Last year was a disappointing year for our offense. We only managed to score 19.4 points per game, and averaged only 331.7 yards per game. Both of those are too low to be anywhere near playoff contention. So let’s take a look at what we’ve done to improve our offense this season.
On February 8th, we made our first and wisest move of the offseason, terminating the contract of OT Jason Fox. On March 7th, we terminated the contract of veteran WR Greg Jennings. March 11th, we made our first effort to shore up the offensive line, signing OL Jermon Bushrod, along with OL Sam Young. Bushrod is a quality veteran OT, who played for HC Adam Gase with the Bears last year, while Sam Young was a swing tackle for the Jaguars. Both moves to improve the depth at OT, and in Bushrod’s case, maybe add in another challenger at the OG position. On March 16th, we re-signed backup QB Matt Moore.
We then signed WR Griff Whalen, formerly with the Colts, and the next day, signed OG Kraig Urbik, who started a lot of games early in his career for the Buffalo Bills, but in the last 2 years, has been a depth player, but still saw action in every game, but only starting 13 out 32 games. On 3/29, we signed TE Jake Stoneburner, and 2 days later, signed OT Ulrick John, formerly of the Colts. On April Fools Day, no kidding, we signed RB Daniel Thomas (now truly DT3, as this is his 3rd time with the team), RB Isaiah Pead, and also signed TE MarQueis Gray, formerly of the Browns, Vikes and Bills. Our last move for the offense was signing ERFA WR Matt Hazel.
It was pretty clear, this organization was not happy with our offense, and made plenty of moves to ensure the OL shortcomings of years past would not occur on their watch. Even before the draft, you have to admit we truly improved the depth on the offensive line, and would not leave our 2 tackles spots undermanned. Then came the draft . . .
Not since the dramatic fall of QB Dan Marino in the 1983 draft have the Dolphins received such a gift with a first RD pick. OT Laremy Tunsil was almost unanimously rated as the best player in the draft, although some had CB/S Jalen Ramsey rated equally or higher. Regardless, when you’re making your selection at #13 in the first round, you’re not expecting in the least to have the best prospect waiting for you to select them, but due to a social media snafu, Laremy Tunsil is ours. This was huge, not only for this season, but possibly the next decade or more. Make no mistake, despite hearing nonsensical assassinations of this kids personality, along with rumors of pre arthritic ankles, we got the best OL in this draft, hands down!
It didn’t end there though, the Dolphins were determined to improve this offensive unit, and in the 3rd RD, we selected Alabama RB Kenyan Drake. Not the workhorse of that Alabama team, that was Derrick Henry, but Drake is a very talented RB who is a shifty runner, and a good receiver out of the backfield, who also brings us special teams value, as he was the gunner on kickoffs. We then traded back into the 3rd RD, and in order to get back into the 3rd RD, we traded away TWO 2017 picks, a 3rd RD and 4th RD. The 3rd RD pick will be our normal 3rd RD pick, but the 4th is conditional, so if we are granted a 4th RD compensatory pick, that will be the pick that we give away. Either way, a steep price to pay, but I LOVE the player we got with that selection. With pick #86, the Dolphins selected Rutgers WR Leonte Carroo. Carroo is physical receiver, who compares himself to Anquan Boldin (but faster!). He has strong hands, and he scores TD’s, and was a big play machine for Rutgers. As excited as I am about getting Laremy Tunsil, I’m excited to see what Carroo can do for you, despite the fact that we have no picks next year. (j/k)
OK, so we probably went defense with the rest of our picks, right? NO! Gase was not in a daze, and his mandate to fix this offense was ringing clear in the Miami war room, as our next selection in RD 6, was diminutive WR Jakeem Grant, from Zach Thomas’ Texas Tech. Grant really is a small NFL player at 5’6″ 165, but this kid is ELECTRIC! Grant has reportedly, though not officially, run a sub 4.2 40 yard dash. The fact that he’s so low to the ground allows him to make unbelievable stops and cuts, his highlight reel is something to see.
So that’s it for the offense. NO! No it isn’t! We did draft a defensive player in the 6th RD, but never mind, we’re all about that Gase, bout that Gase, no defense . . . With our first of two 7th RD picks, we nabbed Western Kentucky QB Brandon Doughty. This kid lit it up last season, and no, not with a gas mask, on the field! Doughty completed 72% of his passes, with a high 9.4 YPA, over 5000 yards, 5,055 to be exact, along with 48 TD’s and only 7 INT’s. That’s a fabulous season in any conference, although we all understand that Conference USA is not the SEC. He has been compared to Chad Pennington, so hopefully the kid can stay healthy, unlike the great Chad Pennington. At worst, we’ve drafted Matt Moore’s replacement as Tannehill’s backup, and if the kid shows he’s an NFL caliber starter, it’s a great problem to have having 2 quality NFL QB’s.
With our final pick, our last but not least, we took UCLA TE Thomas Duarte. Another exciting addition to the Dolphins offense. I’m ready to personally guarantee that this kid not only makes the 53, but that he makes a little impact. He’s essentially a large, slightly bulked up WR who will be difficult for a LB or safety to cover. I expect he will be used as a 2nd TE or even in the slot. Duarte has reliable hands, and that alone should have him making the roster.
