The roster has been trimmed to the 53 man roster and our team is ready to begin the 2021 NFL season, it’s longest season ever, 17 games. The Dolphins head to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough to face off against their long time division rival New England Patriots. Bill Belichick always has a surprise and this season it was cutting then starting QB Cam Newton to make way for the newly drafted QB of the future, Mac Jones. By doing so, Belichick has now enabled a division of fine young QB’s, most drafted within the first 10 picks of their respective drafts, except Jones who fell to #15. Josh Allen, the elder at 25 (Pick #7), Tua Tagovailoa next at 23 (Pick #5), Mac Jones who just turns 23 today (Pick #15) and the baby of the group, Zach Wilson who is 22 (Pick #2). This should make the AFC East a competitive division for some time.
On to the Dolphins roster. We speculated for months as to how it would shake it and we all got it mostly right, but there are always surprises. The first bomb was LB Benardrick McKinney getting released. I’d say the second biggest surprise to me was WR Lynn Bowden going on IR and out for the season. It was a good move which allows us to stash him for another season, but it also makes you wonder if the kid has it or not. Next year will almost surely be his last chance. OLB Vince Biegel also went on the IR ending his season as well. WR Allen Hurns was also shelved on the IR with a wrist injury which made their decision to keep 6 WR’s relatively easy. I did think Kirk Merritt would make the 53 but he ended up on the PS. So, this our roster now . . .
QB (2)
Tua Tagovailoa
Jacoby Brissett
RB (3)
Myles Gaskin
Malcolm Brown
Salvon Ahmed
WR (7)
DeVante Parker
Mack Hollins
Albert Wilson
Jaylen Waddle
Preston Williams
Jakeem Grant
Will Fuller * (suspended Game 1)
TE (5)
Mike Gesicki
Adam Shaheen
Durham Smythe
Hunter Long
Cethan Carter
OL (9)
Austin Jackson
Liam Eichenberg
Michael Deiter
Robert Hunt
Jesse Davis
Solomon Kindley
Greg Mancz
Greg Little
Robert Jones
DL (6)
Christian Wilkins
Raekwon Davis
Emmanuel Ogbah
Zach Sieler
John Jenkins
Adam Butler
LB (7)
Andrew Van Ginkel
Jerome Baker
Sam Eguavoen
Elandon Roberts
Jaelan Phillips
Duke Riley
Brennan Scarlett
CB (5)
Xavien Howard
Byron Jones
Nike Needham
Noah Igbinoghene
Justin Coleman
S (7)
Eric Rowe
Jason McCourty
Jevon Holland
Brandon Jones
Clayton Fejedelem
Trill Williams
Elijah Campbell
PK (1)
Jason Sanders
P (1)
Michael Palardy
LS (1)
Blake Ferguson
So that’s the 53 man roster and this year the practice squad has been expanded by the NFLPA and the NFL accordingly to 16 players, including veteran players. Our PS consists of . . .
DE Jason Strowbridge, WR, Kirk Merritt, C Cameron Tom, RB Gerrid Doaks, RB Patrick Laird, QB Reid Sinnett, DT Durval Quieroz-Neto, OL Adam Pankey, LB Shaquem Griffin, DE Jabaal Sheard, CB Tino Ellis, WR Brandon Powell, LB Calvin Munson, LB Milo Eifler, OL Kion Smith, CB Javaris Davis.
So the Dolphins travel to New England, which formerly was a house of horrors, but we have been flipping that script in recent years. We did lose last season to Cam Newton and the RPO for which we had no answer 20-11. We upset the Patriots 27-24 in ’19 with a Fitzpatrick to Gesicki TD with :24 seconds remaining. In ’18 we were massacred 38-7 with HC Adam Gase, as if we expected any different. Gase in over his head at every stop in the NFL as head coach. I’m hoping we have something closer to the 2019 game, but I’d like to beat them by at least a TD, send them a message! The Patriots will have their new QB along with 2 new TE’s, Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry, as well as WR Nelson Agholor. I would expect both TE’s to get a lot of looks as BB tries to exploit mismatches. Besides, the TE is a young QB’s best friend. On our side on offense I expect us to have long drives moving the chains with a good combo of rushing and passing, and I expect our TE’s to be busy as well, along with RB Myles Gaskin getting lots of touches in the rushing and passing game. Both defenses will be similar in approach. Create pressure from where it’s not too obvious, disguising blitzes and pass rushers. I want to see a crisp game from our squad and most of all I want them to make Mac Jones look very bad. We don’t him gaining confidence beating a better team in game 1, and yes, I said we’re the better team. Instead, I want the new Tua to have a great game and give NE a taste of what’s to come for the next decade or so of Miami Dolphins dominance!
