Coffee. I love coffee. Americans love coffee. Americans drink approximately 382 cups of coffee (8 oz). per year. 54% of American adults are regular coffee drinkers, and consume on average three 8 oz cups per day. Now that’s a lot of coffee my friends.
I used to drink my fair share of coffee, and it was always regular coffee, not decaffeinated. Not a coffee snob in the least when I first started drinking it, in fact, I was an uninformed coffee novice, I couldn’t tell the difference between a gourmet cup and a cup of mud, and I wasn’t interested in doing so either.
As I got older, probably in my early 40’s, the flavor of coffee started to really matter to me. “Brands” were beginning to emerge as elite coffees, and the best part of waking up is Folgers in your cup no longer applied. I can honestly say, there is nothing like the smell of good coffee brewing, nothing. If you’re a hardcore Stephen King fan, you know what the other 2 finest smells in the world are. If you’re not, you’re going to have to do a little research.
Many years ago, circa 1987, my wife (then my girlfriend) were out with a group of our best friends at an Italian restaurant in Bay Ridge Brooklyn called “The Pasta House’. We had a pretty good dinner, some wine, some laughs, and then it came to dessert. A few of us ordered dessert, most ordered coffee, and then a casual conversation about coffee ensued. My best friend Scott started to say something about coffee, and was quickly intercepted by his wife. Scott was firmly scolded because he had only been drinking coffee for a short time, definitely less than a month, so how could he possibly be allowed to talk about coffee with us seasoned veterans? Still one of the funniest memories we share, because she was so serious that he was unqualified to even casually discuss coffee, but that’s the passion coffee brings out in people.
I can’t pinpoint exactly what year it was that I became a coffee aficionado (read SNOB), time gets fuzzy as you age, and so do the inside of your ears. I had tried many of the fancy brands by going into one of their establishments and ordering by the cup, which is bewildering in some of those stores. How is the “grande” not the largest size? Why is a “tall” not nearly the biggest? So you can see I’m talking about Starbucks, and I admittedly am in love with Starbucks coffee. Here’s the twist though. I don’t like the way they brew it. So I do it myself.
You can purchase Starbucks coffee in many different retail outlets. Big box stores sell it, like Target, and some of the membership clubs do too, like Sam’s, and maybe even Costco, though I’m not positive about that. Here’s the key though friends, you have to buy “whole bean” coffee. You just can’t purchase “ground” coffee, or you may as well go back to waking up with Folgers. You need to make some effort that you care about your coffee, and grind it fresh each morning you drink it. It is such a rewarding experience grinding your own coffee. We’re talking a good old fashioned drip coffee maker. Remember those? That brings me to this.
What is happening with the way we we make our coffee? If you’re alive and it’s 2017, you either have one of those Keurig “pod” coffee makers in your home or office, or maybe both. I can’t tell you how much I despise these machines. If you really enjoy a good burger, one that was seasoned properly using a good quality meat, you can eat a whopper, and it may satiate you, but mostly, you feel cheated and empty. Same thing here. You get a minute if that of coffee aroma, and because you’re using ground coffee in a pod, the flavor just ain’t there.
Do yourself a favor. I’m aware that we’re all different. My favorite coffee for flavor, and aroma, is Starbucks House Blend. I’ve tried many different variations of their coffee, as well as other brands too, and the only one I like almost as much is the Starbucks Breakfast Blend. Buy the whole bean, and hopefully you still have a proper drip coffee maker. My formula, or ratio of coffee to water is this . . . If you’re making 10 cups of coffee, 5 scoops of freshly ground whole bean coffee to 11 cups of water. 1 cup seems to always magically evaporate, and for me, that works perfectly. The aroma is just beautiful, it makes me very happy. If you like it stronger, either use more coffee or less water, and conversely, if it’s too strong, use more water or less coffee. Experiment. If you like coffee, it’s worth a shot. If you love coffee, it’s a must!
Don’t blame me if one day you look at your silly little “pod” coffee machine with disdain, and maybe even kick it off the counter. Only negative to this is you may really start caring about the quality of your coffee. I’m aware that these silly “pod” machines are available with a reusable pod that can be filled with coffee of your choice. It’s not the same folks. It’s like buying a grilled swordfish plate at the best French restaurant, boxing it up, putting it in the refrigerator for a couple of days, and then heating it up in the microwave. NOT the same!