Overall, it was a pretty impressive haul for the offense, both in FA, and the Draft. We were very careful not to allow the O-line to be our undoing this season, as opposed to seasons past. We found many different types of weapons for our QB Ryan Tannehill, from the fast, shifty RB Kenyan Drake, to the alpha receiver Leonte Carroooooooo, to the electrifying Jakeem Grant and the sure handed TE Thomas Duarte. We’ve come a long way Dolphins fans, and of course, we need to reap the fruit of the moves we made, but I have to admit, I’m very much looking forward to see what we can be this season. I’m a little unsure if we did enough on the defensive side, but I do think the offense playing at a high level takes a lot of pressure off the defense, and now, with a veteran defense with some youth sprinkled in, maybe we’ll have a stronger backbone and resolve to not break like we did last season. All I know is, the season can’t start fast enough for me, I WANT SOME FOOTBALL NOW!!!!
I expect us to run the ball more than we have the last few seasons, and really, the run will game will be a full time participant in our offense, not just a first act. I don’t think we’ll be running the ball 40 times a game, but if it can be done to close out a game with a win, maybe it happens now and again. I know Tannehill has his doubters, but I think with adequate protection, which I expect him to get this season, we’ll see some real positive strides from our still young QB. With better protection, Ajayi and Drake running the football, Parker, Landry, Carroo, Stills, Cameron, and yes, even Duarte, I think there will be plenty of targets, and lots of success this season from this offense.
Here’s to the 2016 Adam Gase led Dolphins turning this franchise around, having a successful season, and more of those to come.
GO MIAMI DOLPHINS!
Finsmob Unleashed 
Boulder
I wanted “The Red Rocket” the year before Tanny
But he’s ours so I will root every chance I get!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dalton?
Yep all I heard was small school, MWC, Bla Bla Bla
HardRockphin Stadium. Has a nice ring to it.
Ironically Mike thinks Hard Cock Stadium should be wearing a ring
Rejoice!!!
Back back back, it’s over the green
He had a long run but his voice is gone it’s hard to listen to.
Plus same jokes since 1989
The Dolphins could use DeVante Parker to try to create mismatches in the slot this season.
Jarvis Landry is locked in as the Dolphins’ slot man, but the Dolphins want to get Parker some snaps on the inside. “I’m expecting him to be a heck of a football player, a guy that other teams fear, because he can make big plays down the field, inside,” Ryan Tannehill said. “He’s a big-bodied guy. He’s a guy we’re going to want to use in the red zone, on third downs and to stretch the field as well.” Parker’s primary job will be to make big plays on the boundary, but creative coach Adam Gase won’t leave him stationary.
__________________________
I like it….when they see the mismatch on defense in certain situations, move Parker inside & Landry outside.
And watch out for 4.2 and tiny blazing down the field
Parker could have a monster season. What he was showing down the stretch was elite stuff. He’s going to be a guy teams have to keep an eye on and Landry and others will feast off of it. Landry is the guy right now, Parker is the best skill player on the team.
We should have enough guys to where Parker should see a lot of single man coverage and that’s when it’s go time for him and RT, Chuck it up there.
That started last year. RT never had a receiver like him. Good things ahead. 🙂
That’s not how it works, teams will try to take away Parker the big play threat. I say let them, we’ll just beat ’em with someone else.
I’ve been watching some highlights from RTs rookie yr and we had 2 pathetic WRs in Bess and Hartline, sure they made some catches, but both of them were best friends with the ground like Ginn was with the sidelines.
Oklahoma Kicking against ULL
Thanks Rock, er Hard Rockphin
Carroooooooo!!!!!!!!!!
Landry model #2. He really is. The team doesn’t view Hazel as a realistic option as a #4 or we never trade up for Carroo.
Screw #4, move over Stills, big ol’ dog movin’ in!
Very possible. But I think that will be our 4 man WR rotation and I also think I know what Steve meant earlier about Duarte not having to be a STs guy to make the team – 4th TE and 6th WR.
Tim
That makes sense about Duarte.
At the least, it’s better than PS. I think he has to really perform well to be a part of the core offense early on. There’s a lot of other guys who are going to get the ball.
It saves a roster spot right there at two positions.
It starts with Tannehill, then Ajayi and Drake, Landry, Parker, Stills/Carroo, Cameron/Sims. Not a lot of touches to go around for others. This is where a Grant and Duarte have to fight for playing time. Gotta make a splash somehow on STs, that always helps. 🙂
The 4th WR might be the guy making the big 3rd down plays, he (Carroo) should be open all day in that spot.
Watching RT 2015 highlight reel and watching Brady’s, I didn’t see a whole lot of difference, except RT ran more and scrambled around more. He seems to be at his best when he has a WR open early, his first or 2nd option, doesn’t seem to hangout in the pocket too long, nor scan for 3rd or 4th option.
How many times was he rushed to the sideline to make a last option pass? I found it annoying. LOL
Far too often, but brady had worse protection, and he still got it done. That system in NE is second to none though, so let’s see what happens this year.
After watching Game of Thrones this week I feel like every one of my posts should only simply say “Hodor”
Hold the door on that thought
Hodor
wyoming,
I really don’t think anyone here is rooting for tanny to fail. I think we all want him to succeed. But we also have an open mind. IF he’s not getting it done, the FO needs to objectivley look at the situation and say is this guy the future of the frachize?
I think the pick of Doughty was partially because that eventuality.The FO also sees what we see. We have a very talented QB that for some reasons can’t get his team over the hump.
LEt’s hope we get to the playoffs the next couple of years and all this discussio
The drafting of Doughty had nothing to do with Tannehill. It was an effort to find an eventual cheaper replacement to Moore.
getterdone says:
May 26, 2016 at 6:17 pm
Agreed….just don’t ask about 2017 draft picks!