GO DOLPHINS!!!!
Finsmob Unleashed 
nice Mike, I’d say our weakest set of positions other than QB would be The OL.
If Tua can win in NE with that OL, please serve my crow with Barbq sauce.
Thanks
you are already eating crow, You claimed that Tua was being replaced by Watson.
THAT did NOT happen, how does crow taste? is it similar to cornish hens? lol
Don’t care about serving you crow, I care about winning and the team playing well, including Tua.
due to Covid i think they changed the PS rules, i think it’s easier to elevate players off the PS without penalty. not sure but i had heard that.
Good morning fucker . And good write.
Thanks Dog!
thanks for the good read Mike, but i noticed that Will Fuller wasnt mentioned as part of the roster.
he is still on the roster, right? just suspended for the first game?
Yeah, meant this week’s roster
Nelson agholor is the guy that made our secondary look ridiculous last year on a long TD
we better stick him hard at the line, and press cover him tight. so he doesnt shred our defense again
Thank you Ron DeSantis for sending our law enforcement to the border. Through arrests of drug trafficker’s at the Texas border earlier this year by FL agents connections were made to name several drug dealers and violent crimes committed earlier this year in the FL panhandle area. They hit the first of many and nailed one of the biggest dealers in NW FL. They seized more than 2,100 pounds of the highest grade marijuana (street value est. over 4 mill.), 24 pounds of spice, 32 guns, 12 vehicles, a tractor and a ski boat. They also seized $820,000 in cash, $750,000 worth of jewelry and $150,000 in gold bars. Several more busts are planned in the near future.
Only bad thing is my wife’s weed prices may go up for a bit as this guy covered a lot of territory. lol
Are you covering his bail?
Are you coming to the fest?
the reason i ask is I may need a Bail Bondsman.
thats like saying shit started off as good food, lol
fuck deathsantis, he is doing everything possible to kill FL children
did you hear that FL is now trying to recruit out of state cops with big money? FL doesnt have enough cops, in FL.
he is trying to fool people , to make FL funds go to what federal funds already do .
the border remains unsafe, and deathsantis cant change that fact by sending a few cops over there and leaving FL citizens vulnerable
It does suck that we have to smuggle weed into this country. You take away the crime, you take away the black market. The legal shit is pretty awesome.
Krishna, I 100% agree on the weed.
agreed, the legal shit in the US is so awesome, why would anyone buy crappy mexican swag?
“The legal shit is pretty awesome.”
————
Kong approves this message
And they didn’t even knock on my door, they just kicked it and took all my shit that I had for all you MFR’s.🐕😆
Sorry, Mike E., my attention went immediately to weed instead of thanking you for your write…..lol!
Two masterminds on D. I hope Flores has it dialed up for Mac Jones. I think Tua’s experience from last year gives us the edge.
Mikes writes are better on weed? lol i wont take that the wrong way, smiles
Thanks Krishna!
Mexican weed is so rancid, that even Delta 8 blows it away
Delta 8 is legal and doesnt need a prescription, its sold in head shops, gas stations, etc
sold my boat, yee haaa, awesome !
the happiest days of a mans life , is the day he buys a boat, and the day he sells it , lol
BBM< i found the story that you mentioned, its a vietnam guy in pensacola, but i couldnt find anybody tying this to the mexican border, not sure where that came from
also he had high quality weed, obviously not from mexico, that came ashore near pensacola
FL has a marine border with the world, if We want to protect FL? then We need to protect the FL coastal borders
also this guy was a pot dealer, many states in the US its legal, but they even took his ski boat?
it remains profitable for authorities to seize evidence, for a drug that is close to being federally legalized
this is not a great bust to keep FL safe, it a great bust to steal the guys money and assets, it worked
HOWIE’S LIST
David 31-13 🐬
New Age 24-14 🐬
CavKong 27-17 🐬
Phelon 27-0 🐬
Herd 30-17 🐬
🐷 49-3 🐬
Rock 23-16 🐬
Mike E 23-13🐬
Tim 30-20 🐬
Naples 19-16 🐬
Rhino 27-10 🐬
OD 26-10 🐬
Hell no ain’t bonding this dude out. Talking to my Lieutenant buddy at the jail, he has direct connections with Mexican cartel in Mexico and other Mexican cartel based in the US. Said dude is not cooperating and is in fear of his life already. He will run the moment he gets out. He is Vietnamese (I think) so who knows where he would disappear to.
