Riding the Train: the 2013 Miami Dolphins

[pdaj]

When's the last time the Pats paid big money for a RB? Unless we're talking about an AP type, it's typically a waste of money -- and with Bush's durability issues and inside-the-tackle limitations, moving on was the smart move. Plenty of successful teams have won with young RB; and cock-blocking Miller for a couple more seasons would have been silly.
 
Fasano wasn't worth the 4+ million he received from KC, and Keller was the upgrade needed for the passing attack. Unfortunately, this is the NFL, and injuries happen.
 
As for Smith, I liked him. 3/18 for a 26 year old, above average man-to-man corner was a steal, and I wouldn't have minded Ireland taking advantage of that market. Sure, he's not the biggest "play-maker", but he could take away the big, dynamic wide receivers (A.J. Green) when in a groove; and he's sure as hell more talented than Dmitri Patterson, who's making nearly as much money as him this season.
 
I get the plan. Ireland wanted to get younger/cheaper at CB, so he drafted Taylor and Davis. Health assumed, Grimes will be re-signed or tagged; and the hope is that the rookies will develop to become a part of an effective secondary. But it's hard to play for the future, while also attempting to win now. It's a tricky, delicate balance.

 

[mcaqua]

When's the last time the Pats paid big money for a RB? Unless we're talking about an AP type, it's typically a waste of money -- and with Bush's durability issues and inside-the-tackle limitations, moving on was the smart move. Plenty of successful teams have won with young RB; and cock-blocking Miller for a couple more seasons would have been silly.
 
Fasano wasn't worth the 4+ million he received from KC, and Keller was the upgrade needed for the passing attack. Unfortunately, this is the NFL, and injuries happen.
 
As for Smith, I liked him. 3/18 for a 26 year old, above average man-to-man corner was a steal, and I wouldn't have minded Ireland taking advantage of that market. Sure, he's not the biggest "play-maker", but he could take away the big, dynamic wide receivers (A.J. Green) when in a groove; and he's sure as hell more talented than Dmitri Patterson, who's making nearly as much money as him this season.
 
I get the plan. Ireland wanted to get younger/cheaper at CB, so he drafted Taylor and Davis. Health assumed, Grimes will be re-signed or tagged; and the hope is that the rookies will develop to become a part of an effective secondary. But it's hard to play for the future, while also attempting to win now. It's a tricky, delicate balance.

 
 
My quibble here is Barnwell seems to not understand the type of team Miami wants to become under Philbin.  Grimes is a much better fit than Smith for a defensive scheme that wants to play off-man.
 
Is Wallace a better WR than Marshall (not sure why he's relevant to the discussion)?  Hell no, at least not in video games.  But if you want to space the field, then yes, you bet Wallace is going to be effective at opening up the underneath for guys like Hartline and Gibson to excel in a WC timing-based offense.
 
Jake Long is also no longer Jake f*cking Long.  He wasn't last year and chances are he never would've been had his questionable feet been accentuated in a zone-blocking scheme. 

 

[pdaj]

Yeah, the Marshall add was puzzling. BM was sent out because he couldn't handle being in Miami. He seemed on the path to self-destruction, and Ireland got whatever value he could for him at the time before he killed someone. The fact that this move coincided with the hiring of Philbin is no coincidence. Marshall seems to be doing better now, but I still view him as a potential threat to do something stupid. That hip issue is a bit worrisome, as well.
 
As for Wallace, aside from holding out and making a silly gay joke, he's always been viewed as a good guy and strong teammate. Not everyone on your football team is going to be a choir boy, but I feel Philbin places a stronger emphasis on character than past regimes. 

 

[rymflaherty]

I think the Dolphins are better at CB this year...And it's not even close.
 
I was never as down on Smith as some people, but he was-what-he-was...He developed into a legitimate starting CB.  While he had good size, he lacked the athleticism and ball-skills to be a great CB. 
Admittedly betting on Grimes was a gamble, but it is looking like it's paid off.  I've loved what I've seen thus far, and a healthy Grimes imo is an upgrade over sharp.
As for Patterson - he may be a waiver wire pick-up, but he's done nothing but impress since putting on a Dolphins uniform.  It wound up as them basically swapping Marshall out for him.  I'm willing to roll with him whiel the younger guys develop.....It has to be an upgrade over the revolving door of crap opposite Smith last year.
 
