Vance Joseph
“Both win,” Joseph told me. “And I’ve been a 3-4 guy most of my career. But when you come to a place like this and see the defensive personnel you’ve got, and, in my opinion, it’s not broken, you can’t all of a sudden go to 34 where you have to re-draft to a defense. That takes time. That takes too much time.
“And I don’t want to be a guy who as a coordinator, I’m a 34 guy with 43 personnel driven team. I’m not going to say, ‘Well, let’s change it,’ and set us back two or three years. That’s not smart in my opinion. That’s not coordinating. If this team had 34 personnel, we’d be a 34 defense. I can do both. For me, it’s not a big deal to be a 34 or 43 defense, it’s just numbers. It would be a shame to come to a place that’s close to being good on defense and then flip it, then you’re three years away again. I didn’t want to do that.”
Then there’s this from VJ
“Absolutely,” he said. “Because in spurts last year, you could see they put up good stats against good people. But in spurts they also didn’t look very good. But it wasn’t because of effort or I wouldn’t say even scheme. I don’t know what it was. You watch the film and they did some really good things last year. A couple of games it got out of whack. But between Cam and those guys, you have good, solid NFL players here. So we’re capable of playing good defense. And I expect we’ll play good defense.”
OK, so I’m going to get the 800 LB gorilla in the room out of the way right now, because you know my feelings on one Mr. Suh, but heading into free agency and the draft, besides having your defensive centerpiece who happens to be a 4-3 DT, what else about our defense mandated that we’re a 4-3 defense? I’ll tell you, nothing. We began to fill in our roster before the draft with a bunch of 4-3 DE’s, adding to what we already had in Cam Wake, who we obviously believe is going to be a force with the contract extension.
Dolphins building blocks DT Ndamukong Suh and DE Cam Wake
Let’s look at the timeline . . .
We cut DE Quinton Coples 2/16. Not that Coples is a franchise player, but at 6’5″ 290, ideal for playing 3-4 DE. Coples, still on his rookie contract was due $1.75M this season, and was a $3M cap hit. We signed on 3/8, DE Mario Williams, who last year was miscast as an OLB in the 3-4 defense, and is better suited as a 4-3 DE. We then on 3/9 make the trade for CB Byron Maxwell, and LB Kiko Alonso, for the price of moving back just 5 spots in the 1st RD, from #8 to #13. A very good trade if the 2 aforementioned players play well and start for the Dolphins this season. VJ got his big CB, but Alonso is clearly a 4-3 MLB or OLB, not a 3-4. The reason I point this out, is because VJ determined what kind of personnel we acquired, so in essence, him saying we had 4-3 personnel was really saying Suh is a 4-3 DT, and we’re going to build around that. I’m not going to hide my feelings on that, you know where I stand, and hopefully, it works out.
After the trade for Maxwell and Alonso, we continued to sign 4-3 DE’s, starting on 3/17 with DE Andre Branch (6’5″ 265). We then re-signed LB Spencer Paysinger, who is a special teams and depth player. On 4/5, we signed the just waived by the Browns CB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (5’9″ 195). On 4/18, we signed DT Chris Jones (6’1″ 295), waived by the New England Patriots. Ekpre-Olomu not the prototypical CB VJ likes, but Chris Jones, fits the smaller, quicker, penetrating type of 4-3 DT he prefers.
Then came the draft, and despite the fact many of us, not of all of us expected some help for the defense, the only major defensive pick was 2nd RD CB Xavien Howard (6’0″ 201). In the 6th RD, we picked up hybrid (CB/S) Jordan Lucas (6’0″ 201), again, prototypical size for what VJ is looking for, bigger cornerbacks. The rest of the draft, 6 picks in total, went towards the offense. I’ll talk about that next week, but for now, let’s stay focused on the defense.
So, pre-draft free agency came and went, and the actual draft is over too, so the only thing left now is post-draft free agency, where any player signed does NOT count against next years compensatory pick entitlement. It appears that our first target is DE Jason Jones (6’5″ 272). Once again, adding veterans to our D-line. We will not be relying on younger players in our d-line rotation, that much is clear. On the back end of the defense, that’s a different story, but it’s clear our D-line rotation will be veteran, sprinkled in with some youth. There is no official depth chart right now, but this is how I see it.