Besides, he is being held for the US Marshals on no bond right now . It is going to be a federal case and we very rarely do federal bonds anyway. We have only done 1 in the 8.5 years I have been doing this.
i dont believe he has mexican connections, and even if he did, this is pot, its not heroin or meth, lol
its NOT a big deal for corporations to sell it, just a big deal for individuals to sell it
truelieve, surterra, etc have marijuana dispensaries in pensacola
BTW
Pensacola has numerous Marijuana dispensaries, huge national corporations can sell high quality marijuana in pensacola without losing their assets, but individuals in pensacola, go to jail and get their assets seized
same old story, corporations can get away with it, individuals cannot
this is one of the ways the rich get richer, by squeezing blood out of the turnips
https://empathicpractice.us/pensacola-dispensary/
this is a list of all 8 marijuana dispensaries in Pensacola
Mike E — Good take on the roster and what we face in the first game.
Think we are gonna find we are going against a new run-heavy Patriots O. That makes sense with their roster, especially the rookie QB. Also makes sense give what think the evil genius will see as where we are most susceptible. And with our secondary you don’t have to be a genius to see that one.
Hopefully Howard gets his first INT of the season against the cheatriots
Thanks Stanger – I’m gonna bet if they get the run game going Rhamondre Stevenson gets a bunch of 2nd half carries. Let’s hope they don’t have success. Last year they beat us in NE with the RPO, it was so frustrating to watch that. I bet they will mix in lots of passes to their backs as they always do too.
And throws to the TEs as well, but think gonna be a whole lot of runs even if some pass to runs as your suggest. Evil one is looking at a version of his own defense. Who better to know how to attack it?
Because police lack the resources to enforce drug laws against all 17 million regular marijuana users in America, the prohibition of so commonplace an activity invites selective law enforcement.
Similarly, the vast number of marijuana arrests invites selective prosecution. Unfortunately, as statistics show, such discretion generally falls along racially defined lines.
thats what happened in pensacola, vietnamese guy gets busted and his assets were seized
his crime was, not being a white guy, and not belonging to a huge corporation, SMH
those are not real crimes IMO, law reform is sorely needed to catch up to the 21st century on Marijuana
Nice write up Mike E,
The way you described us playing this first game
I say amen to that for all 17 lol. Just win baby!!!!
As for are great legal weed. It’s pretty killer. However it has a shelf life. So expired weed hits the black market and I’m there waiting for a discounted price.
Thanks Captain! Look forward to seeing you at the Fest! Been a loooong time man!
lmao….
Totally agree my friend. It’ll be awesome!!!!
Always is. And we’ve revved up the tailgate some since you were last there. A night before at Dave & Busters as well.
Can’t wait. Do we have a total of whose driving in. I will be. Want to try to park together. I can bring whatever we need in I’ll be in a truck.
Don’t have it broken down by transport category, but looks like there will be low 20-some. You want to park near the tailgate will need an orange pass.
Yes indeed , do I buy or do you have to because your a ticket holder
That’ll be up to you on stubhub or such.
I’ll get on it Orange pass here I come
Am sure you college gurus did, but had no idea Tua’s brother was starting QB for Maryland. He had a nice day with big bro there. Wonder if the brothers of the back-up TE get to watch from the sidelines. 🙂
—————————————
COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) — Taulia Tagovailoa threw for 332 yards and three touchdowns, and Maryland topped turnover-prone West Virginia 30-24 on Saturday.
With his brother Tua on the sideline watching, Tagovailoa threw touchdown passes of 66 yards to Dontay Demus, 18 yards to Chigoziem Okonkwo — and then a 60-yarder to Rakim Jarrett in the fourth quarter that gave the Terrapins a 30-21 lead.
David I saw that you sold your boat, why?
Fuck Saltines!
I hate them white crackers!!!!!!!!!!!
More anti-white sentiment! (Know you’re kidding) but I’m tired of that shiot as I’m sure you are as well
I was wondering WTF you were talking about? Then, I reread David’s post. Lmao.
