018 Dolphins: Back to Gasics

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Mystic Merlin

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Damn. Very disappointing news to start the pre-game buildup. Parker is out, too. Miami's going to have to be creative and gritty as hell to stay in this game today.
Just make sure you incorporate about 50 read options into the game plan - the first downs and points wil follow.
 

sodenj5

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Parker being out honestly gives me a tremendous amount of faith that Adam Gase knows what he’s doing.

Jakeem Grant, Albert Wilson, and Kenny Stills are far bigger threats to NE’s defense than Parker would be. Also Ballage is active. Don’t be surprised to see him taking direct snaps.
 

rymflaherty

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Well this sucks so far. Shame on me for thinking positive for once.
Thing that sucks is that the Pats offense has largely look like crap and what I anticipated, unfortunately the Dolphins offense has just been abysmal. Oh well...
 

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Minkah Fitzpatrick is unsurprisingly a stud today. Versatile, can read an offense, and smartly executes his assignment. His blow up of Patterson in the backfield was brilliant work.

Same stuff I saw him do at Bama last year, but I never thought it'd be this easily and early on Sundays.
 

sodenj5

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Minkah Fitzpatrick is unsurprisingly a stud today. Versatile, can read an offense, and smartly executes his assignment. His blow up of Patterson in the backfield was brilliant work.

Same stuff I saw him do at Bama last year, but I never thought it'd be this easily and early on Sundays.
Miami hired Tony Oden from Detroit and they run a very, very similar defense in the secondary as Alabama. Minkah said as much during training camp. Miami is also using him in his big nickel position that he played in Alabama.

I would agree 100% though, the guy knows what’s going on around the line of scrimmage and is not afraid to pull the trigger. Hopefully he’s around for a long time.

Well, clearly this game did not go as expected. The defense played better than the score would suggest. The offense laid absolute egg.

Miami got nothing going on first and second downs, routinely going for third and Kong’s, and the Pats absolutely blanketed Miami’s receivers. NE played a lot of Dime defense to neutralize some of Miami’s speed.

Miami is going to need to figure out how to get the ball moving and get the running game jump started again. That’s two weeks in a row where the team took away the ground game, and NE did a better job than Oakland did of playing man defense and rendered Miami’s offense useless.

I don’t think many expected a win, especially once news broke that Jones would miss the game. The big disappointment is letting NE off the mat. Miami has the opportunity to make a huge statement and instead it’s going to be “same old Dolphins” again.
 

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Thoughts on Le'Veon Bell as a trade target? Kenyan Drake hasn't done much this year, Gore is 100 years old, and Le'Veon is apparently down there right now as it is. The last point obviously wouldn't be a driver for acquiring him but I feel like Bell would be a really good addition for a Dolphins offense that could use some more firepower, especially on the ground. After 4 games, the highest rushing total of the season is 61 by Gore in Week 1. Le'Veon is obviously a great pass catcher out of the backfield, which I think would play well with a QB like Tannehill.
 

sodenj5

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Thoughts on Le'Veon Bell as a trade target? Kenyan Drake hasn't done much this year, Gore is 100 years old, and Le'Veon is apparently down there right now as it is. The last point obviously wouldn't be a driver for acquiring him but I feel like Bell would be a really good addition for a Dolphins offense that could use some more firepower, especially on the ground. After 4 games, the highest rushing total of the season is 61 by Gore in Week 1. Le'Veon is obviously a great pass catcher out of the backfield, which I think would play well with a QB like Tannehill.
Can’t see it happening. Mostly due to cap considerations. I don’t think that Miami has a running back issue. I think they have an offensive line issue/TE issue.

Miami isn’t running the ball with any consistency. They’re routinely puttting themselves in third and long situations with failed running plays and offensive penalties.

The Patriots put Miami in what seemed like 3rd and 8 or longer every drive, and they would sub on 7 DBs and Tannehill would have nowhere to throw the ball.

I think everyone on the line except Tunsil and James have been absolutely bad so far. The quick passing game has masked a lot of that, but the Pats played a lot of press man coverage and took that away from Miami. Now that the book is out on Miami, what do they do you counter it? It has to start with the interior of the line playing better.
 