Base 4-3 defense
RE – Andre Branch 6’5″ 265
DT – Earl Mitchell 6’3″ 310
DT – Ndamukong Suh 6’4″ 320
LE – Mario Williams 6’6″ 292
WLB – Jelani Jenkins 6’0″ 243
MLB – Kiko Alonso 6’3″ 238
SLB – Koa Misi 6’3″ 255
LCB – Byron Maxwell 6’1″ 207
RCB – Xavien Howard 6’0″ 201
RS – Reshad Jones 6’1″ 218
LS – Isa Abdul-Quddus 6’1″ 201
Nickel Defense
RE – Mario Williams
DT – Jordan Phillips/Chris Jones
DT – Ndamukong Suh
LE – Cam Wake
LB – Jelani Jenkins
LB – Kiko Alonso
LCB – Byron Maxwell
RCB – Xavien Howard
NB – Bobby McCain
S – Reshad Jones
S – Isa Abdul-Quddus
I could see Chris Jones in the nickel package as a DT, but for now, I’m going to give the edge to Phillips. I could also see Neville Hewitt being a nickel LB, so that’s possible too.
I know it sounds like I don’t approve of the way we went about creating our defense, mostly because we built it around a DT who will earn over $100M when his contract is finished. While I didn’t agree with the move, he’s here, and he’s one of the best players in the NFL, but I think he can be better than he was for us last season, and I think he’ll need to be if we’re going to contend for the playoffs. As I mentioned, we have a strong veteran presence on our defense, but there is a young man who none of us are counting on, but if he comes in with the right attitude, continues to work hard, and then the kicker, actually gets reinstated by Goodell and the NFL, Dion Jordan be a factor for us. We all hope that’s the case
As far as the linebackers and secondary, it’s going to be very interesting to see if the gambles paid off with the trade for Maxwell and the draft choice of Xavien Howard, or possibly the emergence of Tony Lippett. Will Isa be the safety we’ve been looking for to complement Reshad Jones? Was Kiko Alonso the missing cog that takes our LB corps to a higher level? If the answers to both of those questions is yes, the Dolphins should be an exciting team to watch this year, especially with what we’ve done with the offense. Stay tuned next week when I discuss the offense.
Finsmob Unleashed 
BOOYA!
Al, Freeney had a good year in 2015 with the Cards, which boasts a real good defense & secondary. But he wasn’t much the couple previous years to that in SD & his last year in Indy.
Not sure he fits the mold we’re looking for.
Besides, why did the Cards let him walk if they didn’t think they could do better at that position?
In fairness, Freeney was in a 3-4 @ Zona after most of his career being in a 4-3.
Maybe VJ will get Grier to let Dwight come here to compete & show off his infamous ‘Spin Move’.
jetsssuck says:
May 16, 2016 at 11:22 am
1/2 cup mayonnaise 4 teaspoons chili garlic sauce (sambal sauce) 1 teaspoon granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon rice vinegar and mix with 2.5 lbs 85/15 hamburger. What a great flavorful meatloaf. Family loved it and it was very easy also.
Reply
You didn’t credit the source of that recipe…you plagiarizer you. 🙄
85/15 hamburger is hard to find, it’s either 80/20 or 90/10. I suppose if you mix a package of each of those . . . lol
good one.division served u well. no,ask for it if they don’t have it.
exactly how did I plagiarize when I omited S&P and sweet sambal sauce?
Stanger, ok, will try to call ya and catch up a lil later.
As for the Fest, I will try my damnest to make it…will be on the look out for any Phins or Jills fans in my area that wanna go & that I can pool with.
A division game does sound good.
Gase will not lose to Rexy & the stinkin Bison pies.
I hope you make it bud, would like to finally meet you
Don’t need to tell you what the Fest is about. And you will make it a better one. Can’t say tix will be as cheap as last year, but we hit about the best game for that as we could.
Coples played his entire career in a 3-4 defense under Rex and Bowles. Rex played him at OLB and Bowles didn’t think he was a scheme fit and released him.
The reason VJ didn’t think we were a 3-4 defense is probably mainly because of our LBs – OLB edge rushers and not enough 3-4 type DEs. You have to add too many pieces to flip it. So the way we approached FA was after the scheme was already determined.
FEST is in the air.
Gonna be the Bills game on Oct 23 at one.
All you fly guys make your reservations. Earlier you do the cheaper the flight will be with all the snow birds and cruise folks coming to South Florida that time of year (they plan ahead).
Next step is figuring out how many in order to reserve in the group ticket section…..and the earlier we do that the better seats we get for the same price.
Already in
The Flying Pig
Hulk
Brian NY
OD (plus his lucky Penny?)
stanger
Chef Warren
Son (plus how many?)
Rock
Mike E (+1)
markeyh
Herd
Pushing hard for it
getterdone
Al in MIA
Mike E. says:
May 16, 2016 at 11:42 am
I hope you make it bud, would like to finally meet you
Reply
Thanks Mike, & likewise.
Nice friendly cost signing…Welcome aboard JJ! Come to camp & compete!
Clad we have more depth at DE, but another older one coming off injury. Have to think we’ll be doing something about that next off season.
Business Casual
Great analysis Mike E…..and you prove that 4-3 is here to stay, this season at least (even if it seems they might bring some 3-4 elements with the LBs into it).
