2014 Miami Dolphins: Raw Doggin' It

[dwainw]

Tough, tough loss, to state the obvious.  They played hard, so there's that.   To add insult to injury,though,  they couldn't take advantage of big losses in the conference by Buffalo and Pittsburgh, and lost their best OL.  I was surprised they couldn't get more pressure on Stafford on that last drive.

The game v. Buffalo on Thursday looms massive.   

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

Apparently torn PCL as well as a torn MCL. Just hate to see anyone go down with such severe injury.

 

[rymflaherty]

Well, other than the end result....and the fact that I F'd up my ankle pretty bad (I rolled it going down the steps), today was an enjoyable experience.
I actually was impressed with the people and environment in and around Ford Field. It did not live up to the typical "NFL Crowd" stereotypes at all.
 
While they did take the lead, and technically we're a Defensive play away from ending it, it really felt like they lost the game when they failed to score a TD there from inside the 5 with 5 minutes to go.
It sucks, because much like the Packers game, the take away should be that the Dolphins are a very good football team.  They we're on the road, got punched in the mouth early, against a team that could exploit their weaknesses, yet they had the lead with a couple minutes to play. It felt like a very good team that came up just short against another very good team...But it feels much worse since they did lose, they lost late, and they have a record of just 5-4 to show for it.

 

[sodenj5]

Another game they could have, should have won. Bottom line is, they had their best unit on the field with the game on the line and the lead and couldn't seal the deal.
 
Brutal loss from both an opportunity standpoint (Steelers and Bills lose) and the toll it took on the team (losing Albert and probably Finnegan for a while).
 
I thought Clay had dropped the TD pass in the 4th quarter initially, but Ihedigbo knocked the ball out of his hands as he caught it. Hats off to him on a great play, and one that made a difference in the game. 
 
It's probably a good thing that Miami has the Bills Thursday. They have zero time to dwell on that game. They must move on immediately and prep for what is going to be a huge game. It sucks in the respect that the Lions physically pounded Miami, so there are going to be a lot of tired bodies out there. 

 

[sodenj5]

 
 
"S---, we're going to go out and beat that ass. Point blank. Period," McKelvin told reporters.

 
Hope this is on a powerpoint or something this morning. Miami absolutely has to have this win. 

 

[epraz]

On the plus side, this:
 

 

[pdaj]

Well, other than the end result....and the fact that I F'd up my ankle pretty bad (I rolled it going down the steps), today was an enjoyable experience.
I actually was impressed with the people and environment in and around Ford Field. It did not live up to the typical "NFL Crowd" stereotypes at all.
 
While they did take the lead, and technically we're a Defensive play away from ending it, it really felt like they lost the game when they failed to score a TD there from inside the 5 with 5 minutes to go.
It sucks, because much like the Packers game, the take away should be that the Dolphins are a very good football team.  They we're on the road, got punched in the mouth early, against a team that could exploit their weaknesses, yet they had the lead with a couple minutes to play. It felt like a very good team that came up just short against another very good team...But it feels much worse since they did lose, they lost late, and they have a record of just 5-4 to show for it.

 
My sentiments exactly. The loss hurts for the reasons you stated -- but I'd feel a lot better about the team going forward if Albert was still healthy. I feel that this group, at full health, would have re-grouped and found a way to win Thursday. But BA has been such a huge part of Miami's success this year. Such a bummer.

 

[sodenj5]

Miller literally broke McKelvin's ankle.

https://gfycat.com/AgonizingFrigidGemsbuck

 

[sodenj5]

Miller looked really good. Why does Miami even waste their time with Daniel Thomas? He's like your Patrick Chung.

Fatigue/durability. He isn't a workhorse, but he has been running a lot harder and tougher than he used to early in his career. Miller used to go down with arm tackles all the time. Now he breaks tackles and lowers his shoulder. Big improvement from him.

Thomas is basically a body that knew the scheme once Moreno went down.

 

[Clears Cleaver]

two losses in their last 7 games in the last 30 seconds in each game on TD passes to fourth options against safety coverage. Losing best offensive player for year. perception of this team could be so different if they win either GB or Detroit....ugh
 
Beat Denver or NE and I'll consider this team a scary playoff contender. Lose to the Jets or Minnesota and its same old.

