from Stanger
Q -Two big wins. One against a possible SB contender and another over a squad that was on a real roll.
But two things in common — cold weather teams playing at The Rock. Yes know the O-line is finally the one we planned on and Ajayi is playing lights out……but could we have been getting a heat factor bounce?
stanger
I think the teams we played, Steelers and Bills probably wore down in the 2nd half somewhat due to the heat, but those long drives we’ve pounded the Steelers and Bills with just wear any team down in any temp. If we only ran well in the 2nd half, sure, you could say the heat was more of a factor, but we ran from GO against both teams.
No reason to minimize what we’ve what done against 2 quality teams. The Steelers beat the Redskins, Bengals and Jets, and dismantled the Chiefs 43-14. They’re no joke, and we if it weren’t for a couple of dropped TD’s and a penalty that cost us another TD, we would have blown the Steelers out by more 20 points ourselves. On the Bills 4 game win streak, they beat 2 excellent teams in the Patriots and Cardinals, and really blew out the 49ers, so the Bills were playing good football coming into our house.
I’m very interested to see how our team comes out of the BYE week against a tough divisional opponent. The Jets always give us fits, and it’s almost a guarantee that we split the series with them. The Jets earned a big win last week against the Ravens, and they have the talent on their front 7 to make it very tough for Ajayi and our run game to succeed. Big test for sure, probably for the big 5 (O-line) who have playing extremely well, Ajayi, and then Tannehill if the Jets stifle our run game. Will he be able to step up and handle the load on his shoulders, if he he has to cary the team on offense w/o a successful run game. It will also be a big test for Adam Gase, to see if he’s willing to commit to the run the entire game, even if it doesn’t yield early dividends. I’m hoping he sticks with it, or Ryan really comes through in his big test if Gase doesn’t.
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from Doggy
Q – Mike E,
Will Jay Ajayi make NFL history get his 3rd consecutive 200 yard against the Jets ?
Phindog.
Man, that would be something for the ages brother! I don’t think so, because the Jets do have a lot of talent on their front 7, including Muhammad Wilkerson, Leonard Williams, Sheldon Richardson, and ILB David Harris. ILB Darron Lee is a smaller that guy flies all over the field, but he hasn’t really made a huge impact yet. Both CB’s tackle well, Revis and Skrine, and S Calvin Pryor does as well. The Jets will most likely be looking to stop Ajayi and the run game so although I believe we need to continue to the run the ball, and not be one dimensional, we’re not going to have the success we’ve had the last 2 weeks. I’d be thrilled if Ajayi got over 100 yards, and if he does, I think we’ll come out on top over the Jets. 200 yards is a luxury, but I’ll take 20-25 carry 100 yard game from J-Train.
The Jets are 2nd in the NFL in rushing yards allowed, giving up only 74.1 rushing yards per game, so as you can see, we have our work cut out for us. Like most stats, they are skewed, because although the Jets have been stopping the run, teams have had their way against them through the air, with a 6th worst 283 yards per game average. It’s easy to deduce that their run against stats are so good because teams are just throwing all over them, and that’s probably somewhat true. I say we still run the ball, control the clock as best we can, and RT will need to make the most of his opportunities passing the ball.
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from Tim
Q – Okay so what area of the team do you see the next jump in improvement coming from off the bye? Thank you!
We’re getting some bodies back, and Earl Mitchell will be a boost to the D-line rotation. Mitchell isn’t Suh, but he’s a solid contributor who has been missed. It’s great to be able to rate quality people in and out of the game, so there isn’t a huge drop off when you go to your 2nd string players. With Julius Warmsley being waived, It’s very possible that Mitchell will be back for the Jets game, which makes a DT rotation of Suh, Phillips, Mitchell and Jones. The defense has already improved by the sheer differential in T.O.P. the last couple of games, but a better D-line will make it even better.
I think ST’s will also get a boost with S Bacarri Rambo and Zach Vigil’s return. We’ve been struggling on ST’s quite a bit, both in protection on FG’s and punts, as well as coverage on kickoffs and punt returns. I’m hoping those 2 guys will make a difference.
In the secondary, if Chris Culliver can return to his previous form, he will give that unit a boost. It’s also possible that Bene’ Benwikere will make the depth better too. With Xavien Howard out indefinitely, we need all the help we can get!