And gotta give Joseph props for being honest on this one….cause I have no clue either.
“Because in spurts last year, you could see they put up good stats against good people. But in spurts they also didn’t look very good. But it wasn’t because of effort or I wouldn’t say even scheme. I don’t know what it was. “
Nice job mike. But I’m glad we didn’t switch to 3-4. I think if we have the right mlb 4-3 defense could be just as good if not better. IT really depends on our LB play.
Good write up, Mike. But I think we would have had to change too much personnel for a 3-4.
GDP,
I hear ya, there’s more to the position than just sacks and then there is the whole ‘age’ thing teams are always concerning themselves about….Jones is much younger and gets more playing time so the stats favor Jones at this point.
But as a specialist, someone will take a stab at Freeney I’m sure…
Hard to ignore what Freeney did last season with good players around him (SD D blows)
He got 8 sacks in 11 game appearances; lining up on 25% of the team’s 2015 snaps. (for comparison…Jones lined up 52% of Detroit D snaps last year and appeared in 15 games and only got 4.5 sacks).
God reply….I think the JJ signing was also about sealing the edge…we got sooo gashed in the run game last season…ugh!
^good reply^^^…but at least God gave you a good brain to make a ‘good’ reply. 🙂
Stanger,
VJ is lying! He knows what it was…
He just doesn’t want to throw Coyle under the bus….but it was the soft zone coverages, playing too far off man, & the lack of blitzing.
This is why VJ keeps talking about being more aggressive & physical, playing press, getting after the QB, etc.
Well if he is it is a good time to do it. No reason to bash Coyle while still pimping the talent in the locker room.
Lol, I tend to agree with you.
Tim Knight says:
May 16, 2016 at 11:54 am
The reason VJ didn’t think we were a 3-4 defense is probably mainly because of our LBs – OLB edge rushers and not enough 3-4 type DEs. You have to add too many pieces to flip it. So the way we approached FA was after the scheme was already determined.
———–
Tim, stop being nice and diplomatic about it 🙂
You and I know that it doesn’t matter what the hell you call yourself (4-3 or 3-4) because everyone lines up in both quite often.
Not entirely…a true 34 Base needs the type of DL & LB’s to run it.
The biggest difference in VJ’s scheme will hopefully be with the secondary LOL.
Coyle was terrible there.
weren’t they both secondary coaches in cinci? I think the problem with coyle had more to do with philbin than coyle. Philbin was the one I’m sure wanting a bend but don’t break defense that matched his queasy personality.
VJ was the DB coach with the TExans while Coyle was in Cincy.
Tannenbaum also said they were going to be using the 4-3 “under.” Not sure how much, but that sure does have some 3-4 elements to it.
This is also what the Phins need to do more of….as well as stopping the run too.
BTW, as you know Seattle is our week 1 opponent….so signing guys like Jason Jones, Andre Branch, Chris Jones, & Isis are an eye towards stopping the run, especially in our division vs. the Jests & Jills!
________________________
Doug Baldwin said the Seahawks will “go back to the run game” this season.
Russell Wilson attempted a career-high 483 passes last season including his first two 40-throw games. Baldwin expects those numbers to come down and his personal numbers to fall with them. “I know everybody is going to talk about the raw numbers, but I’m not going to get the raw numbers,” Baldwin said. “What I am going to get are chances on third down, so I’m going to make the best of those when I get them.”
When did we sign ISIS? The dolphins better get ready to get bombed with ISIS running around the field LOL
He’s gonna take WR’s heads off….RB’s too. 🙂
Fuck awards won on paper results 🙂
Though I must admit, I loved this draft myself.
GDP,
I think that’s true of any scheme but I’m just saying that people often argue as if it’s 1 or the other in terms of a given formation.
Teams often give hybrid looks (in any primary scheme) on a pre-snap basis and run counter to the look often to confuse the QB of course. given the investment Miami has made in current group, it is geared to 43 I will concede that.
Miami has some pieces to do both if they wish but mainly at LB/DE spots.
Dion FuckFace Jordan, if he finds time on the field instead of the suspension list, is a classic 34 OLB.
Wake played 34 OLB when Nolan was around (not good at the run then but whatever, he still played in that formation lol).
Kiko played ILB in a hybrid 43/34 scheme in his first year in Buffalo (Mike Pettine uses various gap assignments off different looks) and Williams played DE in that same scheme.
Misi played in 34 scheme in college and with the Dolphins.
But going back to the interior of the DL, the biggest investment on D is there and they have 43 type DL so there’s a big reason to stay 43 lol.
Wake is way more effective hand in the ground.
gotta see it to believe it
as optimistic as this article is
there is no mention of Dion Jordan….lol
consider the source LMFAO
BoulderPhinfan says:
May 16, 2016 at 12:30 pm
weren’t they both secondary coaches in cinci? I think the problem with coyle had more to do with philbin than coyle. Philbin was the one I’m sure wanting a bend but don’t break defense that matched his queasy personality.
