Week 15 – Game 14 – Dolphins @ Bills

Buffalo-Bills-vs-Miami-Dolphins-NFL-Matchup-jpg_656283_ver1.0_1280_720

The Miami Dolphins travel to Orchard Park New York, and if any of you happen to have seen last weeks game against the Indianapolis Colts, there’s a decent chance we could see similar weather this week, and the Canadian winds keep coming (Thanks Toba!).  The temperature should be about 32-35 degrees, and they are expecting afternoon snow showers, but they will probably start after the game, or possibly near the end of the game.  In any case, it’s the right weather for a team who can run the ball, and whaddaya know, we fit right in there buddy!

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The Dolphins will be coming off one of their most impressive game performances in quite some time.  I haven’t enjoyed sitting down and watching every minute of a Dolphins game like the Monday Night game against the Patriots as much in what feels like a decade or more.  The 27-20 score wasn’t nearly as close as the score would indicate.  The Dolphins dominated this game for most of the 60 minutes.  Patriots QB Tom Brady didn’t complete a pass to any of his WR’s until the 3rd QTR.  The Patriots had been chewing up 100 yard games on the ground the last couple of weeks, but not this night.  The Dolphins defense held the Pats to just 25 yards rushing on 10 attempts.  OK, that’s skewed, because the Patriots were playing from behind.  The Miami defense shut down Tom Brady to the tune of 24-43 233 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT’s.  Brady had been carving up opposing defenses with a silly 26-4 TD/INT’s, but Xavien Howard tortured Brady, by sticking like glue to the speedy NE wideout Brandin Cooks all night.  Cooks caught one pass for 38 yards, and NO, #25 wasn’t anywhere near him as the Dolphins went into a zone defense for that play.  Howard had a day baby, or make that a night!

25

This game was so impressive, I’m gushing while writing this.  Can this same Dolphins team march into Buffalo and beat them in their own park?  We know what a daunting task that can be, we’ve failed so many years just needing a win up there, and we’ve been heartbroken too many times.  Tyrod Taylor is expected to start, but no question he will be a little gimpy with his knee injury.  We need the defense to be special again, like it was on Monday night.  I still have flashbacks like a PTSD victim,  sitting at Slatterys with Piggy, and watching the Dolphins unravel in Buffalo.  I want no part of that type of game.

The good news is Tyrod Taylor is not 100%.  Shady is,  however, and had a fantastic “snow day” last week against the Colts, and carried the Bills on his back with 32 carries for 156 yards and 1 TD.  For most of the game, neither team even attempted to throw with high winds raking across the field from sideline to sideline, along with about 6″ of snow on the field.  It was crazy cool to watch, and I bet the players had a blast. Bills WR Kelvin Benjamin is also ailing with a knee injury,  so with their QB and best WR dinged up, we have to take advantage of that.

SO Dolphins fans, can Adam Gase come up with a game plan that can defeat the rival Bills in their house, with all the cards on the 2017 season on the table?  Stay tuned my friends, Sunday 1PM – CBS, or whatever stream you can get.  I know you will be watching!

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442 Responses to Week 15 – Game 14 – Dolphins @ Bills

  1. ocalarob says:

    you wont see Tannehill and Cutler on the same team next year, considering the money difference in the two who do you keep?

    • The Flying Pig says:

      Tannehill
      I’ve been oinking that all day

      We don’t even know if cutler will be playing in ‘18
      You can probably bet the house he won’t be playing in ‘19

    • Gase keeps saying Tannehill isn’t going anywhere but Gase also likes Cutler a lot; enough to go out and get him out of retirement to come back and play for him. If we get to 9-7 it may be a tough decision on whether or not to stay with Cutler or let him go and continue with Tannehill. Either give you an out in a year or two because we can move on from Tannehill with minimum cap damage after this season and Cutler would most likely only be signed to a 2 yr deal.

      It could also hinge on the type of value we’d receive for Tannehill in a trade. If it’s good enough we may take it and run because there’s no guarantee Tannehill is going to do any better for us than Cutler in ’18.

      If we could get the value we want in a trade and keep Cutler I’d do that in a heartbeat and draft a guy to groom behind Cutler. But, in the end, I think we’re sticking with Tannehill.

  2. wyoming85 says:

    I don’t know about all the TannyTrading?
    But I agree with Lou! I would be really happy with a pair of Rackwans at LB!

  3. The Flying Pig says:

    The only thing from stopping me from pushing for a 1st round TE
    Is the last of talent in the TE class

  4. olddolphan says:

    HAD A CONVO with my ticket rep this morning about some issues I have may have to address re: my wife’s declining health and the possible need to have wheelchair location next season UNLESS her upcoming surgery does away with that need.
    The issue of switching the retro jerseys to the regular jerseys came up. He told me they’ve received a HUGE number of season ticket holders preferring the older style look. Apparently, we’re stuck with the “skinny dolphin” look, replete with the Jacksonville shade of aqua, for at least another season. But the FO is considering a return, at some time, to the favorably received older retro jerseys which they believe will sell like hotcakes.

    DUHHH

    Maybe Ross is actually beginning to listen to his customer base?!?!

    Tomorrow I’ll study the injury reports and, likely, come up with a prediction for the Buffalo game. Last year’s OT game in Buffalo was, in my view, THE GREATEST MIAMI WIN EVER in the city of Buffalo!!! Moore was awesome in the clutch! And how about Frank’s 55-yard FG in the rain to get the Fins into OT??? –Maybe this is the start of ANOTHER 20-win streak against the Bills?

  5. Piggy,
    I’m not fixed on any position either and, to me, I don’t care if we went defense OR offense heavy in a previous draft. If a player is there that’s going to upgrade a position and he’s got the potential to be an elite player at his position I’d take him no matter what side of the ball he plays on.

    And, I like playmakers. Offensive linemen, especially guards, are not playmakers. So, if we’re in a position to take either Nelson or Smith in the first I’m taking Smith all day, every day. But, there’s any number of guys I like in the first so it also depends on where we’re drafting.

    Mark Andrews is another guy I’ve mentioned numerous times. He looks to be the top TE in the draft and if we’re in the teens again I would take a shot at him. A pass catching TE that’s a mismatch is a great weapon to have. Add him to what we’ve got and it definitely helps.