And I would also add, there is a real reason to believe the Defense may have an actual pass-rush opposite Wake this year. 
You can't really talk secondary, without pass rush....Because if they do improve the pass rush, that is going to help everyone in the secondary.

 

[pdaj]

Eagles fans are raving over Lane Johnson -- already referring to him as the next Jason Peters. I love the potential of the Dion Jordan pick long-term, but one could argue that for this year -- and perhaps the next couple of years -- the Dolphins would have been better off sewing up Tannehill's left side.
 
NOW, if Jordan becomes the next Aldon Smith, or a player comparable to DeMarcus Ware in the future, then Lane Johnson, who? But it's not certain Ireland will be around when/if Jordan becomes that player. It'll be interesting to see what kind of impact he makes this season.

 

[Super Nomario]

The aqua-colored glasses come in when you assume the replacements are going to outperform two pretty good players.  I think you're underestimating how hard it is to get league average or better performance, and I think both Smith and Bush are somewhat (but not substantially) better than league average starters. It's certainly possible that Grimes and Miller substantially outperform Smith and Bush but then again they might suck.  Also, it's irrelevant to my point whether Ireland should have re-signed them.  Re-signing them at too high a cost could be stupid even if you get worse at both positions when you let them go (like I think the Fins did).  The relevant question there is whether you used the rest of your money wisely given the short and long-term interests of the team. If you want a broader discussion I'm game but on the simple question of whether Clay/Grimes/Miller outperform Fasano/Bush/Smith on the field, I'm at best dubious.

I agree with everything you wrote here. As a Pats fan, it gives me pause regarding my expectations of guys like Thompkins, Sudfeld, and Vereen - hell, even Amendola. Collectively, are we being red, white, and blue McAquas?

 

[sodenj5]

 
 If you want a broader discussion I'm game but on the simple question of whether Clay/Grimes/Miller outperform Fasano/Bush/Smith on the field, I'm at best dubious.

 
Keep in mind that they brought in Keller to replace Fasano. Obviously, he's gone, but it's not like Ireland didn't attempt to upgrade the position as well.
 
I think Grimes is a massive upgrade over Sean Smith. Smith may be bigger and more physically gifted, but I've heard nothing but raves about Grimes all training camp. If he's not back to pre-injury level right now, he's very close, which means Miami went from "league average" to above average/pro-bowl caliber at corner back. 

 

[sodenj5]

Eagles fans are raving over Lane Johnson -- already referring to him as the next Jason Peters. I love the potential of the Dion Jordan pick long-term, but one could argue that for this year -- and perhaps the next couple of years -- the Dolphins would have been better off sewing up Tannehill's left side.
 
NOW, if Jordan becomes the next Aldon Smith, or a player comparable to DeMarcus Ware in the future, then Lane Johnson, who? But it's not certain Ireland will be around when/if Jordan becomes that player. It'll be interesting to see what kind of impact he makes this season.

 
I feel like this previous draft was very short on players with elite level talent. It was a deep draft, but very light at the top. Miami had the chance to grab one of the very few players with an elite level of talent, and at the same time, upgrade an area that was in serious need of help.
 
Miami's pass defense was bad last year. There are two ways to improve that. Improve coverage and get after the quarterback. They went out and got Grimes, locked up Reshad Jones, and went and got younger, faster, and more athletic at LB to improve blitzing and pass coverage. Their defensive line is now one of the very best in football, and an area of true strength and depth for this team. If Olivier Vernon can make the next step that a lot of people were saying he looks poised to do, then Miami will have no shortage of options in getting after the quarterback this season. 
 
You can argue that Johnson would have helped stabilize the offensive line, but at the same time, since the Hall of Fame game, I haven't heard Jonathan Martin mentioned. Which means he's improving, and at the very least, playing an adequate and competent LT. Miami doesn't need him to be All-Pro in order to succeed. If he can be a league average LT, that would be great. 
 
Also, if he can prove to be a solid LT, think about the absolute haul Miami brought in last year's draft. Tannehill, Martin, Vernon, Miller. At the very least, they've gotten 4 starters out of the draft, which is an amazing accomplishment in any draft. For all the shit Ireland gets, he should get a tip of the cap for that draft.