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This was the first Dolphins game I saw and I was really surprised at how little they seem to get Drake involved. He seemed explosive last year. Even when the game was close yesterday it seemed as though Gore was the guy. Is he injured or out of favor?
 

sodenj5

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This was the first Dolphins game I saw and I was really surprised at how little they seem to get Drake involved. He seemed explosive last year. Even when the game was close yesterday it seemed as though Gore was the guy. Is he injured or out of favor?
I would say it was more of a game flow thing. Miami’s drives:

4 plays-Punt
5 plays-Punt
3 plays-Punt
3 plays-Punt
1 play-Fumble
3 plays-Punt
3 plays-Half
3 plays-Punt
4 plays-INT
3 plays-Punt
13 plays-TD

Combine zero success early and New England jumping ahead quickly, Miami didn’t have many options. I think it’s hard to overstate how poorly Miami played offensively.
 
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dwainw

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So, a loss is a loss but........damn. As you say, sodenj, the running game is a serious concern at this point, and looking more and more like an Achilles' Heel moving forward.

ON D, the concern is amplified going into Cincinnati next week. Reshad Jones obviously wouldn't have been the difference-maker yesterday, but his presence--or not--will be a big factor next week. The Bengals offense is rolling, but Dalton can be got.

What are some of you people's thoughts on the pass-rush so far this year? The sack total has been underwhelming--tied for 2nd to last in the NFL--yet they're 2nd in passer rating against at 72.2. I'm wondering if you folks see encouraging signs among the hurries and near-misses, etc.
 

sodenj5

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So, a loss is a loss but........damn. As you say, sodenj, the running game is a serious concern at this point, and looking more and more like an Achilles' Heel moving forward.

ON D, the concern is amplified going into Cincinnati next week. Reshad Jones obviously wouldn't have been the difference-maker yesterday, but his presence--or not--will be a big factor next week. The Bengals offense is rolling, but Dalton can be got.

What are some of you people's thoughts on the pass-rush so far this year? The sack total has been underwhelming--tied for 2nd to last in the NFL--yet they're 2nd in passer rating against at 72.2. I'm wondering if you folks see encouraging signs among the hurries and near-misses, etc.
Miami’s third down defense is atrocious. They’ve been playing well on first and second down, and they’re rushing 4 on third and long and not getting consistent pressure. Part of that is not having Jones, as Burke seems to really like blitzing Jones, but they need to start getting after the QB on third and longs. I don’t see a lot of near-sacks. Miami hasn’t shown a lot of different looks. It’s pretty much line up, play man or zone, and hope that Quinn or Wake can get there eventually. That’s not good coaching. That’s not putting your team in the best position possible.
 

sodenj5

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Shiiiiiiit.

Miami thinks Kilgore may have torn his triceps and Bobby McCain is out for a few weeks with a knee injury.

No definitive timeline for Kilgore, but IR is a possibility. That would be 40% of the starting offensive line lost with Sitton and Kilgore being out.

Ted Larsen is a guy that has played better at center than at guard. Have to wonder if Kilgore is lost for the year if they don’t try Larsen at center and Swanson at guard.

While obviously not quite as bad as last season, this season’s injuries are starting to pile up and deplete the roster.
 

sodenj5

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Miami cutting Jordan Phillips.


This is concerning to me. Not because of cutting a second round draft pick. But because all offseason Gase has been saying that it’s been about team building, culture, change, whatever you want to call it.

In his rookie year he cut Dallas Thomas and Billy Turner, and then 4th rounder Jamil Douglas.

Of course we know about the Ajayi trade last year, and then the exodus of Suh, Pouncey, and Landry.

Now they’re cutting Phillips, who apparently had a run-in with a coach as he was getting subbed out of the game.

This reflects poorly on Adam Gase, IMO. You’re in year 3 now. This is your team and your roster. All of the aforementioned players that were cut or traded were not Gase-era players, but good coaches figure out how to make the roster work.

I suppose Bill Belichick has a reputation for dropping malcontents or players that don’t fit without any remorse, however Belichick also has a resume and hardware to back it up.
 

pdaj

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I know that I'm a bit late to the party, so to speak, but, man, this past Sunday's game absolutely sucked. It was easily the worst game I've seen from both Gase and Tannehill -- ever. Not many others played well, either. Minkah? Wake? McCain, prior to leaving the game? That may be it.

