Preston Williams did this twice yesterday, catching 2 TD passes from QB Ryan Fitzpatrick. The Dolphins finally put together a complete game as they held on at home to earn their first victory of the season. I’m sure Brian Flores enjoyed every second of it. The run game never got on track but that didn’t stop Fitzpatrick from using many different receivers to move the ball. It seems almost routine now that Fitzpatrick spreads the ball around and he hit 9 different Dolphins this past Sunday against the Jets. This was easily Fitzpatrick’s best effort as Dolphins QB. He finished the game completing 24 of 36 attempts for 288 yards and 3 TD’s and no interceptions. Pretty impressive, especially considering how woeful our run game was, 24 carries for 50 yards, so it was on Fitzpatrick to make things happen.
I know you all remember the scene last season where Adam Gase was sitting on the bench during a blowout loss all by his lonesome writing up plays on a clipboard or whiteboard. That same scene played itself out again on Sunday, except this time Gase was on the visiting sideline. Strange that it could occur so similarly twice. Gase has totally fallen out of favor (understandably) with Jets fans who are now calling for him to be fired. Not likely to happen as GM Joe Douglas was hand picked by none other than Gase himself, plus he has a 4 year contract the Jets would have to eat as well. He will most likely get another year with a draft that both he and Douglas engineer and then be judged by those results.
Mike Gesicki is improving and he had a big day against the AFC East rivals. Gesicki caught 6 passes for 95 yards and now has a respectable 21 receptions for 248 yards. One huge disappointment however is the fact that he still has no TD receptions. 6’5 250 and a huge wingspan and catch radius plus a 40″ vertical should have lead to at least a few TD’s, right?
The Dolphins defense had 3 sacks and also an INT for DB Jomal Wiltz. No, Charles Harris didn’t get one, it was rookie 1st RD pick Christian Wilkins notching his first sack. Nik Needham throttled Darnold on a delayed blitz where Darnold never saw Needham coming. Davon Godchaux also got his first sack of the season. The run defense was stout enough to contain Bell and Powell and keep that duo under 100 yards for a total of 81 yards.
It was great day in all, any time you beat the Jets, especially a Jets team with Adam Gase at the helm. Keep in mind Gase defeated the Jets twice last year as Dolphins HC but now lost to his former (depleted) squad. That’s gotta hurt! The Dolphins are now one of 3 teams that are 1-7, while the Redskins are 1-8 and the team that is at the bottom of the barrel but the top of the tank is now the Cincinnati Bengals who are 0-8. Odds are we won’t be the first pick, and you know what, that’s just fine with me!
GO DOLPHINS!!
#staythecourse
Finsmob Unleashed 
My .02. I think there is a lot to like about Tua. His injury issues do worry me some, especially if you plan to do a ton of RPO with him. Do you risk further injury or missed time by asking him to run a lot? Is that part of his game nullified in the pros due to injury concerns or issues? Joint injuries don’t get better over time….they almost always get worse.
***
The one thing I wish we’d been able to evaluate more is his ability to make tight window throws. I didn’t see that a lot in his college film. A lot of his big, successful throws are ones he just puts out there and his very talented receivers go get them. That’s all great and certainly not a knock on Tua, but in the NFL you need to be able to complete passes in smaller and quicker closing windows. You just don’t see Tua do a lot of that. It doesn’t mean he can’t though. I know he’s thought of as an accurate passer, but I didn’t see that sort of accuracy from him. Maybe others have. Otherwise, his intangibles, pocket management, football IQ and leadership qualities seem to be great.
I don’t think he’ll be a RPO type QB, that’s not really a part of his game in college either. He has mobility to escape pressure and he can run, but he’s more of a pocket passer.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a QB throw a more accurate slant pass than Tua. He very efficient and accurate between 5-15 yards. He’s got outstanding talented athletic receivers so Alabama’s offense emphasizes getting the ball to them quickly and letting them do the work after the catch. If anything I think his downfield accuracy might be untested.