 

[pdaj]

Fatigue/durability. He isn't a workhorse, but he has been running a lot harder and tougher than he used to early in his career. Miller used to go down with arm tackles all the time. Now he breaks tackles and lowers his shoulder. Big improvement from him.

Thomas is basically a body that knew the scheme once Moreno went down.

 
Yup. They manage Miller's carries to keep him fresh/effective and healthy. I will say, though, Williams is making an argument to take backup carries from Thomas. But I'm not sure how the coaches view his ability to pass protect.
 

two losses in their last 7 games in the last 30 seconds in each game on TD passes to fourth options against safety coverage. Losing best offensive player for year. perception of this team could be so different if they win either GB or Detroit....ugh
 
Beat Denver or NE and I'll consider this team a scary playoff contender. Lose to the Jets or Minnesota and its same old.

 
No doubt, those losses were tough. The majority of football games come down to a handful of plays.
 
The Fins have to sweep the Jets and beat Baltimore and Minnesota at home. Any misstep in these games means you have to grab one of those two "big boy" games. 10 wins.
 
That said, I'm curious if a winning season (9 wins) keeps Philbin's job safe. I think so.

 

[dwainw]

Fatigue/durability. He isn't a workhorse, but he has been running a lot harder and tougher than he used to early in his career. Miller used to go down with arm tackles all the time. Now he breaks tackles and lowers his shoulder. Big improvement from him.

Thomas is basically a body that knew the scheme once Moreno went down.

Yeah, he looks different to me since the call back.  All cliches aside, he really seems to be running like a guy who knows he's extremely fortunate to get a second chance.  I'm not suggesting he looks like anything more than an acceptable backup, but that's better than before they dumped him.  Williams will probably surpass him as early as next year--or that other dude from Ohio St. whose name escapes me at the moment.  I think they're using Thomas in the right way--and they're clearly being VERY careful to limit Miller's touches.  On that note, despite public pronouncements otherwise, it seems obvious Miller wasn't close to 100% last week.

Edit:  And, you know, what pdaj said.

 

[soxfan121]

Miller looked really good. Why does Miami even waste their time with Daniel Thomas? He's like your Patrick Chung.

 
I think you need to update your references.

 

[dwainw]

Well, that Denver loss sure changes the complexion of the AFC playoff race, certainly from the Dolphins perspective going into next week's game v. the Broncos.   It's still going to be a huge challenge to try to win out there, maybe more so after Denver's embarrassing performance today, but if they can pull it off they'd be in an even more advantageous position heading into the last 5 games.  KC would be in the driver's seat for their division which neutralizes its tiebreaker advantage over Miami, assuming Miami would be competing for the Wild Card down the stretch.  I realize I'm getting ahead of myself, but that Denver loss was a pleasant surprise.
 
I was only able to catch the tail end of that game, but hopefully the Miami coaches will see some things in the tape they can incorporate effectively next week.  On the flip side, hopefully it doesn't put more fire in Manning's belly.

 

 

[pdaj]

What made Denver so scary earlier in the year was that they had Manning + an array of offensive weapons for him to utilize. After today, Julius Thomas has a high-ankle sprain, Emmanuel Sanders is concussed, and Hillman/Ball look to remain sidelined. If neither of the players suit up next week -- and it seems as though only Sanders has a shot -- you're looking at a significantly diminished offense that can't run the ball.
 
The game's still in Denver, and we're still talking about Peyton; but a "guaranteed loss" now looks like an opportunity for a big win.
 
Edit: http://www.rotoworld.com/headlines/nfl/301256/julius-thomas-appears-to-avoid-high-sprain
 
Now being reported otherwise. Damn.

 

[tims4wins]

Pretty crazy that if Miami wins next week they pass Denver in the AFC standings

 

[lostjumper]

What made Denver so scary earlier in the year was that they had Manning + an array of offensive weapons for him to utilize. After today, Julius Thomas has a high-ankle sprain, Emmanuel Sanders is concussed, and Hillman/Ball look to remain sidelined. If neither of the players suit up next week -- and it seems as though only Sanders has a shot -- you're looking at a significantly diminished offense that can't run the ball.
 