That said, it's one game. New England got its ass handed to them in Detroit the week prior in similar fashion. The only difference? Patriots fans can point to the recent history and say, "Belichick and Brady always figure it out as the season." Miami's history isn't nearly as rosey, and the narrative won't change until Gase and Tannehill have more success.

So, in summary:

- Adam Gase and Ryan Tannehill sucked.
- Many other players sucked.
- The officials sucked.
- Miami played without several key players.

I'm going to chalk this up as the culmination of these factors. Sometimes, a team just lays an egg.

We're on to Cincinnati!

That said, I still have some longer-term concerns for this season:

- Adam Gase's 1st quarter play-calling hasn't worked. Like, since he's been here. The Dolphins continue to start games slowly and play from behind.
- Matt Burke continues to call Nickel defense to defend multiple receivers on 3rd and long, which I believe has contributed to Miami having a bottom-3 defense on 3rd down. Yo, Matt, it's time to get current and run a freakin' Dime scheme. I've been hollering for this since last year. Keeping two sub-par LB on the field on this down and distance is asinine.
- Man, I hate Kiko Alonso. He has so many bad habits in defending the run game, and he's a liability in the passing game. Considering this, he's on the field far too much for the Dolphins.
- One of the reasons why I was big on a Miami rebound this year was the additions of Sitton and Kilgore to the offensive line. Now they're both out for the year. This may be a big problem. Kilgore wasn't playing particularly well this season, but he was passable. The Sitton loss has been significant.
- Will Miami be able to run the ball? Drake and Gore have had little space to operate the last 2 weeks. Gase's offense has been most successful when the running game's been effective and Tannehill can operate from playaction.
- Some of Gase's personnel decisions have been head-scratching. Rolling into New England with just Gesicki and Smythe, two rookies, being one of them. Neither have had an impact in the passing game, and both have been subpar as blockers. This team misses MarQueis Gray.

So, NOW, Miami heads to Cincinnati to play a talented Bengals team on the road. Fortunately, they're also a bit banged up. While it looks like Mixon will be back, Bernard likely won't play. I'm a big Mixon fan (he's on my fantasy team, after all); however, oddly enough, the Bengals' offense has looked more potent with Bernard on the field.

Still, this game's on the road, where Gase and Tannehill always seem to be average, at best. Overall, I expect the team to play better -- and having Reshad Jones back will certainly help with that -- I expect Miami to fall 4-7 points short.

This, of course, will make the 2 home games vs. Chicago and Detroit gigantic.
 

pdaj

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Oh, and regarding Jordan Phillips? This is his contract year. If wasn't going to be now, it wasn't ever going to happen here. Clearly, Miami decided that he wasn't going to be re-signed, and Miami's 3 other DTs were outplaying him. So why put up with a malcontent?

I'm excited for the addition of Jonathan Woodard, as he held his own vs. the Patriots. He's a big, strong dude with freakish physical attributes. I think Miami found a gem. Meanwhile, I love the call up of Malveaux, who flashed in the preseason, and recent reports have stated that Lafayette Pitts may be next. Going with young, hungry "kids" on a deep DL rotation could work well.
 

sodenj5

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I guess it’s more general frustration after a tough loss and then a “surprise” cut to a unit that is already thin.

I agree that Woodard looked stout and might evolve into that role that Hayes has left open.

This is a game where, again, Miami’s speed should be an issue for the opposing defense. Gase really needs to start focusing on getting the ball in the hands of Kenyan Drake earlier and more often. I understand last week was largely a game flow issue, and Miami can’t kill drives with penalties, but he should be a centerpiece of this offense and he’s been almost non existent for two weeks. That’s inexcusable. He left Stephon Gilmore in his dust on a double move and Gilmore had to hold him to prevent a big gain. More of that. More Drake in general.
 

pdaj

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Just want to pop in and thank all the Phins fans here for the insightful posts here, including pdaj's post above.
Ditto. Thanks, guys, this is interesting reading.
Thanks, gentlemen; the kind words are appreciated. The subgroup we have here has been a lot of fun to participate in over the past few seasons. Now, just imagine if the playoffs become more than just a once or twice per decade thing?

