from O Rob
Q – Mike
do you think the fact that our unbalanced offense that cant control the LOS or TOP due to the lack of a consistent running game puts great pressure on our defense.
is our Offensive philosophy an all around team killer
Here’s the thing Rob, and I think it’s ironic too, and I’ll explain why.
For years here in Miami, we haven’t had a legit QB. I yearned for one, as many Dolphins fans also did. We lamented seeing other teams with accomplished QB’s get into the playoffs year after year, using aerial attacks that most teams couldn’t defend.
In 2012, we finally pulled the trigger in earnest, and took a QB in the 1st RD of the NFL Draft, pick #8 to be exact. Ryan Timothy Tannehill. I was thrilled! If I’m going to be perfectly honest here, I was thrilled more with the idea of finally putting our balls on the table, and going all in for a QB, than the actual QB himself. After half-assing it for too long, specifically 2000-2011 (Post Marino), this is the list of QB’s we tried to get to the Super Bowl with. Jay Fiedler, 2nd RD pick trade disaster A.J. Feeley, Gus (I’ll concuss myself head-butting the endzone wall) Frerotte, Joey (former #3 pick overall) Harrington, Cleo Lemon, Chad (Herd LOVES him) Pennington, Chad (Markeyh LOVES him) Henne, Matt (our faithful backup QB) Moore, and then we grew a set, and drafted Tann-E-Hill in 2012.
So what’s my point here? I hoped Tannehill would finally be our savior, even though I didn’t think he was ready to assume that task as quickly as they made him. Some of that had to with Omar Kelly’s boy David Garrard turning into Joe Toledo, and injuring himself in just about any way he could off the field. So just like that, our rookie QB was pressed into service, and 3 years later, he’s still our man, one with a 4 YR, $77M contract.
OK, so back to your question. Herein lies the problem. When Tannehill first came here, our WR corps was way below par. Mind you, with Joe Philbin coming from the Packers, I’m thinking Ryan (Rodgers) Tannehill throwing to Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, Donald Driver, Randall Cobb, James Jones etc . . . BUT, what Ryan (Timothy) Tannehill was really throwing to was (Get a barf bag ready!) Legedu Naanee, Davone Bess, Julius Pruitt, Marlon (Son LOVES him) Moore, Jeff Fuller, Ro-boy-to Wallace. Would ANY of these guys make the cut on todays roster? Maybe Davone (M13 LOVES him) Bess, but that’s it.
Sorry, I keep going astray. So we couldn’t really be the Green Bay Packers, not with that receiving corp (BTW, the Pack also had TE Jermichael Finley who was a stud back then!) We had (Tim LOVES him) Anthony Fasano.
Damn, still straying from the question. If you remember the Green Bay Packers a few years ago, the successful Green Bay Packers, they threw the ball over the field. They had 5 legit WR’s they could put on the field at any time and spread out the defense, along with the very athletic pass catching TE, Jermichael Finley, and honestly, the run game took the back seat to this aerial attack. The Packers had 5 different RB’s, and all totaled, they finished with 1,251 yards, with Alex Green (WHO?) leading the way with 464, Cedric Benson (REALLY?) with 248, James Starks with 255. The run game was not the cog that got that machine running, it was the passing game. Receiving stats nicely distributed amongst 4 WR’s and the athletic pass catching TE. Randall Cobb led the team with 80 catches and 954 yards, 8 TD’s. James Jones with 784 yards and 14 TD’s. Jordy Nelson a close 2nd with 745 yards. The aforementioned TE with 667 yards.
I guess what I’m trying to say Rob, is that I believe this is the model that Joe Philbin is trying to recreate. The problem right now is, simply put, is Ryan Tannehill is not Aaron Rodgers. He probably never will be, but maybe he gets closer and closer as the season and his career goes on.
I can’t stand watching our offense at times, and oddly enough, after pining for what the Packers had, I want some more running, especially when it works, but alas, it appears to not be in the plans.
I think if the O-line gets better, whether #76 is involved or not, we can do better on offense, and give Tannehill more time to throw. We have a very talented receiving corps. Sub Rishard Matthews for James Jones, sub Jordan Cameron for Jermichael Finley, and sub Jarvis Landry for Randall Cobb, he’s a devastating weapon who is I believe our best receiver no matter where he plays on the field. Once Devante gets his feet wet, he’ll be more involved, and then add in Kenny Stills, and to a degree Greg Jennings. We’re a passing team, and lining up every play from the shotgun reminds you of that every time.
