from Stanger
Q – If you were the offensive coordinator for another team — how would you be thinking about attacking our defense?
Anything change if you are Raven’s OC Marty Mornhinweg?
stanger
I like this question. When I look at the Dolphins defense, I see weaknesses in the LB’s and also in the secondary. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not knocking our boys (Maxwell, Lippett, McCain, Abdul-Quddus, Thomas and Rambo, and Alonso at LB), but I think if I’m going to look for weak spots, that’s it. Our defensive line has been solid, especially Suh, who has played great this season. I thought Mitchell was going to bring a spark, but he may be rusty, and Jordan Phillips has been awful quiet lately.
I would run Terrance West a lot, make Wake play the run, and try and tire him out, since he’s become an every down DE. I’d also try to exploit Lippett, and although Mike Wallace is a bit older, I always respected his abilities, and yes, even defended him while he was here. Mike Wallace is the type of receiver that could give Lippett trouble, because he can go right by him. Flacco can throw the deep ball, so I would take a few shots after running Terrance West, maybe a play action, or just take a shot deep.
I would also look to get Pitta involved in the passing game. Besides Alonso, I don’t trust any of our LB’s to cover Dennis Pitta, including Neville Hewitt or Jelani Jenkins. Those are the guys I would try to isolate. I would not be surprised to see Pitta have a lot of opportunities and touches against us Sunday. I hope our guys are up to the task! Besides Pitta and Wallace, we better watch out for RB Kenneth Dixon out of the backfield as a receiver. Again, our LB’s (except Alonso) really struggle there, so I would also prey on the LB’s trying to cover Dixon.
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from Piggy
Q – Oinks to you Mike and my compliments on consistently offering us a weekly Ask Mike.
What a great win streak. Lot of clutch plays. Kiko Alonso returns an INT for a TD, Parker scores a 4th qtr TD, Drake returns a kickoff for a TD, Kaepernick is tackled to save a necessary winning TD.
Hey what’s with the absence of a game winning FG? Isn’t it odd to you that we have all these close wins fueled by clutch plays and no last second FG?
Do you think that is a reflection of this team? Does this team have a killer instinct that teams under coaches like Sparano did not have? And what am I supposed to do with all the pictures of hot dogs I have?
Trotters Forever
Sir Pigsgerald Oinkustus Bacon De La Chuleta
Thanks Piggy, it’s truly my pleasure to write for all of you here, you people are what make this blog happen, it’s just my little contribution to it.
It is odd Piggy, but I think you nailed it at the end. Do you really want to put the game on the hot dog man? Actually, it’s not just that, but I do think that’s part of it. I do think Gase is much more aggressive, and more sure of himself than either Sparano or Philbin. Gase really does impress me with his resolve. I think like the best coaches, once he got comfortable, learned the personnel here, found their strengths and weaknesses, he devised a gameplan, and is confident in implementing it with the guys he employs to implement them.
I think John Harbaugh is an excellent coach, but I feel extremely confident having Gase go up against him. I never felt like that with a Sparano or Philbin led team. I think Sparano had the team play for him, but he was never a great strategist, and although Philbin may have been an intellectual coach, I don’t think he ever had his players behind him, nor do I think he ever outcoached the opposition. I think the players believe in Gase, and I think they feed off his confidence and energy. I LOVE THAT!
So to specifically answer, I do believe that Gase doesn’t feel like he wants to put the game in the hands of an unproven PK like Franks, so he finds other options to get the score. Know your strengths!
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from Tim
Q – So which player do you feel needs to step up down the stretch that can give us a jolt we haven’t really had yet? Thank you!
There are so many Tim, there really are. I think if Mario Williams gave us a taste of what he used to be back in 2014, just a hot stretch where he can consistently get pressure and get to the QB, that would be huge. Right now Andre Branch is getting the job done, but if Williams rotates in, he’s a bystander almost all the time. 9 tackles and 4 assists, and 1.5 sacks is what we got. Seems like all the bullshit about not being used properly in BUF was just that, bullshit.
If Jelani Jenkins could ever get really healthy, and give us the play he gave us his 2nd year. He was all over the place, making tackles, getting a few sacks, he made an impact! That would be HUGE, but I’m not counting on him or Mario to give us that.
