1-0 baby! The Dolphins started the season at home against the Titans, in one of the most bizarre and easily the most lengthy football games in the history of the sport. 7 hours, and 10 minutes. Wow! Lightning strikes in the vicinity of Hard Rock caused a couple of weather delays which put the total game time from start to finish at 7:10, which is the longest game in NFL history.
The good thing is that the Dolphins team remained focused on the task at hand, winning the game, and I would give some credit to Head Coach Adam Gase for keeping his team prepared, and to GM Chris Grier and VP Mike Tannenbaum for shedding the roster of the “ME” players and building a team of players who share a common goal, helping each other make the Dolphins a winning team.
The Dolphins had a nice balance on offense, Kenyan Drake getting the most touches as expected, and it was especially nice to see Frank Gore come in and spark the offense. He looks fresh, especially for a veteran RB with 13 NFL seasons under his belt, and over 3200 carries. I think it’s a great tandem, they complement each other very well. The O-line did their job well, and both backs were able to move the ball.
Ryan Tannehill looked very good in the game, but a couple of poor throws somewhat derailed his fine effort. I really thought the throw in the end zone to Gesicki, whether Mike slipped or not, was too flat, not enough arc, and also just thrown too close to the defender. Make that throw more towards the sideline, and deeper towards the back of the endzone with more arc, and there’s very little chance if any that it gets picked off. The other was either an overthrow or a miscommunication with Jakeem Grant, and without certainty as to which, I can’t blame Tannehill on that one. The play-action TD pass to Kenny Stills was a beauty, great protection, and a very accurate strike for the TD. Take away the end zone miscue to Gesicki or the other INT intended for Grant, and Tannehill has done exactly what I would hope he could do.
The Titans after the injury to starting QB Marcus Mariota were not the same team, but the injuries to starting OT’s Taylor Lewan and Jack Conklin, LT and RT respectively is really what killed the Titans. Those 2 are aggressive, mean and nasty run blockers, and the Dolphins limited the run game, especially when big back Derrick Henry was in, to 26 yards on 10 carries. Dion Lewis, who is quicker and shiftier had more success, rushing for 75 yards on 16 carries.
On defense, the first thing I noticed right away, was Minkah Fitzpatrick. He didn’t do one spectacular thing on Sunday, but damn if he wasn’t always around the ball. You just can’t teach what he has, that desire to digest football knowledge, study film to learn players and teams tendencies, and the desire to work in the weight room to become the best player he can be. Minkah had that before he got here, but he’s ours man, and I’m thrilled we have him. He was in on 6 tackles, but despite that, he just seemed to be so involved in the game, and he was out there a lot. If anyone has snap counts, I’d love to know how many, as well as for the D-line. The frequent rotation worked as well as I could have hoped, and the youngins Godchaux and Taylor look like all the world to have been brilliant draft picks. You just don’t expect a 5th and 6th RD defensive tackle to give you what Godchaux and Taylor are giving us. Think of how absurd it is to pay a player over $20M to do what these guys are giving us! Talk about value, it’s insane! The LB’s weren’t asked to do everything, as we saw 3 safeties out there often enough. Kiko led the team with 6 solo tackles, and both Raekwon McMillan and Jerome Baker had 3 solos and 3 assists. Very possible this type of thing plays out the entire season.
The Jets come off a very successful road win against the Detroit Lions. They banged up QB Matthew Stafford pretty good, and the battered QB threw 1 TD and 4 INT’s. While Matthew Stafford hurt his team, the Jets rookie QB did the opposite. Sam Darnold played a very solid game, despite throwing an INT on his very first pass attempt. The rookie bounced back well however, and helped lead his team to an impressive 48-17 drubbing of the Lions. He had a nice balanced rushing attack with Bilal Powell and Isaiah Crowell with a 1-1A type approach. Crowell finished with 102 yards on 10 carries and 2 TD’s and Powell had 12 carries for 60 yards. Quincy Enunwa has resumed his spot as the go-to-guy of the offense, after being out with an injury last year. Robbie Anderson remains the big play danger, he’s like our version of Kenny Stills, except of course Anderson threatens police officers with vulgar things he will do to their wives, but on the gridiron, they are similar threats.