 

[pdaj]

 
I feel like this previous draft was very short on players with elite level talent. It was a deep draft, but very light at the top. Miami had the chance to grab one of the very few players with an elite level of talent, and at the same time, upgrade an area that was in serious need of help.
 
Miami's pass defense was bad last year. There are two ways to improve that. Improve coverage and get after the quarterback. They went out and got Grimes, locked up Reshad Jones, and went and got younger, faster, and more athletic at LB to improve blitzing and pass coverage. Their defensive line is now one of the very best in football, and an area of true strength and depth for this team. If Olivier Vernon can make the next step that a lot of people were saying he looks poised to do, then Miami will have no shortage of options in getting after the quarterback this season. 
 
You can argue that Johnson would have helped stabilize the offensive line, but at the same time, since the Hall of Fame game, I haven't heard Jonathan Martin mentioned. Which means he's improving, and at the very least, playing an adequate and competent LT. Miami doesn't need him to be All-Pro in order to succeed. If he can be a league average LT, that would be great. 
 
Also, if he can prove to be a solid LT, think about the absolute haul Miami brought in last year's draft. Tannehill, Martin, Vernon, Miller. At the very least, they've gotten 4 starters out of the draft, which is an amazing accomplishment in any draft. For all the shit Ireland gets, he should get a tip of the cap for that draft.

 
I agree 100% about the LT position. If Martin can be an average performer this year, and Jordan remains healthy and productive as a  pass rusher this season, no one's going to question the 1st round selection. I'm really excited to see how DJ's role expands as the season progresses. With him healthy, this defense is as versatile as I can ever recall.
 
And right now, the '12 draft looks as though it could end up being one of the greatest Miami drafts ever. Mel Kiper was quoted as saying that Ireland deserves more credit as a drafter, as he's never truly had a "bad" draft.  

 

[rymflaherty]

That's the thing to remember with Martin, he's not replacing All-Pro Jake Long, he's replacing League-Average Jake Long.
 
I don't have a ton of faith in Martin, but it's reasonable to think he can reach that goal.  Tannehill survived last year with that kind of performance from the LT spot.

 

[pdaj]

In watching this opening game, I can't help but ask, why isn't Vontae Leach a Dolphin? Ireland brought him for a visit as soon as he was released, but never offered him a contract. 
 
If the Miami FO had decided that a prototypical blocking FB wasn't needed, then fine. But to then sign Clutts, a very poor man's Leach?
 
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/r...,7896229.story
 

The contract includes a $1.16 million signing bonus and non-guaranteed base salaries of $840,000 in 2013 and $1.75 million in 2014. His salary-cap figures are $1.47 million this year and $2.33 million in 2014. The contract includes a $50,000 incentive clause this year.
 

 
This price was too steep? Puzzling.

 

[sodenj5]

In watching this opening game, I can't help but ask, why isn't Vontae Leach a Dolphin? Ireland brought him for a visit as soon as he was released, but never offered him a contract. 
 
If the Miami FO had decided that a prototypical blocking FB wasn't needed, then fine. But to then sign Clutts, a very poor man's Leach?
 
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/r...,7896229.story
 
 
This price was too steep? Puzzling.

I think part of it was money, part of it was Leach wanted to go back to Baltimore. I doubt the Fins run very much I Formation this week. It seems that the 3 WR set will be their base formation for the most part.

 

[Shelterdog]

In watching this opening game, I can't help but ask, why isn't Vontae Leach a Dolphin? Ireland brought him for a visit as soon as he was released, but never offered him a contract. 
 
If the Miami FO had decided that a prototypical blocking FB wasn't needed, then fine. But to then sign Clutts, a very poor man's Leach?
 
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/r...,7896229.story
 
 
This price was too steep? Puzzling.

 
Even if it's just money it's not puzzling--a couple hundred thousand dollars is significant money.

 

[pdaj]

Even if it's just money it's not puzzling--a couple hundred thousand dollars is significant money.
 