The game's still in Denver, and we're still talking about Peyton; but a "guaranteed loss" now looks like an opportunity for a big win.
 
Edit: http://www.rotoworld.com/headlines/nfl/301256/julius-thomas-appears-to-avoid-high-sprain
 
Now being reported otherwise. Damn.

I think that even if Thomas and Sanders play, they won't be anywhere near 100%. And that offensive line has been exposed that last few weeks. I think the dolphins have a real good chance to beat Denver.

 

[Clears Cleaver]

If the Pats lose tonight...The AFC is wide open. Holy crap. Indy (7-3) has an easy easy schedule. KC (7-3) doesn't. NE doesn't. Denver doesn't. cincinnati doesn't. wow...11-5 may get you a bye this year

 

[cronuts]

If the Pats lose tonight...The AFC is wide open. Holy crap. Indy (7-3) has an easy easy schedule. KC (7-3) doesn't. NE doesn't. Denver doesn't. cincinnati doesn't. wow...11-5 may get you a bye this year

 
The Dolphins are soft.
 
And no, the AFC nor the AFC East are wide open. Sorry pal, thanks for playing.

 

[pdaj]

 
The Dolphins are soft.
 
And no, the AFC nor the AFC East are wide open. Sorry pal, thanks for playing.

 
I can't imagine why such a shit post had to be edited. Wasn't shitty enough the first go around?
 
The Fins aren't as talented as few of the upper-echelon AFC teams, but they're anything but soft.
 
Please lurk elsewhere, "pal".

 

[cronuts]

 
I can't imagine why such a shit post had to be edited. Wasn't shitty enough the first go around?
 
The Fins aren't as talented as few of the upper-echelon AFC teams, but they're anything but soft.
 
Please lurk elsewhere, "pal".

 
LOL BOO HOO

 

[soxfan121]

 
The Dolphins are soft.
 
And no, the AFC nor the AFC East are wide open. Sorry pal, thanks for playing.

 
 

 
LOL BOO HOO

 
Hi! Welcome to the site. Don't troll our Dolphins fans or you won't be allowed back, pal. Have a terrific day.

 

[Old Fart Tree]

I want no part of Miami in the playoffs. They're a tough physical team and Tannehill makes just enough plays to beat you.

 

[Morgan's Magic Snowplow]

With yesterday's events, my brain says that I should actually be going for Denver next weekend but I just can't bring myself to do it.  I'm looking forward to seeing Wake and Company put the hurt on Peyton.  Go fins!

 

[Stitch01]

Looked through that over lunch and your brain is probably correct.  Probably won't matter either way, and the Pats will be big favorites in Foxboro against Miami, but probably best to avoid one really high leverage game and any shot at the 5 seed given the Pats situation.  Denver still has three tough road games after this and losing one probably gives the Pats the one seed (although we might want Denver to beat KC)  Dolphins beat Denver and they have a good shot at 10-11 wins outside the Pats game.

 

[pdaj]

 
 
 
Hi! Welcome to the site. Don't troll our Dolphins fans or you won't be allowed back, pal. Have a terrific day.

 
 

I want no part of Miami in the playoffs. They're a tough physical team and Tannehill makes just enough plays to beat you.

 
 

Really? I would gladly sign up for Miami coming to Foxboro in the divisional round.

 
His trolling aside, the division isn't wide open. Last night closed any inkling of hope Fins' fans may have had. If I were a betting man, I'd put money on the Pats losing to GB at Lambeau, but finishing the season 13-3. That earns NE the BYE, and it shouldn't matter who they face.
 
That said, I think any time you can avoid a divisional opponent in the playoffs before playing a team like KC or Denver in the championship round, it's a good thing.

 

[dynomite]

Really? I would gladly sign up for Miami coming to Foxboro in the divisional round.

It's a matter of comparison. I would MUCH rather host the Bengals or the Colts in the Divisional Round than the Dolphins.

As we saw last night, the Colts defense was simply physically overwhelmed by the Patriots. Not so the Dolphins, against whom the Patriots have lost their last two meetings and haven't scored 30+ points since 2011.

 

[jsinger121]

It's a matter of comparison. I would MUCH rather host the Bengals or the Colts in the Divisional Round than the Dolphins.