Just my .02
I also don’t think where ever he goes, the RPO will be a huge part of the offense. He’s a pocket passer. He can move but it’s not really a huge part of his game.
Randy, I feel the same about Tua. I hear a lot of people talking about how accurate he is, but I don’t see it in the film. I see him checking it out there in his very good receivers making circus catches
Or being alone on the field with no def needs around them.
i think the QB position is way overrated, you should be able to find a decent one later on, the DE from Ohio State would be my preference early. I highly doubt Tua is the best player in this draft.
get pass rushers, OL and a RB, have a great defense and running game, that’s what builds champions.
RIP Charles Levin…. no one ever did a bris better than you.
Piggy,
I’ll take your word for it. I just really didn’t see him throwing a lot of darts. He gets it in the catch radius, but he doesn’t stick it on somebody too often. He gets completions but will they be completions in the NFL? I didn’t see a lot of really strong accuracy in his downfield throws either. He throws it up, and his guys go and get it. He didn’t look like he was dropping throws in the basket a ton. Splitting hairs, maybe.
****
I mentioned the RPO stuff more just because that seems to be the trend in the NFL nowadays with guys who are mobile. He seems to be a cerebral kid, so he could probably be coached to fit into any system. I don’t really think of RPO as a system. To me, it’s more of an additional tool you can use with the right QBs.
Some teams run more RPO than others depending on the QB. We did it quite a bit with Tannehill because he’s a good runner and then there are guys like Lamar Jackson who is an absolute weapon on the run. I think Tua can do it but I don’t think it would be a staple with him. I’m not sure our coaches are looking for that either.
I agree with you that you do not see big time throws from Tua but you do see consistency, productivity and very few mistakes. So maybe in the right situation he could be a very good pro.
Well don’t take my word for it
I wanted to draft Brady Quinn, Lache Seastrunk and Scooby Wright
I’m just saying, when I watched Tua, I wanted to believe it was all hype, but it doesn’t look like hype to me. He makes it look easy. It’s something else to watch.
Haven’t seen Ken on here today so I will make a reply for him:
“No to Burrow”
LOL 😉
I’m not concerned with which QB we pick because it’s going to be a guy our FO and coaches like, not us. 😉
To me it’s not just about college success but how a guy projects in the pros.
The keys are being accurate, smart and tough. And comp. pct. is not the defining stat on accuracy because drops and bad routes can play a roll in that. Scouts look at decision making and accuracy more than stats.
Look at Tim Tebow’s college stats for an example on how they don’t always translate to the NFL.
https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/tim-tebow-1.html
Gotta build an OL
I thought he was traded to the Browns?
No. I don’t why the situation hasn’t received more attention
The Redskins doctors misdiagnosed (or every purposely didn’t tell him) about a cancerous tumor in his skull. The repeatedly told him it was nothing to worry about. He ended up having surgery to remove it around the pro ole last year
And he’s furious at the redskins – so he never reported to them
And he wasn’t traded before the deadline
He’s under contract for 2020
This isn’t over. They might trade this offseason
Crazy situation.
Rock/Piggy/Tim,
I’d seen Alabama/Tua games at least a half dozen times b/c they’re always on TV. but I usually don’t focus on the QB. I really didn’t have any feel for his talent other than feeling like he didn’t really stand out, to me.
***
So, I started watching film of his games with a fairly clean slate. I actually ended up liking his skills more than I had from just watching games. I don’t think he’s a “gotta have” sorta guy, but he definitely warrants consideration at the top end of the draft. I still agree with Rock though in that I didn’t see him zipping it into tight windows repeatedly…but again…maybe he can do it, or has.
***
It’s part of projecting QBs, as Tim suggested, to the NFL and something I always look for. They have to make tougher passes quicker. Shorter QBs tend to throw over defenders more often too. I don’t think that one thing would dissuade me from taking a long hard look at him though. He’s shown pretty much everything else. He’s a really good college player…but I’m not convinced he’s gonna be a great NFL player, yet.