 
 

Leach is a pro bowl caliber player at a (albeit) minor position that the Dolphins happened to need. After getting cut loose by Baltimore, he wanted to sign with Miami. Ireland seemed interested in him, brought him for a visit, and never made a contract offer. Leach went back to the Ravens on a relatively cheap contract; and weeks later, Miami claimed Clutts off of waivers after the Dolphins short-yardage game struggled during the preseason.
 
Considering Miami's around 20 million under the cap, spending a couple hundred thousand more to sign Leach looks like a no-brainer, whether or not Clutts is a special-teams contributor.

 

[CaptainLaddie]

Maybe he thought "hey, I'd like to try and win a title -- going to the reigning Super Bowl champs instead of a team with a second-year QB and the Patriots isn't the best way to go about that"?

 

[pdaj]

Maybe he thought "hey, I'd like to try and win a title -- going to the reigning Super Bowl champs instead of a team with a second-year QB and the Patriots isn't the best way to go about that"?

 
According to Leach and his agent, he never received an offer from Miami. Had he received an offer and chosen to return to Baltimore anyway, this would be an entirely different conversation.

 

[pdaj]

http://miamiherald.typepad.com/sports-buzz/2013/09/jordan-eager-for-debut-espn-analysts-on-um-uf-dolphins-canes-notes.html#
 

Saturday noon update: Though nothing has been announced, the Dolphins have given linebacker Koa Misi to a 4-year contract extension, through 2017. Misi would have been an unrestricted free agent after next season.

 

[rymflaherty]

I don't understand the need to look up Misi now?
To me he's always been one of those "solid" but not spectacular players...The type of guy that you don't mind having around, and is able to start, but is also expendable.
I don't get it.
 
Also surprised that everywhere I look people are picking Cleveland.
I feel like I'm missing something because I fully expect Miami to win and dominate (and I'm not one to make Homer picks and proclamations).  Even in these lean years this is the type of game that Miami tends to look great in - Facing a team that wants to run the ball, mediocre QB, without many (if any) dynamic players. 
As long as Tannehill doesn't turn into a pumpkin I see Miami winning by double digits, something like 30-13

 

[Clears Cleaver]

This is a MUST win for Miami as well. Cleveland can get to the QB and is ok versus the run. Haden can matchup with Wallace. I hope miami's D can dominate the cleveland O, especially with thier #1 WR suspended for the game. We'll see, I guess

 

[dwainw]

Yeah, it's just time to play the effin' games at this point.  5 preseason games is too many.  I'll throw my full support behind them as I always do, and I think they'll be at least slightly better than last year, but I'll admit a lot has to bounce right for them to do better than that.  Then again, I was looking over last season's schedule and instantly reminded of those three gut-punching 3-point losses in the first half and how that would have completely changed the complexion of the season--at least in terms of competing for a playoff spot.  I realize they were never going to do any more beyond that--they were who they were.   I do think THIS year's team is much more likely to win three games like that, though, and it fuels my optimism.

Anyway, the obvious concerns have been pointed out ad nauseum, I'm ready to see what they can do to prove themselves.  I agree with Clears and whoever else  is saying tomorrow is a must-win.  Inasmuch as a season opener ever was, this is it.  I won't give up on them if they lose, but I'll be looking into a very half-empty glass.

 

[pdaj]

Cleveland:
 
- Playing at home
 
- Running a new offense under a new coach, with little film available
 
- Strong-armed QB who excels at taking shots downfield
 
- Trent Richardson
 
- Above average, physical offensive line
 
- A fantastic front 7 that can get after the QB
 
- Dolphins are a bit light in the secondary at the moment, and the O-line is questionable
 
All this stated, I'm not surprised that a lot of people think the Browns have a good shot to knock off the Fins. I expect it to be a relatively close, physical contest.
 
If the Dolphins can run the ball decently and protect Tannehill, I like "our" chances. With decent o-line play, I expect RT to out-play Weeden. As usual, the team that wins the turnover battle will most likely grab this one.
 
I understand where you guys are coming from, but I refuse to consider the first game of the season a "must win". I think the Dolphins have to come out of their initial 5-game stretch 2-3. In the NFL, every game is up for grabs. I could see the Dolphins losing a tough one tomorrow, and then beating Indy, Baltimore, and perhaps "stealing" a game vs. the Saints or Falcons.
 