  6. ElephantRider says:

    RT17 isn’t making $25M next year…..

    RT17 is a team guy. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised one bit if he restructures……

    I think it’s wrong to assume if Cutler were to stay he’d only command $10M…..he’d be just as much as RT17 and I’ll take RT17 everyday over him.

    • I think it’s possible Cutler would re-sign with the team for less than what Tannehill is getting next season. If we get to 9-7 or even 8-8 and we could parlay a Tannehill trade into at least another 1st rd pick I’d take it. If there was a deal out there that was good enough I’d do it and the reason why is because we could use the picks to build in areas of need.

      There’s no guarantee Tannehill is still with the team beyond ’18 to begin with because there’s no guarantee he turns out to be the guy we need back there. Sign Cutler to a 2 year deal and run with it. Draft a young guy like Woodside and develop him behind Cutler while using the picks obtained in a Tannehill trade and the other picks we have to beef up the team with some more talent. If Gase is truly a qb whisperer he can take a guy like Woodside and win with him.

      It’s just my opinion, of course, but Woodside looks like he’s got more upside than Tannehill did coming out of college. As a pure passer he’s head and shoulders above what he was coming out and he’s mobile enough to avoid pressure and use his legs to scramble.

  7. I’m on board with winning out. Let’s do this thing, finish strong to end the season and get to the playoffs.

    Dilly Dilly!!

  8. Mike E. says:

    Rob – You’re killing me brother! I want to work for Parcells free salary. I’d pay for everyone to come to the Fest!

    • ocalarob says:

      He completed his executed contract when the team sold, That money was in the bank.
      he was then able to either renegotiate or go get another job
      I don’t think you would continue to work for a company that wasn’t paying you.

      • Mike E. says:

        He was paid in full for a 4 year contract. So you call that working for free? I guess we have different ideas of what free is, but I do understand your point that he got a ridiculous contract in which he was paid in full with an opt out clause. People say Ros is an idiot, but Huizenga takes the cake!

      • ocalarob says:

        I think your confusing an hourly job over contract work. both parties agreed and are bound by the contract they signed. Wayne did what he had to do to get a proven winner at the helm. something Ross has been unable to do.

        Parcels should get props for sticking around as long as he did

  9. Mike E. says:

    Lou

    Being totally serious here. Do you really believe an NFL GM is going to give the Dolphins a 1st RD pick in the 2018 NFL draft for a QB coming off knee surgery?

  10. ocalarob says:

    Mike, i don’t think Ross liked Parcels, I will give Ross credit for trying to get Harbaugh though, imagine what we would be talking about now if that came to fruition.

    • Mike E. says:

      I don’t like Parcells either. I look back at what he assembled here in Miami, and I really think he half assed the whole thing. Bringing in Ireland and Sparano, and those old over the hill coordinators in Henning Pasqualoni, it was like “Hey, I’ll just take a bunch of guys I know, this way I don’t actually have to research or interview anyone, besides, I’m Bill Parcells, I’m bulletproof, no one will question anything I do”

      • ocalarob says:

        on the other hand i thought he did a great job with personnel bringing in that center from SF, Jake long and the other OL he brought in , getting Pennington, getting Ricky and Ronnie in the fold. he was focused on running the ball. he came out of the gates on fire, won the division that year. it would seem he lost focus when the team failed to address his contract status. Atlanta was heavily pursuing him, he turned them down to come to Miami because he liked Wayne, I don’t think he shared the same sentiment with Ross.

  11. pheloniusphish says:

    Tannehill is a franchise QB. Some want to conflate franchise with elite. They are not the same. Franchise QB sometimes play at an elite level (see Joe Flacco, Matty Ice, Russel Wilson, Day Prescott), but not always.

    Tannehill is better than any college QB in the draft. Every college QB is a crap shoot (see Cleveland) and the vast majority do not pan out. For every Wentz there are a dozen Brady Quinn’s. You don’t trade away your franchise QB for a long shot. You do draft young QB and let them compete.

    Cutler does not offer more than Tannehill. Until his knee injury, RT was consistently verging on top 10 QB territory. He didn’t start that way, but few QB outside of Marino did. Brady didn’t, Elway didn’t, Aikman didn’t, Breez didn’t, Rogers couldn’t get on the field for 4 years, Luck hasn’t been any better. When the team was losing, you (the general you) were breaking out pitchforks and torches to run Cutler out of town. Half the people here were considering slitting their wrists over signing him. I recall much wailing about Cutler playing scared, throwing while backing up when he didn’t need to back up, not waiting for routes to develop and more. I like Cutler as a stop gap until RT is back, but you have to be be prepared for this 3 interception games that he has. Fingers crossed that he doesn’t have anymore this year and he plays like he did last week.

    I also believe Moore is gone next year. But don’t be surprised if they figure out a way to keep Cutler to replace him. They can clear plenty of cap room to do what they want. I think/hope the days of high price free agents (I do not include Landry in that – I think he is resigned) are over. The defensive backfield is coming around nicely, LB are a work in progress (but they seem to have found some workable pieces), DL is young except for Wake, and I’m not sure he is back next year.

    Offensively, they probably still need a playmaker at WR. Parker doesn’t appear to be it. A late round RB, early round TE. Guards and Centers, maybe a swing tackle.

  12. Mike E. says:

    Rob – I’m not confusing anything. 4 Years, he worked 2 and 1/2. I didn’t cite anything about hours, just years. I also get the retarded opt out clause brainless Huizenga gave the rotten tuna. He should have just paid Parcells, and hired someone else to run the franchise, since the money was thrown out anyway.

  13. pheloniusphish says:

    Tannehill is a relative bargain next year for a franchise QB at $17.5 M.

  14. pheloniusphish says:

    No way they are paying JuWan James $9.3 M next year. Either he signs for a whole lot less or they don’t exercise his 5th year option. Three weeks to see if his replacement is already on the roster.

    • The Flying Pig says:

      I thought no the teams first priority is signing Landry
      That Mando article incubates it may be in the works or about to be in the works

      After that, I think you might have room to keep James at that rate

      He’s been our best OL at times

      It may be a little risky to part ways with both Pouncey and James in the same offseason
      And given the same salary concerns and production, between the 2 – Pouncey is probably gone

      • The Flying Pig says:

        If they did part ways with James and Pouncey I would expect that to seal the deal in terms of our 1st rounder being OL

      • pheloniusphish says:

        Only at times and James is hurt almost as often as Pouncy. I agree Pouncy is probably done. I think they will try to sign James to a much lower number than $9 M and if he won’t take it they will let him walk.