I do understand that in today’s lifestyle, time is of a premium, and that’s why the quick little “pod” machine is everyone’s best friend, but if/when you have time, savor your coffee, you won’t regret it! Find your favorite coffee and make it happen. Let me know what it is too, I’d like to try it as well.
Finsmob Unleashed 
I disagree with Ken that McCaffrey and Watson are trash. I think NE will make McC a nightmare weapon for the next 8 yrs. And I think DeSahun will have a nice career in the NFL.
But I agree with Ken on Tannehill vs. Moore. Sheesh.
I agree with Herd on NOLA coffee. Nasty. Chicory in coffee to me is heresy. Why put a ditch weed in with one of the 3 beans of Heaven? (chocolate, vanilla, coffee)
I disagree with herd that cheerleaders are a waste of a uniform. Who else is going to lead us in our ‘Go Dolphins’ chants? We need them and we need them to be dressed in outfits that attract the eye so we can find them among the big crowds at games.
lol @ Naples.
Naples,
If Budda Baker is there in the 2nd, I would probably grab him. Jabril Peppers in the first may not be a bad idea either if he is there.
I think Peppers without the perfect coach/system/teammates will be a bust.
He’s a classic tweener who will be jack of all trades master of none in the NFL.
We have quite a few needs this offseason (again). We won’t be able to fill all of them, but we definitely need a playmaker on defense. Whether that is at DE, S, CB, or LB, it’s doesn’t matter to me- we just need one. We do need a seam threat at TE, but IMO we can wait on that. The defense needs to be upgraded now.
22: R1P22
LB ZACH CUNNINGHAM
VANDERBILT
54: R2P22
C ETHAN POCIC
LSU
98: R3P34
WR CHRIS GODWIN
PENN STATE
167: R5P22
EDGE KEIONTA DAVIS
CHATTANOOGA
177: R5P32
S RAYSHAWN JENKINS
MIAMI (FLA.)
185: R5P40
EDGE DYLAN DONAHUE
WEST GEORGIA
207: R6P22
LB JAYON BROWN
UCLA
243: R7P22
LB BEN BOULWARE
CLEMSON
IN TODAY’S TAMPA BAY TIMES SPORTS SECTION, sportswriter Martin Fennelly lists all the major ingredients needed to advance to pro football’s “FINAL 4.” FIRST among these ingredients
is a solid offensive line. Fennelly details how, at different times in their careers, Rodgers, Ryan and Big Ben were running for their lives and taking terrific physical abuse b/c of poor O-Lines. But when each of these teams invested heavily and developed above average to top level O-Lines, the teams prospered and became serious Super Bowl contenders.
FUNNY how that works. Those 3 QB’s went from, perhaps, “a bit above average” (or just plain average) to championship caliber with really good O-Lines. Is it a coincidence that, when Miami had all of their “starting 5 O-Line members healthy and playing at a high level” they were able to crush the Steelers 30-15?? I think NOT. Hell, even Professor Lou’s poor QB Tannehill was able to beat good teams with a solid O-Line!! He became a Top 10 QB (if only for a few games) because his O-Line was Top 10 quality when healthy.
BUT THE O-LINE IS NOT HEALTHY NOW. And it may never return to full health (see Albert and Pouncey and their multitude histories of injuries). THAT’s why our #1 top off season priority MUST BE building/rebuilding the O-Line. I favor drafting the best available Linebacker and the best available G/C (ELFLEIN of Ohio State or that big guy from LSU) in the first two rounds. I also favor choosing an O-Lineman in F/A who can help us RIGHT NOW.
Perhaps NOW is the time to jettison Albert and his $10 Million contract for 2017 and using that money to pursue the RIGHT guy in F/A. Is Chance Warmack the guy?? –I’ll leave that up to Gase and his advisors. But, in that scenario, TUNSIL would move to Left Tackle (where he has All-Pro potential), Warmack would move to one of the guard positions, Pouncey, who the Fins believe will be ready for the 2017 campaign, would play center, ELFLEIN would play guard (a step-up over Bushrod, who’d become a back-up) and JAMES would play the other tackle spot. — If Pouncey CAN’T GO in September, ELFLEIN would start at Center (he was ALL BIG 10 at that spot) and BUSHROD would reclaim his old position, unless beaten-out in summer camp. But, either way, we have definitely improved the O-Line.