——–
lmao. I saw that you wondered how a 2017 pick could be traded in 2016 but the simple answer is that the 2017 pick in question (the ‘projected’ compensatory pick) doesn’t exist. As probable as it seems that Miami will be awarded a 2017 pick; it still hasn’t happened and there’s a very small probability that it won’t happen therefor the Dolphins-Vikes made the aspect of a 4th RD pick ‘conditional’ on whether or not Miami receives a compensatory pick in that RD.
Another way at looking at the trade is “Miami trades it’s 4th RD pick in 2017 to Minnesota but if Miami receives a 4th RD compensatory pick, then Miami keeps it’s 4th RD pick and gives Minnesota a 4th RD compensatory pick instead.”
Boulder,
I believe all franchises should always look to improve all positions including positions where established starters exist. QB is also one of the most difficult positions to project and it’s always a good idea to try and draft one that has the physical tools for the NFL game and see if you can develop them into something. You never know if you will run into a Tom Brady or Tony Romo situation. It’s like what people say about the lottery; you have 0 probability of winning if you don’t buy a ticket.
Hodor
steveccnv says:
May 26, 2016 at 8:11 pm
And last yr the same hack said how great Philly’s depth was at CB, so what does he know? Reminds me of people that take one meaningless stat and run with it.
——-
You are right but these media arseholes also run with these comments as if the off season process is complete. There will be cuts coming in the next week and more players in the market. Teams are still shopping and Miami is surely monitoring their own situation and already has someone in mind (e.g. Leon Hall) if the coaches (through OTA and mandatory mini camps) feel the young corners they have are behind in execution.
steveccnv says:
May 27, 2016 at 9:49 am
Far too often, but brady had worse protection, and he still got it done. That system in NE is second to none though, so let’s see what happens this year.
———
No bigger example than this was the conference title game last year. Brady received the most pressure he had ever received in his career in that game and yet he was one 2 point conversion away from sending the game into OT.
Tim,
What really excites me regarding the WR position this year is that the guys we have will go up in practice against really aggressive corners in Maxwell & Howard and it will push them to make catches with contact. I expect that competition in practice to carry over into games.
Yeah, like it.
FEST is in the air.
It’s the Bills game on Oct 23 at one.
We’ll get together the Sat night before and Chef Warren will be showing off his stuff at the tailgate as usghe.
Have reserved a three-row block in Sec 315 on the aisle towards the 50. That’s on the 15 on the visitors side. They are just like last year’s ‘cept other end of the field.
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 (plus bro?)
sb7mvp (+1)
You can pay me for your tix at the Fest, but need final numbers for the group by TUESDAY.
Al, GDP, and Son (on how many) — need answers to set the final number. Same for any flyers that might want in……lots of FL handles on this board (yeah thinking you Naples).
AL + bro now In!
Tim,
I read back to your comments on Howard and remembered our discussion a week or so before the draft where I said that Howard was the best run support corner I had seen of the ones that were top 10 for this draft. Your follow up was that you believed that he would be the target in RD 2 based on all the info being said that Miami wanted aggressive corners but were likely to not go after one in RD 1…and you were right.
I couldn’t be happier about drafting Howard, because I watched the other top guys and none could tackle, nor cover.
Stanger,
Count me +1 (my brother).
I don’t know if you will get an extra ticket or two just in case some extras will come but that might be a good idea.
We can probably get rid of the tickets at face value or below come game day if need be.
Awesome Al — that helps a lot. And at $65 each we are already below face value. Not looking to speculate on this though. And when you do you really need at least two more…..not a lot of people outside the group looking for a single, which makes it tougher from my end.
Steve,
One thing that has annoyed me for years about the OL is this…
Stopping the defensive rush isn’t equal among all teams.
There is stopping the defensive rush back to the QB and then there is stopping the defensive rush and maintaining throwing lanes. The Fins have been pretty bad in the 2nd part for a while and I’m hoping that Tunsil and Urbik can be effective OG for Miami to the point where they create lanes by not just stuffing the defensive rush but also pushing their guys out of the way of the passing lanes.
Tom Brady is a great QB but so many times when I watch the Fins play NE, the OL of NE leaves 7 yard windows on the slants or right down the middle.
I haven’t paid attention to passing lanes much, there was focus on it in RTs first game, JJ Swatt causing lots of problems.
Tim,
Regarding Duarte’s development, I think at the minimum he will be a viable option inside the 10 in WR sets (if his blocking skills are not up to par).
Al in MIA says:
May 27, 2016 at 11:11 am
Tim,
Regarding Duarte’s development, I think at the minimum he will be a viable option inside the 10 in WR sets (if his blocking skills are not up to par).
Reply
Yes….with the size we now have, there is no reason we can’t score a TD 85-90% of the time inside the 10.
Parker, Landry/Caroo & Cameron, Duarte, with Drake/Ajayi as the back.
That’s 5 potential receivers, 3 of which can be potential blockers/pick…and then the 5 OL & Tanny.
That’s tough for any defense to match up with that height & physicalness across those guys.
https://twitter.com/MDCheer/status/736215791536836609
https://www.instagram.com/p/BCi0DVGmulm/
Brazilian women are sooo hot….well many are.
the sausage is ready
FEST is in the air.
It’s the Bills game on Oct 23 at one.
We’ll get together the Sat night before and Chef Warren will be showing off his stuff at the tailgate as usghe.
Have reserved a three-row block in Sec 315 on the aisle towards the 50. That’s on the 15 on the visitors side. They are just like last year’s ‘cept other end of the field.
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
Al in MIA (plus bro)
Pushing hard for it
getterdone
sb7mvp (+1)
You can pay me for your tix at the Fest, but need final numbers for the group by TUESDAY.