——-
Well, that’s true but Coyle was a Cincy lifer and wasn’t ever around another pro team/coaching staff. He was a CB/DB unit coach his entire 10-11 year Bengals career since he joined them from Fresno State in 2001.
VJ, while also being just a DB coach his entire NFL career, has had exposure to different coaches and teams. He’s worked with Mike Nolan (in SF) and Wade Phillips (Texans) along the way.
In Cincy, he was working with a vanilla DC coach in Guenther who had not been a DC before until 2014.
Al in MIA says:
May 16, 2016 at 12:17 pm (Edit)
Tim, stop being nice and diplomatic about it 🙂
You and I know that it doesn’t matter what the hell you call yourself (4-3 or 3-4) because everyone lines up in both quite often.
************************
We’ll be in the nickel and dime almost as much, and sometimes more than our base 4-3, but that wasn’t the point I was making. It really doesn’t matter, but no one here can’t tell me before pre-draft free agency and the draft, that if we wanted to get personnel for a 3-4, that it wouldn’t have been possible. Suh is the main guy, and he prefers to be a 4-3 DT, so end of story.
Thanks for the article cliff notes
My pleasure
I agree, but there is one other small time player, that was signed, because of the team staying 4-3, Mario 😛
No chance in hell would he have signed with us, if we’re going to switch to 3-4.
Al, there definitely is some technique differences between the 3-4/4-3 but once in sub packages you can dial up all sorts of stuff.
Mike, I do agree Suh is a big reason for the 4-3 but I think he could play in any scheme.
Called my guy in the Phins tix office today. Got good news and bad news.
Bad news is that tickets for the Bills game will be more than last year……$65 for about the same seats even with the group discount. But check out stubhub…..they are going for a lot more, like one hundred plus a bit.
Other bad news is that they are doing it differently this year. He said everything is sped up a month cause they don’t have to rearrange the season ticket holders this year. We have a couple weeks to finalize our number.
Good news is we didn’t choose the Steelers game. He said that one is “off the charts.” Same seats with same deal are going for two hundred bucks each.
Other good news is just that I called…..Just meant to check out the dates for deadlines, but put a deposit down cause of the new time frames. No “draft” this year….first come first served. We ended up on the aisle in a block in Sec 315 on the side towards the 50. That’s like on the 15 on the visitors side, just like last year ‘cept other end.
Good job MikeE.
Thanks guys – Appreciate it!
Steve
While that’s true about Mario Williams, maybe he wouldn’t have been a target of ours at all if we were looking 3-4.
Stanger
I wanted at ask you about the Steelers game, and tix in general. You couldn’t be more right, the Steelers game prices are outrageous at the moment. Do you think it would be wiser to wait until closer to the game, and buy them then, maybe even game day itself?
lots of steeler fans in south florida. I have one across the street who has a room dedicated to everything steelers. He flied his championship flags in the front of house until homeowners association made him take them down.
jetssuck
They (Steelers) happen to be one of the teams in the NFL that travel very well too. They get a whole lot of fans that travel from Pittsburgh and anywhere really to see them play. I looked last night on stub hub, and the prices for the Steelers game started at $160 per ticket, while the next week against BUF, the prices were less than half.
Will not that half that for the Bills was in the endzone. 🙂
lots of steeler bars down here also. Rooney family owns palm beach kennel club/casino club also. Several steeler bars close to kennel club . Very nice fans. Maybe try ebay but then again the closer we get to game the supply of tickets available will become scarcer. If wife decides she isn’t going then I will let you be the first to know.
MIke E — it is all a game….and I am talking tix. They might be holding back seats just to build the prices now, but I trust the guy I talked too. And he mentioned that game without me doing so. He called it “sold out.” That might have been for group sections, but no doubt it is a hot ticket.
They might release more to the individual sales sections, but you’d be taking your chances on that. Four together on game day……you might have to get lucky.
My best advice is to start with what the Phins have on their site. That sets a floor they won’t go less than at least. Other than that up to you….sorta like the stock market.
Should have added in that if you are looking for better seats, you might want to wait a bit. Or at least check out if the season ticket holders have gotten their yet. Ones tend to come on the market after the tix are delivered, but then a bunch of Steelers fans might be waiting for that too. No guarantees with such.
For the Steelers game, we do want better seats. My friend happens to work for a hedge fund, and when I told him the prices, he said he thinks we should keep an eye on them, and see if more tix open up, and if the prices fall some.
He goes to Pittsburgh every year for a game, and he usually buys his tickets pretty late in the game.
Well then you are in mix different than us getting seats for the Fest. Same one I was in when I used to fly down for one game a year before I moved here.