A BETTER O-Line
1) gives Tanny more protection to throw the ball;
2) provides holes for Ajayi and the other backs to run through;
3) helps EXTEND Miami’s drives, thereby keeping our defense and the other team’s offense on the bench.
————————–
IF MIAMI can shore-up their O-Line, THEY CAN COMPETE SUCCESSFULLY IN THE PLAYOFFS. I they DON’T shore-up their O-Line, Miami WON’T MAKE THE PLAYOFFS next season. Got it??
Can we write back to Martin Fennelly and thank him for writing an article that states the obvious, and pretty much says what we have been saying for the past decade or more?
Actually, Brian, my target was those on this board who may feel otherwise and believe our off season focus should be on DB or TE or some other position(s). As for Fennelly, I’ve found him and Tom Jones (both of the TBT) to be more insightful than certain scribes who write for south Florida newspapers. To quote Harry Truman, “Common sense isn’t so common,” or “What’s common sense to some is incomprehensible to others!”
OD — I’m right with you, but just don;t feel it needs to be our first priority and am not as willing to get rid of Albert as you (like the guy). I’d say bring in a solid RG (ideally who can also play C) and re-sign Bushrod and our line is pretty solid and has decent one-injury back-up.
This idiots just take what worked for the teams in it this year, but what about what got Denver last year’s title?
Nice breakdown Naples, I think you covered just about everything. Sounds like we should have a cup of coffee together someday. 🙂
“we definitely need a playmaker on defense. Whether that is at DE, S, CB, or LB, it’s doesn’t matter to me- we just need one.”
Brian — a playmaker on D would be awesome, but figure we got three of those already in Wake, Suh and Reshad. So I’m more a spread the wealth guy to fill the two bad holes at LB and upgrade where else we can.
And whether in FA or first pick, figure we will be putting out on D. But wouldn’t be surprised if it is at DE. LB is the more obvious place, but even if not an immediate playmaker…..top DE’s are more scarce than 4-3 LBs and can take a while to hit their stride. Wish I could say Wake will last forever but…..
Young Stanger, Albert’s career is nearing the end. And he’s clearly NOT worth paying $10,000,000 to play Left tackle for PART of the season when a better and younger alternative (TUNSIL) is already on our team! For 10 Million or less, we can plug Tunsil’s hole at Guard with a player who, unlike Albert, might actually be able to play all 16 games of the regular season, something Albert’s been unable to do the LAST 7 SEASONS!
—————–
BY THE WAY, this is NOT an either/or scenario. We can plug a hole at LB in round one and draft a Center/Guard (Elflein of Ohio State or someone Gase likes even better) in round two.) And DE’s will be available both in F/A and the draft.
—————-
We can NOT win a Super Bowl with the current talent in the O-Line. We MUST get better.
OD — yeah Albert’s shelf-life is short, but I like the guy’s play and we already have our new LT already learning the tricks from him. Guards come cheaper.
Albert costs us about $7 mil against the cap next year versus letting him go. I’m cool with that for next year at least. If anything cause think Albert’s been all you could ask for as a person — he’s a team player. And yes injuries are a concern, but he still played 12 games last year.
I agree. Time to cut him loose. Move Tunsil to LT. That’s why we drafted him to begin with. Sign a FA guard and draft another guy for the offensive line whether it be Elflein, Lamp or Moton and be done with it.
Albert is NOT the Cam Wake of the offensive line.
Might be more a loyalty take on my part, but was taken by an interview with Albert this season where all he could do was talk up how great Tunsil is doing and can be (HOF was in there). Not like Albert didn’t know what this contract year would bring. Kinda of guy I like on my team.
From a pure LB point of view you’ve got Foster and Cunningham. After that you’ve got:
Tim Williams – was a pass rush specialist at Alabama
Tak McKinley – was used as an edge rusher in college. fits 3-4 pass rushing OLB best but may be able to convert to either a 4-3 OLB or DE. but, who knows. have torn right labrum that may require surgery.
Raekwon McMillan- ILB in 3-4 or MLB in 4-3. probably goes in 2nd.
TJ Watt – very raw talent best suited as 3-4 pass rushing OLB as he hasn’t done anything but in his one year playing the position for Wisconsin. Was stoned by Taylor Moton who I’d like to draft and stick inside at guard.