GDP, SB7 and Son (on how many) — need answers to set the final number. Same for any others that want in……lots of FL handles on this board (yeah thinking you Naples).
Not that it matters but I’m more of a pushing hard for it. Lots can happen between now and then. But I’m trying to be positive.
Herd — no one who should be more than than you, but understand how life comes in. And you already stood up like a champ when it comes to the ticket reservation. If it helps — have never charged anyone for a seat they didn’t sit in and never had more than one ticket go unused.
Doing a fly by from work. Happy Memorial Day to all if I do not get on here before Monday. Thank you to all who have served. (RIP Dad).
You going on vacation to the Tropic of Cancer?
Bookman — you just went from library cop to Beetlejuice. Guess we said your name too many times. 🙂
Al, you were one of the others talking about Howard. I knew there were more but I couldn’t remember who. Howard has a lot of tape of him making tackles in run support and he doesn’t shy away from that. You need that from your corners. I’m looking forward to the aggressive scheme on defense. The front 4 are going to get after it, the corners are going to press and the LBs and safeties clean up.
Good to see you, Bookman. People were asking for you yesterday. 🙂
WOW just WOW – Thou do protest too much Sweet Sexy Rex. Funny how he had to turn back to his Ravens days in his Mario bashing. This is like a Trump couterpuch frenzy.
—————————–
“Player-wise, sometimes the salary cap kind of influences you. Look, I like Leodis McKelvin, Nigel Bradham. Mario Williams, yeah, but he is making $17 million dollars (in Miami) [note — over two years]. Guess what, it wasn’t going to happen. Now look, with some of the comments he made, do I wish him well? Not really. But, he’s on Miami. If he would have gone somewhere else, maybe. He’s a good kid, but I am used to some mean motherf—ers that play out there. The Terrell Suggs, Jarrett Johnsons of the world. I screwed them, too; I had them drop (into coverage), too. Not one of them bitched. Von Miller (dropped into coverage) in the Super Bowl. Why? Because that’s what’s asked of him; that’s what his job is. Your job is to play. Coaches spend a hell of a lot more time studying tape and everything else. They are trying to put the team in the best position to be successful, not an individual. Terrell Suggs, he has been the defensive Player of the Year in this league. Ed Reed has been. Ray Lewis has been. You can go right down the line. Trevor Pryce had 14 sacks as a defensive tackle. One of the most unselfish guys you’ve ever seen. That’s what it is about. I’ll never forget, I used to have Ray sell out for maybe the 11th guy on defense. Ray Lewis is going to be one of the greatest defensive players in the history of the game, if not the greatest. That’s when you’ve got something special, and that’s what we are trying to build here.”
Rex is allowed to be selfish though
asking everyone to buy into his system
Williams was really good for the Bills before Rex
part of the reason he chose to go to Buffalo as a free agent was to play in a 4-3
so now he is a selfish player b/c the new coach wants to play in a 3-4
Rex has a point, but so does Mario. Rex made a bad comparison saying those players went into coverage, because those guys didn’t do it as often as Mario or were more built for it. Who puts a 290 lb guy into coverage that much? For Mario his point is more valid, because what Rex did wasn’t working, if it was no one iwould be bitching.
All Rex had to say was “guess our system wasn’t for him, but like him a lot.”
But what does he say? Essentially, “nice kid,” “didn’t want him,” but still don’t wish him well cause even though I didn’t want him on the team he went to the Fins. And btw, “back with the Ravens had a bunch of tough-assed team players who weren’t pissy ass-bitoooches like he is.”
Well Rex you took a team that lead the league in sacks back to back years with 50+ both times and turned them into a 21 sack team. Well done! LOL
My point exactly. Rex is trying to put his spin on why he fucked up.
Thanks for thinking of me Stanger. Very slight chance of me making it.
Always open Naples — even if can’t guarantee in the seat section……..hanging out with the crew at the tailgate before and after will be there right up to when you have to head to the game.
We all know Rex is classless and afraid to admit it was his fault. This is why everyone likes Gase so much, he doesn’t put square pegs…
Now he’s got his brother with him to run their genius 3-4 scheme. I hope Mario fucks his QBs up. 🙂
Not sure why I bring this up but…..
Our cap hit on Mario Williams in 2016 is $8.5 mil.
Bills cap hit for him is $7,000,000.
But they saved $10+M
Rex points out Von Miller who is a 6-3 250 3-4 OLB to a 6-6 290 DE who’s made a career out of destroying backfields hand in the ground rushing off the edge by dropping him into coverage half the time. Pure genius. He’d probably have Suh playing MLB covering TEs down the seam because that’s what we do. LOL
I see it as all CYA TIm. More than anything his rant makes me think Williams will have a good year and make Rexy look like a fool for letting the guy go. Believe Rex is seeing that already.
Yep! Williams is tailor made to be a 4-3 DE, or even rush inside at times in a 4 man front. Williams is a physical freak at DE the same way Suh is as a DT. They throw O-linemen around and treat RBs and QBs like rag dolls when they get their hands on them. The play stops with them.
Our DL is a more veteran group now with a lot of versatility. I’m still hoping for some young guys to step up but management did a good job deepening the position. Phillips could be the guy that helps take the DL to another level. Not a lot of guys his size who can move like him walking the planet. If he becomes a guy you have to double team but you can’t because you have to double team Suh or Williams or Wake, you’re fucked. You simply can’t do it unless you play max protect all the time and that makes it easier to cover with less guys running routes.