Dolphins vs Jets are always crazy games, as last year’s Fest game was evidence of such. The Dolphins pulled out a last minute victory when Bobby McCain intercepted Josh McCown with 47 seconds remaining in the game, allowing Cody Parkey to kick the game winning 39 yard F to win it 31-28. What a FEST-ivious win! There will not be a MetLife Takeover Fest this time, but hopefully the NYC Dolfans contingency will be sufficient to help our boys complete another successful takeover that ends with a Dolphins victory.
If the Dolphins can continue their success rushing the football with Drake and Gore, and keep the pocket clean for Tannehill, we should be able to score against the Jets. Devante Parker should be back, but I just can’t count on him to be a big role player, so I won’t. We have enough weapons with Stills, Amendola, Wilson and the 2 backs, and anything we can get from Gesicki and Parker is just gravy. On defense, just limit Bilal Powell. Crowell doesn’t scare me, but Powell just rips off those big plays, so we need to keep him in check. Darnold probably won’t be shaken, we should treat him like any QB, not expose ourselves with a ton of blitzes. I think if we do that, he might make us pay, so just stay disciplined, keep using the 3 safeties often, and I think we can beat them. Don’t let Anderson get behind the secondary.
MIA 28 – NYJ 27
Finsmob Unleashed 
Don’t even hand it off just run clock
huge win if we hold on
Offense still needs work, but if the defense can continue to take up the slack until they get together they will go far.
That was a great gamme closing drive
Tannehill was smart when running the ball protecting himself
Weeeeeeeee!
THE MIAMI DOLPHINS ARE UNDEFEATED BITCHES
2-0 in conference
1-0 in division
But they didn’t draft OL and Ross, Gase and t-Baum suck.
#1 in the division bitches
Got the W
2-0 with a divisional win on the road. It may not have been pretty but you gotta like that
Exactly!!!
Way to run out the clock
Tough win on the road – I’ll definitely take it.
The offense left a lot out there. Should have scored in the 30’s but D was awesome
The plays Drake ran out of bounds we’re clock stopping plays. It wasn’t inside the final 3 minutes
Drake is still essentially a rookie. That was his 8th game as a starter.
Gotta love a division road win! Nice. And, the Vikings just tied it up on a beautiful 2 point conversion play with 30 seconds left on the clock. Good day for football.
Yep
https://www.nfl.com/standings
Have been the first team listed “all year” go ahead make fun of me…..WE ARE NUMBER !
Number exclamation mark?
Scratch and claw your way to some wins as this team gels. That happened today. This team still needs to clean some things up but winning trumps all of that. 🙂
BOOM
Good win
We don’t win it pretty
Defense don’t give them pity
Just win it baby
There you go!
Get some cool-aid!
No …go Jags!
I’ll take the W’s but the QB is the reason for both games being close due to his mistakes. Hopefully, this is the layoff and will get cleaned up.
He also helped win the game. He out-rushed the entire Jets team. LOL
Pass pro had a tough day picking up blitzes. But this team showed resiliency. Tannehill as well as many others need to clean up their games and when that happens I think we’ll be a team to be reckoned with.
Completely get it, and he needed to make up for his fuck up….all i’my saying.
Can’t keep doing this and lead.
Nice D. I love, Minkah!
He’s awesome
He’s the real deal.
Bobby can’t cover the bigger WR!
We had a lot of pass off your man zone coverage issues. Just stay with your man.
Sorry peoples.. I’ve been stuck for the last 2hours reading Rock’s post.. 😎 Great Win on the road in a division game and Fireman Ed Blows Goats !!! 🐕🏈🐬🥃🥃
LOL
Kiko today had 13 Tackles and 2 fumble recoveries.