You are then looking to buy from season tix holders in resale. First check on that is when they can sell. Like I said find when that is.
After that it mainly varies after the regular season starts. Dolphins and Steelers are hot….goes up. They aren’t….you get the idea.
To give you a bench mark, field level prime that time of year (talking btwn 30s on field level) used to go for like $250-$300…..but this is the hottest tix of the year other than the Pats. I’d expect to see cost to double that for the same seats, but you can adjust down from those kind of seats. And if you wait….then adjust more for how the teams are doing (particularly the Phins……chances are Steeler fans will tag tix to vacay plans).
We paid $85 per for tickets to the Giants/Dolphins game last year months in advance for way up endzone seats even when they were more expensive with 3rd party agencies. What’s the issue with ticket prices?
Oy Vey!
About what, that some things cost what they cost? Hey maybe someone will find tickets for $12 and all will be right in the world. Good luck! LOL
For some reason, the Steelers game is a choice game, and the prices are outrageous
It is what it is. Concerts and shows are the same way. I don’t understand what you guys are looking for?
Bad news is that tickets for the Bills game will be more than last year……$65 for about the same seats even with the group discount.
—-
You think the partial roof is going to pay for itself? 🙂
LOL — least this year can guarantee we will be in the shade.
Tim
Take a look, this on our website, but it was much of the same on stubhub
http://www.miamidolphins.com/tickets-and-stadium/single-game-tickets.html
There are Shitsburgh fans everywhere in the US.
I used to see them everywhere in Jersey (North/Central/South) as I did Cowboys fans.
You can always count on seeing Cowboys/Stooler fans everywhere in the US.
If i had to bet, the Steelers game will be sold out for sure w/ lots of Steelers fans.
However, Mike E is right about one things…Fins sales staff are full of it.
I inquired about season tix last season and then asked about individual tix…lady was using the classic pressure tactic (claiming it was in demand and soon to sell out) to get me to score some decent NE tix which i felt were high at the time she was quoting me. Weeks later she is blowing up my phone trying to get me to buy them LOL. I didnt answer but was compelled to do so and say “thought you said you guys were selling them like hotcakes?”.
Al — no doubt they try to get you, but this is my third year on group section stuff with the same guy. Can guarantee you that the later you get in the game the worse the seats are and there ain’t no extra discount for waiting.
I do agree that quibbling over 15 bucks a tix is not worth it while trying to secure something for a group event (the fest).
That’s one less grouper sandwich. LOL
If Suh wants us to play with 7 linemen we’ll play with seven linemen.
If Suh wants to play 2-hand touch, we’ll play 2-hand touch.
If Suh wants to play a 4-3 we play a 4-3 – end of story.
Hope this was helpful, and good job Mike E.
LOL Son – I think everything you said above is true. 🙂
Embrace the Suh, we’re lucky to have him.
When we were there for the Texans game it was him who ignited the team, in the first 2 series he was unstoppable, they couldn’t block him. We’ll see much more of that this year I’m sure.
I hope so bud. We need that defense to kick some ass, and I do think the offense will be better this year.
Tim
What don’t you understand about we’re looking for? The prices are high now, I’m thinking they may go down, I’m not sure of they released all the seats yet. I’m hoping the prices fall, but if they don’t, we’ll have to decide if it’s worth it.
The 85 Tim paid last year for the Giants game was the lowest I saw that ticket get, I tried to find some close to the game for that price because I would have gone but they were all well over $100
The Steelers game is crazy now. Seats like the ones we sit in for the fest are over $160 right now. I was willing to pay about $300 per ticket for some good seats, but those seats are about $600 or more at the moment.
Maybe I don’t know why, seats are usually what they are. They don’t drastically drop from my experience. They are what they are. My family’s Giants’ season tickets don’t fluctuate. They’re always the same.
Oh OK, so you just think we’re being silly hoping the prices go down. That may be the case Tim, or it’s also possible like Stanger said, that they may not have released all of the tickets yet, and when more hit the market, the prices will be lower.
85 bucks is still pretty high for a 7-9 team with no QB or draft picks for next year. I wouldn’t pay it.
You go for the Fest and hope a good football game breaks out.
You should go.
And the Fest tix this year for better seats are $65.
Watching Rock standing by himself in the rain as the Phins score and score……Priceless.
The Steelers will be a huge draw, It wouldn’t surprise me a bit if it was already really sold out.
I like that explanation Son, buy a ticket for the Fest, and hope a good game breaks out. Well said!
Meaning you hope we win in a blowout 😛
Gotta run, catch ya later!
The Fins ticket prices have changed, they reported last year the best games will cost more. Not sure when the variable rate took effect, but it seems to be in place now. You could try looking it up.
Why was Rock standing alone?