Of course, a win vs. the Browns would be ideal. A fast start would surely be a boost for a team that's young and has so many new, essential parts.

 

[dwainw]

Cleveland:
 
- Playing at home
 
- Running a new offense under a new coach, with little film available
 
- Strong-armed QB who excels at taking shots downfield
 
- Trent Richardson
 
- Above average, physical offensive line
 
- A fantastic front 7 that can get after the QB
 
- Dolphins are a bit light in the secondary at the moment, and the O-line is questionable
 
All this stated, I'm not surprised that a lot of people think the Browns have a good shot to knock off the Fins. I expect it to be a relatively close, physical contest.
 
If the Dolphins can run the ball decently and protect Tannehill, I like "our" chances. With decent o-line play, I expect RT to out-play Weeden. As usual, the team that wins the turnover battle will most likely grab this one.
 
I understand where you guys are coming from, but I refuse to consider the first game of the season a "must win". I think the Dolphins have to come out of their initial 5-game stretch 2-3. In the NFL, every game is up for grabs. I could see the Dolphins losing a tough one tomorrow, and then beating Indy, Baltimore, and perhaps "stealing" a game vs. the Saints or Falcons.
 
Of course, a win vs. the Browns would be ideal. A fast start would surely be a boost for a team that's young and has so many new, essential parts.

I'm fine with the first point, particularly considering they'll still have 4 games against Buffalo and NYJ.  However, I think the must-win thinking is pretty simple.  Very few people think of Cleveland as being better than any of those other four teams.  Lose tomorrow and 0 - 5 suddenly looks like a distinct possibility.

The turnover issue is a very interesting one.  Is it really a stretch to think this defense could generate 8 - 10 more turnovers than last year while the offense commits, say, 3 - 5 fewer?  It's intriguing to think about what a 15-turnover swing could mean for this team.

 

[Clears Cleaver]

half time of the first game too soon to give up on the season?
 
they are fuckinbg awful offensively. Can't run and not dynamic at all. Wallace a non-factor

 

[pdaj]

Dolphins trail 7-6 at the half despite 3 interceptions of Weeden.
 
Yeah, Miami's offense looks atrocious right now. Zero running game, God-awful pass blocking.
 
Ugly or not, got a find a way to get this win.

 

[rymflaherty]

My bad.
I forgot rooting for this team is like freaking "Groundhog's Day", and the same shitty issues fail to be solved year in and year out.
 
The Defense has lived up to my expectations in the first half, hopefully the Offense can pick it up, because that sides been pathetic.

 

[pdaj]

Not making excuses, but for an offense with many new starters, this is a tough 1st week opponent on the road. Cleveland's Horton-lead defense is legit. I expect the Fins to make adjustments and gut this one out. Just win, baby.

 

[Clears Cleaver]

Tannehill is definitely better than last year. he wasn't pressured much but he gets rid of the ball a lot quicker than last year and accuracy is better so far, too
 
defense has played well in 2H
 
take the win and move on! (2:30 left)

 

[pdaj]

The Dolphins are the better team -- period. They gutted out an ugly win behind a strong defensive performance and a great 4th-quarter offensive drive. You have to find a way to win games like this.
 
3 key positives:
 
- Tannehill 
- The defensive pass rush
- Sturgis 3-3 in his first NFL game
 
3 concerns:
 
- The running game
- The offensive line (see above)
- Defensive secondary injuries are piling up

 

[rymflaherty]

They didn't solve the running game, but that's about as good as I could have hoped for the second half.
Tannehill was the big bright spot for me as well....When you consider the circumstances - Shaky line, ZERO running game, down at the half, on the road, etc. etc.  That was a very good second half -performance.
 
Defense was as expected.  Actually even better, since they made a few more plays than years past.  Nice seeing them hold on to the ball and come up with the three Int's.
At worst the Defense should keep this team "competitively mediocre"....It'll will depend on the Offense how much greater they can become.
 
 
*Edit*
 Wallace will need to be a bigger part of the offense moving forward, but while I was getting ready to complain about his day, I realized something....Wallace may have been largely invisible, but Gibson had a good day and Hartline had a great day.
Does anyone think Hartline goes for 9/144 if Wallace wasn't out there, if Hartline was matched up in man vs. Haden? Is Gibson able to be so open if he's not a third option?
So while Wallace did not have a great day, I do think he helped the team just by being out there.  This is the first time in what seems like forever that the team has 3 legitimate receivers, and I think we saw the positives of that today.