He played very well. He forced them as well.
I saw Howard, McCain, Alonso and Baker all let their man go and was like well who the fuck are you covering now? It’s easier to clean things up when you’re mistakes still resulted in 2-0. 🙂
We’re an underrated team with more talent than people think but there is plenty of work to do to get better.
AH this is a nice 2-0 feeling!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A win next week will turn some national heads. It would be a road win in foxborough, and have us in first place in the east with a 3-0 record.
With every win, they stakes get higher 😎
Raiders at home next week. Pats in Patsland week after.
That’s right, thanks. That’s even better, go to NE with a 3-0 record
When’s the last time Miami started 2-0? We usually dig a hole early in the season and try to play catchup
2013
Turning point in the game: Tannehill throws low to Gore yet he catches it and converts a 3rd and 19. Game over!
That was Awesome concentration and effort from a well seasoned warrior
It’s a team effort. …and I like the effort. Let’s get better. Lots of room for improvement and that’s a good thing!
Gore saved the game, imo, on that play.
He ended it at least. I’d go to the X-man in the endzone as the biggest play of all.
Won’the dispute that especially after the TO.
Yes that was huge. But that 3rd and 19 conversion sealed it.
Miami got the pick of the litter with Minkah, he was called the best defender by many. He will only get better, he has only played 2 games in the NFL, and helped us win them both!
Jax up 7-0
Also key was RT taking over the last drive, he managed the clock to perfection, and even had some good runs to keep the chains and clock moving
Yep! Football is never perfect and I enjoyed this game. If we were to critique every game you could find faults just as we do with our Phins.
WTF Maybe Philbin didn’t have everything wrong?
I didnt know he could call grandma at halftime.
I knew this roster had/ has
great talent, We just have to hope Gase puts it all together. Albert Wilson had a good day as well, as did others. That’s what it takes, everyone doing their part, and it comes together as a team effort rather than a bunch of talented individuals
Cloud 9
I think the last time we won a game with a 6 minute drive to close it out was in 2008. The O might not have played great, but they put it in the endzone when the opportunities were presented, and closed it out.
Complimentary football at its finest.
^
We conceivably could have scored again on the last drive, but I’m fine with just kneeling it and going home with the win! Don’t get too crazy on the road, just get ahead and kill the clock
Any Jags fans in the house??????? 😉
The Browns still can’t win a game. LOL
Starting to like Wilson a whole lot. Already liked Grant. And yeah see them as somewhat similar in ways.
Yeah man, we’re starting see what we saw in Wilson and Grant is progressing nicely. 🙂
I respect the jags, but not a fan. I do like when they beat up on the Steelers tho, lol
I was talking situational fandom!
They are up 14 on the Pets!!!!! 😉
Anybody noticing the Steelers coaches suck?
I have to say outside of X’s big pick in the endzone I haven’t seen him much in either of the first 2 games. Is he becoming a shutdown corner? 🙂
They don’t throw to is side.. Good stuff 🏈🏈🐬🐬🥃🥃
His ^^^
WYO.. My wife is a Jags fan.. Great day at our house.
Roll on Brother!
I hope your wife is as happy as you are at the end of the day!
WTF??????????????
Mental issues. Don’t you remember Vontae?
I remember Vante!
I also remember some trying to use him against Philbin/and /or the owner?????
Tim I know the play you are talking about. I think they were in zone and Pryor just found the spot in between. They all peeled off to cover their zones
Yeah that has to get cleaned up.
Btw I was saying those werent clock stopping plays by Drake. I typoed. He didn’t do anything wrong running out on those two
pheloniusphish says:
September 16, 2018 at 4:12 pm
Number exclamation mark?
FUCKING A RIGHT1 LOL
I’m going to enjoy OD’s $100.
You buying?