Right now, to fully answer your question, YES, the offense is putting pressure on the defense, but not because of the T.O.P., but because we’re not SCORING! If we had the ball for 2 minutes, and we hit pass after pass all the way to the endzone, that wouldn’t put pressure on the defense, it would do the opposite! The defense would be fired up! That’s what we need to do. Score TD’s, and THAT will take the pressure off the defense.
______________________________________________
from UK
Q – Hopefully you get a few more questions this week and here’s one of them.
My post of the Tweet about a Tottenham franchise today is wild speculation at this stage of course – I read somewhere that the NFL wanted to sell out a full season of games before voting to move a franchise here – but if it did happen, how would this be viewed amongst the rank and file NFL fan community would you think? Do you think it would it be well received or would disapproval be the most widespread reaction?
By the way, Tottenham (and Spurs – Tottenham Hotspur by their full name) is a Jewish community and a predominantly Jewish club. My turn to ask you – would you flip flop from the Fins based on religion or are the Fins your deeper religion? 😉
Cheers
UK
I don’t think it would be well received at all by A-mur-ican football fans. I think most fans would be pissed about the extra travel, and bizarre start times. 9:30AM for a football game??? That won’t win any support from football fans here in the states. Most fans aren’t enlightened by fans from the UK as we are here, and we’re lucky to have that!
When you say Jewish club, I hope you don’t mean the players!
How about this leaflet, “Famous Jewish Sports Legends?”
I’m guessing you mean ownership of the club? Is that presumptuous and prejudiced of me to say that?
Well, even if the owners, AND players were Jewish, that wouldn’t sway me from the Dolphins, for the Dolphins have been my favorite team for since ’73, which makes it over 42 years now. Yeah, yeah, I know, some of you guys/gals on here aren’t even 42 years old, GOOD FOR YOU!
______________________________________________
from Lee (Uwantwat)
Q – Mike
When will the coaches namely Bazooka Joe, Brain Dead Coyle and Pop Gun Lazor get fired?
Lee, Uwantwat.
Hopefully not this season Lee, because that will mean another season down the toilet for the Dolphins, and us Dolphins fans, and honestly, next year is going to be quite a challenge with our current cap situation. With Suh and Tannehill set to eat about $40M of our cap net season, it won’t be easy to make changes on the roster. We’ve already had significant turnover this year with 20+ new players on the roster, but the cap will not be our friend next season.
On the other hand, if we continue to see-saw in the win-loss column all the way 8-8, or worse, I’m sure there will be house cleaning of sorts. Not sure how high they start it, meaning does Tannenbaum go along with Hickey, or does do one or both stay, with Tannenbaum replacing Hickey, or does Mike get ejected leaving Dennis Hickey? I’m sure Joe Philbin, along with all the coordinators would be given their walking, that much is a certainty.
Let’s hope, and I mean really hope that doesn’t happen. As much as I’m not convinced Philbin is the solution, I’d like to hope he’s not the problem, and we can get into the playoffs and maybe go all the way. We just need to turn it around, get that defense playing Ndominant football, and Tannehill to take it to another level behind a solidified O-line.
PS – Hope you’re feeling well my friend, as do all of us from the FU blog!
______________________________________________
from Stanger
Q – Is Rishard Matthews the real deal? He lined up on the first play from scrimmage last week. Maybe it was cause of the play called, but then he got a whole lot of play after that too.
stanger
He’s as real to the Dolphins as James Jones was to the Packers. Granted, Jones started much more quickly out of the gate in GB, but there really are a lot of similarities. First of all, they both came from lesser college programs, Jones from San Jose St., and Matthews from Nevada. Jones was drafted earlier, a 3rd RD pick of the Packers in ’07, while Rishard was drafted in the 7th in ’12. Very similar body types and size though, James Jones 6’1” 208, Rishard Matthews 6’0” 212. We’ve seen flashes of talent from Rishard from the beginning, but maybe his attitude wasn’t where it should have been. I saw Rishard play at Nevada, and this kid was dominant at times. I think now, that he appears to have matured, he’s going to get his chances, especially if he performs like he did next week. personally, I don’t care how many catches Stills, Jennings, or Parker have, it means nothing to me. All I care about is that the offense is working well. Who gets the catches is irrelevant. In 2013, Rishard was targeted 67 times for 41 receptions and 448 yards, 2 TD’s, his career best. He fell of the map in ’14, which clearly was an attitude mess, not a talent issue.