Cause all the rest of us were huddled in the back during the driving rain storm in the one area that gave us partial cover. Rock couldn’t care less….he just stayed where he was and watched the game. Keep in mind this was the 2Q of the Texans game where we just kept getting one TD after another.
The Bills Fest game could be a fun win for us after all 🙂
FOX Sports’ Mike Garafolo reports Sammy Watkins’ (foot) recovery time is 6-8 weeks.
Garafolo says the “hope” is Watkins will be ready for training camp, whereas NFL Network reported previously Watkins “should” be ready. Garafolo says the surgery was performed by noted foot specialist Dr. Robert Anderson. Garafolo adds that Watkins played through multiple stress fractures in 2015, and his surgery was done “a few weeks ago.” Dolphins WR DeVante Parker underwent what sounds like a similar procedure in early June last year. He returned for the Dolphins’ preseason finale in early September. Although Watkins’ surgery should lower his Average Draft Position in fantasy leagues, he’ll carry a concerning level of risk entering the 2016 season.
___________________________________________________
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Bills first-round pick Shaq Lawson (shoulder) is expected to miss 5-6 months.
It’s been a tough day at One Bills Drive, where the team also lost Sammy Watkins (foot) until training camp at the soonest. Lawson will undergo shoulder surgery on Tuesday. His 5-6 month timetable means Lawson will return in mid-October at the earliest, and mid-November if he needs the full six months. The 19th overall pick in the draft, Lawson is a prime candidate for reserve/PUP, which would cost him the first six games of the season.
Mike, no you’re not being silly, but what are you hoping for? The ticket has a price but maybe it will drop soon? Why?
When a game is in high demand your only hope for the tickets to go down, is if one of the teams has a really crappie record going into the game., so chances are Mike either we sucks in 2016 or the prices will just keep going up, but you already knew how supply and demand worked.
If you’re getting it really cheap then it’s a fire sale for obvious reasons. But that’s not how you plan a trip in advance. LOL
Piggy will be there at the fest with his conch ….blowing it whenever Carroo does something.
Piggy must be incredibly flexible contortionist…have you seen him do this before?
No.
I’m sure it will go something like this.
LOL
Whew, looks like the Fins averted having another fiasco by not taking Lawson in the draft
The Dolphins didn’t draft Shaq Lawson and now look, only the Dolphins would not get involved. Did you hear what Jonathan Martin had to say 3 years later? LOL
GDP,
And just like that, demand for the Bills game just died…
Wouldn’t it be funny if Stanger called and goes,
“I heard Lawson and Watkins got hurt… let me know when the price goes down”.
Finally someone saw my post and commented on it….it’s a big development for sure.
Go Phins!
Oh yeah and Rex hired his bro Rob as a defensive specialist. They’re going to play Darius at safety this year. LOL
Mike E. says:
May 16, 2016 at 3:00 pm
jetssuck
They (Steelers) happen to be one of the teams in the NFL that travel very well too.
so watch a game in a frozen, broken down, filthy city or travel out of town to any where better, especially south florida………no wonder they travel better.
Wow didn’t know Shaq was injured, that would have sent our entire fan base into a tizzy had we drafted him. Thank you bong mask… well you know what I mean.
Incidentally Suh said he was going to cover Watkins saying, “did you see how we screwed that up last year”.
Joe Philbin’s recent resume.
2003-06 — Green Bay Packers, Offensive Line Coach.
2007-11 — Green Bay Packers, Offensive Coordinator
2012-15 — Miami Dolphins, Head Coach
2016 — Indianapolis Colts, Offensive Line Coach
Seems being out HC is a career stopper.
Sparano is an OL Coach for the Vikings this year btw.
At 476 tons and over 300′ long the East Endzone outer box truss went up at the stadium.
Also on this day in 1969 Joe Robbie became the majority owner of the Dolphins.
I miss those days, Dan was a lot of fun to watch.
I did not know dis thing
»Isa Abdul-Quddus, signed from Detroit, was a Pro Football Focus darling late last season, ranking No. 1 among safeties from Week 10 on.
Well, ok then!
Anther satisfied customer!
Shaq Lawson needing shoulder surgery….I liked him, but kept touting Dodd 7 Ogbah as the better DE candidates that I wanted…..oh well, hopefully another solid crop arises for the next draft.
Wyo
I respect the heck out of you for spending time with your dad fishing. I wanted to reply to you about that but then I got sidetracked. Your a good kid, and it’s a beautiful thing in my eyes that you cherish that time with your father. You’re a good man Wyo, real good.
Good on both of you ^
One more of Suh’s guys on board.
We want Ziggy!
Stanger, I wasn’t alone! I think Manitoba and his wife were next to me. I was shit faced though. I may have been someone besides Manitoba….LOL….But the picture that got posted of me crying in the rain was taken from next to me, not behind me.