They saved 10M and Mario doesn’t fit their scheme, so… At least that’s what Rexless thinks. How Mario doesn’t fit as a 3-4 end is beyond me.
steveccnv — I can see they thought he wasn’t worth the contract they signed him for. That’s just business. But part of that might be even he’d be good at it, you don’t pay a 3-4 DE that much. Full circle back to scheme change. Still no reason for Rex to bash him though.
I think we finally have one of those things we have faced before where some guy on Buffalo has an axe to grind with us . Carpenter, Hogan, Clay all went up there and had really good games against us. Ninkovich did that for NE also.
plus Odrick for Jacksonville and Incognito for Buffalo.
What a fantastic drive today. I was expecting brutal traffic, but it was better than usual, less than 3 hours, hardly any traffic. Can’t wait to party!
Cool man, beautiful weather by you? It’s gorgeous here.
If you want traffic wait a few hours. In the 90s I drove from NYC to Atlantic City on a Saturday morning and there was no traffic. I wondered why New Yonkers didn’t travel. LA to Vegas always has lots of traffic on weekends.
I bet Gase is busy right now studying the impressions he and his coaches have gotten off the first 3 days of real football. He seems to pay attention to detail.
The tweets seem to see both Drake and Grant as very fast.
And Omar says Branch is unblockable so far (no pads but still).
Also Stills seems to have a new seriousness and extreme focus.
I did not see anything about Caroo though.
I hear Logan threw a wounded duck off his back foot that got picked off by a UDFA.
Logan please go to Buffalo.
Tim
It’s actually pretty hot. I know part of the wedding will be outside, I’m going to be soaked by the time it’s over
Tim – you got a great weekend for the shore
Yeah sure did. Have a great time at the wedding. I have to go buy some food for later. Catch you guys later!
Least shocking news of the day.
Wonder how much money Ricky has left and how much he is popping into this.
———————————————–
The 420 Games creator Jim McAlpine has recently launched an athletic line of cannabis products and in partnership with Ricky Williams, the duo will open the world’s first cannabis gym in San Francisco, CA this November. Power Plant Fitness will be run by Williams and focus on integrative full body and mind training. What makes Power Plant Fitness unique? Members will be able to consume cannabis in the gym while working out. Power Plant also produces a line of “athletic edibles” made for pre-workout focus and post-workout recovery.
Old stereotypes are being tossed out the window as the world realizes that they have long been misled about the “evils” of marijuana. It is very likely cannabis will become engrained into American society like Budweiser, Apple Pie and baseball.
Live shot of Mike E partying
Mike E,
I guess this is one way you can avoid having a sweaty shirt
steveccnv says:
May 27, 2016 at 2:06 pm
If you want traffic wait a few hours. In the 90s I drove from NYC to Atlantic City on a Saturday morning and there was no traffic. I wondered why New Yonkers didn’t travel. LA to Vegas always has lots of traffic on weekends.
——
NYers go to Long Island beaches or NJ beaches that are further north than Atlantic City from what I remember.
They don’t gamble?
It not a real long drive for me to any Long Island beaches
You mean as the Pig flies?
it too hot right now for that
I will be bacon by the time I arrive
I hope everyone has a safe and fun Memorial Day weekend. And don’t forget
Always but to be technical, Memorial Day is for those who died.
Of course. My apologies to you.
josh houtz @Houtz Mar 3
Since being drafted in 2010, Koa Misi has made $34,939.38 per tackle.
Al,
Bortles—–35 TDs
Rodgers—31 TDs
Wilson—–34 TDs
Tannehill–24 TDs
I thought Tannehill couldn’t throw TDs because he was under so much pressure and took so many sacks? It would appear you can get sacked a lot and still throw TDs somehow. Curious….maybe it wasn’t just about his protection….
So we’re back to the same old discussion. As if something has changed since last year and today. LOL
It’s not just about sacks by the way but pressure. How many times did we see on 3rd down our OL get run over and multiple defenders are in the backfield in less than 2 seconds? No I rarely saw that. RT should have just chucked it up for a TD and hopefully not a pick. LOL
Tim,
And you don’t think that happened to Wilson, Bortles and Rodgers too?
I’m sure it did happen, but our offense as a unit was a mess. I look at the entire unit not just one guy. That’s like blaming Suh for our entire defense not being good. It’s silly.
RT’s stats weren’t bad an haven’t been for 3 straight seasons yet we treat the guy like he throws more INTs than TD passes every year when he’s actually a +34 over that time. Those are not “time is running out for him” type stats. There was more wrong with this team than RT by far but you gotta put the horns on someone.
Its not a good stat for Tannehill
its gonna take more then better protection to bring up the level of his play
I think the playcalling, particularly the situational playcalling can help him too
and if we can be a top 10 running team I think that will help too
The situational play-calling was some of the worst I have ever seen. We also didn’t execute on a lot of levels a lot of the time. RT doesn’t need this or that to be better, the entire offense needs this or that to be better.
http://www.usatoday.com/videos/sports/nfl/2016/05/27/85048810/
Tim,
Sorry, I let “Bad Randy” take over again just for a minute. I’m back on the Sunshine and Lollipop Expeess! Tanny will throw for 31 TDs this year!
51?
LOL, I’d like to see a better balanced attack and less plays that really aren’t the best play calls like really short routes that take forever to move the ball down the field. It really got to a ridiculous point. You don’t say to an offense with an OL that struggles in pass pro we’re going to line up in shotgun most of the time and not run it much. We were at the bottom in rushing attempts at 21.5 PG. That’s ridiculous.
Here’s Lamar Miller’s game by game log as a our #1 back. 6 times less than 10 rushes and 11 less than 15. I mean what were we doing?
http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/gamelog/_/id/14886/lamar-miller
Randy,
You make good points but time will tell.