More obvious ones though would be to get Branden Albert and Mike Pouncey fully healthy for the rest of the season. I think Tunsil will be OK, but those 2 guys worry me more. Out of all the things I would wish for, I would take those 2 guys playing out the season healthy (as possible), and being as effective as they were in the first 2 games we had them all assembled. We do that, we’re playoff ready, and can beat most teams out there.
If I can stretch your 1 player to 2, maybe 3, (3 if Tunsil really is more hurt than I think he is), then those guys getting healthy and playing well would be my choice. If it’s just 1, give me Branden Albert healthy. I think we can make do.
If you want more of an unsung player, one hasn’t really done much to this point in MIA, I would say Kenyan Drake. We’ve seen what he can do as a returner, but I’d love to see him used more as a receiver out of the backfield, and even getting more carries. Nothing like a home run threat getting touches, and he is a home run threat. I know some would like Grant, but I think Drake is more ready to handle it now, but I do think Grant also has a chance to grow here next year, not in height (LOL), but in preparedness and being ready to handle more opportunities.
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from Prof Lou
Q – are we 7-5 and tied w/BUF after this game; do they find a way to upset OAK? Do we stay ahead of BUF in the East or do they catch us and finish 2nd?
No way, we are 8-4, because we’re going to beat those birds! I respect the hell out of Harbaugh, but Gase and the Dolphins are up to the task, and the steamroller keeps rolling! Payback is a bitch, and it’s our turn to knock the ravens out of playoff contention. In 2014, we were in a very similar situation record wise, we were 7-5, and playing the Ravens to stay alive for playoff contention. That game was awful, and in typical Philbin led Dolphins teams, we froze in December, despite hosting the Ravens in MIA. We actually started that game OK, Piggy, Brian and Ken and I all went to Slatterys to watch this one. We were up 10-0 after the 1st QTR. Then the Ravens woke up and realized they were playing the December Dolphins, and they went on to outscore us 28-3 the rest of the way.
This time it’s going to be different. A good game, relatively close, although we cover the spread, which is about 3 points at last look. I have us winning 23-17, and since every prediction I’ve made has been money (NOT!!!), I figure it to be something like that. It’s going to be up for grabs in the 4th, as just about every game we’ve won during this streak has, save for the Pittsburgh game.
Oakland may very will win out. They are getting excellent play from so many players, especially Derek Carr on offense, and that defense is filled with playmakers. They are allowing a lot of points, but I think they are going to be a great defense at some point. That O-line is excellent, and not one 1st RD pick to be found. LT Donald Penn, cast off from the Bucs, LG Kelechi Osemele (Ancient Warrior), C Rodney Hudson, RG Gabe Jackson (yeah D!), and RT Austin Howard.
Donald Penn (UNDRAFTED), Kelechi Osemele (2nd RD), Rodney Hudson (2nd RD), Gabe Jackson (3rd RD), and Austin Howard (UNDRAFTED). Pretty impressive, and unbelievable that Howard, an undrafted free agent is the only NFL tackle NOT to allow a sack this season. Oakland is going to troll over the Bills, they’re the better team. You have to want the Raiders to win anyway, that will essentially knock the Bills out.
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from GDP
Q – Hey Axe Mike E,
In regards to my boy Ryan Tannehill & a certain President elect of the good ol USA, namely one Donald J. Trump, trump, trump….
Do ya’s think many FU’ers will be offended or mad when I burst back onto our blog with a Big Fat, I TOLD YOU SO?!?!?!
Go Tanny & Go Trump
signed, Gloating Getterdone
Go Phins!
GDP!! Great to hear from you man! We all miss ya man, that’s the truth.
To answer, I think everyone will be really happy to see, whether you’re gloating, floating, or boating. Just get yer ass back on the blog, and you’ll see for yerself! Hope all is well with your home and family after the storm.
You know that about half the people are happy Trump won, and you know just about everyone is happy Tannehill is playing well. 🙂
I’m finding it somewhat funny how Trump is all of a sudden getting soft an many of the hard stances he took. He’s becoming a Democrat right before our very eyes. lol
Anyways, I hope to see you on the blog in short order, your friends will be pleased to see you back on!
Best wishes brother! Sorry I didn’t get to meet you at the Fest.
Next year man, I’m gonna hold you to that!
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Finsmob Unleashed 
Stanger, I’m talking about cutting Mario Williams in 2017 due to him not living up to his contract. His 2017 deal is $10.5M and if we cut him we eat $2M but save $8.5M.