 

[Ed Hillel]

So Wallace refused to talk to reporters after the game that they won? It's a real fine line with that guy, sounds like he needs a lot of ego-stroking.

 

[pdaj]

So Wallace refused to talk to reporters after the game that they won? It's a real fine line with that guy, sounds like he needs a lot of ego-stroking.

 
Wallace has gotten a ton of hype heading into this season, and the expectations are extraordinary due to his mega-contract. Additionally, it was opening day, and he was facing his good friend, Joe Haden, in this one. (They were playfully jawin' back and forth all week.) While his comments show some immaturity, I think he's a competitive guy who was frustrated over his personal performance today. I'm sure he'll calm down, talk to the coaches, and say all the right things heading into the Indy game. 

 

[dwainw]

So Wallace refused to talk to reporters after the game that they won? It's a real fine line with that guy, sounds like he needs a lot of ego-stroking.

Between that and Starks reportedly flipping the bird to coaches during the game, Philbin has his work cut out for him.  Good to start the season with a win, but this team has miles to go.

 

[pdaj]

Between that and Starks reportedly flipping the bird to coaches during the game, Philbin has his work cut out for him.  Good to start the season with a win, but this team has miles to go.

 
Yeah, the middle-finger to the sideline after his sack was peculiar. Sure, Starks would have preferred to get re-signed over getting the tag, but he's still making 8+ million. Is life really that bad?
 
It's been assumed by many that this is the source of the "beef", but Starks also made mention of feeling as though he was being "punished" for not reporting to OTAs. Odrick's been co-starting, rotating with him since pre-season.

 

[mcaqua]

 
Starks' version of the incident:
 
 
 

Starks' agent, Tony Paige, said Starks "told me was joking with one of his teammates. It was not intended for the coaches."

 
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/sports-buzz/2013/09/dolphins-hire-former-mlb-team-executive-for-president-ceo-job-and-sunday-buzz-column.html
 
Who knows?  It will be interesting to see how Philbin handles it.

 

[pdaj]

Having Miami's two starting DT's in "Fuck you, I'll show you" mode isn't necessarily a bad thing for this team. They certainly both brought it yesterday.

 

[Clears Cleaver]

i wish the o-line started giving guys the finger

I love the national narrative for the dolphins now. its wallace being unhappy and the offense struggling. I read a few reports on sunday's games and the only things i read were "wallace upset" and "miami running game stalled." BTW, Tannehill was much better. And the defense dominated one of the better offensive lines in the game. the Dolphins won on the road by 13 points, the third highest spread of any game in the league.

Whatever. Fix the line and get the DBs healthy and beat Indy in Indy. NO and Atlanta are going to be tough games, but I think they can beat Baltimore. Beat Indy and be 3-2 at the Bye? I'd sign up for that

 

[pdaj]

i wish the o-line started giving guys the finger

I love the national narrative for the dolphins now. its wallace being unhappy and the offense struggling. I read a few reports on sunday's games and the only things i read were "wallace upset" and "miami running game stalled." BTW, Tannehill was much better. And the defense dominated one of the better offensive lines in the game. the Dolphins won on the road by 13 points, the third highest spread of any game in the league.

Whatever. Fix the line and get the DBs healthy and beat Indy in Indy. NO and Atlanta are going to be tough games, but I think they can beat Baltimore. Beat Indy and be 3-2 at the Bye? I'd sign up for that

 
As I expected, Wallace is saying all the right things today. Moving on ...
 
I want the Indy game badly. The media will focus on Luck vs. Tannehill, but the truth is, the Colts stole last year's game. I think the Dolphins have the better team again this year, but they need to take advantage of the opportunities that slipped through their fingers (literally) in the previous season. 
 
Luck makes a handful of risky throws per game. Hopefully the improved defense takes advantage of it this time around. He'll be forced to throw the ball 40-50 times.
 
If the Dolphins can grab this one, winning 1 of next 3 would be fine with me, as well.