In other news, Cam Wake has been ruled out for Sunday. Let's do an injury tally:

Possibly out just this week: DE Cameron Wake, LB Chase Allen, WR DeVante Parker
Likely out multiple weeks: CB Bobby McCain, DE Andre Branch, TE A.J. Derby
Out for the year: DE William Hayes, LG Josh Sitton, C Daniel Kilgore, TE MarQueis Gray, QB Luke Falk

Others listed as questionable: Ja’Wuan James (pectoral), S T.J. McDonald (foot), RB Brandon Bolden (hamstring), LB Stephone Anthony (hamstring).

So much for Tannenbaum's "futurist performance program" designed to prevent injuries?

Andre Branch, while among those listed as questionable, is reportedly most likely to play next week, at the earliest. (This is the 2nd week of a 2-4 week timetable.) The story is similar for Allen, though there appears to be more of a chance that he gives it a go tomorrow. Miami will roll with Quinn, Harris, Woodard, and Malveaux at DE, and a 3-man DT rotation consisting of Spence, Godchaux, and Taylor. Malveaux did take some snaps at DT during the preseason, so that's a possibility, also. Non-blitz, QB pressure (as always) will be important in this game, so this would be great time for Charles Harris to "breakout". Or to just make any sort of positive impact, really.

You have to think Miami gives thought to having Minkah play CB2 in Base with McCain on the shelf, though Cincy is likely to showcase a lot of 11 and 01 personnel, so we'll see plenty of Nickel. (I expect Fitzpatrick to remain in the slot under these circumstances, on most occasions.) Is this the week Cordrea Tankersley makes an appearance? It's also possible that Burke assigns Xavien to shadow A.J. Green and Minkah to do the same vs. Tyler Boyd. These are tall tasks (no pun intended), though Cincy being without Eifert and John Ross is very helpful. I'm a little worried about Tyler Kroft, who has the potential to "Ebron" the Dolphins tomorrow.

Which brings me to Jerome Baker. He needs to play a lot more, and I think it's likely that starts on Sunday.

With my final thoughts, I'd like to vent just a little bit.

So, uh, Luke Falk ... either the Miami FO/coaches made up this injury, purposely caused this injury, or just got plain lucky, because regardless of what Adam Gase says, carrying 2 below average to mediocre backup QBs, in addition to a rookie/project QB, is asinine. This decision just looked sillier each week following every player injury. Now, at least, Falk can be stashed without negatively impacting this season’s team.

I’m excited about Gesicki and Smythe long-term, but it’s clear that both are struggling with some of the responsibilities Gase has (curiously) asked of them. I’m interested to see how Nick O’Leary is utilized now that he's been promoted to the 53-man roster — perhaps as an H-back? A Buffalo fan/friend of mine claims that he was developing into a decent blocker. He’s not a great athlete, but he finds ways to make plays. Plus hands. Hey, why not?
 

sodenj5

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Regarding Falk, I assume this is more along the lines of a “redshirt rookie” injury more than anything. He had a wrist issue at the end of last season, and it’s easy enough to stash him on IR and open up a roster spot, which Miami can certainly use. Gase was asked about him this week, and he legitimately sounds high on Falk. Could be a long term solution at QB2. We’ll know more next year.

O’Leary seems most likely to fill that hole left by Gray. I’m still bullish on both rookies long term, but it’s been an uphill battle for them every week. I think they’ve been thrust into their roles out of necessity more than anything.

It’s becoming harder and harder to believe in Charles Harris. It seems like he has zero plan out there as a pass rusher. He has no move. No counter move. His only hope is flat out beating a guy off the ball. I would say he looks worse so far this year than he did at the end of last year. Maybe more snaps will soon him to get a better feel, but the bust train is at least firing up its engine.
 

pdaj

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Regarding Falk, I assume this is more along the lines of a “redshirt rookie” injury more than anything. He had a wrist issue at the end of last season, and it’s easy enough to stash him on IR and open up a roster spot, which Miami can certainly use. Gase was asked about him this week, and he legitimately sounds high on Falk. Could be a long term solution at QB2. We’ll know more next year.