Well OD is anyway.
David C (@DolphinsSB52) says:
September 16, 2018 at 4:48 pm
That’s right, thanks. That’s even better, go to NE with a 3-0 record
Even better coming out of Foxbourough with a 4-0!
They need to start calling the offensive players that drop theirs!
That was a good no call on Kiko, because it was the receiver that caused the helmet contact!
I thought it was shoulder on shoulder and with movement it then went to the head. How do you officiate that? You can’t control the psychics of movement. Alonso did not lead with his head and that’s why it wasn’t called. I actually think this game was officiated well.
That helmet rule is fucking BS
I am very happy we are 2-0 but I have HATED the offensive play calling 4-5 times in 2 games……
If that’s all, then that’s good.
I’m sure you would have called the perfect plays. 😉
Grant is a threat to go 90 yards any time he catches it on that screen pass I hate so much as long as the blocking is there.
Did we ever give up only 42 yards rushing Mr Suh, when you were a Dolphin?
lol, ^
This Jags game is fun to watch too. LOL
Darnold is going to be a good QB.
We’re 2-0 without putting it all together on offense yet.
Our run defense is stout, and we’re creating TOs in bunches.
We’re loaded at the skill positions.
Lots of other stuff, having too good a time to spend the time to type it all out.
Go Dolphins!!!!!
And Cleveland loses again.
Suck it, Landry. Enjoy your money.
I was going to post a bunch of comments about this game but screw it. 2-0 BABY!!!!!!!!!
Ok, 1 comment, I am very happy with our DL play this game!
Kong and BBM are drunk!
Well I guess that’s 3 of us!!!!!!!! 🙂
Cheers!
Davon Godchaux was a steal in the draft!!!
Yes, so was Taylor.
God-Chaw clogging up the middle pretty well!
SFJ!
Wyoming, I’m actually at work but feel drunk. I got the crud and am heavily medicated.
Sorry to hear that brother!
Pets getting killed. Fins alone on top by the end of the day?
YEAH!! GO JAGS!
Carr is tearing it up against Denver. Will be another tough game next week.
Every game is tough. This is the league… where they play… for pay! 🙂
12 points?
19
23 Akeem Spence MIA DT 4 2 2 0.0 — — — — — — 0 — —
23 Ndamukong Suh LA DT 4 2 2 0.0 — — — — — — 0 — —
23 Vincent Taylor MIA DT 4 3 1 0.0 — — — — — — 0 — —
I don’t know what that means!
But I’m guessing it’s good?
Two Dolphins players tied statistically with Suh.
No drop off.
Phillips made his presence known too.
I am very happy with our young DT’s through two games.
I love our DL rotation.
NINE tackles by our DT’s today. UNHEARD OF the past few years
Brandin Cooks with 5 rec for 121 in first half. Nice trade Patsies
We had a solid day. 2-0, awesome! I’m glad we never tried to get VD back. Retiring in the middle of a game, SMH
I find that sad more than wanting to mock him. Vontae has mental issues and we knew that years ago.
And it looks like we escaped with no big injuries.
Secret to today’s win:
Total Pass Plays 23
Total Rushing Plays 31
Red Zone Efficiency 2/3 – 66%
Net Yards Rushing 135
Net Yards Passing 122
Third Down Efficiency 6/13 – 46%
What was our TOP?
28:25 Fins
31:35 Jets
we lost that stat. 28:25
Wondering cause that’s not a whole lot of plays on offense.
Yeee Haaaa, GIGGITTY, WOOO HOOO DOLPHINS!!!
2 – 0 “””YEA-BABY”””” !!!!
Go Jags,
GOFINS!!!
Avi tells the story!!!
We won the field position game today a very underrated stat.
Yes, Haack did very well punting it high and placing around or inside the 10.
Haack was perfect today
And even when the offense didn’t score they consistently changed field position.