As we saw last night, the Colts defense was simply physically overwhelmed by the Patriots. Not so the Dolphins, against whom the Patriots have lost their last two meetings and haven't scored 30+ points since 2011.

 
The last 2 losses were in Miami. Miami has not won in Gillette Stadium since 2008 and that was without Brady.

 

[bakahump]

Miami has been tough and DID beat the Pats already this year....
 
However I keep going back to that game....The Pats where destroying the Dolphins in the first half. To be fair the Dolphins returned the favor in the 2nd half.  When I put those two things together i can only assume that heat played as big a factor as some of us suspected at the time it did.  At the time of the loss and the following couple weeks many of us didnt have have much of a leg to stand on in when saying " but it was just the heat!".   Hindsight...I think 60 mins from the Pats destroy the Phins much like they destroyed the colts last night.
 
With Browner, a stabilized OL and a fully operational Death Gronk I just dont see how they hang.  Let alone that the next 2 games we (may) play against them this year would be at the razor.
That said I would not be concerned in the least to pay Miami now.
 
By all means though i will be rooting for them to continue the Denver beat down.

 

[TheMoralBully]

I like the Pats as strong favorites hosting Miami, but that's being unfair to them. Their d line is a problem even for a stabilized o line and they aren't nearly as one dimensional as the Colts on offense with a healthy Lamar Miller. I don't see them getting destroyed like the Colts.

 

[Mugsy's Walk-Off Bunt]

 fully operational Death Gronk

 
The best.  I love this site.

 

[smastroyin]

Unless the Dolphins have Ulf Samuellson and Jeff Gilooly go after Gronk and Brady, they don't have much of a chance at the division, even if they win in NE (though that would obviously help them a lot).  Blowing that game against GB (and DET of course though that feels less like a blown game) is looming pretty large when thinking about the division chances.  They can't count on a sweep of the Jets in December because they never sweep the Jets, and of course there is this game with Denver.  10-6 is the realistic optimistic outlook.
 
The question is how much optimism they should have.  They will need to look a lot better than they did against Buffalo.  I know the Bills match up well x's and o's wise, and the offensive line shuffle didn't help, but the Dolphins offense looked bad even when they took control of the game.

 

[pdaj]

It's hard to fairly assess a team on a Thursday night game. There's been God-awful football across the board in these games.

 

[amarshal2]

 
 
 
That said, I think any time you can avoid a divisional opponent in the playoffs before playing a team like KC or Denver in the championship round, it's a good thing.

This is where I'm at although it's a matter of relativity. I want no part of miami in the playoffs. Divisional opponents just make me a little anxious plus I think the fins are talented enough to win games against the pats, as we saw, but also on the road.

However, as I said it's all relative and id rather see miami than Denver, particularly in Denver. So I'll be rooting for the Fish next time and trust the Pats to secure AFC E title.
 
edit: this sounds over-stated relative to what i actually think.  What I mean is I'd rather other teams sneak into the 6 spot over the Dolphins but would rather play them than the other top contenders.

 

[kolbitr]

I think the Dolphins, like the Pats, have improved steadily, despite getting healthy at key positions while undergoing setbacks at others. The key for Miami will be, as always in the NFL, the play of the qb—Tannehill remains too inconsistent. Their defense is impressive, and their offense has weapons: can RT write a winning narrative? That's the question...
 
I would add that the Miami coaching staff has shown a real ability to make adjustments, and that has to be a positive for their fans...often, that's the difference...
 
I didn't get to see the last game, but how did Albert's replacement look?

 

[dwainw]

I think the Dolphins, like the Pats, have improved steadily, despite getting healthy at key positions while undergoing setbacks at others. The key for Miami will be, as always in the NFL, the play of the qb—Tannehill remains too inconsistent. Their defense is impressive, and their offense has weapons: can RT write a winning narrative? That's the question...
 
I would add that the Miami coaching staff has shown a real ability to make adjustments, and that has to be a positive for their fans...often, that's the difference...
 
I didn't get to see the last game, but how did Albert's replacement look?