      • pheloniusphish says:

        And yes, I think Landry is a priority.

      • The Flying Pig says:

        Of course he is a priority
        I won’t have any jerseys left to wear if he’s not with our team in 18

  15. Mike E. says:

    Piggy – Can articles incubate?

    • The Flying Pig says:

      Over time…

      Wtf I can’t even remember what I meant to say

      • Mike E. says:

        Somehow I picture you sitting behind your desk dictating your posts to a woman who doesn’t speak English or understand half the things you say, and we get the net result. 🙂

        Oh, you’re wearing pants when I imagine that. lol

        I know, it’s all wrong . . . .

      • The Flying Pig says:

        I’m just relieved to know you aren’t imagining me without pants…

  16. Mike E. says:

    It would be great if we could get James to agree to pay cut, but I wouldn’t count on it.

  17. stangerx says:

    We’ve heard about football Dads….Grant has a football Mom.
    ————————
    Q from Lieser — Wow. Your mom lights you up over that [drop last game]? My mom would’ve said, ‘You did a good job trying so hard, honey,’ or something like that.
    Grant –“Yeah. Not mine.”

    Q — No exaggerating at all on this: Is there a coach here who’s as hard on you as she is?
    Grant –“My mom is definitely the worst, because she won’t let it go. If I have a great performance in the next game, then she’ll let it go. If not, she’s stuck on it.”

    Q — I’ve gotta ask Gase in the press conference now: Did Jakeem Grant’s mother call you about the drop?
    Grant — “Man, he threatens it, too. He threatens me by saying, ‘If you’re not doing what I ask you, I will call your mom.’ Come on, Coach. We’ve gotta go there?”

    Q — You’re joking. Gase says that?
    Grant — “Yeah.”

    Q — Why is everyone treating you like a child? Is it just because you’re short?
    Grant — “It’s because that’s my mom.”

    http://dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2017/12/15/dolphins-wr-jakeem-grants-mom-shreds-him-for-dropped-pass-vs-patriots/

  18. The Flying Pig says:

  19. drg says:

    Cutler has one good game against a sub par defense and now he’s the long term answer? Uh…. pass.

    For the money he’ll want Cutler is not the answer. Tannehill has gone from overrated to underrated since the knee injury. He’s overpaid for sure, but so is almost every QB on a non-rookie deal. I’m hoping we draft a high potential QB this year, but Tannehill is the guy until proven otherwise.

    We have to get our OL in good shape before considering a new QB. Defense has got to improve too.

  20. wyoming85 says:

    Adam Beasley‏Verified account
    @AdamHBeasley
    9m9 minutes ago
    More
    Dolphins injury report: Branch questionable. Bushrod out. Howard questionable. Moore doubtful. Phillips questionable. Tankersley doubtful. Michael Thomas doubtful. Williams doubtful,

  21. Randy says:

    What? You guys had another Tannehill debate and didn’t invite me? Lol

  22. BailBondMike says:

    Cutler will cost as much as tanny next year after you factor in tanny’s dead money and Cutler will want more than 10 mil (IMO).

  23. BailBondMike says:

    Lou, I agree on our first pick. I would be happy with 4 or more different players: OG Nelson, DE Chubb, LB Smith, TE Andrews. Blocking scheme re: Nelson is a non factor as ND uses a zone scheme much of the time. ND struggled against UM but it wasn’t because of their left side, it was the pressure coming from the right side catching the RB from behind.

    • naplesfan2010 says:

      That’s a great group. They were on my list as well.

    • mf13ss says:

      Indeed, BB Mike (on Notre Dame utilizing a ZBS). As I stated yesterday (and you probably already knew this) Nelson can pull pretty well. He’s one of the very few who can MAUL, PULL, AND protect your QB… and that’s why he’s an ELITE prospect in any scheme.

  24. Ken says:

    Totally agree with and great post by DRG at 2:53

  25. olddolphan says:

    TWO CO-workers in my office, both Dolphin Fans, are getting married tomorrow. MAY take my Dolphins Flag (3 feet by 5 feet) to the ceremony and break it out at the big meal after the ceremony! –Probably will dispense with the Dolphins’ fight song, though, much to Mrs. OD’s relief!!

  26. mf13ss says:

    This would be my DREAM O-Line for the future (don’t worry, we won’t draft ALL of these guys, LOL)…

    LT: Laremy Tunsil (he’ll settle in, trust)
    LG: Quenton Nelson, Notre Dame
    C (or RG): Frank Ragnow, Arkansas
    RG (or C): Billy Price, Ohio State
    RT: Joseph Noteboom, TCU

    Kenyan Drake could run for close to 2,000 yards behind these guys while Tannehill could have all day to throw.

    • mf13ss says:

      This starting O-Line would cost us roughly and only $7.5M for the 2018 season. Talk about saving $$$ with rookie contracts.

  27. wyoming85 says:

    When Fandom goes BAD!

  28. Tim Knight says:

    We should do a poll if Tannehill will be the starter, challenged for the job or traded in 2018. LOL

  29. olddolphan says:

    MY TAKE ON SUNDAY’S MIAMI @ BUFFALO GAME.
    ——————
    Dolphins lead this all-time series 60-45-1. The last 10 games played in Buffalo have gone 6 wins to the Bills, 4 for Miami. Last year’s Miami win 34-31 in O.T. was, in my opinion, the greatest Miami win ever in Buffalo! Still can’t believe Franks’ 55 yard FG through the rain that got Miami into the O.T.!! Matt Moore and Jay Ajayi where HUGE in the O.T. as the Fins got this key win that propelled them to the playoffs.

    Last week, the Bills were very lucky to beat a crappy Colts team in Overtime. Miami’s win over the Patriots was MUCH MORE IMPRESSIVE!

    Game time temperature is forecast to be 28 degrees with NO SNOW. Over 70,000 fat, drunk and ugly Bills’ fans will be screaming for their home team. When the game ends, they’ll still be fat, drunk and ugly. And they’ll also be heart broken.