We have too many aging DEs. I’d re-sign Branch who is 27. We have to see if Jordan gives us anything. I think Williams and J. Jones are out in 2017. Fede has shown to be only a depth guy, he never took the next step now in his 3rd season. We need to draft an up and coming DE.
I think Branch is as good as OV, makes a whole lot less and won’t get a $85M deal. LOL
Tim — no doubt Williams will not get his contract. Was talking about Cameron. Was just thinking we were going off before and after numbers on him given that your cap availble # was lower than what I put out (and showed you where I got it from.
And for sure Branch is looking good, but if he gets big money it will be mostly cause of his age and progress. Sorta like how Earl Mitchell ended up with us.
Well looky here! LOL
Lol @ Naples. That proves once again you can’t read a tone into a post. 😳
I think I need to do a lesson on tine for the blog…
*tone
Mike Mayock @MikeMayock 38m38 minutes ago
Love watching Reuben foster- did 3 games on tape this week and his ability to always be around ball reminded me of Luke Kuechly at BC
He’s going to go really high.
I like Foster a lot too
I’ve seen the Vanderbilt LB ranked higher than him recently
But Foster looks like a difference maker
Well if you are missing Dolphins stuff I have the answer…
My sucky old computer dont play videos but I recently acquired the young ladies old Cell phone.
Aint got no service but she hooked me up to the WY-FY and now I go on the Fins site.
We have Bokamper doing his audible show all the press confreres and what I liked the most I just watched last night.
Ajayii was all Miched up for the SF game and the highlights where unbelievable… They are mostly all at ground level so you can get a real scope of the game, hear every hit and darn near every word
CHECK IT OUT!
Gameday Eve Update
DOLPHINS-RAVENS
Piggy 24-21 MIA
B’man 38-13 BAL
MikeE 23-17 MIA
Vinnie 23-14 MIA
Howie 22-20 MIA
Wyo 17-10 MIA
Stang 14-7 MIA
Rock 24-17 BAL
Bold 17-13 BAL
Old 19-17 MIA
MF 24-20 MIA
FINS RULE!
27-24 Miam
“TOBA!! – – How are your Jets doing so far this season?
LOCAL GATOR FAN was bragging on a local talk show that “I’ve got the Gators and the 24 point spread. Gators scored a TD on their opening drive, so I’m up 31-0!!” NOT ENOUGH, GATOR BREATH! ‘BAMA now leading Florida 54-16 with about 3 minutes left to go! Those looking for a competitive National Championship Game ought to root for Clemson tonight in the ACC Championship Game. Clemson’s DeShaun Watson, possibly the current best QB in college football, is the type of QB that can expose the Tide’s defensive weaknesses in their secondary. NONE of the other potential Final Four teams (including Washington) has a QB that can lead them to victory against Alabama. Clemson NEARLY DEFEATED ALABAMA in last season’s title game. I HOPE THEY GET ANOTHER CHANCE!
Hey OD. Jets started like gangbusters, then hit a ton if injuries and just had an 0-5 road trip … starting to get some guys back bytvare still sutting Tgurd in diviosikna nd right about .500… our Rookie Laine is lighting it up, kid has a release like Marino did .. hope all is well with ya sir
Nice to see GDP up and about.. as well as another MF sighting. Really good peeps. Come back when ya can and God Bless both ya.
Holy Shit that was some bad typing
Sitting third in division
manitobafinfan says:
December 3, 2016 at 8:10 pm (Edit)
Holy Shit that was some bad typing
I’ve found that alcohol causes that. I say live with the typos.
Sad part is no alcohol was involved… just fat thumbs and bad aim 😎
That is sad, particularly on a Saturday night…..you should probably get it involved😀
No alcohol involved? That is sad.
Lol, I guess I owe you a beer
Probably won’t mix well with what I’m having. lol
Lol
LOL. What can i say i’m a shy quiet kind of guy.
Yeah, right, about as much as me…lol
Just with a smaller Mug 🍺😎
Speaking of the mug, I have one of those! Might not be quite as big, but nearly. I got it at the beach a few years back so I didn’t have to mix drinks so often.