MIA 31
Pets 27
David, I have talked with my friends we closely work with at the Sheriff Dept. and US Marshals. We work with them almost on a daily basis sharing information and having them assist us on arrests. Go fishing/hunting together type friends.
I gave a little tidbit of information that you are not going to read in an article or hear on the news that I got directly from a friend at the US Marshals office. This is just the beginning of executing many search warrants around the southeast. They are not going to divulge anything to the press that will compromise their investigations or hamper future busts. Just the little bit of news released about this arrest is going to pucker assholes and F things up for a little while.
I did not know you were an expert on what comes across the US/Mexican border. The source of the weed did, in fact, come from Mexico. Whether it was grown and processed there? I don’t know.
The cost of meth is way down and the cost of weed is up. Big money for the cartels in high quality weed right now. Because of the media and just the fact that it is a common occurrence now of hundreds of pounds of weed being seized on an almost weekly basis, it’s just not news worthy.
You may hear about a confiscation of drugs along the border but you will mostly hear how much and not much about who, what, etc. They are trying their damnedest to flip these mules.
“this is not a great bust to keep FL safe”
——————–
You will have to take my word for it, but I know you won’t. There is much more to this than you know (to include murder(s)). Like I said, this is just the beginning.
Also, you have flipped your wig over gun violence, I guess this bust taking 32 guns (mostly assault weapons) from a drug dealer doesn’t qualify as keeping FL safe.
Go ahead and keep Googling though. lol
We’re flying out Sunday night, not sure if we’re going to go with the crew on the shuttle. Couldn’t get off the Monday following the game so may have to Uber to the stadium and back
I figured we would be setting canopies up and all so you just need to get there lol
I am so freaking jealous but no way I can make it. I know, once I make one, I will become a regular. Also, since I have my eyes on permanent retirement in 1-2 years.
You’ll make the next one and then every one after that. We’ll hoist one up for ya Mike!
You come and that is pretty much it. If we’ve had people who only came once can’t even think who they are.
HOWIE’S LIST
David 31-13 🐬
New Age 24-14 🐬
CavKong 27-17 🐬
Phelon 27-0 🐬
Herd 30-17 🐬
🐷 49-3 🐬
Rock 23-16 🐬
Mike E 23-13🐬
Tim 30-20 🐬
Naples 19-16 🐬
Rhino 27-10 🐬
OD 26-10 🐬
Capt Stubbs 31-27🐬
This guy is a freak!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWXDHVZcIyI
Talking about Evan Neal: 6’7″, 350 pounds, ‘box-jumping’!
I’d love to see what he could do at DT, but he is a bit too tall for the position.
Damn!
MT. Neal!
Though this was going to be some in-depth article but not. Some #’s I did not realize though.
https://www.si.com/nfl/dolphins/news/the-miami-dolphins-2021-active-roster-from-every-angle
Our very young team is starting to not be quite as young anymore. And in the future lies when all those rooks we drafted in the past 3 years are eligible for new contracts. That’s gonna shake some stuff up.
You make a stellar point there, Stanger… and I’ve thought about that a lot. For instance, we selected 3 times in the first round in the 2020 Draft. There will come a day we have to pay the piper to retain such talent (provided they aren’t collective busts) on a second contract: $$$
And just last draft, we selected 2 times in the first round. Rinse and repeat with the above paragraph.
There is no doubt we will reach a point where we have to decide which ones stay with that 2nd contract and which ones go. Might not be with the first class of them coming up, but for sure will be that with the ones after. Belichick would trade the ones he knew would not keep to at least get something out of it.
Stanger – we park in Orange at the stadium, right? Is there just an orange pass where you park anywhere in orange or are there assigned spots on some of them?
Orange pass gets you into everything orange. Less spots cause of the tennis stuff, but we should be OK. Especially since Ken, Wa and I get there so frick’n early. 🙂
Is there a preferable site to obtain one? What’s a normal price to pay? Don’t want to ripped off. 🙂
I’ve paid as low as $20 and as high as $50 (depends on the game), but that is for a full car. Haven’t checked yet about the game. They are on the same sites that sell tickets.
Mike E,
Great write, as usual, pal! We all should realize that our 53-man roster will be in flux from week to week, but what really stands out to me is that we’re only carrying 3 RBs, 5(!) TEs, and 7(!) Safeties.