Haason Reddick – played as an undersized DE at Temple. best fit is as a 3-4 pass rushing OLB at next level. doesn’t set edge that well, dropped into coverage from time to time in zone.
Jarrad Davis – speedy but small ILB in 3-4 which is probably his best fit or WOLB in 4-3. too small and doesn’t have strength to play in middle.
Ryan Anderson – undersized DE in college who will convert to OLB at next level. probably best fit is as pass rushing OLB in 3-4. may be able to play SAM in 4-3.
Alex Anzalone – ILB in 3-4 probably best fit. questionable starter material
Duke Reilly – only 6′ 227lbs. – only 1 yr of production at LSU. will be somewhat of a project at next level and will need to find a home. probably stuck playing st’s and will need to earn playing time at LB
Elijah Lee – numbers are more impressive than his play. probably a 5th rd pick if not for the LB’s who went back to school. should have stayed for another year.
Kendall Beckwith – knee injury is major concern. good fit at MIKE position with his size but he’s an average player with not a lot of impressive plays.
Devonte Fields – another pass rushing OLB in a 3-4 at next level. converting to OLB in 4-3 is questionable.
Carroll Phillips and Ejuan Price were both OLB’s playing as undersized DE’s at their respective schools and, again, transition best to OLB in a 3-4 at the next level.
so, almost all your edge rushing OLB’s are too small to play DE at the next level but for McKinley and their lack of playing coverage or at any other LB position while at college makes every one of them somewhat of a project. when you look at some from a pure talent perspective all you’re doing if you take them is replacing what we’ve got with a younger, healthier version of Misi and Jenkins but you’re not really upgrading the position otherwise.
I liked McKinley a lot before the torn labrum news but I don’t like the idea of taking another guy who may not play for his first year again due to a lingering injury issue.
I would actually be okay with Taco in the 1st, Elflein, Moton or Lamp in 2nd and someone like Banner or Siragusa if we get that 3rd rd comp
fire alarm pulled at Steelers’ hotel last night. here we go again.
The arrested the suspect shortly after it happened.
one of the most underrated and least talked about LB prospects in the draft is Calvin Munson of San Diego St. Would love to see Phins pick him up. Also big fan of his teammate Damontae Kazee.
So apparently A Brown has a six figure deal with Facebook, and was encouraged to stream live from the locker room. They should fine him his contract amount that he has with FB.
Brian — was sorry to see that, but at the same time am an AB fan. Not just the player, but the person. Went to a “sport’s chiro” a number of years ago who treated a lot of NFL players. Of course I played Law & Order cop on the Phins, but at one point asked here who was your favorite. She said Brown was the “nicest guy you ever could meet”, and this was back when he had just come out of nowhere to be #2 WR with the Steelers.
He does seem like a decent guy. He just made a poor decision.
Taylor Moton stoning TJ Watt all game. Moton is one of my favs as a 2nd rd pick for MIA:
Lamp vs Alabama. Give me either one of these guys at guard for Phins. Moton or Lamp:
Very sad.
https://sports.yahoo.com/news/report-royals-star-yordano-ventura-dies-is-car-accident-at-age-25-162113356.html
For the record, I’m not a big fan of French restaurants either.
Now Herd, would that be French restaurants in ummm West Virginia?
cuz mayyybeee uhhh … don’t take this the wrong way, but …
that’s kinda far to ship the es-car-go … noumsayin’?
That’s kind of insulting, noumsayin’? But here….Ummm, yes, there are French restaurants here in the sticks. Also, I’ve traveled a bit in my life, so even in France I wasn’t a fan.
Naples — in my experience you are more likely to find those old-school traditional French eating spots in places like the mid-country. They are a dying breed, and I at least am a fan. There were three in my area when we moved here, but only one left. The ones where I grew up in CT have all closed their doors as well.
Also for the record, I don’t believe I’ve ever commented on cheerleaders and their uniforms. Fun fact, I was a cheerleader in grade school, majorette in high school. So take that! lol
I think I was supposed to start posting OD’s perfect season articles today. My apologies….I had a bit of a headache this morning, self inflicted.
“self inflicted”…lol.
Reminds me of when I say my car has never spent the night in the shop except for body repair work.