***
To me, he’s one more good player to either pick or use as bait if possible or to improve our draft pick situation, so it’s all good.
Best QB prospect since Luck imo
But Luck was 6-4 230 – accurate, smart and tough. Tua is 6-1 215 and has shown durability issues in college on one of the best teams. Stanford wasn’t the best team but Luck was a real deal QB. That said, the physical abuse made him decide to call it quits. It’s a new era. Who the fuck knows? LOL
At the time Stanford was one of the best teams. About the only difference is that Luck was a little taller but similar build in terms of height to weight ratio. I also would hardly call Tua’s missing 2 games as a durability issue
I tried a new brewery tonight. Hemp infused ale. Now Hulk really feel no pain
Didn’t Tua miss time in previous seasons? His team also got demolished in the title game last year.
No he didn’t miss time last year except for the 2nd half of the SEC conference game that was it. His team got demolished last year in the Championship but that was more on the D . The year before he single handedly won the national championship
Maybe… just maybe… we’re positioning ourselves for Trevor Lawrence in 2021? He can run too. Big QB, he’s 6-6 220+.
Lawrence is a great prospect but trying to position yourself for a top drat pick 2 years down the road is impossible and if that’s the FO’s plan they are dumber than I thought
Ken, that is only because you are a Tuahomer
I have no problem if we land Lawrence. I just think the odds of positioning ourselves to do that are next to impossible
Rosen is almost guaranteed to be here next season. We won’t get anything in a trade for him and if our plan was to play him in 2 games and then let him go, well that would be beyond stupid. At worst he’s a developmental project and at best he’s in competition for the starting job.
I think Rosen will be cut loose and Fitzpatrick will stay on to mentor the rookie
I find that hard to believe. What exactly was the point in acquiring him in the first place? What were the expectations?
The expectations were that he would be better than he is. He is not. Next man up
Ken, I agree it would be foolish for a team to try and target only one player, especially in the case of Lawrence who may stay another year. I’m just teasing with the Tuahomer thing
It’s also why I have hated the Tank for Tua narrative
I don’t think we are purposely tanking for Tua. We are just not that good. We went into blow up mode and this is the result for this year. I expect next year we should be better which is one reason I want us to get the best QB available this year
Seen Flying over the Hudson River yesterday 🙂
Round 1 Pick 4: Chase Young, DE/OLB, Ohio State (A)
Round 1 Pick 17: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU (B+)
Round 1 Pick 25: Tyler Biadasz, C, Wisconsin (B+)
Round 2 Pick 4: Alex Leatherwood, OG/OT, Alabama (A-)
Round 2 Pick 30: Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State (B+)
Round 3 Pick 4: Xavier McKinney, SS/FS, Alabama (A)
Round 4 Pick 15: Lorenzo Neal, DT, Purdue (A+)
Round 5 Pick 16: Tavien Feaster, RB, Clemson (C+)
Round 6 Pick 4: Jonathan Garvin, DE/OLB, Miami (A+)
Round 6 Pick 21: Tyler Johnson, WR, Minnesota (A+)
Round 7 Pick 24: AJ Green, CB, Oklahoma State (A+)
That will do the job
Yeah something like that. I missed out on some guys I wanted though.
Looks like Penn State/Minn is going to be a good game.
Tyler Johnson with the one-handed TD grab for Minn. Minn looks for real.
Minn has 2 nice big receivers in Bateman and Johnson. Both at 6’2″ about 210.
Quit baiting your Johnson
I had thought about the possibility of targeting Lawrence in a couple years, but I just think it’s a difficult plan. You will, more than likely, have to have the #1 pick that year. If you don’t, I really can’t see any team passing on him if he develops as most think he will. So, you either end up with #1 or give up serious draft capital to get him….you could be talking a couple 1s and a couple 2s if he develops. I’m not sure I’d wanna do that.