O’Leary seems most likely to fill that hole left by Gray. I’m still bullish on both rookies long term, but it’s been an uphill battle for them every week. I think they’ve been thrust into their roles out of necessity more than anything.

It’s becoming harder and harder to believe in Charles Harris. It seems like he has zero plan out there as a pass rusher. He has no move. No counter move. His only hope is flat out beating a guy off the ball. I would say he looks worse so far this year than he did at the end of last year. Maybe more snaps will soon him to get a better feel, but the bust train is at least firing up its engine.
I agree on the Falk, O’Leary, and Harris situations. Ever since Olivier Vernon, I remind myself to be patient with pash rushers. Sure, Vernon wasn’t a 1st round pick, but he came in with high expectations that weren’t fully met until after his first couple of seasons.

The Cordrea Tankersley’s step back this season has been the biggest surprise for me. He really played well, at times, when thrown into the fire last season as a rookie. I’m hoping this is just a blip in his progression.

Anyone predicting a win today?
 

dwainw

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Anyone predicting a win today?
I don't see how. As thin as they are, I think the only path to victory involves being almost entirely free of turnovers and penalties, a big improvement in the running game (and bloody time of possession), and a couple big plays on special teams. I don't see all those things happening.

I think they give up over 30 again and score less than 20. 34 - 17, Cincinnati.
 

pdaj

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I don't see how. As thin as they are, I think the only path to victory involves being almost entirely free of turnovers and penalties, a big improvement in the running game (and bloody time of possession), and a couple big plays on special teams. I don't see all those things happening.

I think they give up over 30 again and score less than 20. 34 - 17, Cincinnati.
I give Miami about a 15-20% shot, for all these reasons that we've mentioned this week. But I do think Cincy being without Bernard, Eifert, and Ross is pretty big; and there's been reports that Mixon may be eased in today. We'll see. If I had money on the line, I'd go 27-20, Cincy.

I'll say this, though: If Miami manages an offensive TD in the 1st quarter, I'll double the above-mentioned %. Gase and Tannehill need a huge bounce-back game, and it has to start from the jump. Just a hunch, but I think both Drake and Grant could have big days today.
 

dwainw

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I give Miami about a 15-20% shot, for all these reasons that we've mentioned this week. But I do think Cincy being without Bernard, Eifert, and Ross is pretty big; and there's been reports that Mixon may be eased in today. We'll see. If I had money on the line, I'd go 27-20, Cincy.

I'll say this, though: If Miami manages an offensive TD in the 1st quarter, I'll double the above-mentioned %. Gase and Tannehill need a huge bounce-back game, and it has to start from the jump. Just a hunch, but I think both Drake and Grant could have big days today.
God I hope so. I remain confused about the rotation with Gore, who seems to be getting more work than I expected, especially early in games, with little to show for it lately. I'll let you smarter guys offer some insight/explanations for that.

That said, I am stubbornly starting Drake in my fantasy league with a hunch that they will try to be more persistent with him. If they can establish even a moderately effective run game, I think it'll be a lower scoring game that they'll have a better chance of winning. But I think it's still a long shot.
 

pdaj

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That said, I am stubbornly starting Drake in my fantasy league with a hunch that they will try to be more persistent with him. If they can establish even a moderately effective run game, I think it'll be a lower scoring game that they'll have a better chance of winning. But I think it's still a long shot.
Isn't about time that Tannehill connected with Drake for a TD on a wheel route? You know I'll be rooting for you!
 

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Welcome back Reshad.

Another red zone takeaway for Miami. Let’s go!
 

sodenj5

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Hoooooooly shit what a terrible call there. Chase Allen tips the ball, refs throw the flag for running into the kicker. Bengals get the ball back.
 

sodenj5

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This absolutely looks more like the Dolphins of the first three weeks. Playing tough defense. Outstanding special teams. Drake finally gets a few plays.

I also don’t want to jinx it, but Miami’s interior OLine has been far better this week. I thought Geno Atkins was going to be a big problem.

Bengals have looked flat the whole game. Miami needs to keep up this level of play in the second half.
 