If Rishard continues to see lots of playing time (At Stills expense), it may make the trade for Stills seem bad, but it’s done, and we need to do what’s best for the team. Same goes for Devante Parker. It may look bad that Parker doesn’t get a lot of reps, but if the other guys are getting the job done, it’s not important. There’s all of the rest of his contract to look forward to. I do think Parker will get chances, as will Stills, but the best and most productive guys should get reps.
I do think Rishard is the real deal. Some guys develop slower, but his talent has always been there, he made some crazy plays at Nevada, making the Kaepersniffer look better than he really was. 🙂
______________________________________________
from TryPod
Q – Mike E,
I can hear it already, but I’m gonna ask it anyway: does this team have to win a playoff game for Philbin to keep his job?
It’s really too early, as I assume you kind of felt it was, but I would say no. I’d say we have to make the playoffs, or maybe to be more clear, just show significant improvement. If we were to say win 11 games, but somehow not make the playoffs, I don’t think there’s a shot in hell we fire anyone. Same for 10-6. If somehow we o 10-6, absent of choking at the end, say were 8-6, win the last 2 games, but somehow get eliminated, I really don’t think anyone gets fired. 9-7 is a tough one. I suppose again, it depends on we arrive at that record, and whether we make the playoffs or not. 9-7, make the playoffs and lose a close, tough, hard fought game, you can’t fire him.
So, to answer you, I don’t think he has to win a playoff game, but it would sure help his chances if we’re in a playoff game, and show well in it, even if we lose. You have to start somewhere.
______________________________________________
from Pigsgerald Oinkustus Bacon
Q – Would you rather be a pork chop on Rex Ryan’s plate or a sock on Mrs. Ryan’s foot?
Do you think the Patriots or Jests lose this week?
Pigsgerald
That’s a hideous choice, it really is. I suppose being the pork chop would be quick and painless, as opposed to Rexy caressing and slobbering for a long time, and lord knows what else he might do, so I choose the pork chop.
Unfortunately for the Dolphins, I believe both the Patriots and Jets will win this week.
________________________________________________
from Tim
Q – Is this team a paper tiger or a real tiger that hasn’t woken up yet?
I think it’s the latter Tim. I really, really do. I think they miscalculated on the O-line, specifically counting on Branden Albert, and waiting until the 4th RD to get O-line help. I hope the O-line is not our achilles, but after 2 weeks of watching this team, it’s hard to just point to one thing, it’s been a multitude of things going wrong for us.
It certainly doesn’t help that Branden Albert can’t seem to stay in a game. Not that Fox is awful, but he’s not the guy I’d prefer to have at LT for an entire season. The O-line hasn’t been great, but they haven’t been dreadful either.
The LB’s have been pretty bad, possibly the weakest unit of the team, followed closely by the secondary, with Reshad Jones injured. No one opposite Grimes has shown they’re the guy, and Walt Aikens had some expected struggles replacing Reshad Jones. I can’t believe how bad Sheppard has been, and though Jenkins and Misi have been better, still no big plays from the entire group. Vigil is getting more work, but hasn’t been all that much better either.
In my eyes, the biggest disappointment has been the D-line. We’ve only given up 33 points in 2 games, which for those mathematically challenged, like myself, that’s 16.5 PPG. However, this D-line, which was supposed to be a fearsome crew, has truly disappointed so far. All the talk of our own version of the Steel Curtain, or “Ndominance” hasn’t happened yet. Yet. It’s gotta happen. Not necessarily that we’re the best D-line in football, but some level of excellent play. We were pretty good last year until the injuries mounted, so surely adding Suh would raise the level of play, right? It’s gonna happen, and honestly, i think it starts this Sunday against the Bills. The Bills are getting lots of praise, in fact, just the other day on NFL radio, they were discussing which team could finally unseat the New England Patriots, and would you believe it, not a single word uttered about the Dolphins, not even in the conversation. It’s gonna change, and change fast. Watch the game this Sunday folks, I’m telling you, don’t miss it. We’re going to get a glimpse, our first glimpse of Ndominance! Be there! Even if you’re at home watching, STAND THE F*CK UP!
______________________________________________
And now for the babe of the week . . .