***
I’m looking forward to watching Burrow today against a Saban defense.
BBM,
My favorite player for MN is Antoine Winfield Jr. He’s looked really good early in his college career, and he kinda looks like he might be a playmaker too.
Here is another BIG RB to keep an eye on. He is a redshirt sophomore so he might return for 1 more year at IU. Stevie Scott III, 6’2″ 231 lbs.
That’s my friends nephew
My comment on positioning ourselves for Lawrence was kind of tongue and cheek but I didn’t really make that clear. I have no idea what the standings will be at the end of this year nor do I know who we’ll sign in FA and draft in 2020. We’ll see what this team looks like next year and go from there.
Tim by now you should know we take everything you say literally 😉
LOL
Randy, yeah Winfield is having a breakout year!
Is Tua playing today? Should be a fun game and two top QBs going at it if he plays.
I believe he is
Yep he’s playing.
Minn was impressive in their win.
Can’t believe BC gave the ball to AJ Dillon 40 times in the loss to FSU.
Did Tua just drop 10 spots…lol
Nice touch passes by Burrow
Burrow 1 Tua -1
Piggy You need a kicker and a DST. 🥴
Fixed
Beautiful throw, actually all of them!
Td I give to WR, previous two were all throw
Maybe, or smart enough to know the match up and jump ball is best throw.
I’m just trying to be objective, and not a Burrow homer.. I really like what I’ve seen from him … more so than Tua … A lot of what I’ve seen Tua do this year is hitting wide open guys .. Burrow seems to make some very pinpoint passes , thus why I gave the TD to we 🤔
The Brian Hoyer show
Alabama digging themselves into an early hole.
Good job Piggy 👍👍
Burrow isn’t disappointing.
Fair enough manitobafinfan. I’m trying to be objective, too. But, the first series is my example of what I think I’ve seen from the two, imo.
Maybe, it will flip flop. Then what?
Then either way we have 2 good choices available Tua Us 🤡
Oh my.
Afernee Jennings is something else
Wow!!!
I was typing looked up and saw Alabama heading for the TD.. thought was a Burrow pick
Burrow 9 for 9. Bama may be messing up but he’s been exceptional so far.
That was a very nice pass by Tua
When you have all the time in the world, it better be.
It’s a game.
That was a heck of a blown coverage
I will still give Tua , that throw was spot on
Nice…no pressure, no coverage….it looked like practice.
Tag , you’re it !!!
Incomplete ?! K we don’t want him anymore
Needs to throw those away
I like Burrow a lot
He’s tough too.
Yeah, tough a bit fiery
That was a perfect throw and perfect catch…..oh my.
Now it’s becoming a blowout!
Ok, this is the chance for Tua to show why he’s the best QB in this class. I havent seen it since he was exposed last year.
The entire Alabama team is making too many mistakes.
That’s what happens when you play a powder puff schedule. LSU has played a top schedule all year and Burrow has lead them to this point.
Game over.
18/20 252 12.6 3TD. Burrow is annihilating one of the best rated defenses in college ball.
Did you see that window? Beautiful
It’s. I d to see Tua with a shot for a comeback
Burrow has been fantastic
Ken – I don’t know why you don’t like Burrow, but he is the best QB prospect in college.
I d be happy to see him in a Fins jersey next year
Not too bad of a half for Burrow.😉
This is exactly what caught my eye when I first mentioned him here back in September. Way before he was showing up in the 1st round mocks.
^^^
That game against Texas opened my eyes. LSU wasn’t supposed to have an offense. What was this kid doing??!!
I get a kick out of watching Nick Satan pouting on the sideline 😁Burrow looks great !!!!
Burrow is also leading LSU in rushing.
What sucks now is that Burrow may end up being in a Bengal uniform. Ugh, I almost ralphed.