I think it was ‘toba, there were about 6 of us trying to stand under the steel beam for the light structure it was about a foot wide, lol
Think you are right…..but as I remember the Canucks also came full rain gear equipped.
Wyo
Do you see how wide open Duper and Clayton were in a couple of instances? That seemed to happen a lot, although Dan didn’t a big window, he could throw that ball into tiny windows when he needed to.
Your a good kid, and it’s a beautiful thing in my eyes that you cherish that time with your father. You’re a good man Wyo, real good.
Reply
(as Wyoming laughs to him self wickedly, knowing all along that he and his father use the flesh of their serial killer victims as bate on those fishing trips.) MMMHUUUHHAA HAAAAH HAAAAAAH HAAAAAAAH HAAAAA!
You just ran across the stage of Les Mis naked with a plunger in your ass. You ruined the moment. lol
LMAO
The plunger wasn’t really in my ass. It was a stage prop like those colapsable knives. It only looked like it was in my ass. It’s called ACTING I am an ACTOR.
…and we’re supposed to believe there is a time when there isn’t something in your ass
Sucks to be a Bills fan today
sucks any day but I guess more today
I was thinking the same thing
And btw — would have been nice to hear just one, “stanger — this is one of the very few times I appreciate how so very anal you are” out of all you biooootches.
That wasn’t really my cock in front either. It was part of the harness that keeps the fake plunger in place. My tiny little cock was hidden inside it like a Russian nesting doll. (actually two fake cocks inside it.)
Glad we didn’t draft Lawson and I liked him too
We need to issue an APB for Manitoba, where’s he been?
Good Q. Fest pillar is he.
Stanger
I truly do appreciate all you do to make sure the Fest happens, and then make sure it happens NICE! You are the Festest! Bestest!
Thanks Mike E………not as good as when you have to ask, but still better than “is the ticket price right” when I just got $90 ones for $65.
Whoa! I was never questioning the prices of the Fest tickets Jon. I was only talking about the Steelers tickets, and that’s what my questions were regarding. The Fest tickets weren’t even in question, I would have paid what ever we all decided on for wherever we were sitting. I hope that clears that up.
Mike E — was just laughing at myself for having to ask for props for doing the Fest tix right. Wasn’t about you in the least. And you were the one who did pop in. Remember the first Fest? Like $30 tix off stubhub and everyone just moved to the same group of seats. Those days are over.
ALL POINTS BULLETIN!! ALL POINTS BULLETIN!! BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR A 5’3″ Canadian wearing Miami Dolphins gear. He was last seen in the upper sections of the no name stadium in Miami taking unflattering pictures of another Canadian guy who was crying for some reason while standing in the rain.
Son
Yeah man, Manitoba has been M.I.A. for quite some time. I thought for sure during or after the draft he would have been here.
LOL @ 5’3″
That just might get him on
5’4 1/2″ ?
Rock is going to the Fest with plunger in hand.
Now it makes sense why Rock was always standing . . . lol
And crying
LOL – That plunger makes it tough to sit, it pokes you in the chest, from the inside. lol
Nice article Mike E
Thanks Ken
Bills probably wishing they still had Mario Williams on the roster now. Still don’t have a true pass rush threat even though they drafted Lawson
Jon
OK, gotcha. I would hate for you think me selfish and ungrateful, even if I am occasionally, just like everyone else. 🙂
You the man, for real!
Stanger = Fest Director for Life
Yep!
Stanger – I do remember the original Fest very well. That was fun, and I’m pleased to see it has grown quite a bit since that first one, and I was really glad to hear that FFR will be in attendance.
Who is going to see if we can have Omar drop by? LOL
Should we book a block of rooms at the Ramada? LOL.
We should, but I bet we don’t
I will wear my bow tie.
Herd would never forgive us.
Aww are you not feeling the love Stanger, come here you big ‘ol…
When do you need a final count?
Till end of the month. Least that is what I was told today. I could probably push more, but then I’d have to push…..and as is have a good working relationship going on. Push and I’m asking a favor….you get the idea.
I’ll know for sure by the end of the week. 2 for sure.
Ken says:
May 16, 2016 at 9:02 pm (Edit)
Herd would never forgive us.
It’s ok…I wouldn’t have to stay there. lol I am wondering if there’s a place that most are staying, or that any of you recommend? I’ve been on expedia, checking out flights and hotels. It would be helpful to have a few options. I don’t require much. Here are my requirements:
A CLEAN, SAFE room
On the beach, with a balcony
Mini fridge for my beverages
Pool with a bar
Is that too much to ask for?
Can I sleep on the couch? 😉
Only if it is FFR’s couch
There are plenty of those types of rooms available. If you want to pay 4-5 hundred per night. LOL
Stanger, I just now was reading about the tickets…I think you did great. Anytime you get lower than the market price, it’s good. Now, some might say closer to the game they might be lower and that’s true. They also may be higher, or not available at all. You never know. I say lock it up while you can.