VERY curious, if not eyebrow-raising, right?! I trust Coach Flores and GM Grier, and I sincerely mean that. However, our 53 entering next Sunday’s game is… shall we say… interesting. I mean, 7 Safeties! Really! LOL
I’m sure we’re just trying to retain players who could otherwise be poached from our PS, so I’m not questioning anything. But 7 Safeties?!! LOL
Thanks for what you do, Bro!
I think of the 7 safeties more like DB’s. McCourtey, Trill Williams, Holland and Campbell can all cover like CB’s too so just a lot of overlap. Less corners, more safeties but just on the face of it.
If you want to view it as such, all good… but then 12(!) DBs!!! LOL
Thanks M!
You’re very welcome, my guy!
Yeah, 7 safeties looks crazy but Campbell and Williams were CB’s in college and can play both. We have 12 total DB’s which is high but there are a couple other teams with 12 DB’s and even more with 11.
Not sure what the league average is, maybe 10? Not sure.
I know that Flo loves his DBs, and it’s all good. I just can’t believe we’re only carrying 3 RBs to keep a 12th DB… and 5 TEs.
I’m truly not making a big deal of it, it’s just eye-catching. Know what I mean? 🙂
Just based on the high number…. thinking there will be 11 DBs when Fuller comes back for week 2.
—————
Pig had posted the other day that Freeman was released… I thought for SURE we’d pick him up. Oh well.
I know, he has been solid. IMO, would have been an upgrade over Brown.
Exactly, man.
He’s nothing special. He’s actually been kind of a bust.
M – I think the 5 TE’s is more surprising, but we’ll be rotating guys in a lot there, Gesicki obviously seeing the most time but Smythe, Shaheen and Carter will all be rotating and blocking more while Long has to catch up due to his missed time. My guess is once Long is up to speed, one of those guys is probably gone.
Yes, and I’m with ya. I suppose I was only trying to make conversation on a lazy Sunday afternoon: I truly have ZERO problems with carrying 12 DBs, 5 TEs, and only 3 RBs.
It was just quite interesting to see the roster breakdown, that’s all! And I really thought we’d try to get Royce Freeman after his release from the Broncos.
Seriously, Flo and Grier have a plan and I have no reason to doubt them. I’ve been VERY impressed with their work together to date.
I sometimes struggle with not upgrading at the RB position (MANY of us wanted to take a RB early this last Draft), but I truly trust Flo and Grier.
We do have 3 RB’s on the PS
I guess the 5 TE’s got me also.
Just a quick look on DB’s. Pats are carrying 10. Ravens also carrying 12 like us.
Interesting about the Ravens carrying 12 DBs.
And equally interesting that they didn’t land Royce Freeman after Dobbins went out for the year.
When I look at the roster Mike posted and see only 5 CB, I’m like whaaaat. lol Guess that’s why they look for versatility.
M13 — told you many months ago to watch out for Joe Manchin. He’s been in the news a lot of late. He sure ain’t AOC at least.
I really don’t want to turn to politics, but I acknowledge you, man!
I mean, I acknowledge the fact that you mentioned Joe Manchin to me many months ago, and I very much agree with ya! Cheers!
Haven’t been keeping up. My guess is he is getting heat from his party? I dunno. My doctor (along with my wife) suggested I stop watching the news if I want to quit smoking. lol
^
And same here regarding smoking. It’s time for us to quit, my friend. Watching the news keeps me smoking as well.
Lol…..it’s an addiction man. Good luck!
The new practice squad rules really allow for roster flexibility. You are allowed to elevate any 2 PS guys every gameday for a 55 man roster.
I was worried about 3 RBs when I first saw the roster breakdown, but I think keeping 3 RBs was our FO understanding how best to use the PS to our advantage.
Nobody is going to poach Laird, Scarlett, or Doaks, so by putting them on the PS and only keeping 3 RBs on the active roster, it allows us to keep a guy or two on the active roster that may have been picked up by another team if we cut him, say like a Trill Williams.
And the rules allow that if one of our active RBs tweaks something on Fri, and you only have 2 RBs available on gameday, you have till Sat 4PM EST to elevate Laird and/or Doaks, they’re up to speed with our offense, and you go into the game with a full stable.
I really hope they keep these expanded practice squads and IR rules moving forward.