That is exactly the reason I like mine. It is actually called a bubba keg. Holds the ice well, and I am not lying when I say I “only” had a few drinks
Even though a Half a bottle of Captain gets killed
Gives a whole new meaning to Mug Shots as well
Lol
The only problem with the big mug is it doesn’t fit in the cup holder on my chair and it got sand all over the bottom of it, which I then got on me. Love the beach, not the sand so much.
Thats kinda why i stay poolside… i did see you captured back your coffee mug.. good job. As i said i leave mine on my desk everyday, and once every couple months i wash it out. Nobody messes with t 👍
Yeah, but I like avoiding the science experiments that might grow if it didn’t get washed. I took a pic of it, next time, I’m putting a poster in the kitchen asking for whoever has it to kindly return it.
My other option was to paint on it with nail polish…Touch this mug and I’ll cut you.
Red nail polish so it looks like it was written in blood.
If ya use it everyday it doesnt grow cultures lol .. i like your other ideas though 😎👏
So I think Bookman said he has the Pack tomorrow. Who do you have?
Omg….I just discovered someone turned off the icemaker for unknown reasons and I have like 2 ice cube/crecent things left. WTF
bookman11 says:
December 3, 2016 at 9:16 pm (Edit)
Red nail polish so it looks like it was written in blood.
Good idea! I’ll take some to work with me. I’ll probably get a talking to from HR if I do it though. The place I work is crazy with rules.
Yeah, we have the same thing where I work.
That sucks. Is there a convenience store nearby?
It could be next door and wouldn’t be convenient for me right now. lol
Holy crap, now that is hilarious 😂
It produces about 8 new ones each cycle so hopefully by the time I need more, they will be there. and the vodka is in the freezer, mixers in the fridg. I’ll manage. lol
Holy , talk about having to rough it lol…
I wish you all the best in your trials and tribulations this evening. Stay strong, you will get through it.😀
Woohoo Jets win in OT.
Bookman good luck with the Packers. I have Seattle this week
Good luck to you as well.
Bookman, an old friend of mine from Marshall, he’s there this weekend for the game. A bucket list thing. Plus he has lived in Houston for years, but Green Bay is his team. If you see him, say hey for me. 🙂
No problem, I would be glad to 🙂.
Yep, he said he packed every cold weather item he had. lol
Of course since my eyes will be glued to the Fins game, I may miss him if he comes into the bar I’m in.😉
It looks like it is going to snow a couple of inches tomorrow
I have not felt this nervous the night before a game in a long time. Not sure if that’s a good thing or not
It is a good thing. It is called a meaningful game….we are not used to those.
It’s that way EVERY. DAMN. GAME.
This one feels different
Sure it does. A lot riding on this game. They are all going to be that way. Am I making you feel better? lol
So is Cam playing for Carolina now? Wasn’t he out? I honestly don’t keep up with what’s going on unless it’s Dolphins or someone on my FF. Just wondering about Seattle against them?
I think he missed one game but he IS playing. They havent been playing well and Seattle is tough at home though…
Im expecting a close tough game , but i do expect us to win.
It is a toss up. We certainly can win but so can Baltimore
Agreed. Kind of like the SD game, except Baltimore more defense and SD more offense.
I think Herd is trying to make me call my cardiologist
lol…just telling you the truth of it. I’m just thrilled it matters.
I’m psyched for the game tomorrow. Go Phins!!!!
LOL…I was just getting ready to say that if that was the NFL there would be a replay on that play in the Wisconsin/Penn State game.
Awesome…”Get the ball back – we gonna score again.”
I wish we could go back to those uniforms
IKR…so much better
I am going to get some sleep. Tomorrow is going to be rough and thrilling at the same time. Peace to you all
Peace Ken
cya tomorrow Ken
I think the Wisconsin/Penn State game is what Tim would call a good exciting game.
It has been a really good game!
Congrats to Brian and his Penn State Nittany Lions, looks like they will beat the Badgers.
Sorry about that Bookman.
No big deal. They had a better year than expected, but thank you
Sorry for Wyoming, they also lost tonight.
Good night, Go Fins!
Let’s go Dolphins
I had an unexpected surprise tonight
Couple of my best friends took me out for a steak dinner for my birthday
And we drank
It was a good time
Now it’s time to watch the Dolphins eat Raven
Give ’em the Oinks Dolphins
Don’t worry WY and Bookman
We still have the Dolphins
And when’s the last time you could say that?