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sodenj5

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I jinxed it. What an absolute choke job/collapse on the road.
 

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Does anyone here really want to move forward with Tannehill? he's not a QB that will ever win you a big game, he's, at his his best, just a guy who won't lose one. And often, he's the guy who loses them.

they were lucky to be ahead 17-0 but never should have lost that game once they had that lead.
 

sodenj5

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This game was lost the second Laremy Tunsil was pulled for a concussion. Sam Young was beat on basically every single snap. Ted Larsen with some awful reps as well. Miami’s left side of the line was letting free runners tee off on Tannehill.

Again, the defense played pretty decent but was screwed by the offense.
 

dwainw

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They are who we thought they were.
AFC East is wide open.
I don't spend time in any of the Patriots threads, but you guys must set that place on fire with brilliant bits of analysis like these. You put guys like sodenj5 and pdaj to shame. Bravo.

Let's not overlook the 2 idiotic personal fouls that basically served up a touchdown on a silver platter, changing the entire complexion of the game even before the kill shot of losing Tunsil. Rizzi was about as mad as I've ever seen a Dolphins coach, and rightfully so.

No way this team was constructed to sustain anywhere near the number and severity of injuries it has this season. And Gates & Co. don't have the coaching chops to steal a game or two while they wait for guys to heal. I hoped for 9 wins this season. We may be lucky to get 6.

Edit: Thanks @Dogman2. I'll leave the thread policing to the mods in the future.
 

sodenj5

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I don't spend time in any of the Patriots threads, but you guys must set that place on fire with brilliant bits of analysis like these. You put guys like sodenj5 and pdaj to shame. Bravo.

Let's not overlook the 2 idiotic personal fouls that basically served up a touchdown on a silver platter, changing the entire complexion of the game even before the kill shot of losing Tunsil. Rizzi was about as mad as I've ever seen a Dolphins coach, and rightfully so.

No way this team was constructed to sustain anywhere near the number and severity of injuries it has this season. And Gates & Co. don't have the coaching chops to steal a game or two while they wait for guys to heal. I hoped for 9 wins this season. We may be lucky to get 6.

Edit: Thanks @Dogman2. I'll leave the thread policing to the mods in the future.
I honestly thought both calls were pretty much horseshit. The taunting penalty was out of bounds after that play. Nothing physical happened. Is it a penalty? I guess. Still seemed pretty soft.

The McDonald penalty was another third down personal foul and again, it didn’t seem malicious. He didn’t blow the guy up. I don’t believe there was helmet to helmet contact. He just popped the TE on an incompletion. That’s a backbreaking penalty on third down and I thought that was a worse call then the taunting flag. The officials gift wrapped Cincy’s first TD.

Miami did plenty after that to lose the game, but those calls absolutely started shifting the momentum.

That’s not even mentioning how they called OPI on a play where Albert Wilson got mugged and set up Miami with a first and 20, which they eventually converted.

Miami played behind the sticks the entire second half. Bengals started blitzing Miami, and then when Tunsil left, the wheels fell off the O Line. Sam Young should be cut if he’s that bad. I don’t want to see him at LT next week if Tunsil isn’t cleared.
 
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dwainw

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The McDonald play looked worse at full speed than after a couple of angles on replay where you could see him start to pull up. But too little, too late in today's NFL. The taunting call might have been soft, but it was entirely avoidable, so that's on our guys.

Anyway, I'm barely disagreeing with you, but I guess that kind of reflects the margin of error Miami cannot afford to flirt with, even when they're at full strength.
 

5dice

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I hope I’m not trolling or taunting by saying that in the modern NFL you have to score points. The Dolphins after 5 games have scored 99. They are minus 18, which brings them to minus 147 in the Gase era.
 