My understanding is that this agreement was not done solely due to COVID-19 issues but also a necessary compromise because of the 17 game season. More games, more injuries = more players need to be available
Sweet! I hadn’t even thought about the 17 game component. It just makes sense to keep it.
Injuries are bad enough and cripple a team…if the NFL was really concerned about plsyer safety you’d think they might keep it.
Then again maybe they anticipate “abuse”.
I heard Pat Kirwan and Jim Miller discussing the practice squad expansion to 16 and the rule changes allowing vets to be on it. They think both sides are very happy with the new agreement.
Union has more paid members. Hard to see how they would have a problem. Teams have more flexibility as to roster. Only way can see them having a biotch is about paying for them. But then they don’t have to fill out the PS either.
Welcome to the new collegiate football world. And what college freshman wouldn’t want $1.4 mil in beer money?
————————————————–
Quinn Ewers has only been on Ohio State’s campus for a few weeks, but he’s already cashing in.
According to multiple outlets, Ewers has signed a deal with GT Sports Marketing worth $1.4 million. GTSM specializes in autographs for athletes, and the deal with Ewers reportedly spans three seasons. Ewers is a freshman for the Buckeyes who enrolled at school earlier this month.
Ewers was the No. 1 recruit in the class of 2022, but he decided to bypass his senior season and enroll a full year early at Ohio State in order to capitalize on the marketing opportunities ahead of him.
Watching the Clemson/ Georgia game yesterday and one of the starting QBs was in a commercial. It was kind of a trip.
Imagine on campus now. That dude won’t just be the star, you are invited to his place and it is a fat pad instead of a dorm room.
Watching Dolphins/ Niners, Grant just doinked a punt catch off his face to stick us back at the 5, lol. Hoping that was the last time I see that out of him.
I’ve watched this game a few times, so I’m just looking at different stuff.
When he’s been on the field, Van Ginkel has been pretty damned stout against the run the 1st quarter+ of this game. We know he can rush the passer, but it’s not like he’s a liability in run defense.
I just left a yard cigar in my neighbors sand 🐕
Cool!
Actually, probably not cool. Probably a hot steamer. lol
It dries out quickly in AZ. So no big deal 🐕
lol
Lmao….not cool, but it IS all one big sand box.
Cav, thanks for the PS breakdown!
Cheers. 🙂
I linked the rules below. It’s worth a read.
A key nuance to the elevation process worth mentioning, is a player can be elevated twice that way during the season and go back to the practice squad without having to clear waivers.
https://dknation.draftkings.com/nfl/2021/9/1/22651355/2021-nfl-practice-squad-salary-rules-eligibility-size-roster-cuts-covid-19-coronavirus
Watching this game, Ogbah has a number of nice plays in the first half alone. I’m pretty sure he was one of the two guys causing pressure that caused the late INT, he’s batted a pass in the air, he was the major factor in a 4th down stop, he’s gotten QB pressure at least twice. Dude has been a force.
I’ve seen many preseason ‘lowlights’… not only from our Phins’ beat writers but also from national writers and YouTube folks who put our tape on display.
The left side of our O-Line is highly suspect, to be short and sweet. LT Austin Jackson needs to get better, or we’re going to be in trouble. Equally important is our LG position, where anyone we put there has been poor.
Deiter and anyone on the right side of our O-Line seem to be solid.
The oline is our biggest question mark, even more so than Tua IMO.
Totally agreed, Cav Kong.
Serious question: has anyone here heard anything about why Austin Jackson is not maturating into a solid LT? Is it an undisclosed injury? Is he dealing with something outside of football (fam-related)?
If was an undisclosed injury how would we know? Only thing for sure is the guy who was supposed to be the strongest on the OL has been a weak link. Obviously he has it in him to be what he was last season. So yeah time to ask questions why.
I ask about an “undisclosed injury” to those who might be closer to the situation than our beat writers, that’s all. Aside from that, I’m right there with ya.
By the way, Stanger… Austin Jackson wasn’t really that good for us last season, but he gets a ‘mulligan’, being he was rook, and VERY young for rook to boot.
Thought we’d see tangible growth in season 2 from him, but it almost seems he’s going backward.
Who were you thinking might know more than the beat reporters? Their full time job. And wasn’t saying Jackson looked All Pro last year, but seemed to be the best on the line. Or if some other name was in for that, would call for a judgment call.
Hopefully, playcalling and Tua can overcome our OL weaknesses. WTF?