    Miami wins 23-17. They won’t need the 3 point spread to cover this game!!

  30. mf13ss says:

    Ahmed Fareed‏Verified account
    @FareedNBCS
    57m57 minutes ago
    More Ahmed Fareed Retweeted John Shea
    So, by picking up the Matt Moore option the Giants get a couple prospects. The return won’t be great.

  31. mf13ss says:

    Dan Szymborski‏Verified account
    @DSzymborski
    51m51 minutes ago
    More
    So Matt Moore essentially replaces Andrew Cashner in the “man, remember how good he was in 2013?” role.

  32. mf13ss says:

    Jon Wilson‏
    @WhoIsJonWilson
    43m43 minutes ago
    More
    Trading for Matt Moore made sense. Now, with the Giants exploring pricey trades/free agents and Stratton, Blach, Beede and Suarez all vying for opportunities next season, trading Moore for salary relief/prospects also makes sense.

  33. mf13ss says:

    Dave‏
    @gggiants
    59m59 minutes ago
    More
    I’m a-ok not having to watch any more Matt Moore starts.

  34. Tim Knight says:

    M13, what are these Matt Moore posts about?

  35. wyoming85 says:

    Stephen King‏Verified account
    @StephenKing
    4h4 hours ago
    More
    I unfollowed Mike Pence. He is Negan.

    _________________________

    Ok I know I’m old! But WTF is a Negan????????????

  36. wyoming85 says:

    LOL @MF13 trying to get a rise out of the board!

  37. Tim Knight says:

    M13, why are you posting about baseball, I thought you don’t even follow it?

  38. Tim Knight says:

    Question for the FF peeps.
    Rodgers is reportedly going to be activated this week. Goff was my IR pick up for him. I can’t keep Goff or I lose Rodgers putting him back into the 4 man protect draft pool in 2018. Wentz was my drafted backup and now he’s done – he likely won’t be ready for the start of the 2018 season. So I put him on IR and still own his rights and picked up… wait for it… Case Keenum. He’s the highest rated QB available. 🙂

    I’m in round 2 of the playoffs. Who would you start at QB?

    • herdfan says:

      That made my head hurt. 😉

      • Tim Knight says:

        LOL

        If Rodgers is activated off IR I have to release Goff. Wentz is done and on IR so Case Keenum replaces him.

        I guess I’m going to choose between Rodgers who is a wildcard, and a guy in Keenum who has really played well for the Vikes. Who would you start?

      • Ken says:

        I would not start Keenum. I am not dissing him but his career has been more journeyman than stud. I know he has been doing well but I still wouldn’t trust. He struggled in crunch time last week. I love Goff right now and he is playing exceptionally well but IMO Rodgers is the best QB in football. He is still young enough where you can’t justify letting him go for Goff. I think you have to start Rodgers even though I think Goff is probably the better play this week

  39. Tim Knight says:

    Thanks Ken for verifying my conundrum. Seriously! LOL

    My plan in 2018 was possibly trading Rodgers and keeping Wentz moving into a new era. But that has all changed. I have to take my chance on Rodgers being ready, and that it’s not a sham and he’s not going to play. In my league he’s still on IR. But looks like he’ll be my QB at least in 2018 now. Wentz probably won’t be ready for the 1st qtr of the season.

    • Ken says:

      Wentz and Goff would have been a hell of a combo. However, given the current state of things I think Rodgers is still your best bet

      • Tim Knight says:

        Yeah me too. He’s earned that trust. But he’s coming in cold regardless of practice. He’s also Rodgers.

        If there is one QB who could throw it like Marino it’s Rodgers. He is also extremely mobile. He has a crazy skill set.

  40. ocalarob says:

    we need to shut down McCoy, front 7 need to step up and stop this cut back guy.

  41. Mike E. says:

    Tim

    I have Wentz, and had to IR him as well. My backup is Cousins, but it’s funny, because I also picked up Keenum. I’m going with Cousins though this week, this is Playoffs week 1, but if I get through, I’ll check the matchups next week. If Cousins has a really tough matchup, I may go with Keenum if he doesn’t. This is also a keeper league, so I’m going to protect both Wentz and Cousins for next season

    • Mike E. says:

      Oh, and to answer your question, I’d probably go with Keenum this week, Rams playing Seattle is not ideal, even if they’re only the Legion of Gloom. lol The Cincy defense isn’t nearly as good as SEA.

  42. I’m not trying to go down the road I went down before with Tannehill but I seriously believe that, if we go 9-7, the team has a definite decision to make. Plenty of people don’t think other teams would be interested in trading for a guy coming off a knee injury then why would we be ready to put all our eggs in one basket with that same guy coming off a knee injury.

    But, the real conundrum would come from if Cutler continues to play well the remaining three games. So much has been made of how well Tannehill started to play better as he progressed thru the season. Well, what if the same can be said about Cutler? What if he continues to do well?

    Then we definitely have a decision to make and, IMO (of course) we would do better to try and get picks for a qb that many a Phins fan feels is a franchise qb and trade him. If we have a guy in house who can carry the team for the next two years while we develop a young talent behind him why wouldn’t you want to do it?

    I’m not saying the team will. Most likely we’ll see Tannehill at the helm again next season and if you feel that’s the best thing for the team then so be it. My beef with the whole situation would be we finally would have a way to help the team out by bringing in some extra talent because we’ve got trade bait. If you truly believe this guy can win games for this team then the argument can’t be that he’s not worth much in a trade. You can’t have it both ways.

    All I’m saying is if the situation arises we should consider it. If we shit the bed and Cutler regresses then it’s a different story. But, we go 9-7 and Cutler is a big part of the success then we SHOULD have a qb controversy.

  43. Mike E. says:

    Lou

    As you know, there’s a big difference between trading for a player, giving up future assets, than expecting your own player, who knows the current system like the back of his hand, to recover from a knee injury. It’s just the reality of sports. Make a trade for a player coming off a knee injury that hasn’t played, and you look like a fool. The Dophins have plenty of time to evaluate RT, because he’s here. They have a constant pulse on his recovery, so they’ll know how he’s progressing better than any other team could possibly know. It’s just too risky and the optics would be terrible if a GM traded for RT and he had a setback with his knee.