 

[Clears Cleaver]

Colts -3

I think that is a reflection of how poorly Colts played vs Oakland and fact it is revenge game.

 

[dwainw]

Love getting a little insight on this defense, especially the fact that as Kevin Coyle says, they've "just scratched the surface" of what they plan to try with the Speed package.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-dolphins-0911-20130910,0,1340569.story

As for the offense, there are already rumblings (in the media, not from the team) about kicking the tires on McGahee. Kind of leaves a little pit in your stomach. Mike Sherman and the rest of his coaching staff need to get creative and the weak links on that line need to step up their game right quick. Shit, if they can work their way up to average as a unit, and if Miller and Thomas can learn to hit a few holes (assuming there are some), they ought to be able to score enough to keep themselves in every game, thanks to the D.

I'm using the words "if," "should," and "ought" so much with this team lately, they're starting to lose their meaning.

 

[mcaqua]

A look at the 'speed' package noted by Coyle above:
 

 

[dwainw]

A look at the 'speed' package noted by Coyle above:

Nice snapshot.  I've got a question--a very novice one from a fan who's never actually played the game:  In a formation like this, what determines which stance a guy uses?  I generally don't notice details like that during live action, like in this case Wake being the only guy using the 3-point stance.  I would have assumed if they're purely interested in generating speed, they'd all be standing--or is it a comfort or a timing thing? 
 
Remember, there is no such thing as a stupid question.

 

[rymflaherty]

Colts -3

I think that is a reflection of how poorly Colts played vs Oakland and fact it is revenge game.

 
That's in-line with my thinking.  I believe it will be a one score game, but that's more respect than I thought they would get nationally.
 
To the above question.  This is just a guess on my part, but the stance Wake in could be indicative of the fact he is clearly rushing the passer, and with the way he gets in on tackles and dips his hips, it's probably his preferred stance.
The other players are in a more "athletic" stance, which allows them to move any direction at the snap, leaving the Offense unsure if those guys will be coming right at them or dropping into coverage.  It allows them to bounce around and potentially create confusion.
 
Apologize if I'm off base on that and led you astray, and while there could be more, that's what made sense to me (remember there are no stupid answers either.)

 

[mcaqua]

Nice snapshot. I've got a question--a very novice one from a fan who's never actually played the game: In a formation like this, what determines which stance a guy uses? I generally don't notice details like that during live action, like in this case Wake being the only guy using the 3-point stance. I would have assumed if they're purely interested in generating speed, they'd all be standing--or is it a comfort or a timing thing?

Remember, there is no such thing as a stupid question.


From what I know, the stance is dependent on things such as leverage, vision, agility and explosion, and tying those attributes associated with the two, three and four point stance to the responsibilities/assignments of your position.

Wake is in a four-point stance because he utilizes his quickness on the edge to create mismatches with opposing tackles and the four-point stance will allow for the maximum explosion after the snap, while staying low and keeping leverage.

There is also an element of comfort/personal preference associated with the stance that a particular player might employ. Some guys are more comfortable with their hands on the ground, while others are not.

LBs need to have vision of the field while also having the ability to move in a variety of different directions after the snap, which is why you typically see them in the two-point stance.

That said, defensive lineman in three or four-point stances are not necessarily obligated to engage the OL and can drop back into zone coverages.

There might be more beyond what I've referenced that other folks could elaborate on.

 

[pdaj]

I wish the Dolphins could have gotten the Pats early in the year. Their offense looks like a shell of its former self right now. They'll be sure to be healed up and have things figured out by the time Miami faces them in Week 8.

 

[sodenj5]

I wish the Dolphins could have gotten the Pats early in the year. Their offense looks like a shell of its former self right now. They'll be sure to be healed up and have things figured out by the time Miami faces them in Week 8.

Agreed. Minus Gronk and Amendola, they look average at best on offense. By the time the Fins play them, they'll have Gronk back and probably Amendola.

They squeaked out wins against bad Bills and Jets teams. Any teams not starting rookie quarterbacks with mediocre receivers, and the Pats are 0-2.

 

[dwainw]

Agreed. Minus Gronk and Amendola, they look average at best on offense. By the time the Fins play them, they'll have Gronk back and probably Amendola.