As I mentioned in my reply to Doggy, I’m hoping our passing game can build off the success we’ve had with the run game. I’m not saying Tannehill has to throw the ball 30 times, but if he can get some quality throws out of maybe 25 throws against the Jets, who are awful against the pass, that would be great. The Jets defense is stingy against the rush, but like I also mentioned, that’s a little misleading due to their inability to defend the pass. The O-line will need to do as well as they have run blocking in pass protection, because if we can’t run, the Jets will be bringing pressure to rattle Tannehill.
In order, those are the units I expect improvement from . . .
D-line
ST’s
Secondary
Pass offense
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From L to R, Chef Warren, Billy (PhinPup), Manitoba, Piggy, Stanger, Mrs. Doggy (Front), Bob (Rear), OD (Middle), Doggy (Front), Ken (Middle), Bookman (Rear), Rock (Front), Son (Rear), Mike E. (Front), Mrs. Son (Rear), Brian in NY
Hard Rock Stadium – Sunday October 23 – Pre Game
Dolphins vs Bills – National Anthem
Dolphins vs Bills – Game on!
Panorama shot – Stadium is NICE!
Mrs. Hand shows some Dolphins pride!
Doggy (#54) and Toba (#13)
Mr. Wisconsin – Bookman himself (And his keg sized mug!)
Rock at Hard Rock Stadium
Chef Warren serving up the mmm, mmm
Brian in NY working on his wife so he can stay in FLA for the Jets game, explaining how he’s solely responsible for the 2 game win streak
Go AJAYI!!!!!
DOLPHINS WIN!!!!! ZERO turnovers entire game!
Last, but not least, our Fest Chairman, Stanger! Thanks again bud!
There are actually more pics, just a few, but I didn’t want to overload the page, I may have already done that. Due to all the pics posted, we will have to forego the OHOTW. I sincerely apologize. I know she will be sorely missed. For those of you who were unable to attend, please try your best to make it next year, if possible. You won’t be sorry!
Finsmob Unleashed 
Son, Telvin is one of my defensive players on my FF team and he’s doing just fine tonight! I should thank you for that. I remembered you talking about him is how I ended up with him.
That’s cool.
With a wife and two daughters I’m not used to women listening to me, lol.
LMAO!!!
Maybe Tennessee is pretty good
We looked bad against them too
Mike E. says:
October 27, 2016 at 5:08 pm
http://dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com/
Dolphins fans are petitioning to keep the Throwback jerseys. I love ’em, so I would sign it.
———————
A few teams have done that in recent years. The Jest come to mind off the top of my head. So why not us? I wish the fans could get something together to get the team to switch back. I LOVED the throwbacks. The colors were better. The Helmet was WAY better. All around better look.
In the future they can bring back those orange uni’s from a few weeks ago and instead of calling it Throwback they can call it throw up Sunday.
Cav, if they switched back all this new logo stuff everyone has will become collectors items for our grandkids.
Sounds good to me. 🙂
son of a son of a shula says:
October 27, 2016 at 10:57 pm
In the future they can bring back those orange uni’s from a few weeks ago and instead of calling it Throwback they can call it throw up Sunday.
jesus christ all you do is blame thill for eve…..oh wait you said throwback…..nevermind
Ken says:
October 27, 2016 at 10:15 pm
No. Never. I never thought he was on par with Tannehill’s level of talent.
well at least his girl is on laurens level so there is that
I said something nice about Tannehill the other day. And nothing bad either.
I said he hands off really well.
We’re not responsible for your Lorna Doone cookie infatuation. 😉
Awesome pix from the fest F’ers. Glad you saw a great game and LOVE Bookman’s mug.
Very jealous I didn’t get to try Jahndoh’s beers too!
Glad Phindog made it home and got back on his drums too
https://v.cdn.vine.co/r/videos/06C1D9C28D1193625391508623360_3dc3e4fa36b.2.1.14310722812514688722.mp4?versionId=S7ZHz35.X7kb0lVhugXXHBAJ9r86AMAM
OK, that paste didn’t work let’s see if copying the tweet does?
Happy Birthday Herd, all the best
Happy b-day from across the pond Herd!
You made that rather quickly UK, fine job
Happy Birthday Herd!!!