    • But, do you think we should just stay with the status quo or do you think we should draft a qb no matter what? What if WE go with Tannehill and he ends up not fully recovering from the injury or, worse yet, injures the same knee. It happens. Look at Thomas Davis from the Panthers.

      And, IF we draft a qb it’s got to be a guy we’re putting time into developing or is competition for the starting job. This same shit, different day stuff isn’t cutting it. If we stay with Tannehill another season and he doesn’t do what we need to get out of him then it’s too late to say “okay, we need to draft a guy NEXT year”. That’s BS

      • Mike E. says:

        I think we should draft a QB, but I can’t say we need to make it a high priority, RD 1 or RD2. I’m all for drafting a QB, and maybe even in RD1 or RD2 if there was a player we felt would be the right fit for us. I’d still like to build the O-line and get a freaking TE, but I’m cool with drafting a QB

  44. The Flying Pig says:

    M13

    I have a feeling we won;t start 4 rookies on the OL next year….lol

    If they pulled it off and had a draft with 4 starters on the OL it would probably the best draft in out history

  45. Mike E. says:

    Lou

    Sure, RT could have a setback, but a rookie QB you draft could also get injured. It’s a rough sport. At this point, there’s no reason not to expect a good recovery from RT, but you never know, shit does happen. Any player is an injury risk, no matter how clean they have been in college etc.

  46. pheloniusphish says:

    What makes a franchise QB? What separates the elite from the franchise? By pretty much any measure Tannehill is a franchise QB when compared to those commonly accepted as franchise QB. In my opinion (And no opinion is humble. If it was humble it wouldn’t be an opinion.), the defifference between elite and franchise is that elite can consistently carry the team, whereas the franchise can do it occasionally.

    2016 through 13 games, except for Brady who was suspended for 4:
    Passing
    Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD Int QBR Sk Yds Y/A AY/A
    Ryan Tannehill 261 389 67.10% 2995 19 12 93.5 29 216 7.7 7.29
    The Franchises
    Matt Ryan 302 442 68.01% 4050 30 7 112.5 31 206 9.15 9.81
    Joe Flacco 358 549 65.21% 3582 17 12 85.0 25 194 6.62 6.23
    Russel Wilson 286 443 64.81% 3382 13 10 91.5 32 248 7.83 7.52
    Cam Newton 234 435 53.16% 3074 17 9 80.0 31 232 7.03 6.89
    Philip Rivers 287 464 62.92% 3589 27 17 92.5 33 172 7.88 7.59
    The Elites
    Tom Brady (12 Games) 291 432 67.36% 3554 28 2 112.2 15 87 8.23 9.31
    Aaron Rodgers 327 502 65.51% 3529 32 7 103.4 26 175 7.22 8.07
    Drew Brees 382 541 7074.69% 4170 30 14 101.0 20 139 7.77 7.70
    Ben Roethlisberger 328 509 6475.50% 3819 29 13 95.2 17 141 7.69 7.75

  47. pheloniusphish says:

    Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD Int QBR Sk Yds Y/A AY/A
    Ryan Tannehill 261 389 67.10% 2995 19 12 93.5 29 216 7.70 7.29
    The Franchises
    Matt Ryan 302 442 68.01% 4050 30 7 112.5 31 206 9.15 9.81
    Joe Flacco 358 549 65.21% 3582 17 12 85.0 25 194 6.62 6.23
    Russel Wilson 286 443 64.81% 3382 13 10 91.5 32 248 7.83 7.52
    Cam Newton 234 435 53.16% 3074 17 9 80.0 31 232 7.03 6.89
    Philip Rivers 287 464 62.92% 3589 27 17 92.5 33 172 7.88 7.59
    The Elites
    Tom Brady* 291 432 67.36% 3554 28 2 112.2 15 87 8.23 9.31
    Aaron Rodgers 327 502 65.51% 3529 32 7 103.4 26 175 7.22 8.07
    Drew Brees 382 541 70.74% 4170 30 14 101.0 20 139 7.77 7.70
    Ben Roethlisberger 328 509 64.75% 3819 29 13 95.2 17 141 7.69 7.75

    There, that’s better.

  48. mf13ss says:

    The Flying Pig says:
    December 16, 2017 at 9:52 am
    M13

    I have a feeling we won;t start 4 rookies on the OL next year….lol

    If they pulled it off and had a draft with 4 starters on the OL it would probably the best draft in out history
    ———
    You and I both know it would never happen. For one, we need some continuity on the O-Line going into next season. For two, there are plenty of other positions that need to be addressed as well.

    But I’ve gotta say… it wouldn’t suck! It would be an O-Line lover’s delight!

    • The Flying Pig says:

      I figured it was a fantasy draft that you didn’t expect to happen

      But honestly I have always loved the idea of drafting entire units together and letting them grow together – it’s just super risky, especially when it’s the OL and the mistakes can kill an offense

      It would be hard to survive the rookie mistakes and still have a good season – it would probably pay off over time though

  49. mf13ss says:

    BB Mike,

    I believe it was you who was referring to the Tackle from Pittsburgh a few weeks ago. His name is Brian O’Neil and he declared for the NFL Draft just yesterday. He ended giving up just 1 sack all season and he can play both LT and RT. Yes… he looks to be VERY good.

  50. I think the quarterback sitseation (and I spelled it as Bugs Bunny would) in Miami is fluid. If Cutler is a big part of the success of this team going forward and we finish on a high note and possibly make the playoffs the situation isn’t as clear as many think it is. Especially if we make the playoffs and win a game. Then what happens?

    If that were to happen there’s definitely a discussion at the end of the season about what to do at the quarterback position with this team.

    • mf13ss says:

      I think that’s a moot conversation until IF it actually happens. That’s a lot of speculation (all good), but we could just as easily end up going 0-3 for the rest of the season.

      • Then a lot of the topics on here are moot until they actually happen. We come on here to just throw shit out and see if it sticks. That’s what we do here.

        Yeah, it’s speculation, but my point is if it does happen that we win out and especially if we make the playoffs and win a game there’s every reason to believe everyone within the organization who is anybody will be saying they need to have that discussion. It’s a valid point.

    • pheloniusphish says:

      By that logic, Earl Morrall should have been Miami’s QB in ’73 and Griese traded away.