They squeaked out wins against bad Bills and Jets teams. Any teams not starting rookie quarterbacks with mediocre receivers, and the Pats are 0-2.

I don't know--seems like a decent chance they'll still be hurt--or rather, hurt again.  Anyway, much like the Red Sox v. Yankees pre '04, the Dolphins are and will continue to be the Patriots' bitch until they can prove otherwise, part of which (in my mind) includes beating them while they're still good.  The beauty of this season is that while the Patriots are good, they're vulnerable--even with the aforementioned receiving duo.  I'd just as soon see them go to war with the Patriots against their 2013 best.  If the Dolphins can't beat them this year, then fuck it, they're not good enough to beat the rest the best of the AFC anyway.

That said, I think the Dolphins will make a game of it Sunday because of the defense, but the offensive staff has its work cut out for it to make up for the glaring deficiencies we all saw last week.  For example, I thought I read earlier in the week (from Mando?  Sorry, I couldn't find the article) that Incognito was the only OL who graded positively vs. the Browns.  Disturbing, but perhaps encouraging if you assume they can only get better.  For the sake of my sanity, I choose to assume they can only get better.

 

[Clears Cleaver]

One thing, in two years it may be that the Pats have the fourth worst QB in the division.

Miller looked bad but AP would have done nothing on the opportunities Miller had behind that line. McGahee might help, but the line has to play better

 

[pdaj]

I'd be very surprised if McGahee was brought in, unless an injury to one of our backs occurred. At this point in his career, I'd consider him a marginal upgrade to Thomas -- perhaps slightly better in pass protection and in the redzone.
 
As was mentioned, the running lanes were nonexistent last weekend. While a lot of blame goes to our offensive line, the Browns defense hasn't been given enough credit. Cleveland remained in their 3-4 base the vast majority of the game. The Dolphins ran almost exclusively in single back formations, and were absolutely demolished when attempting to run in 3-wide sets. (Our "heavy sets" with Clay/Sims/Egnew is a subpar blocking unit. Perhaps we'll see more of Clutts this week.) The Browns played extremely aggressively, often having 8 players in the box and blitzing their weak-side backer. 
 
This is why Gibson had such a significant contribution. I was shocked to see the Browns commit to stopping him in the slot with a freakin' LB in zone on 3rd-and-long on several key conversions. 
 
As Sherman mentioned in his interview this week, Philbin would have been fine with Miami exclusively throwing the ball under those circumstances. I see the Fins doing this in the future with over-aggressive opponents, especially with Tannehill looking so comfortable with the offense. 
 
I expect at least 65-80 rushing yards vs. Indy this weekend.

 

[dwainw]

It's a very good point about Cleveland--I will be watching them VERY closely in the next few weeks to see what their defense is up to (I doubt I'll give up the Miami D for them on my fantasy squad, though).  Still, 23 yards or whatever on 22 carries or whatever?  In technical terms, that's icky stinky blech.  (I know you're not disagreeing with that, so I suppose I can stop beating a horse's carcass about that.)

A couple things I kind of expected to see more of were Tannehill running the ball, as well as some designed rollouts.  Besides being considered a good athlete in general, isn't Tannehill considered a solid passer on the run?  I suppose the pocket frequently collapsing around him and things in front of him being clogged up neutralized his ability to improvise, but I thought we'd see him roll out a few more times.

 

[sodenj5]

It's a very good point about Cleveland--I will be watching them VERY closely in the next few weeks to see what their defense is up to (I doubt I'll give up the Miami D for them on my fantasy squad, though).  Still, 23 yards or whatever on 22 carries or whatever?  In technical terms, that's icky stinky blech.  (I know you're not disagreeing with that, so I suppose I can stop beating a horse's carcass about that.)

A couple things I kind of expected to see more of were Tannehill running the ball, as well as some designed rollouts.  Besides being considered a good athlete in general, isn't Tannehill considered a solid passer on the run?  I suppose the pocket frequently collapsing around him and things in front of him being clogged up neutralized his ability to improvise, but I thought we'd see him roll out a few more times.

Isn't it also entirely possible that, with Miami's upcoming schedule, and Cleveland clearly being the easiest matchup in their first 5 games, that they saved a few cards up their sleeves for the next 4 games?