D snd ST need to be our strengths for now!
Totally agreed, Krishna.
stangerx says:
September 5, 2021 at 5:50 pm
Who were you thinking might know more than the beat reporters? Their full time job. And wasn’t saying Jackson looked All Pro last year, but seemed to be the best on the line. Or if some other name was in for that, would call for a judgment call.
——————
It’s a small world, my dude. I told y’all, for example, that my now fellow colleague graduated from Bucknell with Julie’n Davenport (they are BFFs). We were going to fly down there together for a game last year… but then COVID hit the fan.
And now, Davenport is playing for the Colts.
Had we flown down last year, YOU and OLD DOLPHAN would be the first to know with advanced notice, in order to meet y’all! Unfortunately, it all fell through due to COVID.
I’d really like to meet you and Mr. Randy Campbell, Jon!
Oh yeah, the greater point of the dialogue: some people have greater access than even the beat writers have. I cited the instance in my reply to ya above. And I cannot be alone in knowing somebody who knows what’s going on.
And to reiterate, Davenport is no longer a Phin.
I guess it is a small world. And someone knows what’s up with Jackson and then the Kevin Bacon thing comes into play. 🙂
And luv you dude. Hope you do make a Fest some time. Asked for many years, but now figure up to you.
Man, I was SO CLOSE to coming down last year! It wouldn’t have been for the Fest, rather when my colleague and I had the same days off. I figure I’d still get to meet two of my faves: you and Old Dolfan.
Lord knows I’ll be down to a Fest in the very near future. I thank you, Stanger!
OD lives a 4 hour drive a way, but I’m always here. And Fest happens every year. Think this one will be our 9th or something.
Dolphins roster
33 new players in 2019
31 new players in 2020
21 new players in 2021
Know what this means? We’re no longer “rebuilding”. We have a roster that is now ready to compete! Love to see this, too!
I always said the 3rd year was the one where we now have to compete. Last year we were ahead of the curve now we’ve got to take another step.
M13, I do worry about our OL this first game vs Pats. They have a stout front 7. With their 4-3 they have Deatrich Wise, Chase Winovich, and Henry Anderson at DE with Davon Godchaux, Christian Barmore and Lawrence Guy in the middle. They are backed with Matt Judon, Dont’a Hightower and Kyle Van Noy at LB.
That is a solid front 7.
Once again, agreed 100%
To be a good team you have to beat good teams. If we can’t block them we’re not good enough. At least at this time. I think we’re going to see growing pains on the OL because it’s so young. But hopefully they gel into a solid group during the season.
BBM,
Do you have your birth certificate? If it reads ‘twins’, I’m your long-lost brother!
LOL! If not, I am sure we would be very good friends. From what I gather, we have a lot in common.
This is a big step for Flores. Slap that bitch!
No offense. Herd!
And, you know I respect ALL WOMEN! Mrs . K would shake her head!
Herd doesn’t come off as overly sensitive so I wouldn’t worry about it.
It’s funny how some player names require that you say their entire name every single time.
I’m watching the Rams/ Dolphins game, and with Cooper Kupp the announcers say his full name every single time he’s involved in a play.
Probably the most infamous occurrence of this phenomenon, at least in my mind, is Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix. You can’t just call that guy Clinton-Dix. It’s not nearly as funny…
This game, our defense really turned this game around. We go down 7-0 after Tua fumbles on his first pass attempt. A couple possessions later, still down 7-0, the defense gets a Wilkins INT and we get our first score.
Later, tied at 7, Gaskin loses a fumble at our own 7 after a big hit by the Rams D. Rams looking to go up. Rams first play at our 7, the Rams RB Henderson, who had been very physical and kinda pushing our guys around to this point, well he gets lit up on a big hit by Roberts. Next play strip sack fumble returned for a TD. We go up 28-10 at the half and never look back.
The week prior, Rams punter Johnny Hekker was special teams player of the week after dropping 5 punts inside the Bears 10.
Against us, he drops a punt around the 10, our returner makes a fair catch signal, the gunner stops next to him, and the returner lets the ball go by for a touchback. Slick move. Later, the Rams first punt after our defensive turnover, Grant returns it for a TD.