  51. pheloniusphish says:

    Cutler has a much larger body of work to draw on when evaluating QB play. He has played at a high level for stretches before, then played like shit for stretches.That has always been the knock on him. Tannehill has gotten progressively better throughout his career and was really taking off last year under Gase. Let’s face it, Miami didn’t exactly have QB friendly coaches until Gase. And that’s why you don’t trade him and keep Cutler. Upside. You know what you have in Cutler and Tannehill’s floor is Cutler’s ceiling. I like Cutler…think he was the best we could do this year and I would love to see him back as a back up. Draft a young QB, let him compete by all means. But don’t throw the baby out with the wash.

    • Mike E. says:

      I agree. He had an upward trajectory every season but one, and he just took a slight step back in a bad season for the team in general. I put up his stats in the last 7 games last season, and they are impressive. No reason to think he can’t duplicate that next season, or maybe even improve.

      • His best years were actually under the “hated” Bill Lazor when Lazor had him throwing the ball 45 times a game. He was a bit more consistent last year under Gase because he had a run game to support him. Let’s not make this out to be something it’s not.

    • Tannehill has played a few good games and has played great in less than a hand full of games. Most of his games weren’t that good. He hasn’t gotten progressively better and last season was the first time he showed some promise in the middle part of the season up to his injury.

      You could also say the same thing about Cutler that you say about Tannehill. Cutler has had multiple head coaches and offensive coordinators throughout his career and had his best year under Gase in Chicago. So, it’s the first time in his career he’s had a qb friendly coach like Gase. So, I just don’t think the situation is cut and dry.

      I also don’t see how you can say that Tannehill’s floor is Cutler’s ceiling. That just doesn’t make any sense. Do you really think Tannehill is going to continue to progress and morph into something other than what we’ve seen? He has shown that if you put the people around him he can get it done but that’s it. He’s never going to be a guy who can win games for you consistently, meaning, Tannehill is a game manager and nothing more. He does what you ask of him but isn’t the guy who’s going to take things into his own hands and win the game.

    • mf13ss says:

      Be careful when using the term “upside” with Tannehill. He’ll be 30 next season, it will be his 7 year in the league (6th playing), and he’s coming off of 2 ACL injuries in the same knee. It’s not as though he doesn’t have an established body of work, either.

      Daunte Culpepper comes to mind… though Culpepper was a FAR better QB than Tannehill ever was.

      As y’all know, I support Tannehill 100%… but let’s not pretend that he’s just scratching the surface of what he’s capable of doing. He’s probably on the downside of his career at this point between his knee and ALL of the sacks/hits he’s taken over the many years.

      • mf13ss says:

        And Culpepper wrecked his knee in his 6th year in the NFL. Tannehill wrecked his knee in his 6th year in the NFL (twice). If history repeats itself, perhaps we should go after the QB with the wrecked throwing arm (Brees).

    • Tim Knight says:

      Agreed and we’re not dumping Tannehill. You can put it in the bank. 🙂

      • mf13ss says:

        Agreed. Tannehill will be with us next season and as the starter.

      • The thing that gets me about this is how there’s so many people who actually think it’s a good thing that we’re not dumping him. Do people think it’s really that impossible to replace this guy? Do they believe that he’s played so well that there’s just NO way we could possibly find someone who could be better than him? Seriously, it just boggles the mind.

  52. Mike E. says:

    M

    No pretending. Look at what he did the last 7 games of last season. Aren’t you quick to point to Keenum’s last 11 games? RT is finally in a good position with a HC that believes in him, and found out how to help him improve, and he did. If he can duplicate what he did the last 7 games of ’16, we’re fine at QB. If he can improve a little bit, even better.

    • mf13ss says:

      Keenum has very little tread on his tires and has not been subjected to over 200 sacks. What’s more, Keenum hasn’t wrecked his knee TWICE since he last played.

      I’m not trying to take away from Tannehill, but let’s be realistic about his knee injury.

  53. Mike E. says:

    M

    Tannehill didn’t shred his knee like Culpepper did. He also technically didn’t do it tice, because he never had surgery to repair the initial damage, and then it finally tore. It wasn’t a brutal knee injury, just a run of the mill ACL tear.

    • mf13ss says:

      It’s WORSE because Tannehill never had surgery on it the first time. All the doctors in the world have stated that he damaged it all the more because of this fact. It sucks!

      • right and, if anything, his “supporters” should be pissed at him for such a bonehead move. instead, they can’t wait to see him come back because they think he’s going to light the world on fire.

      • Tim Knight says:

        It wasn’t a bad tear and all reports are he’s healing well and has already been throwing.

      • Ken says:

        That is not true. Not having the surgery doesn’t cause additional damage. In fact surgery can cause damage such as scar tissue. You have to weigh whether or the surgical repair will outweigh the ill effects of surgery.

  54. mf13ss says:

    professorloumiamidolphinsblog says:
    December 16, 2017 at 12:01 pm
    Then a lot of the topics on here are moot until they actually happen. We come on here to just throw shit out and see if it sticks. That’s what we do here.

    Yeah, it’s speculation, but my point is if it does happen that we win out and especially if we make the playoffs and win a game there’s every reason to believe everyone within the organization who is anybody will be saying they need to have that discussion. It’s a valid point.
    ———-
    And that’s why I stated, “all good”, regarding speculation. Do you realize that you’re stirring a QB controversy when there really isn’t one (yet)? LOL

    Cutler may retire and call it a career!

  55. I’m sorry but I just don’t know how anyone can be excited about a Phins season if Tannehill is going to be the quarterback.

    • Ken says:

      Because he has played well for us. We were 8-5 when he got hurt and he was hot at that time. Say what you want but he was playing well in 2016.

    • Tim Knight says:

      I will be. He was playing at a high level when he got hurt and I think he’ll rebound from the injury and continue to progress. 🙂

      The way the offense is shaping up with Drake and hopefully Williams back, with Tannhill’s mobility those guys are going to catch a lot of passes and get chunk yards. They’ll be open off of rollouts and bootlegs. We can do a lot of movement stuff.

      • he wasn’t playing at a high level. the team was winning games with him at qb. We won some games with Ajayi’s running and we had to win some games with defensive and special teams scores. where was he playing at a high level?

        again, the offense led the league in 3 and out’s last season? where was this high level of play?