I love the DL rotation, in years past after giving up the initial 1st down on a drive we’d let our opponent keep going all the way down the field. I dont feel that way this year.
Haack ROCKED today.
Those 1st 2 punts gave us the monumental field position early. Cant say much more than total team win.
Gore doesn’t have the stats today, but he was huge on that final drive. Love the RB rotation too.
Cav — agree that Darnold has the right look about him, even if he made mistakes today. But then our QB had a 123 QB rating and some nice runs. Today was today.
Yeah, Darnold looked like a rook today with some of those mistakes. Based on what I saw today, I think he’ll be a successful QB in this league unless the Jest ruin him. lol
Why does it feel like JAX is going to shit themselves to finish this game
Sanchez looked good early too.
Nah, he benefited from a good team around him. Those Jest had a strong rushing attack and defense, and Sanchez was a decent game manager.
His first season passer rating was 63. His next two years (both playoff years) were 75 and 78. Darnold has more tools than Snacheez ever showed IMO.
Here is a stat for you Jet’s fans. Your starting quarterback has never beaten the Miami Dolphins.
SOMEONE TWEET THIS FOR ME
Beautiful bait of the Rookie by McDonald on the first int!
That was one of his rookie mistakes though. He locked in on the receiver and DB.
There you go Rock
LOL
Thanks!
Has anyone watched either Chiefs game? Is Mahomes really this good?
No, but it looks good on paper!
He’s doing very well, but Steelers have coaching issues and they are becoming exposed
Patsies going down , the Dolphins have sole possession of first place in the east!
Brady with strip sack!!!!!!!!!!!!
Waddle should have been called for holding 3 times on that play alone!!!!!!
Well there is that!
Dont know if anyone mention it , but 2-10 only for penalties. Guess they didnt want to run.
Sorry I couldn’t be here for the festivities, I was hosting a sullen, dejected Jets fan for the day. Interesting take by him, he doesn’t think the Dolphins are any good, not impressed at all. I said “hey man, your team scored 48 points last week, and we held you to 12 in your house. You don’t think our defense is impressive?” He backtracked a lil bit, but basically doesn’t think we’re that good. I don’t think we’re a powerhouse team, but I think we’re doing the things you need to win games, and that’s a great start. We’re making the plays when we have to. I think Tannehill was a great leader today. That one fumble was a bit strange, but he balled today, and I don’t think anyone will be questioning his knee anymore. So happy for the team, and so happy we have a competitive football team that seems to do the right things, and makes it enjoyable to watch.
We controlled the game from start to finish. If we’re not that good, what does that make the Jest? LMAO
I think he thought the Jets just played poorly, I think that was the angle he was looking at it from. It wasn’t that we were great today, they just screwed up too many times. Whatever, I see a team that’s playing good sound football, everyone is contributing,and dammit, that defensive line rotation is kicking some ass! Suh fucking who??? That fuck won’t tweet about our team anymore, and he should be ashamed at how well they’re doing without him!
Or as Son would say, Suh is GONE, everything is different now. 😉
LOL, adios Suh!
WOOHOOO JAX!!!!
Jags get a long TD pass from Bortles! Patsies down big time
Lets play a little tune for the rest of the AFC EAST 🙂
Lmao, nice try Jests buffs, and patsies
Mike, Dolphins in first place in the east, great start this year!
Better than any of us could have expected. The first place thing doesn’t mean all that much after 2 games, but playing good football, and winning surely does. Just need to stay healthy, and not have any key injuries. It’s obvious how much Tannehill means to the team, it’s not debatable. He’s their leader, and he definitely helped us win today.
I agree, but I am liking the fast start, remember Tannehills last full season we were in a hole and ran offf a bunch of games? It’s very well possible we get another run like that, but instead of climbing out of a hole, We are already ahead.
One game at a time, I just like fast starts, because anything is possible from there.
*Tannehills last season, 2016
TODAY IS A GOOD FOOTBALL DAY
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