And thats all I have on Cofee
I dont know many American League players but I’m sure their fans are hurting as bad as we where when we lost Jose: Funny thing is I really didnt care one bit about losing his pitching but just how much fun he was to have down there every night.
Life of the Marlins.
Sorry for the other guy and his family too
It hurts Bad 😦
Wind must be 25mph sustained with gusts close to 40 and the line of storms is at least 150 miles out.
Good thing, the wind always calms as they approach but then we just need to watch for imbeded tornados
Nice evening coming up
Good Luck Howie…Storms are one thing, tornadoes are something else. I learned that lesson during my brief time living in Missouri.
Your Picks:
Round 1 Pick 22: Zach Cunningham, OLB/ILB, Vanderbilt (B+)
Round 2 Pick 22: Budda Baker, FS, Washington (A+)
Round 5 Pick 22: Sean Harlow, OG, Oregon State (B+)
Round 6 Pick 22: Bryan Cox, DE, Florida (B+)
Round 7 Pick 22: Fabian Moreau, CB, UCLA (A+)
Anybody else watch the Shrine game yesterday?
Michael Roberts
#80 TESeniorToledo Rockets
HometownCleveland, OH
Height6-5
Weight270 lbs.
He showed out pretty well!
didn’t get to see it until today but was a major snooze fest. not a lot to look at. offensive lines were weak and because of that you really couldn’t judge the d-lines. LB’s played like shit. wr’s were terrible. one of the few bright spots was RB Smith from Mich. and DT Brown from Louisville.
Didn’t realize Utah RB Joe Williams is from Allentown, PA. Cool
I actually like the kid from Canada. he’s one hell of a run blocker and pass protects really well too. Tough to bring down when he catches the ball.
Lou you sound like you’ve been watching some MWC football?
Herd jeez jk … everybody seems to tease each other on here, so i thought a completely non-personal little jab would be ok.
I humbly apologize.
No need. I love a good joke. It didn’t strike me as funny, ‘cut down’ humor generally doesn’t. Could be the hangover.
Forget BPA, we must get a difference maker at LB in the first, unless we can find one through FA.
HERD FAN; DON’T worry about “Absolute Perfection.” The series speaks for itself!! – – I’ll be in Georgia next Sunday. Hope to get back to Tampa Bay around 11 PM. Just another 7-day week for the Old Dolfan!!! –And thanks for running it!!!
——————
AS you read it, remember this: The Dolphins WERE UNDERDOGS in TWO of the first THREE GAMES of the season!!
—————–
BREATHE IT. EAT it. SLEEP IT. The Perfect Season is ours’ to enjoy!!
Jimmy Carter has had a busy weekend.
Tornado spotted just a few miles north of us in Pasco County per Weather Channel. –Shutting down computer for now. Wind gusts over 30 MPH right now.
Unplug it
Stay safe OD.
Under/over on GB Vs Atl 59.5 to 62.
That face mask by Rodgers is going to piss off those taking over.
PI doesn’t matter now
Break out your terrible towels.
Have a feeling the Pats toughest road to another ring will not be in the Superbowl….it is right now.
Aaron Rodgers is an avg QB making huge money….lol 🙂
I never said our offense was better with Moore or Moore is a better QB. I think they are both average QBs with different strengths and weaknesses. What I did say…and what is a fact…is that our scoring went up with Moore at QB. If you’d like to present an argument as to why/how that happened in spite of Moore, go for it. Laughing and making snide comments really only shows that you have no legitimate response. It’s old, lame and childish.
MAJOR STORMS past us for now. But more cells headed this way in about 2 hours, so we’re not in the clear, yet. HOW many offensive plays before we see obvious holding by NE Linemen (that will NOT be mentioned by broadcast crew)?? I say on 3rd offensive play!
———–
TOMLIN says Pats’ got an extra day to prepare for this game. SO WHAT!! Just step on Brady’s throat and nuts and we’ll call it even!!
GO STEELERS!!!
Is Hogan Welker 2.0?
Almost makes you think we are the Pats development team at times.
1st they go to the Bills to get more experience and then the Pats nab them.
7-11 is always open.
Refs cheat pitt out of a fumble recovery.
That was in reply to this
Adam BeasleyVerified account
@AdamHBeasley
Reminder: Jeff Ireland and Joe Philbin picked Legedu Naanee over Chris Hogan.