    • The Flying Pig says:

      It was actually the Tannehill injury that took the wind out of my wings in the preseason

      I would be excited about a rookie too

      But starting the season with cutler and Moore is kind of…meh…

  56. mf13ss says:

    Ken says:
    December 16, 2017 at 12:16 pm
    That is not true. Not having the surgery doesn’t cause additional damage. In fact surgery can cause damage such as scar tissue. You have to weigh whether or the surgical repair will outweigh the ill effects of surgery.
    ———
    You are adding your own version, Ken. The doctors never stated that not having the surgery would CAUSE additional damage. Being Tannehill’s ACL wasn’t stabilized after the first injury, it was left susceptible to additional damage (ie: another injury, hit, etc). The overall trauma to his knee has now been been doubled being he re-injured it. So instead of it being a one-time injury, it became a two-time injury.

    • Ken says:

      I have not read one article or medical opinion that has stated this. Every thing I have read indicates the knee was satisfactorily repaired and his prognosis is fine. I think you are adding speculation that is not based on the medical reality as it has been reported

  57. olddolphan says:

    ALL THIS QB TALK IS PUTTING THE CART BEFORE THE HORSE!! It doesn’t make a damn bit of difference WHO are quarterback is if they are forced to play behind one of the NFL’s WORST offensive lines. Sooner or later (and likely “sooner”) our starting QB will spend time on the injured list. Tannehill, missed entire season. Cutler, missed several games. Moore. missed several games. DO WE DETECT A TREND, HERE??? HELLO, ARE WE AWAKE???

    WE MUST take at least 2 O-Linemen in the first 4 rounds of the draft this time. Period!! Our failure to draft ANY O-Linemen in the first 4 rounds last draft really came back to bite us in the ass this season. SO, to T-Bomb, Grier, and the rest of the “DOOFUS BRIGADE,” I say “Thanks for NOTHING!!”

    MF-13—those guys you’ve been recommending for our O-Line appear to be able to provide for our #1 need. Indeed the 2 you’re highest on probably could earn starts in game #1 of the upcoming regular season. If Baker Mayfield is still available in round 3 (as Ken seems to suggest) I say “take him, or someone like him who we can develop into a legit NFL quarterback. Otherwise, be prepared for more injuries for our quarterbacks!

  58. mf13ss says:

    I see the Tannehomers are in full swing, as are the Tannehaters, LOL.

    • pheloniusphish says:

      As is Doctor /Scout Mf13ss.

    • Ken says:

      What because I stated medical facts as opposed to speculation?

    • It’s all my fault. I’ll admit it. I just want this team to get better and I don’t see it happening if we just stay with the status quo. Cutler isn’t the answer long term. I understand that. But, that’s why I say draft a qb to develop behind him.

      Tannehill isn’t the answer long term either. Even if he comes back from his injury next year he’s going to be 30 and he’s got maybe two or three seasons at best remaining. I just don’t want to see the team go that long without drafting a qb and when he’s ready to go or they finally decide it’s time for him to go they wait until the very end to draft a qb and throw another rookie in there day one.

      • Ken says:

        I disagree with you in that I think Tannehill can effectively lead this team. But I do agree with you that would should draft a QB to develop. Drafting QBs to develop is always a sound strategy.

      • I’m not saying this to be a dick Ken but Tannehill doesn’t have leadership ability. He’s never shown he’s a leader or that he’s THE leader of the offense or the team.

      • Ken says:

        I disagree Lou he was leading the team just fine in 2016. We just disagree

      • Tannehill stands back there and calls a play. Maybe he changes it. Did you notice what Cutler was doing back there on Monday night? He was in fuggin command. Command. Huge difference. Tannehill might be athletic and have a big arm but he doesn’t SEE things.

  59. Tim Knight says:

    We’ll see in 2018.

    Go Phins!!!

  60. mf13ss says:

    professorloumiamidolphinsblog says:
    December 16, 2017 at 12:34 pm
    Woodside will be there in rd 3. take him and develop him behind wonder boy. if we keep tannehill next year and draft Woodside I’ll be happy because I know it won’t be long before Woodside gets the starting position away from Tannehill.
    ———–
    Now THAT’S what I’m talking about. That’s a POSITIVE solution, instead of endlessly debating Cutler vs Tannehill.

    I doubt Matt Moore is in our future (seems Gase doesn’t like him), and we’re not going to start a rookie next season unless we draft a QB in round 1 (doubt that happens). Draft a decent QB in Woodside and get him ready for the ’19 season, if need be.

    • yeah, if the plan is to bring him back and draft a qb to develop in case things don’t work out I’ll be on board with that. of course, it’s not my decision so they may just decide to go with Tannehill and Fales. But, with the dead money in RT’s contract make him “dumpable” or they can trade him because we now have a developed starter from the draft I’m good with that.

      If he turns out to be the guy I’m good with that too but I don’t see that happening. If we go into next season with him penciled in as the starter I just don’t think we do anything consistently and I don’t want to waste another two years to finally find out it’s time to draft another guy

  61. Ken says:

    Alright off to take the boys to see Star Wars and for myself off course

    • The Flying Pig says:

      Let us know how it is!

      I really hope my favorite character in the universe has a bigger part
      Being eaten by a rancor or a pit is no way to represent pigkind

  62. mf13ss says:

    http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/profootballdoc/sd-sp-pfd-tannehill-should-have-surgery-0804-story.html

    So much for trying to discredit me. Perhaps Tannehomers can’t or don’t read? Hmmm…

    • Ken says:

      That article doesn’t say anything contrary to what I said. After the injury this summer there was no choice for reconstruction of the knee. The point is the failure to have the surgery was not a causative factor in the 2nd injury. There is nothing in that article that suggests he won’t be fine or ready for next season.

  63. Mike E. says:

    M – My point about Keenum is this, he simply never played anywhere NEAR the level he’s playing at now. He’s in a good situation, in the right offense , with the right coach. I believe the same situation exists for Tannehill. No need to make more of his knee injury than what it is. He’s going to most likely be fine come training camp. Tannehill was playing at a very high level the last 7 games in ’16, and I expect him to get right back to that.