As for the OL and offense…I’m hoping they stop committing stupid penalties that put the offense in some bad down and distances.
We’re 6-1 with Albert, Pouncey and James on the field together which is the most games they’ve ever played together the last two seasons since Albert and James have been here since 2014. That’s pretty telling.
Yep, now if something goes wrong with either Albert or james, Tunsil can slide in there and not be Fox.
When you have sub par guys playing on the OL in a 65/35 pass to run ratio, you’re gonna have problems. That’s why we’ve gone through the Colombo’s, Clabo’s and Fox’s year after year as depth tackles. They weren’t good enough. Then you have Satele at C with Pouncey at RG off of hip surgery getting thrown around by big DTs. But none of that matters, all QBs have to deal with pressure.
We have to get our stud O-linemen on the field together for most of the season and Tunsil should help them go to another level. I think that can change everything.
Look at the numbers.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/dolphins-blog/soflanews-proof-ryan-tannehill-perfo-20160405-story.html
I don’t think the playcalling was all that weird. I do think it was disjointed and seemed to have very little continuity, but I don’t think the actual plays that were called were out of left field. And, of course, the running game seemed to be an afterthought far too often. I really do think there is an art to playcalling and not everyone is good at it. I am hopeful that Gase will be a dramatic improvement in that area, but we’ll have to wait and see if he can handle HC duties along with devising a gameplan during the week(with the rest of the staff, of course) and calling plays on game days. It’s a lot for a first time HC to undertake.
Gotta at least think that having Gase calling the O plays will help on that end. When is the last time we had a HC do that? Thinking it was Cameron.
Yoga Pants
It is very likely cannabis will become engrained into American society like Budweiser, Apple Pie and baseball
Stanger, believe you me it already is and has been for the last 40 years
LOL — just not surprised that Ricky is the baker making Apple Pie ala pot .
Word from Abramson: “Jakeem Grant is a little guy…he’s listed at 5-foot-6, and there’s no one on the field that compares in size to him The players love him though, he’s already earned the nickname ‘Mighty Mouse’. Ryan Tannehill hasn’t stopped praising the guy, stating that he can not only help special teams, but the offense too.”
This has been a very sad week. Someone in my extended family was murdered Sunday, a good man killed in a completely senseless, random crime. He was at the cemetery where his wife was buried, the same cemetery where my grandparents are buried. In fact, I had been at my mom’s over the weekend, I stopped at the same cemetery Sunday to get the vase to have a flower arrangement made for this weekend. I saw his SUV parked there and of course had no idea it was his or that anything had taken place. His body wasn’t found until Monday morning. I was there probably 2 hours after he had been shot. I had planned on leaving my mom’s earlier but got held up by a couple of things. It easily could have been me.
And now, the POS cowardly drugged out thug who killed him, after having confessed to shooting him is pleading not guilty. There is something terribly wrong with our legal system. Why do we have to waste time, money and expense of legal proceedings on total scum like this?
Sorry for the rant.
http://www.wsaz.com/content/news/Suspect-in-Ben-Hatfields-murder-back-in-WVa-for-arraignment-380953601.html
Thats sad and im sorry to hear it, but i am glad you were a couple hours late getting there. Our legal system is very messed up and overdue for reform.
What could be worse than that? And they were so screwed up they couldn’t even figure out what they were going to do. They are toast from a legal end though….not that that will help the family any.
Herd,
Sucks to hear. Hope justice is served.
Randy, those QB’s with the heavy sacks that threw more TD’s had something Tanny didn’t have…a RUNNING GAME, better play calling, & better run defense sans maybe Jax…but they played in a horrible division which helped Bortles look a lil better than what he actually be.
herd,
I’m very sorry to hear of your loss and then the additional pain and grief inflicted on your family by the judicial/legal system. That would be horrible and very frustrating to go thru.
WOW, Herd, so sorry to read that. My condolences & prayers.
gdp
All those guys had to overcome stuff on their teams too. Most teams do every year. It’s how you deal with those issues and win in spite of them that matters. We, as a team, need to do a better job of that. I’m tired of the excuses…make plays to win f’ing ball games.
I agree, but I keep going back to the really poor schemes & play calling on both sides of the ball.
We all saw it, shook our heads, & then saw the coaching implosion as a result….that’s ultimately a good thing if Gase turns out to be the next top tier coach & not very bottom tier like we had.
I’m sorry to hear that Herd
My condolences
I hope that scumbag murderer gets the max & is tormented the rest of his days!
His very short days!
Herd sorry to hear of your loss and exposure to an animal!
Randy says:
May 27, 2016 at 4:00 pm
Al,
Bortles—–35 TDs
Rodgers—31 TDs
Wilson—–34 TDs
Tannehill–24 TDs
I thought Tannehill couldn’t throw TDs because he was under so much pressure and took so many sacks? It would appear you can get sacked a lot and still throw TDs somehow. Curious….maybe it wasn’t just about his protection….
——————————————–
don’t you know? you have to add in the fact that the defense couldn’t stop anyone. that’s another reason he couldn’t throw td’s.
in other words, it was also the defense’s fault we couldn’t score more points on offense. interestingly enough, though, even if we had a top ten D that only gave up 19 ppg we still would have lost at least 7 games because we scored less than 19.
I just got in to browse around and saw the stats for Lamar Miller last year. Those numbers for a #1 RB are terrible, on the back of that he got paid like stud. WOW! We can use whatever excuse we like but they are shocking, no other way to describe them. Bolstered by 2 or 3 long runs otherwise it would have been worse. I’m just so happy he is gone along with the coaching staff. Bring on the new season and renewed hope for us all.