Figured since Ask Mike runs on Thursday’s, why not some TBT pics . . .
Finsmob Unleashed 
‘ It’s better to not say anything and let people think one may be stupid than to say something and confirm one is stupid as a rock’
and you are way way way better at defending brady, why not stick to that
getterdone says:
September 24, 2015 at 4:08 pm
That was some facial eh? 😉
yeah but unlike a porn star, i am willing to bet she got a real big pay day for hers
Piggy & Mike E after Phins win Sunday.
LOL
Is that a bottle of malt vinegar Mike stole from Arthur Treachers back in the 70s in his hand?
Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
kill those Bills
LOL – That Piggy was movin!
That is PorkChop Bolt
He recently won a gold medal is the Olymporks
Fast piggy!
LOL! Olymporks
Gurley is probable for this week, start him or hope Miller shows up this week, both figuratively and literally.
?
I wouldn’t play either
D
you are the youngest guy on this blog
This is your own post you just questioned.
How did you forget what you meant and who do you think will answer you?
Are you okay?
😉
I’m waiting until I see Gurley play and to see how he responds before I start him.
Dont have much of a choice, Lacy is hurt too, i had to drop a backup receiver so i could get Bernard to start in his spot and i may have to roll with Miller or Gurley. Not much left on the waiver wire.
I have Miller and Gurley in one league
and I started Gurley over Miller
But it feels like a huge risk
Im kinda stuck making the decision, im going with Gurley for right now until i know for sure Miller is 100%. Will be hard enough for him to get points otherwise. He needs to be able to pivot to turn screens into big plays which is only way i think he is productive this game.
There’s no easy decision with this. Even if Miler plays, he may only get a few carries and then they pull him because he’s not right. If he’s 100%, he still likely only to get about 12-15 carries. Gurley probably isn’t starting, so his workload will likely be split as well.
I’d worry that Gurley is only going to get 4-6 touches just to get his feet wet and see how he feels.
Hal Habib @gunnerhal
Candor you won’t read in full in paper — Jake Stoneburner’s immediate reaction to first catch in NFL being TD: “Holy shit! I just scored!”
LOL, might not have been poetic but it was genuine.
Syms was cleared from NFL concussion protocol hopefully he got some time practicing with OL. I don’t know if Albert got any practice time.
I think as of today the answer is “no” as to Albert
D,
I wasn’t saying you were calling me out. I said you called me out by name, which means you addressed a post to me. Why start a post with my name if the things you were saying weren’t meant for me is all I was trying to figure out. It seemed odd to me that what was said in the post didn’t line up to what I said because you’re not usually one to take the things others say out of context. It was confusing was all.
Its cool text can be like that sometimes. It reads different to me but again i know what my intentions were lol, so it makes it easy for me not to see the misrepresentation.
Evening Update
DOLPHINS-BILLS
GDP 27-17 MIA
N/A 27-17 BUF
Howie 35-10 BUF
Piggy 20-17 MIA
Try 24-13 BUF
Bold 27-10 BUF
MikeE 17-6 MIA
Real 33-13 BUF
AL 31-13 MIA
Stang 21-10 MIA
Gigi28-15 BUF
Cav 24-13 MIA
UK 20-17 MIA
Rock 34-17 BUF
Herd 24-20 MIA
Ken 23-14 MIA
Naples35-10MIA
Spring21-17MIA
Tim 23-16 MIA
inNY 23-13 MIA
Wyo 24-17 MIA
GO PHINS!!!
N/A? What is that?
and how about “Spring”???
I think N/A is New Age & Spring is Stanger
Spring is not Stanger, Stang is about 10th down. I think it’s DCoral
Stang is already there
I thought N/A meant not available….lol
It makes sense if its DCoral
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25314936/ex-redskin-dexter-manley-on-qbs-likes-theismann-calls-brady-garbage
wow, did you guys see early today how D called out sb7mvp. man he just ripped him apart.
i thought n/a meant nice ass so i assumed it was rock
Rob
I saw it. Young people have absolutely no control. They just spout off.
lol mike,
yeah, then they take up the whole blog just going at each other, like we want to hear their spat, i mean grow up you two.
There’s someone else who needs to let go of their spat… but I won’t hold my breath.
talk about getting what you deserve.
http://www.620wdae.com/onair/ron-and-ian-4273/bully-fights-blind-kid-and-gets-13974630/
Yes MikeE got it
The problem is that some names are just to long and go way to the other side of the page so I am shortening them up as best I can.