I have faith in our coaches no matter who we get. If Burrow gets Zac Taylor as his coach…well, I feel sorry for the kid.
Shh, BBM. Don’t say that just keep enjoyIng the ride.🙂
New Age, Burrow said in an interview their offense last year was “outdated” (what ever that means) and weren’t difficult for teams to game plan against. Their second year OC changed their whole offensive playbook and implemented the New Orleans (Sean Payton) system. The entire offense and Burrow have done a 180.
Yeah, young QBs really need good coaching even in college. Burrow has tons pof talent but he just needs the right coaching. Same for Goff, Mayfield, etc. If you don;t set them up for success, then why even waste the pick?
Having said that, I’m not sure who our OC prefers but I hope we do better with them than Rosen.
Agreed.
I like that RB for LSU also.
Good call. I like him too.
That wasn’t on the QB.
Bama’s defense is completely overrated. Auburn had far better tackling.
Didn’t see hands to the face there.
Alex Leatherwood is average size for SEC LT
But he looks huge doesn’t he?
Yes
Long arms.
You aren’t fooling anyone by grabbing your hamstring Jeudy
David’s “Best WR in college football” with the drop on a perfect long ball.
Tua has seen a lot of drops today. That was a perfect pass.
Tua can sling that long ball.
I will say this about Tua, he is playing on a banged up ankle and he didn’t have much regular practice the last two weeks and he’s playing like that. The timing of their passing game is off.
RARRRARR
Feed me DL!
What a throw
Beautiful touch.
Harris is a really good back but will go to high for where I would want to take one.
I kind of think he’s 3rd/4th round material
Yeah Tim – good observation
Maybe it’s his arms
That Najee Harris looks like a solid pick for someone.
Every year Alabama puts RBs in the nfl
There’s a lot of guys on both teams who will be in the NFL.
A lot of nfl teams have 2 scouts at this game
We have 3!
Yeah I saw that. Both of these teams send a ton of talent to the NFL.
Tua redeeming himself. Making some nice throws.
LSU falling asleep at the wheel……
LSU doesn’t have a top defense. They will win based off how many points they can put up.
What I’ve seen from Burrow is he makes a lot of different throws. He doesn’t live on only a couple. He looks like an NFL QB.
I’ve barely noticed Delpit in this game
Patrick Surtain 2 isn’t eligible to come out in 2020
But I’ve barely noticed him either and he’s pretty damn good
Smith is their 3rd best WR
😳
Najee Harris has a weird upright running style but it works for him and he’s physical.
I don’t normally drool over OL play
But the Rancor who calls himself Alex Leatherwood has caught my eye
Here we go it’s a game again!
LSU took their foot off the pedal. Give Alabama some credit for that too.
I like that little back #22 for LSU – Edwards something. LOL
Just call him “hyphen”
I want us to draft Clyde Edwards-Helaire. He does everything. He’s the kind of back the Pats would draft. Let us be the team that does. 🙂
That should confirm what I just said. He’s like Sproles.
I don’t know if he is going to be in this draft
I don’t know a thing about him except for what I’ve seen today
He’s a junior and draft sites are talking about him for 2020. He has to declare though.
Okay – good to know
Man that #22 is a good runner……
Watching this game and realizing the Dolphins have the #3 pick
That was a Barry Sanders move there!
Totally! That catch on 3rd down might be what wins this game for LSU.
Yep!
Clyde Edwards-Helaire is also a cool name.
Harris’ running style reminds me of Ajayi. Kind of wild but with purpose.
What a dumb call Nick Saban
Tua has shown a lot of moxie in this game. I give him credit for this performance. He was banged up, rusty and now he’s competing. This is a fun game with lots of ebbs and flows.
A slant…big surprise
There was a big opening in the middle of the field for Tua to run but because of the ankle I think he decided against it. They scored anyway so… what a game!
Throwing across his body like that for a TD was pretty impressive
LSU won. Joe Burrow won. Just my opinion.