Herd… so sorry to hear about losing your relative like that. My best wishes to you and all your family.
Herd, very sorry to hear that awful story. As nature hasn’t got enough punches to throw at us, stuff like that happens. At least with illnesses, there is an adjustment time, but something like that out of the blue must be a hideous shock to the system. I’m sure you’ll stay strong and be there for people. Positive thoughts your way and I hope someone is there for you too!
Thanks everyone for the nice words. As I said, this is part of my extended family, my cousin, who was practically raised with me as a sister, it was her husband’s brother. Everyone is just numb with the shock of it all. You find yourself wondering, with all the scum of the earth walking around why does something like this happen to a really good person? A completely senseless random act by total losers. I really feel for his children, they lost their mother to a long battle with cancer and then to have their dad taken in this tragic way. He was killed while putting flowers at the cemetery for his wife one week ago and will be buried there tomorrow. He wasn’t more than 20 or 30 yds away from where I was and I can’t help wondering if he might have still been alive while I was there.
Don’t blame yourself, it will eat you alive.
Sorry for your loss Herd
Herd — the bad, evil and just screwed up are out there, but luckily most folks out there are none of those. Part of the reason to concentrate on each good person who wanders into your life.
“We’ve been playing some ‘Call of Duty, We’ve actually gone out to eat a little bit. He lives right near me. He lives by the beach. We just hang out. We have a lot of time off with this phase, so we get a chance to just kick it.”
— Jenkins on his growing friendship with Alonso (guess they weren’t invited to Misis’ long night out).
been busy closing out the school year (with my youngest graduating).
I’m in downtown Houston Hyatt for a wedding and what do you know, they now a “Shula’s” restaurant. I know all the pics and balls are replicas, but MAN, I just might enjoy this wedding. I never would have expected this just a few miles from where the Texans play. lol
(oh yeah, go Dubs. pleeeeeze)
The Dubs
HERD, WE ARE SO SORRY your family has fallen prey to another mindless act of violence.–May this perpetrator be put to death so that he can NEVER commit ANOTHER ACT of violence!! — I urge you and your family to move forward from this and do your best to make our country BETTER! — And, from what I’ve observed, your best is pretty damn OUTSTANDING!! –YOU are a wonderful, caring, person. No murderer can EVER take that from YOU!!
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Back from a much needed vacation. Got to say that Savannah’s “old town” features truly amazing examples of incredible architecture from the 1700’s and 1800’s, most of which have been preserved in grand style. There are dozens of large statues depicting heroes of the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Civil War and World Wars I and II. One that caught my eye was a multi-statue tribute to the Haitian brigade that fought on the American side in the War of 1812. They took heavy casualties. But the toll they exacted from invading British troops was a factor in preserving America’s independence. Frankly, I’m embarrassed to admit I was unaware of Haiti’s role in this war, a war some call America’s second battle for independence. I’m thankful the city of Savannah went to such great lengths to make so many aware of not only this specific issue, but a whole array of events that shaped the America we know today. Our stay in Savannah was truly an educational experience of the highest order. And it gave me and my wife a greater appreciation for those who have given so much so that we may be free. It will give us more to ponder and more to be thankful for on Memorial Day.
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MIKE E.; Congrats on yet another outstanding effort. I wish I could be as optimistic as you are about the offense. I understand that a quantity of candidates have been brought in to compete for playing time in the offensive line. I’m just NOT convinced that ANY OF THEM (except for Tunsil) will actually be an upgrade. But, perhaps, a couple of these new guys will “SHOW ME,” and everything will be fine. But until they do “SHOW ME,” I’ve got to believe the O-Line will not be appreciably better than it was last year when Albert managed to play 14 of 16 games, the MOST he’s played in the last 6 seasons. –As for improving the defense, that, too, is a work in progress. –The paucity of draft picks used on the defense is a concern to me.–AGAIN, thanks for your efforts, Mike!
Randy — Savannah is a pretty cool town. Stayed near there once but never got to go into the city proper (was on our move down here and couldn’t leak the dogs by themselves in the hotel room).
Just left a message on your home phone. Thinking might talking you into making some money off your great seats and join the boys in the group section. And need to put the final number in on Tuesday. So give me a call.
Herd, so sorry to hear about your family member being murdered. That’s absolutely horrible.
This doesn’t compare to that but my mother-in-law was taken to the hospital Friday evening with shortness of breath. They say she has pneumonia. She’s been getting chemo for cancer so her body is vulnerable. She can’t catch a break. Now she’s on one floor and my father-in-law who has been in the hospital for 6 weeks in on another. Saw both of them yesterday, it was bizarre visiting one then the other and until today my father-in-law didn’t know what happened to his wife. My wife told him this morning and obviously he’s very upset. It’s weird staying at their house without either of them here.
Spend every moment you can with loved ones and tell them you love them while you can.
OUR BEST to you and your family, Tim.
Thanks, OD.
Ah Man Tim…..that’s tough all around. For them obviously first, but also for you and your wife. Time to stay strong for your wife. Might be the time she most needs you.
Herd, I just caught that you said your relative was killed while putting flowers on his wife’s grave? WTF?!!! What was that all about? I can’t even wrap my head around that. That is almost impossible to fathom. That is just a horrible story. Wishing you and your family the best.
FEST is the Bills game on Oct 23 at one.
Need final numbers for the group seats by TUESDAY (but you can pay that weekend).
We’ll get together the Sat night before and Chef Warren will be showing off his stuff at the tailgate as usghe. Have reserved a three-row block in Sec 315 on the aisle towards the 50. That’s on the 15 on the visitors side. They are just like last year’s ‘cept other end of the field.