Kong
Admittedly, I just bought some Dolphins Fatheads (logos), so if we changed back to the throwbacks, that would make them obsolete, but it would be worth it! I love the throwbacks colors, and YES, the helmet looks so much better with the classic dark orange and aqua stripes
Happy Birthday Herd !!! UK.. That is cool ..
(Singing)
Happy Birthday to Herd 🎤
Happy Birthday to Herd🎤
Happy Birthday dear…..
(Piggy looses it)
Squeal squeal squeal
Oops don’t after ask a Piggy to sing for very long
🎂
We ain’t the only ones who get upset on game days. Here is what Csonka told Mando:
“Trust me, “in the last eight years I’ve destroyed at least seven or eight TV sets trying to watch the Dolphins — where from as far away as Alaska I stuck my foot through the TV a couple of time because I was so pissed because of unnecessary errors and penalties.”
Good article — And yeah he is happy with Ayaji and the run game these days.
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/armando-salguero/article110901352.html
Randy
While I totally agree that it’s a passing league now, it always seems the best teams run the ball and play defense. No matter how many rules favor the pass game, the teams that are in the playoffs are able to run the ball and make stops on defense. We’ll see what happens when the run game falters, if the O-line can protect well enough, and if Tannehill can make the plays to win the game. If he can, then that’s all I care about. He just has to make a enough plays to win.
That’s how the broncos won it last year
happy birthday herd. Hope you have a great day!
Awwww…..thanks everyone! Good thing those are only cyber cakes. I wouldn’t be able to fit my ass on the blog after all that! 😳
Happy Birthday Herdfan!!!
Happy Birthday Herd! Are you still 29? 😉
Only in my mind
Boulder
That is how the Broncos did it, in fact, their QB play for most of the year was far worse than ours. If we win, it will be because we’re balanced enough to win either way, and our defense is good enough to keep us in any game
That’s how the Broncos are winning now. They play well as a team in all phases.
That’s how we won the last 2 games. I know we’re not going to be able to run for 200 yards every game, so Tanny will have to make some more plays down the line, or the defense will have to be even better.
A lot of run heavy teams have had success in recent years
Seattle, Carolina, Denver & Baltimore come to mind
The pundits usually say “balance”
But if you run for 200 and pass for 250
That’s not balance that’s run heavy
No one runs the ball for 400 yards but plenty of passing teams pass for 400
There is only one team that comes to mind that has success passing a lot and it’s the cheatriots
I think a physical run game is actually more likely to lead to consistent winning these days
You need balance in that you need a Qb can make plays or pass for big yardage if the defense is stopping the run
And I think we have that with Tanny
I can argue (and do) that Tannehill lacks some fundamentals
And I don’t want to see him pass on a regular basis like he is Drew Brees
But I think it’s crazy to think Tannehill can’t make plays (he has) or avoid turnovers (he has)
Run heavy suits a Tannehill lead team IMO
And run heavy wins in this league
I think we have to stop pretending their is a formula or mode to being a contender
You have to score more points that the other team – and there are a lot of ways to do that
🐷
Oink to that!
Quite so Pigster! The Saints throw the ball over the place, and I’m sure they lead the NFL in passing yards, but what they don’t lead the NFL in is WINS, at 2-4. Just checked, they lead the NFL in 339 passing YPG, and 2nd in total offense, at 421 YPG. Running the ball takes pressure off the defense, because if you run well consistently, you’re using up the clock, and the defense is on the field less. 🖑
LOL @ that little box at the end.
ON my phone it shows up as a hand, but on my computer, it’s a box. lol
I don’t see anything at all
I see fields
fields of bacon
and I hear the crying squeals of thousands of piggies lost to savage humans
Mike – You BASTARD!
No hand? ✋
Wasn’t Bacon Fields our punter a couple of years ago?
piggy,
Minnesota is another one of those teams. They run a lot and have good success.
mmmmmmmmmmmm fields of bacon
Jesus Christ! you cannot google anything without some kind of porn popping up.
I just googled Fields of bacon and clicked the images tab and it is full of porn that would get me called into the HR office!
Bacon flowers. That’s a plant I’d grow in my backyard
herdfan says:
October 28, 2016 at 3:35 pm
I don’t see anything at all
words mike e has heard women tell him his whole life.
“are you done yet” also applies
Happy Birthday Herd!