He and Hartline had a similar skill set. I’m sure that factored into the decision. They were hoping Nanee would have been the deep threat.
Looks like that’s game. Chances are slim to none NE gives up an 18 point lead at home in the AFC Championship.
I’m a BIG Falcons fan now. 🙂
Would be great to see a team like that win the SB instead of the same old names.
That would also be fast for Dan Quinn after taking over 3yrs? ago. Maybe Gase will get us there quickly too.
This is Quinn’s 2nd year.
NOW WYOMING, there you go again picking on poor old Ireland. Get ready for another broadside from Tim who seems to think we should just forget about Ireland’s transgressions.
Frankly, I’ve NEVER understood the mindset of those who so easily accept everything from malfeasance to out-and-out fuck-ups by the truckload. The ONLY THING WORSE than Ireland’s performance on the job was ROSS’S decision to give Ireland & Sparano pay raises and extensions before he fired those two jokers!!!
Those who forget the errors a franchise has made tend to repeat the errors a franchise has made! And, lo’ and behold, the Ireland-Sparano lapse in judgment was repeated by the Philbin era, when, AGAIN, both the coach and the GM (Hickey) ended up getting fired!! And for this, some call Ross a GREAT OWNER??? Only mental midgets with poor memories would rate Ross a great owner.
It takes MORE than shining up an older stadium and removing over 11,000 seats to make a great owner. Ross has headed in the right direction by hiring Gase. But Tannenbaum’s continued role in this franchise troubles me greatly. And ROSS’s continued reliance on “KING” Carl Peterson is another grievous error in judgment that, to the best of my knowledge, has NOT been rectified.
When Ross starts treating his season ticket holders fairly, I may reconsider my opinion of him. When he stops trying to turn the Stadium into a south Beach Nightclub, I may alter my view of him. When he stops raising parking fees by 300 per cent over a 9 year period, I’ll say he actually cares about the fans who must live on a budget. And when he FINALLY ENTERS THE CLUB OF OWNERS WHO HAVE won a playoff game, i’LL WELCOME HIM OUT OF THE BASEMENT on that statistic.
ONE FINAL ASSESSMENT. On the top of THIS SCREEN is a photo of Hard Head Stadium taken at the Dolphins-Bills “Fest” game earlier this season. Notice that the “Lazy Boy Seats,” which sell for $1,000-$2,500 and UP PER GAME PER TICKET, are mostly empty. They’ve been “mostly empty” since Ross decided to boot out loyal season ticket holders like ME & MY BOYZ and banish them to less favorable seats above the price we were paying for our former seats. This snafu may make Ross a “GREAT OWNER” to some, but, to me & my BOYZ, it makes him a selfish, greedy, owner who cares not one whit about season ticket loyalty. THAT, more than any other factor, is the reason why ALL OF MY BOYZ NO LONGER ARE SEASON TICKET HOLDERS!! –And it will take more than a $400,000 donation to the U. of Michigan and more than another “University of Florida Day” (on the home field of the U. of Miami) for me to change my mind..
But actually WINNING A PLAYOFF GAME THIS UPCOMING SEASON would be a good place for Ross to start to build upon what little goodwill he currently has.
Make that a $400 Million dollar donation to the U. of Michigan. Left off the last group of zeroes.
More takes more shots, so he probably would lead a higher scoring offense, but he would likely put the defense in a bad spot on a few more occasions too so the scoring against us would probably be higher. I think Tanny has more upside, just more athletic ability probably higher ceiling as a player. Moore has more refinement and confidence in the pocket currently. I think though none of that matters, because Tanny is the leader of the offense, the team feels it, the coaches feel it and the FO feels it. So despite what any of us may or may not feel about it being the right choice, he is the QB and leader of our offense.
Honestly, anyone who doesn’t think Tannehill should be the QB of this team is either stubborn as a mule, in denial, or doesn’t know shit about football.
ProfessorLou: Your turn to prove you DO know SHIT!!
I’ll just reiterate what I said before the season began and that is when it comes to the offense being a success it will always have more to do with the skill players like the wr’s, rb’s and te’s and about having a solid offensive line more than it will have to do with Tannehill being the quarterback.
Can we win with him at quarterback. Probably. As long as we get the ball into the hands of the playmakers and we solidify our defense and have good special teams play I think Gase can put us in situations on offense that allows us to be successful and have a chance to score points.