For instance, Piggy you are now just Fart 😉
LMAO!
and you guys question my love for womens soccer
http://www.620wdae.com/onair/ron-and-ian-4273/photos-who-knew-a-canadian-soccer-13974577/
Try Pod says:
September 24, 2015 at 6:47 pm
There’s someone else who needs to let go of their spat… but I won’t hold my breath.
yeah, i think i know who you mean. sure would be nice. but i dont think mike is ever going to stop riding that pig.
Pigs don’t have spats, they’re on spits.
Nice job Mike E
Thanks Ken – Where did everyone go?
I am back. Had to help with the kids homework
mike ssssshhhhhhhh, ken is here, we are just being quite till he leaves
I had to pick the lock to the basement door.
And the chain lock too. Well done
Ken says:
September 24, 2015 at 8:33 pm
I had to pick the lock to the basement door.
ken, i think everyone knows by now i no longer have to lock the door
Then how come it took me nearly 20 minutes to open the basement door?
Watching John Jerry with the Giants
How’s he doing?
Had a nice block on a 1st down run. He is at LG
Ken says:
September 24, 2015 at 8:38 pm
Then how come it took me nearly 20 minutes to open the basement door?
you are big, green and sexy, no one said you were smart
You say the sweetest things
Cousins with a terrible int
Jerry leading the way with a good block on the TD run.
i was watching the cinn vs memphis college game. once again horrible officiating. the cinn qb got clobbered, taking off on a stretcher and not moving. it was a clear cut shot to the head and targeting, but the officials over turn that targeting call. the poster hit for why they have that rule and the idiot refs overturn it.
Ken says:
September 24, 2015 at 8:45 pm
Jerry leading the way with a good block on the TD run.
ok yeah, sooooo. why in the world would the fins want someone who can block.
Jerry had his chances with us and he couldn’t play at a good level consistently. I am not disappointed we let him go.
i know coughlin’s giants have struggled of late but i would take him in a heart beat over blowbin
Totally agree. Coughlin has been an excellent coach. He may be on the down side now but he got the Giants 2 rings.
This official clearly has become part of the game. 😉
ken,
i was more just busting on the o line not saying anything good about jerry. he pretty much didnt do anything here to help an o line that has sucked for years
I hear ya
Closing up here, may be back on later. If not, Goodnight all!
Its only after they leave here that players flourish. Read my posts just this AM and last night.
We’ll see all those guys we let go as we go through the course of this season.
Next up, Charles Clay who will catch a couple of 2yd curl routs and turn them up field for 70+yd gains.
Anyone know who we gave to the Jets?
Brandon Marshall is there now and playing very well.
Cousins is not looking good tonight.
football is so confusing. i just saw manning throw a pass behind his wr. i thought only tanny was the only qb allowed to throw bad passes.
Oh yes I forgot about him but since he left under this regime I guess he counts.
This morning I didnt count Dark Ritchie but I will throw him in now
Sunday he throws some hillacious block springing whoever for at least 175 and 2 TDs
Nightly Update
DOLPHINS-BILLS
GDP 27-17 MIA
N/A 27-17 BUF
Howie 35-10 BUF
Piggy 20-17 MIA
Try 24-13 BUF
Bold 27-10 BUF
MikeE 17-6 MIA
Real 33-13 BUF
AL 31-13 MIA
Stang 21-10 MIA
Gigi28-15 BUF
Cav 24-13 MIA
UK 20-17 MIA
Rock 34-17 BUF
Herd 24-20 MIA
Ken 23-14 MIA
Naples35-10MIA
Spring21-17MIA
Tim 23-16 MIA
inNY 23-13 MIA
Wyo 24-17 MIA
GO PHINS!!!
Did I tell you about Will Davis
Uh, I’ll hold off a few more weeks to tell that one again
Landon Collins looks like a player
Think I will catch the 2nd half in bed or more likely asleep. I am out. Peace to you all.
3 step drop and quick passes is the way to beat this
Armando Salguero @ArmandoSalguero
LG Dallas Thomas has struggled with his pass blocking, giving up 2 sacks, 1 QB hit, and 5 hurries in 125 snaps per PFF.
Armando Salguero @ArmandoSalguero
Backup LT Jason Fox struggled in replacing Albert. DE Jared Odrick won that matchup.