Rob
At least it works, not important whether they can see it or not
Mike E. says:
October 28, 2016 at 5:55 pm
Rob
At least it works, not important whether they can see it or not
lol, the good ole adage, ‘hey i am in this for me, you take care of yourself’
Thanks again to everyone who wished me a Happy Birthday. You make an old girl feel kind of special! 😊
Happy Birthday Herd. Who you want Hulk to smash for your birthday?
all you guys thanking jahn for his beer. that was nothing. he took a had full of hops and barely and made beer to give some of you losers a beer or two. i was more impressed when he took one fish and a loaf of bread and fed thousands
Fuck that the beer was better
Ken says:
October 28, 2016 at 9:07 pm
Fuck that the beer was better
you are a green fool who cant keep his clothes on, what would you know.
But I thought that’s the way you wanted me
Ken says:
October 28, 2016 at 9:13 pm
But I thought that’s the way you wanted me
and this is what happens when attorneys think
Mmmmm, ain’t M. Special
+1
Ken says:
October 28, 2016 at 8:52 pm (Edit)
Happy Birthday Herd. Who you want Hulk to smash for your birthday?
Is there a limit on how many? 🙂
1 per year so 25?
You are special Herd.
God bless you!
Bill Murray just killed it. Lmao
Jets games so far this year the running D has looked something like this :
Bengals 9 carries for 59 yards
Bills 15 for 59
KC 20 for 75
Seahawks 18 for 58
Cards 22 for 111
Pitt 20 for 6
Ravens 8 for 10
This info is from ESPN game recap,
Not the whole story but it paints a pretty good picture
Going to be a day’s work , that’s for sure
Key to Jets game imo is to stick with the run but find a way to isolate Stills on Revis and take a shot or 2 down the field. Revis is still really good but he can struggle to keep with the very fast WRs in this league.
Those numbers are pretty off. The Jets are ranked 2nd against the run but teams have had some success running on them. Especially ARZ 35-171. I do think some of it is that teams feel they can pass on the Jets and have, they are 25th against the pass.
DCoral
I’ll take what the Cards did, and I think we can do that too. I just don’t want to be forced to being one dimensional, although if we do, it would be nice to see RT shine against the Jets, that would be a huge confidence builder.
If the OL keeps playing the way they have and progressing I think we can run and pass on the Jets.
You want to think the Phins can ground and pound their way to the playoffs behind the newly healthy O-Line? All you need to do is check out this Sporting News article….and it includes a bunch of our best running plays last Sunday.
Guess the title says it all. — “Dolphins suddenly can dominate anybody at the line of scrimmage”
http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/news/miami-dolphins-offensive-line-jay-ajayi-fantasy/ocwlbspslaw11vcgqy11938so
It’s night and day from what we’ve had in the past.
It is the OL we always thought we were getting the last years…..and then all of a sudden we did (last two games at least).
Yep and then give props to the rook Tunsil and the vet Bushrod this year. They’re both settling in at guard which has been the most problematic of the group despite the injuries at tackle and center.
Now in my mind would change that to “guard which has been the most problematic of the group despite….” all the high-round guards we took. But then guess Gase came to the same conclusion and took care of all of them in one day.
Stanger, the 3rd and 4th rd aren’t really considered starters. They’re usually slated as backups/role players/STs and potential starters down the road. They don’t always pan out. 1st and 2nd rd should be starters right away or sooner than later. The 5th rd on are STs/developmental/sleepers.
Guards in the third and and fourth are in like top ten at position chosen and should be starters or maybe a year away. We ain’t talking tackle on that one.
Yeah but teams go through a lot of them to find the good ones. Along the way UFAs win jobs and end up being 5th year big contract guys. The formula is all over the place.
We have 4 1st rd picks (3 of ours and one UFA) and a former 4th rd pick who was a two time pro bowl LT playing RG. The talent is there, that’s the difference. This has only been two weeks. Imagine if they can all stay on the field with more chemistry and confidence moving forward.
“Yeah but teams go through a lot of them to find the good ones.” Some do at least.
And for sure our O-Line is huge on track record, but then it should be. We spent three firsts and a huge FA contract on it. Ain’t complaining about the way they looked the last two games one bit…..but guessing not too many teams have more invested in theirs (even if you want to pop in FA dollars v draft invest). And that does not include the 3 guards we cut young.