They gave up 5 sacks--so not great.  There's a discrepancy between their pass protection right now (not so good) and their run blocking effectiveness (solid).  On the other hand, not surprisingly, Tanny's recent success has coincided with the coaches allowing him to run by design, or at least when he has the chance.

I think the rest of your post is accurate.  I would add something we here in Miami fanland have been desperately waiting for is for them to stretch the field with the legit threat of the long ball.  The complete lack of this element of offense has created a residual effect of red zone inefficiency--their TD % in the red zone is terrible. Perhaps this is in part because most other teams don't have to punch it in as often since they're capable of generating enough big plays in the passing game to avoid it.  

Mike Wallace has turned into a strictly a possession receiver.  Meanwhile, Tannehill has plenty of arm strength, but he's almost compulsively tentative when it comes to throwing deep.  Maybe it's because of the poor pass protection he's had to deal with much of his career to this point, I don't know.  But if they could ever figure this out, it would add a dangerous dimension to this offense that could help them take it to the next level.

 

[bakahump]

Would you Put Miami as having more and or better weapons then Denver? I wouldn't and we throttled that offense.
 
What about Indy? And the Bears?  I wouldn't and we throttled those 2 offenses.
 
They are offensively similar to Cinnci Whom we held to 320 yards (when they avg 346)  162 of which were in "Garbage time".
 
Meanwhile Miamis Defense is "Slightly" better then the Jets, Buffalo and Denver.  Some of which can be attributed to before and After "Patriot Offense Head From Ass removal" in Week 5.  We convincingly beat all three of those "vaunted" Ds.
 
In week 1 in the first half we had 234 yards of Offense before the half. 47 After.  Miamis offense had 158 first half yards and  235 after.  A Blocked Punt and 2 NE fumbles led to 17 points for Miami.  Anyone else see some outliers in those numbers?  With 10 mins to play in the 3rd Miami had less then a 13% chance of winning (Profootball Ref Game log) and that was AFTER the Blocked Punt and associated TD.  Take away (I know...I know)  a Pro Football oddity like the blocked Punt (first special teams play of the Patriot Season....)  and its 20-3 at the half.
Unless you believe that one of the greatest coaches in NFL history went in and made no or incredibly bad adjustments while Joe Philbin (21-21 career) made every right call....then the Heat (89 Degrees) with a assist of atrocious ball security by TB (due to Offensive line issues...)  seems like Occams Razor.  One of those reasons is no longer a factor and the other seems corrected and maybe becoming a strength.
 
Hanging your hat on the "1st game loss" seems more and more like wish casting.
 
Denver is a good team. Buffalo and (to an extent) Chicago (losses to GB, Carolina, Miami and Buff in OT) were considered at the time to be decent teams as well.  Patriots have beat all 3 convincingly.   Miami has lost to Buffalo already and has a stiff test against Denver.
 
Finally, on the road, Miami has "impressive" wins over......Chicago, Oakland and Jax....teams a combined 5-25 (Chicago has 4 of those wins....).  With losses to Buffalo and Detroit.  Yet We expect them to come to Gillette and be competitive (in the weather...)? I dont see it.
 
Miami is a better team then I expected....and is a top 8 team in the AFC (though tough to argue top 5  ahead of all of the Steelers, Clev, Balt who are in the same tier).  Meanwhile NE has defeated in impressive style #2,3 and 4.   I just think some are going overboard in there assessment of the phins.
 
Division games are always tough.  So I guess we will see...but again...I dont fear the Dolphins.  I  would have less confidence against the  Broncos, Colts and Bengals in  rematches then against the dolphins..... Past wins and losses be damned.

 

[Jettisoned]

If the Pats can keep Brady upright and keep keep Tannehill in the pocket they should win, but those are two pretty big ifs.

 

[smastroyin]

OK, so the PATRIOTS ARE THE FUCKING BEST and don't have to worry about anything.
 
Glad that's settled.  Maybe the Dolphins should just tank for a better draft position, but it seems every team in the league should do so because THE PATRIOTS ARE THE FUCKING BEST.

 

[Kenny F'ing Powers]

Meanwhile Miamis Defense is "Slightly" better then the Jets, Buffalo and Denver.  Some of which can be attributed to before and After "Patriot Offense Head From Ass removal" in Week 5.  We convincingly beat all three of those "vaunted" Ds.
 