But, I do agree with OD that our offensive line needs to be a priority and we need to get it settled sooner rather than later and have five solid starters who will play together for a number of years rather than signing FA rental players for a year or two.
We need to get much more consistent running the ball and in pass protection.
CHEATRIOTS FAVORED BY 3 at the 9 Las Vegas sports books that had posted a line by 9:30. The over/under is 58 at 8 of those 9 books. The ninth has an over/under of 58.5.
OFF-SHORE wagering establishments report more early money on Atlanta than New England.
Wyoming,
I watch it all. Doesn’t matter the conference. There’s good players out there everywhere.
Oh brother! Really OD, a broad side from me about Ireland. Yeah let’s keep talking about 3 years ago after making the playoffs for the first time in 8 years. Yeah that’s what I want to focus on. Geez!
There was a guy (Jones I think was his last name) at shrine game that was all over the field as a LB. He, they said was a DE convert, so he may not have the experience he needs but I think he has the ability at the position from way he looked in the game. Might be a later round consideration for us, second LB pickup.
Javancy Jones, the kid from Jackson State. He’s going to be undrafted actually.
OL and DE are about on the same level for me as second priority after LB for our off season targets, CB, S and TE are probably third, and all on equal footing after that.
there is one thing that’s for sure. we need to build a team that can compete with the Pats first and foremost. that means a defense that can put pressure on Brady and play man coverage. He’ll pick us apart in zone.
on the offensive side of the ball we need a ball control offense so we need to have a solid offensive line and be able to pound the ball as much as we can against them and be able to pick and choose when to push the ball up the field.
NE plays man on defense so we need our guys to be have good pass protection because they hold guys up at the line making it more difficult to get the ball out faster. In addition, we need to be more stout in the middle of the o-line. IDK if Pouncey fits that description. He moves well but he doesn’t hold up well against the bigger defensive linemen due to lack of size and strength.
So, there’s our starting point. Match up with the Pats.
For those of you who want a TE, here’s mine:
So, knowing what we know after we witnessed what we witnessed today what do you feel is the best way to approach FA and the draft?
On defense talent and depth in the secondary because you’re going to have to stop top passing teams with a lot of matchup guys. Pass rush is always a must. I don’t think you need great LBs, but “we” need some better talent.
On offense, as many playmakers as you can put out there the tougher it is to defend. Depth too. Like when Ajayi comes off the field Drake keeps it going. Carroo and Grant joining the mix and hopefully a playmaking TE to go along with hopefully Sims and Gray.
So I’d say depth of talent and not so much specifics. We have playmakers already. We don’t want to be weak at the 2nd level.
yeah, matchup guys are important but the one thing you stated is right on. Pass rush is always important. get pressure on the quarterback. it’s a passing league.
get pressure on Brady and what happens? he stands back there forever and he picks you apart. make him uncomfortable and he doesn’t like it.
I used Brady because we need to be able to win our division first and we have to go thru the Pats to do that.
So, it starts with the DE’s. We need to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks with FOUR guys.
professorloumiamidolphinsblog says:
January 22, 2017 at 10:14 pm (Edit)
I’ll just reiterate what I said before the season began and that is when it comes to the offense being a success it will always have more to do with the skill players like the wr’s, rb’s and te’s and about having a solid offensive line more than it will have to do with Tannehill being the quarterback.
Can we win with him at quarterback. Probably. As long as we get the ball into the hands of the playmakers and we solidify our defense and have good special teams play I think Gase can put us in situations on offense that allows us to be successful and have a chance to score points.
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Yeah, great thinking Lou, just like every other QB in the NFL does. It’s not the great QB, it’s the great TEAM. If it was only the QB, the Packers would be in the SB, but the Falcons have a better TEAM, so they are. Not that Tannehill is Rodgers, Ryan, Roethlisberger or Brady, he’s clearly below them, BUT, his team is clearly below the other teams too. Good news is, we’re getting closer, and with a good coach like Gase, a good FA and draft, we can close the gap even more, and the next seasons even more.
But, when the offense is doing well the FIRST thing out of everyone’s mouth is TANNEHILL!! Whoopie!!
Yes, it’s a team game and every TEAM needs to be a good team to win games, make it to the playoffs and have a chance to win it all. That’s a given but too many people make it sound like he’s the most important part of the offense and that’s just not the case.