Hell yeah, he got us hooked up.
Thanks Herd. And while I think it unlikely that tix will fall so far below face…..it won’t be from the Phins tix office, which means this is pretty much the only way to get us all sitting together.
Herd the laQuinta is pretty good. I’ll get you the info on it. My wife and I will stay there and I think Brian said he is too.
I think LaQuinta is where the gang stayed at the last couple of fests.
I owe Son a beer.
The availability and price of tickets as the date of the game get’s closer has a direct correlation to the win / loss ratio up to that game. Some teams it’s even harder to get “re-sell” seats than others because their teams travel so well. The Packers game was a perfect example, like half the parking lots were full of Packers colors as were the stands. Pats games and Jets game sell out a lot too.
as do the Stealers apparently
The Residence inn Il Lugano in Ft. Lauderdale is nice, clean has balconies, walk to the beach kitchens and are $150 – 200 per night depending on room type. (studio, one bedroom, etc)
It’s a little further north from where eveyone stays. (ft. lauderdale beach, but the north end of it)
http://www.reservations.com/hotel/il-lugano-suite-hotel?rc-id=1778677&rc-ar=October+21%2C+2016&rc-de=October+23%2C+2016&rc-ro=1&rc-na=2&rc-nc=0&rc-ag=0&rc-ag=0&rc-ag=0&rc-na=2&rc-nc=0&rc-ag=0&rc-ag=0&rc-ag=0&rc-na=2&rc-nc=0&rc-ag=0&rc-ag=0&rc-ag=0&rc-na=2&rc-nc=0&rc-ag=0&rc-ag=0&rc-ag=0
For this post, the part of Professor Lou is being played by Charlie Casserly: “What’s up with Miami’s defense? I’ll tell you what’s up with Miamis’ defense. They signed Mario Williams. That’s what’s up with Miami’s defense. I chose Mario Williams over Reggie Bush in the draft when I was in Houston so Miami’s defense has definitely improved because Miami has signed Mario Williams.”
So now Brandin Boykin is on the radar, eh?
5’3″ ?? Son called it ya got my attention. 🤓
Sup good man? Ya scared everyone.
Hey GDP no worries .. I did not freeze to death , and temps are spring like, relatively speaking
Hello all : thanx fir noticing my absence .. Been dealing with a kot of Life issues over the last few months and have had little energy or time left over. Yes that was me beside Rock and i believe the ine who took the infamous ” crying in the rain” pic .. Ive been reading along around this time of night when i can and am very upbeat on the coach ,draft class and FA.
Stanger : would love to make it for third in a row but with my moms state and the lack of anyone other than wife and i looking in on her i can’t commit to anything at moment..
Miss you guys and really enjoy the Fests , looks like will be a great turnout this year.. If i/we can swing it i ll be in touch. I am hoping to be around and involved a bit more , hopefully sooner than later but that is a double edged sword. Thanks again my friends.
Toba…
Doggie !!! You still up ??
Toba, sending out a prayer for your Mom, the wife & you….hang in there bud.
Thank you much it’s appreciated. Best to you and the missus.
so sorry to hear what you are going through. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Keep strong my brother.
Toba — no more understandable reason than that. My heart goes to you.
There’s hope yet of satisfying the wife.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2016/05/16/evening-news-roundup-monday/84435024/
Rockphin says:
May 16, 2016 at 9:39 pm
The Residence inn Il Lugano in Ft. Lauderdale is nice, clean has balconies, walk to the beach kitchens and are $150 – 200 per night depending on room type. (studio, one bedroom, etc)
It’s a little further north from where eveyone stays. (ft. lauderdale beach, but the north end of it)
——————————————————-
Beach is over rated. Haven’t been to it in years. Visit it once and save money renting away from it. Why don’t you guys rent a house for a week or two and split the cost. You would probably save lots of money (meals/hotel cost.) People rent out their houses down here during tourist season.I forgot the website but I will post it later when the brain finds it from where ever it is hiding .
https://www.airbnb.com/s/Fort-Lauderdale–FL?af=8781787&c=p2_d_eng_ftlauderdale_p2&gclid=CjwKEAjwguu5BRDq8uSKhaKIzDkSJACQ7WJlH5x0LtFuB-eEjwLVaNy9vz3cpiddX07yWQcwoIKu9hoCeHvw_wcB&dclid=CJqa8uTV4MwCFUsmhwodvVMKZw&s_tag=Ts1OvDE7
house rentals…..My brain is working good today only couple of minutes to sift through all the garbage.
It’s overrated when you live in Florida, just like the Las Vegas Strip is overrated to me, but to tourists they’re both great places to go.