 
Miami may have the best defense in the league. They are not "slightly" better than the Jets, Buffalo, and Denver. They have the ability to collapse a pocket and make life hell for a quarterback.
 
They lead the league in pass yards per attempt, and are top 3 in sacks and QB rating. They don't give up big plays or points, and the advanced stats love them as well. This, despite the fact that they've gone against the 1st (Aaron Rodgers), 5th (Tom Brady), 6th (Phillip Rivers), 10th (Kyle Orton), and 11th (Jay Cutler) ranked QB (based on QB rating), as well as Matthew Stafford, who is no slouch either.
 
People are seriously underestimating this Dolphins team. When you have a top 3 (potentially #1) ranked defense, you can beat any team any time.

 

[tims4wins]

 
Miami may have the best defense in the league. They are not "slightly" better than the Jets, Buffalo, and Denver. They have the ability to collapse a pocket and make life hell for a quarterback.
 
They lead the league in pass yards per attempt, and are top 3 in sacks and QB rating. They don't give up big plays or points, and the advanced stats love them as well. This, despite the fact that they've gone against the 1st (Aaron Rodgers), 5th (Tom Brady), 6th (Phillip Rivers), 10th (Kyle Orton), and 11th (Jay Cutler) ranked QB (based on QB rating), as well as Matthew Stafford, who is no slouch either.
 
People are seriously underestimating this Dolphins team. When you have a top 3 (potentially #1) ranked defense, you can beat any team any time.

 
Right, this team has the potential to kind of re-create what the 09-10 Jets did. I don't mean back to back AFCCGs, but in a one and done scenario the defense just flat out winning a game or two.

 

[Kenny F'ing Powers]

It doesn't really matter if people are underestimating the Dolphins. They are sitting at 4 losses right now and still have road games against Denver and New England along with a home game against the Ravens, 2 games against a Jets team with nothing to lose, and a home game against Minnesota. I don't think 9-7 gets you in this year so they either have to win at Den/NE or they have to sweep the rest of the games. It's do-able but won't be easy.

 
They can win any of their 6 remaining games. Their defense can (and probably will) throttle the Jets (both times, I wouldn't be surprised if they sweep the series against them, they are pathetic), Minnesota, and the Ravens offenses. With Denver being as banged up as they are, would it be a shock to see them beat Denver? The line is the same (7.5) as the Pats/Detroit game, and I certainly wouldn't be "shocked" if the Pats lost on Sunday. And, despite the Patriots playing like shit in week 1, the Dolphins won that game, whether you like it or not.
 
Yes, they have an uphill battle, but it isn't out of the realm of possibility that they win 4 of their next 6 and walk into the playoffs at 10-6.

 

[Ed Hillel]

Miami needs to do something this year, because the cap is going to catch up with them next year. They're going to be able to save some money with some cuts, but pretty much all the options to cut are talented (except maybe Brandon Gibson), and they're not going to be able to do much in free agency. They also have to address Tannehill.
 
Edit - They're probably 3-5 million over the cap next year already with only 44 guys on the roster.
 
http://overthecap.com/salary-cap/miami-dolphins

 

[smastroyin]

Would not surprise me to see them cut Wallace as Tannehill does not have the arm to take advantage of him and I'm not sure his talents aren't more than a luxury for the offense they are looking to run.  He has been great this year doing a lot of things, but they are things you can get from a decent 4th round pick.  Lot of dead money, of course, but a good reminder for Stephen Ross that he was backing an idiot in Ireland.

 

[Clears Cleaver]

Ben Tate anyone? He is better than Daniel Thomas and has experience in zone scheme. Not sure if he is good in pass protection though

Finnegan not practicing yet. Ugh. They are down a cb

 

[Morgan's Magic Snowplow]

Would not surprise me to see them cut Wallace as Tannehill does not have the arm to take advantage of him and I'm not sure his talents aren't more than a luxury for the offense they are looking to run.  He has been great this year doing a lot of things, but they are things you can get from a decent 4th round pick.  Lot of dead money, of course, but a good reminder for Stephen Ross that he was backing an idiot in Ireland.