So am pleased as punch, even if I worry about who is behind them. Healthy is good.
LT Albert 6-5 315
LG Tunsil 6-5 315
C Pouncey 6-5 300
RG Bushrod 6-5 320
RT James 6-6 310
Not small men, not overly heavy but more athletic guys. There are 4 guys on this OL who do, can and have played LT.
Do you guys think we go with BA at LT next season, or try and go with Tunsil at LT, and find a LG?
Who knows? Albert will be done with his guaranteed money though next year. So depends in large part on how he plays and if he is worth his ten mil.
I agree that how he plays the rest of the season out, and IF he plays the rest of the season out will be big on determining whether he’s back next season.
Too early for that. Why fuck with it until it’s not viable? Albert and Pouncey are signed through next year, Tunsil is a rook, Bushrod is re-signable and James has another year before being a UFA.
Stanger, Dallas really invested in their OL. We started looking like them the last two weeks.
The bye week might have come at the perfect time for this team. The coaches get extra time to evaluate the team before game planning for the next opponent. The team gets to see the same thing. Throw out the bad and build on the good. Let guys rest their bodies for the 2nd half off a 2 game win streak. The team is on a high and building confidence.
That said, a loss of any kind even a solid performance against the Jets would change everything. Instead of 4-4, 2-1 DIV and 4-3 CONF we would be 3-5, 1-2 DIV and 3-4 CONF. Another big hill to climb. This might be the most important game of the season being the 4th home game in a row.
Dallas very well may have more in their line, was just pointing out that we have a whole bunch
And much as I like seeing the team do better (and beat the Jets), playoffs is the last thing on my mind.
We are 3-4. Figure you need at least 10-6. To my mind means we need 7-2. And I watched the first five games.
Beat the Jets I’m thinking playoff run. Lose, we’ll see.
Loss to the Jets would end it no doubt. Would still need 6-2 even if we win though (just to hope for tie-breakers most likely). Nothing wrong with hope though.
This is what we’re seeing. Watch the OL if you can and not just Ajayi. The movement and 2nd level blocking is really good. It’s basically trap stuff, seal guys off for a second and the back is through. Ajayi then does the rest with his skills. Great combo!
Ajayi is motoring, doesn’t even slow down a millisecond, because he has running room almost every carry before he’s even touched. Amazing!
Tim,
I think you summed up the importance of the Jets game really well. If it is a win, it sets the Fins up nice for a second half surge that includes winnable road games imo. I think most of us thought a 3-1 home stand would be excellent, and they have that chance, with a bye week to boot.
Thanks, it’s a huge game.
Cubs fans must be starting to feel really anxious.
Watching D Watson on Clemson. 2nd time I watched him and I keep coming away disappointed. He misses some easy throws
On Wisconsin!
Got to admit there is nothing like watching the refs change a game. Who wants to watch the players play I want to watch the refs win the game.
You mean like the bogus call in the FSU game?
bookman11 says:
October 29, 2016 at 11:42 pm
You mean like the bogus call in the FSU game?
yep, nothing is more exciting in football then to see the refs
Sure would love to see this kid Cook in a fins uniform next year.
If he’s available in the 3rd rd, yes.
Horrible call, then compound it by calling a penalty on the bench when god forbid the coach tells them they are wrong.
Bookman
it changed the game. like i said everyone loves watching the refs effect the outcome of the game
Yet they still have a chance
FSU shooting themselves in the foot
That was one of the most amazing games I have ever seen the refs play. Hope they go all the way
It’s game day bitc….oh wait a minute
It’s catching up on yard work because I’ve been in Miami for two straight weekends day bitches!
Bye week for the Phins and still fest recovery time….what can one offer?
Check you FF line-up. You have half an hour before the one o’clock games.
You never know who might not be there…..just learned my man Randall Cobb is out on both my teams (unlike what they were saying yesterday).
New post up
The long awaited day is here
Where is it? I don’t see it
Stanger
This particular BYE week has killed me in FF. My fault, I was too busy worrying about the Fest to realize I have about 5 players out this week. Big ones too, like Landry, Ajayi, Antonio Brown, Sterling Shepard. OUCH!
It’s there. I don’t know why it doesn’t show the title and link at the top of this page yet
I always liked Gillislee. I hope he has a big game.