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My father-in-law has been a Dolphins fan since the Shula moved from Baltimore to Miami and he is of the opinion that Gase doesn't have what it takes mentally and emotionally for a head coach keep a team together and running for a sustained playoff run and I wonder if that is a commonly held opinion of Phins fans? My FiL pointed out that after last week Gase said he didn't see the Patriots' physical play coming and after this week the team was shook by and couldn't bounce back from the Tunsil injury and he thought those quotes were signs of a a coach who was not prepared and didn't have his team mentally prepared. By all accounts the Dolphins should be a decent team, they have a serviceable QB, some play-makers on offense and a decent defense, but it seems like they are always a bit behind where they should be. Part of it is a depleted offensive line, but a big part seems to be Gase and mental preparation. Maybe he is a Wade Phillips-type, better suited to a coordinator, but he seems to be lacking on preparing his team to handle adversity.
 

sodenj5

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Moving on from the penalties, the question now should be, can this offense do anything with the offensive line currently in place? So far, the answer looks like no.

At least this offseason, they attempted to fix the problem by bringing in Sitton and Kilgore. That lasted all of 1 game.

Apart from the line, I think it’s also time to think about Tannehill and Gase’s tenure. When the protection is good, it looks like Tannehill is capable of being an above average QB. These last two weeks, the protection has been bad, and Tannehill has been worse. Looking at both the draft and free agency in 2019, it’s bleak. Which means Miami is likely going to ride out this year and next year with Tannehill.

In regards to Gase, there’s an alarming lack of ability to adjust to the defense’s adjustments in-game. I mean, when Geno Atkins is running free into the QB, it doesn’t matter what you call. However, it felt like the Bengals made an adjustment at the half, started playing more press coverage and bringing more pressure, and Miami had zero answers. Until the Dolphins prove that they can do something about that, that’s what they’re going to see every week.

The question will be, long term, is this the combination that gets Miami to the Super Bowl? It’s looking more and more like that is not the case. I don’t think Miami needs a full on rebuild, as they have a lot of talent, especially on defense, but the offense has looked largely bad Gase’s entire tenure, and that’s his area of expertise.

I still think the playoffs are feasible in 2018, especially since Miami’s remaining schedule is not that daunting, but is that an acceptable end game? Making it in as the wild card is an improvement, but just barely.

If Miami ultimately decides to make a change, I don’t believe that would happen until after next year, when the QB class is more promising.
 

BigSoxFan

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Tannehill is averaging 195 ypg through 5 games. I don’t know how you win in today’s NFL doing that. Miami needs to figure out how to make its passing game more dynamic. DeVante Parker cementing his bust status this year certainly hasn’t helped.
 

Dogman

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Again, this is the Dolphins thread where fans of the Dolphins talk about the Dolphins team and their games. There are legit criticisms about officiating widespread throughout the league and the Dolphins team and fans have this thread to legit talk about those calls. Let's not have Pats fans calling out Dolphins fans for complaining about the officiating.

Let's leave this thread to Dolphins fans talking about their team. If you are not a Dolphins fan but want to contribute to this thread constructively, by all means. But, do so properly.

Thanks.
 

pdaj

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Well, it looks as though I missed out on all of the Week 6 post-game shenanigans. I love it when it works out that way.

As hard as it may be as fans, I think it's important to evaluate Gase and Tannehill on the totality of this season. When I looked at Miami's schedule prior to its start, I immediately recognized the need for Miami to begin the year off fast -- 3-0, if possible. This was because that following those winnable games vs. the Titans, Jets, and Raiders -- two of which that were in Miami -- the Dolphins then faced:

- New England and Cincinnati in back-to-back games on the road
- Mid-season road games at Houston and Green Bay
- 3 of their final 4 games against New England, Minnesota, and Jacksonville

At the time, I stated that if Miami began the year 3-2, it'd be a huge success. And I think most fans of the team, at the start of the season, would have proclaimed the same. So why all the gloom? IMO, there are 2 very simple seasons:

1) Miami's loss to New England was uglier than expected.
2) Miami failed to capitalize on a surprising opportunity vs. the Bengals.

While I had expected both of these games to be L's, #2 hurts because the win was there for the taking; and, man, 4-1 would have looked nice. To get the win, Miami likely needed only one successful TD drive in the 2nd half, and it never happened. More on that in a minute (see hesitations).

Miami's next 2 games are at home vs. the Bears and Lions. And I expect the Dolphins to win both.

How would you all feel about Miami being 5-2 after 7 games? On track for a successful season?