 
It makes very little sense to cut him until after the 2015 season at the earliest.  I also have no idea what you're talking about regarding "things you can get from a decent 4th round pick."  The chance are miniscule of any 4th round WR, even a "decent" one, replicating Wallace's production.  He's their leading pass catcher, has 6 TDs, and has caught 7 passes of 20+ yards.  Maybe Tannehill doesn't utilize him enough but compared to Landry and Hartline he's a massive field stretcher and game breaker.

 

[smastroyin]

What I'm talking about is that they don't really utilize the stretched field and have less since cutting down the amount of deep throws they were letting Tannehill take earlier.  His cap savings is over $9 million.  That's a lot of money for a guy whose differential skill is the deep ball which they have been throwing less.  My point about the 4th round pick may be an exagerration, but it's actually a nod to his commitment to doing little things like blocking in the flat and getting open in other ways than outrunning his man and running underneath routes that Tannehill is better at throwing instead of just running a post every play like it seemed he was doing most of last year.  
 
Regardless, the point remains.  Throughout the season, there has been an effort to rein in Tannehill's deep throwing and keep him focused on "easier" west coast style (oversimplification) completions and to use his legs more.  If you have to make a choice between cutting Wallace and figuring out how to run the offense without him, and cutting three other guys, I think the first thing is probably easier (particularly when you will probably need to spend, again, on the Oline)
 
One of the big questions is whether Hartline's production has fallen off because of Hartline himself, because teams are looking for him, or because Wallace has become the number 1 option, and therefore Hartline will take up some of the slack if Wallace is not there.  Obviously he doesn't stretch the field, but I'm not sure how much the offense requires the field stretching as compared to basic things like keeping Tannehill on his feet.

 

[Morgan's Magic Snowplow]

What I'm talking about is that they don't really utilize the stretched field and have less since cutting down the amount of deep throws they were letting Tannehill take earlier.  His cap savings is over $9 million.  That's a lot of money for a guy whose differential skill is the deep ball which they have been throwing less.  My point about the 4th round pick may be an exagerration, but it's actually a nod to his commitment to doing little things like blocking in the flat and getting open in other ways than outrunning his man and running underneath routes that Tannehill is better at throwing instead of just running a post every play like it seemed he was doing most of last year.  
 
Regardless, the point remains.  Throughout the season, there has been an effort to rein in Tannehill's deep throwing and keep him focused on "easier" west coast style (oversimplification) completions and to use his legs more.  If you have to make a choice between cutting Wallace and figuring out how to run the offense without him, and cutting three other guys, I think the first thing is probably easier (particularly when you will probably need to spend, again, on the Oline)
 
One of the big questions is whether Hartline's production has fallen off because of Hartline himself, because teams are looking for him, or because Wallace has become the number 1 option, and therefore Hartline will take up some of the slack if Wallace is not there.  Obviously he doesn't stretch the field, but I'm not sure how much the offense requires the field stretching as compared to basic things like keeping Tannehill on his feet.

 
I think you're mixing up his dead money and his cap savings.  He has a 12.1M cap figure next year and 9.6M in dead money if cut (6.6M left in bonus, 3M in 2015 salary became guaranteed earlier this year).  They only save 2.5M by cutting him and, your reasonable points above notwithstanding regarding Tannehill not using his skills to the fullest, there's just no way that they replace his value or production with that money.

 

[Ed Hillel]

I think I see what happened. You apparently can't link to a specific year on OTC, so it reverted back to Miami's 2014 cap. Wallace, under that, is listed as 9.6 million, but that is actually negative savings anyway (in brackets is negative), so it would have cost Miami 9.6 million to cut him. Clink on the 2015 tab to take you to the relevant numbers. The savings is only 2.5 million; he's not a legit cut candidate until 2016.

 

[smastroyin]

Yep, sorry, the article I looked at was also confusing because he made the assumption that the Dolphins would be ready to cut Wallace by the end of 2013 and suck up his hit in 2014 if he was terrible for them, but of course that ship has sailed.  
 
I still think Ireland was an idiot for the way he structured the contract.  I mean, it was genius if Mike Wallace was the final piece of the Dolphins Super Bowl puzzle last year and they just needed to fit him in.