Put Hartline and Bess back on the team and get rid of Landry and Stills and see what he does.
It’s the people that surround him that make the offense that much better. HE doesn’t make the people around him better.
We haven’t a good team here since Tannehill has been the QB. Let’s see how well the team does when we get the talent level up to the other teams. Then when the team does really well, you can argue all you want that it’s the team, not the QB, but I really won’t care as long as we’re winning.
I don’t care either. I’m just saying there’s a perception from many that we need him to win games and that’s just not the case. The offensive line and the skill players on offense make the difference. That and Gase of course.
Lou, the Pats have a lot of DBs who contest plays. Sure they give up some plays everyone does, but they play smart and they have a lot of them. It’s like nothing changes when guys go down for them. ATL shows some of that too at times. PIT and GB don’t have that. Neither do we.
I say build on who we have and yes add to it. It doesn’t have to be the top corners in FA or even in the 1st 2 rounds of the draft. But keep looking for better depth in the secondary. It matters when guys go down. I changed my mind on this today and found it funny you asked about it. I was looking to write something about it. LOL
A lot of it has to do with a defensive philosophy. They bring in guys with an attitude and MAKE them play man and they stick guys at the line and make it difficult for them to get a clean release.
If you notice also the Pats db’s almost always have their hands on a wr while they run their route and if a wr is trying to make a cut inside or outside and the db is on THAT side the db will block their path and make them go around them. Just like you said, they contest EVERYTHING.
As a wr is running straight down the field a Pats db will extend his arm to the shoulder pad of the wr. It’s not illegal to have your hand on the other guy. You just can’t interfere with him.
But, it’s a defensive philosophy and the Pats are very good at coaching their guys in that philosophy and it’s a requirement of the position that they play man coverage.
One of the big problems we all have with our db’s is how far off we play and that’s just not going to work. We need to do the same thing the Pats do.
Of course, we do need more guys who can do that like you said.
I would love to be able to get both Kazee and Elder in this next draft but that’s a pipe dream. Don’t know if we could get either.
Agreed with everything you said until how far we play off. We mixed it up all year. We played straight up right on the LOS often enough for me to know we’re changing to more man. I think when we played off it was a call for a specific opponent and who we had on the field. But I hope we keep pursuing more DBs who have that contested spirit. I do think we have them, we need more with some more kick in their game.
One of the DUMBEST things you can do from a defensive standpoint is allow a wr a clean release off the line of scrimmage consistently. There are times you’re going to line up a bit off the wr and let him run clean but you still don’t need to play 7 or 8 yds off the line.
There’s times when you’re going to play press man and times you’ll play off but there should NEVER be a time when you play off that far.
It’s just ridiculous.
I’m not a big fan either. But it’s a sign of fear of getting beat which is a lack of confidence in your talent. On 3rd and 17 I get it, but I agree on 3rd and 6 why not just tell the ref to call a 1st down. LOL
Ahkello Witherspoon is a guy I like a lot in the 5th rd because of that technique you’re discussing. Plays a lot of man/press coverage and contests a lot of plays. I also like the fact he was able to stay with Washington’s John Ross. So, speed seems to be there.
Quick guy, looks to have pretty good hips. Only thing is he may move up. With three 5th’s projected he would be a great pickup for us.
Another name I’ll add to the list at db is UCLA db Randall Goforth.
Lou, Belichick doesn’t always hit on his acquisitions but he knows what he’s looking for and finds them anywhere. If we have a style we’re looking for now keep adding them and filter out who doesn’t fit.
Yeah, he doesn’t but when he doesn’t he won’t keep them around for four years trying to make them work out. If they aren’t getting it he sends them packing. He doesn’t give a shit. That’s the attitude I’d like to see from this team.
We can build on this secondary:
CB Maxwell, Howard, Lippett, McCain
S Jones, IAQ, Aikens (STs)
Why would we, when we have so many other needs? Sure, if a guy falls in our lap, but otherwise…
I see OD has been hanging around mental midgets, since no one on here has called Ross a great owner.
Bradshaw said a while back, he doesn’t know what Tomlin does, then he got berated. Well, you could say it after yesterday’s game, because Brady has never thrown an int against them, and they keep playing that soft zone.