Following those 2 games, Miami then faces the next 5 opponents: @Hou, vs. NYJ, @GB, @Ind, vs. Buf. Do you see at least 3 winnable games there? I do.

How would you all feel about Miami being 8-4 after 12 games? On track for a successful season?

None of these possibilities would shock me; in fact, I think there's a decent change it happens.

I'm optimistic for a few reasons:

- Miami's getting healthier. Andre Branch and Bobby McCain may play this week. Laremy Tunsil is also expected to suit up.
- Many of Miami's young defensive players seem to be getting better. This list includes Jerome Baker, Raekwon McMillan, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Vincent Taylor, and Davon Godchaux.
- Under Gase, Miami's been a significantly better team at home, especially on offense.

I have some hesitations at the moment:

- In more private circles, I've wondered if Tannehill's healthy. After taking a jarring hit vs. Oakland, where Tanny visibly showed discomfort in his throwing shoulder, he went on to have arguably the worst game of his career, followed up by another rough game throwing the football. While Tannehill is far from perfect, his arm strength and throwing accuracy has never been questioned. Both have been "off" the last 2 weeks. And NOW, the media has confirmed that Tannehill's shoulder has been an issue. This is in addition to possibly still adjusting to his first season back from major knee surgery. For many to be a playoff team, Tannehill's going to need to be healthy and capable of slinging it.

- Adam Gase has been annointed a "QB whisper" and "offensive genius," yet the biggest knock on him thus far in his HC debut is his ... offense. That's a problem. During Gase's time in Miami, the Dolphins have averaged 2-point-something points in the 1st quarter of games. You know, the portion of the game when scripted plays are called. The 15 or so plays the offense has been practicing all week. Yet, very few TDs have resulted from these calls. That's also a problem. Gase needs to be better. Quickly.
 
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dwainw

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Miami's next 2 games are at home vs. the Bears and Lions. And I expect the Dolphins to win both.
Hopefully you know I appreciate all your posts and respect your opinion mightily, but you're gonna need to offer a little more support for this. The team may be getting healthier, but that doesn't necessarily mean they'll be particularly healthy, especially if the concerns about Tannehill are legit. And, just to address the immediate matchup with the Bears, all indications are that they will stifle Miami's shaky run-game and relentlessly take aim at the bullseye imprinted on Tanny's jersey (and if he's not playing, forget it). I'm not saying Miami can't pull off a win with a well-executed game plan and some breaks, but they're 3 1/2 point home underdogs for a reason. What do you see as their winning formula in this one?
 

rymflaherty

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The Dolphins defense scores more TD’s than the Bears defense?
I only say that half kidding. Outside of KC or the Rams I can’t think of a worse opponent considering how banged up and sputtering this offense has become. It’s hard to envision any path to a win that isn’t winning a low scoring ugly game where it’s the Dolphins defense that rises up and outperforms the Bears. The only other argument I can see is “NFL” and the logic (or lack there of) that whatever is most obvious on paper often plays out the opposite each Sunday.

Edit - *FWIW outside of the Bears Defense. Cohen is really the player that scare me most.
 

sodenj5

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Sam Young was taken out back and put out of his misery. Miami is starting to get some players back, and that should certainly be a boost.

I do think there is something to Tannehill’s shoulder. As pdaj pointed out, his accuracy has been poor the last few weeks. Between that and his line putting him under fire the last few weeks, his play has dropped to unacceptable levels.

Miami has also been using more of a pattern with Gore and Drake. Gore seems to be getting the early down work, getting 4 yards in first or second down to keep the chains manageable, and Drake has been used more as a 3rd down RB, and has been more of a focus in the passing game.

Miami has to avoid killing their own drives with penalties. I think Drake in the passing game will be necessary because I don’t know how much Miami will be able to generate on the ground against the Bears.

This game is winnable. I still think Miami’s defense against Trubisky is a big advantage in Miami’s favor. I think they come down with a few turnovers to generate some easier offense. It might be a low scoring affair, but Miami can win this game.
 

dwainw

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I think the biggest question now is not who wins, but does Brock Osweiler finish this game?

Edit: The teeny tiny sliver of silver lining, one could argue, is that a healthy Brock Osweiler might be more productive than a hurt Ryan Tannehill.
 
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