  64. Rhino says:

    NY Times has a great simulator online for all games remaining in one big easy to see format. Change the winner of any game and it recalculates the % of getting whatever playoff spot you set it for.
    Essentially, we need to win out and have Titans lose 2 of 3. 🙂

  65. wyoming85 says:

    Shrine Game‏
    @Shrine_Game
    32m32 minutes ago
    More
    Quinton Flowers of University of South Florida has accepted the invitation to play in the 2018 East-West #ShrineGame – http://ht.ly/mEE930hgBr9 @SpotTheBall_9 @USouthFlorida

  66. BailBondMike says:

    M13, it wasn’t me that mentioned Brian O’Neil. I did mention LT Adam Bisnowatty, and LG Dorian Johnson who were drafted this year our of Pittsburg and are sitting on their respective teams PS. I thought it might be worth poaching one of them to get them on the roster going into next year.

  67. mf13ss says:

    Mike E. says:
    December 16, 2017 at 1:11 pm
    M – My point about Keenum is this, he simply never played anywhere NEAR the level he’s playing at now. He’s in a good situation, in the right offense , with the right coach. I believe the same situation exists for Tannehill. No need to make more of his knee injury than what it is. He’s going to most likely be fine come training camp. Tannehill was playing at a very high level the last 7 games in ’16, and I expect him to get right back to that.
    ———–
    I’m not sure why you’re comparing Keenum to Tannehill to begin with, Mike E. Keenum having a beautiful stretch over the last 11 games has NOTHING to do with Tannehill coming back from an ACL or otherwise.

    It sounds to me like you’re trying to get me on Tannehill’s side. Guess what… I’m already there! I’m just not blind to reality. Call me cautiously optimistic, but I’m not going to anoint Tannehill as GREATER THAN EVER without at LEAST seeing him take a few snaps from behind Center in camp next year, and that’s putting it lightly. All the Tannehomers (not just here) made that mistake last year because they think they’re doctors, too.

    If/when Tannehill starts in game 1 of 2018, it will be the better part of TWO YEARS (1 year and 9 months) since he played in a real game, having incurred two ACL injuries to the same knee. If that reality makes one uncomfortable, it should. That doesn’t necessarily mean that Tannehill is going to suck… but that also doesn’t necessarily mean that he’s going to be better than ever.

    What Tannehill did back in ’16 (7 nice games behind a then decent O-Line) has NOTHING to do with ’18 Tannehill, coming back from 2 ACL injuries. Do you understand the reality now as I do?

    And FOR THE RECORD… I predict that Tannehill will successfully come back in ’18 and play at a rather high level… but it’s only a prediction and I’ve been wrong many times before… as were the Tannelovers last year. It’s a waiting game at this point.

  68. ElephantRider says:

    I remember when RT17 went out in the AZ game. The looks of the team said enough to me that he is/was their leader.

  69. Tim Knight says:

    There are some people who aren’t big fans of Tannehill and others who are, and then some of us who think he’s better than people give him credit for. But why is it so hard to accept that he started to really come into his own last year before the injury? He’s one guy who was playing better and some other areas of the offense had some issues at times that he has nothing to do with. When other QBs struggle and I mean really good ones, people point out injuries to the OL, missing this guy and that guy. When our offense struggles it’s all about Tannehill. It gets comical at times.

    I want to see Tannehill play in the offense Gase wants to have and even though this season has been a clusterfuck of all kinds of ups and downs, I can see potential moving forward if we can fix some things and utilize our strengths. I for one am looking forward to the 2018 season because I think we have the potential to be a pretty damn good team.

    Go Phins!!!

  70. Tim Knight says:

    M13, you referring to anyone as a playerhomer is pretty funny. You’re a homer for players who can’t even make it in the NFL. LOL

  71. Tim Knight says:

    You know I won’t be surprised if Thomas is on the team in 2018. Like much of the offense, it’s been a rough year with only recent weeks showing signs of life and good stuff. Thomas has been a part of that. 39-373 3TD isn’t horrible. Maybe not at his current price but I can see him being here next year. I still think we should target a TE somewhat high in the draft though.

    Fasano is solid at what he does but he’s in his twilight. Thomas still has ability but has had an up and down season. Gray is a good role player at FB, H-Back, TE and on STs. We need to add a future starting TE who hopefully can play all roles at some point. It’s time!!

  72. wyoming85 says:

    Shrine Game‏
    @Shrine_Game
    3h3 hours ago
    More
    Riley Ferguson of University of Memphis has accepted the invitation to play in the 2018 East-West #ShrineGame – http://ht.ly/gQqs30hgC4v @Riley_FergQB4 @uofmemphis

  73. wyoming85 says:

    Congrats Herd!

    SI College Football‏Verified account
    @si_ncaafb
    16m16 minutes ago
    More
    FINAL: Marshall hangs on to stave off Colorado State 31–28 and win the New Mexico Bowl

  74. bookman11 says:

    Saw Last Jedi. Really good movie. Very simple, basic and exciting. Only thing I will say is that there is one scene that is really stupid

    • rgs322 says:

      No need to even mention the scene, I already know what you will say.

      I’ve already gone twice to see it because I’m a sucker for anything Star Wars or Marvel. Lol.

  75. I’m not going to sit here and say people like Tim are dumb or naïve for looking forward to next year and seeing what Tannehill is going to do and say that my opinion is any better.

    It’s just my point of view. If you’re looking forward to it then so be it. That’s good. If it makes you happy that’s also good. I’m just not in the same camp. I’ve seen enough of him over the past 6 seasons and just personally am bored to shit with him as qb and want to move on already.

    Nothing he does excites me and when I think of the team going into next season with him at qb I tend to lose interest. Again, it’s just me.

    There’s others on here as well as some people on Twitter I talk with who are looking forward to him starting again next year too. Again, it’s fine. Too each their own. Like I said, its’ my opinion and just the way I feel about it personally. I never liked the pick from day one as everyone knows and I’ve been waiting for the day we move on and it may not be anytime soon. I don’t know if I’m ever going to care for the guy, even if we win 11 games in ’18 with him as the qb.

    But, again, it’s me. I yawn at the thought of watching #17 throw the ball for us. In fact, I’d rather see us take a shot at a guy like Woodside. Now THAT would be something I find exciting.

  76. rgs322 says:

    It looks like KC is starting to play better again.

  77. wyoming85 says:

  78. herdfan says:

    Game Day blog up in a few!

    Go Dolphins!

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