Already in
The Flying Pig
Hulk
Brian NY
OD (+1)
stanger (+1)
Chef Warren (+1)
Son (plus how many?)
Rock
Mike E (+1)
markeyh
Herd
Al in MIA (+ his bro)
The new plus ones were both there last year. Chef Warren’s friend Story and Faux ukfinfan (aka Dameon). Seems once you’ve been to a Fest you have no choice but to go to the next.
Pushing hard for it
getterdone
sb7mvp (+1)
GDP, SB7 and Son (on how many) — need answers to set the final number.
Hello Stanger… Count Darlene and i in for 2 this year.. Any0one asking we will be aiming to book into La Quinta again, as it is close to Fest (tivities) and we have found the walking distnce liquor stores..
Look forward to it agian, and as OD put it “we REALLY APPRECIATE IT!”
look forward to a Buffalo BBQ !!!!
Absolutely and incredibly Great Toba. Was thinking the worse thing this year would be you and Darlene missing your Fest ThreePeat.
Now get the P-dog to come again.
Herd
Terribly sorry to hear that awful news about your family. What a heinous crime, but more concerned with your family and their welfare right now. My condolences, and best thoughts to you and your family. Hopefully, justice will be served.
Thank you OD!
You’re certainly welcome! We are lucky to have authors like you, the pigster, Hulk, and several others who regularly contribute to the board.
JUST WANTED TO SALUTE YOUNG STANGER for doing most of the arrangements necessary to put these fests together. –It’s one thing to talk about it. It’s quite another to purchase the group tix, arrange for the FOOD, set-up the get together the night before, and do all the little things that make the FEST a special event. JON, we REALLY APPRECIATE IT!
Well said OD! Thanks Jon!
Agreed. He’s a good man for taking care if everything as a group we are lucky to have him.
Thoughts and Prayers out to Tim and Herd on the tough and Senseless times .. Stay strong friends..
HODOR!!!!
Herd that’s horrible. So sorry for his family. So senseless.
Stanger, my group is 6 for the fest.
Man this thing is getting YUUUGE.
Just to make sure — that is Son (+5)?
Stranger…. We will be there.. Me the wife and Phin Pup… 😎 Great talking to you earlier !!!
P-Dog — just really happy the Dog family will be there again.
Stanger… Frickin auto correct..😳
Baseball has some messed up stats. Liberatore of the Dodgers faces 2 batters, his first he gives up a triple and the tying get run, his second he gets the third out, Dodgers score 2 in 9th to get him the win. Meanwhile KerShaw strikes out 10 and one run thru 8.2 and gets a no decision.
FEST is the Bills game on Oct 23 at one.
We’ll get together the Sat night before and Chef Warren will be showing off his stuff at the tailgate as usghe. Have reserved a three-row block in Sec 315 on the aisle towards the 50. That’s on the 15 on the visitors side. They are just like last year’s ‘cept other end of the field.
Already in
The Flying Pig
Hulk
Brian NY
OD (+1)
stanger (+1)
Chef Warren (+1)
Son (+5)
Rock
Mike E (+1)
markeyh
Herd
Al in MIA (+ his bro)
Toba (+1)
Phindog (+2)
Pushing hard for it
getterdone
sb7mvp (+1)
GDP and SB7 — will be calling to set the final number for the group section TUESDAY.
Greene can’t take it any longer (Fitzpatrick situation), wah!
Greenie
Gonna be funny when they overpay him and he plays like he has most of his career
I wouldn’t count on it, they’ve got a good offense, 2 big WRS that get it done and good RBs.
Happy Memorial Day
Nice group for the Fest this year. Props to Stanger for taking the lead.
Thanks to you, OD, Mike E and Son, much appreciated. You guys keep the board going week by week. Just my part…..way I see it.
Happy Memorial Day to all!
Thank you to all who died defending our country, to all who are still here who have defended our country, and to all who still defend our country, and provide us with our freedom and liberties.
UP AND AT ‘EM before 7 AM this special morning. FIRST thing I did was to hang a very large version of Old Glory from the front of our house, along with a smaller version placed near Mrs. OD’s flower garden. –Then I pondered my incredible good luck in surviving my time in the service without a scratch, while others made the ultimate sacrifice. It is a humbling experience, to say the least. If you have someone in your family who served, please give them a hug and a huge “thank you.” They have earned it.
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MY ALMA MATER, Florida Atlantic, was assigned to play in the NCAA baseball playoffs at the Miami regional in Coral Gables this coming weekend, along with Stetson, Long Beach State and host Miami. I’ll be working a convention in Jacksonville this weekend and, thus, I’ll be unable to see my guys attempt to defeat “The Evil Empire” again. Earlier this season FAU and UM split two regular season games played in Coral Gables. IF these two rivals meet, again, in the regional finals, I’d expect a close and highly competitive game. But I would NOT totally dismiss a very worthy Long Beach State team that has proven it can play with and beat highly ranked teams. It should be a very lively regional.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/dolphins/2016/05/30/dion-jordan-miami-dolphins/85155838/
Good article on Dion FF
I think I am ready to drop the FF
I will drop it when he shows it to the team
KEN; I asked someone
“Who has a better chance of bring an NFL star – – Dion or Johnny Manziel?”–His answer was “A goose egg for both of them.”
“being” an NFL star.
Yeah, good article. If all of it is true, then I expect him back by the time camp opens ready to kick someone ass. Again, if true, and he really has cleaned up his life, the hard part is about over, going through the rehab.
Being out of the game for a year may have done him some good.