Time for some ND/FSU
I’m switching over right now
Out of all the games I was able to watch this weekend, I don’t think I saw one person wearing a mask in those jam packed stands. lol
I know I haven’t been as positive about them as most folks, but I’m not getting too worried about this OL just yet. I think we’ve brought in some nice pieces. They are still very young. This year I want to see even more improvement than last year, which I think was modest. I don’t think they’ll be where they need to be to actually be a serious playoff contender for a couple years. I usually expect to see an OLman hitting his stride by year 3 or 4. The talent appears to be there for the most part. We’ll see if they can put it together. I’m enjoying watching this team develop under Flores so far.
A couple of years to become a serious playoff contender or championship caliber?
I hope you’re wrong. They need to allow/show progress or it will be a shitshow.
It’s gonna be fine we’re gonna run outside a lot and hit a lot of quick passes to the likes of Wilson and Waddle it’ll be fine
The RPO runs are basically draws and that’s what Gaskin and Ahmed excel at. Brown is more of an I-back. I expect the backs to catch a lot of passes, specifically Gaskin and Ahmed. We should also see a good amount of jet sweeps with Wilson, Waddle and Grant.
Tim,
To me, a serious playoff contender means you can actually win a few playoff games and compete for the championship. I don’t believe a team can just get into the playoffs after never getting there for years and compete for a championship right away. Most teams need a couple years of seasoning at the playoff level. Sure, it happens every 30 years, but it’s not typical. Just making the playoffs doesn’t mean you’re a championship level team. It just means you get a shot…but some team’s shots are better than others. Lol
I’d rather do what you are saying than do what Jacksonville did a few years ago, rise from really nowhere and make it to the championship game only to fall back to garbage since. A slow and steady but sustainable rise like we always were before this century.
It’s harder to build long-term these days with FA than it was back in the day. You don’t really get 4 or 5+ years anymore.
Pats, packers, Ravens,Saints expected playoff teams for the last 10-15 years. I want that. Then I’ll be dead lol.
QB play was key and they built their culture over decades. Yes finding that core is the way to go, then you have to continue to replenish and keep the train rolling. I think we’re getting there. Just saying you don’t get 4-5+ years to get there anymore. You lose players to FA, people get fired and it starts all over again. I think we’re definitely a “playoff” contender, we were last year. One win short. We were in it to the last week.
Okay, that’s why I was asking. I consider a serious playoff contender a team that can or should make the playoffs. Serious championship contender is the other beast.
Bookman,
If you’re out there, that was one heck of a game between your Badgers and my Lions yesterday. I really didn’t think our PSU cats were going to pull it out. Hard fought game on both sides until the very end.
Just wanted to tell ya that I was thinking about ya, man… and your Badgers pushed us to the brink. Good game, man… and it could have gone either way.
#Respect
The Wisconsin QB was terrible, he should have been yanked at halftime.
The difference in this year than last year is we’ve added more team speed. We have more big play ability on offense. The key is making those plays early so teams have to respect it. That opens up your offense. If defenses feel they can stack the box on you it’s tough to get anything going. It’s hard to block 8, it’s a mismatch.
Also, playing with a lead more often won’t let teams be able to run on us and they play to our strength trying to throw against X and Jones.
Even if not the lead, staying within one possession scores. But that is definitely the idea, to stay in attack defense mode and get turnovers.
For once. I think they’re designing an offense that is all on the same page.
My homer side…I expect our D to be sick!
Top AFC teams
KC
Buff 🤮
Cleveland
Tenn
Ravens
Steelers
Miami
Maybe add Pats for posterity but we’re in the top 8 with maybe the most ability to move up
That’s just it, we need to take a step forward and other teams take a step back. I definitely put the Pats in there along with the Colts, and the Broncs, Raiders and Chargers could be in the mix too. The AFC is going to be very competitive for playoff spots. But I like it that way. If you make it you earned it. You’re battle tested.
Really the thing that trumps everything these days is your QB. The rules favor them so much. If you have a true high end guy, he can swing almost any game your way. I think it’s sad that it’s gotten to that point, but it has. One player, if he’s really good, can make all the difference. It shouldn’t be that way. That’s not a competitive balance.
Evidenced by Winston throwing 30 some picks with no playoffs and Brady throwing a handful and winning the SB with basically the same team.
While that’s the most important position it doesn’t mean success.
QB play has to be good. But if the rest of your team stinks you’re not going anywhere. That truth still exists. Very few teams are good everywhere, but you need to be good in a few areas and then you need a good QB. Not elite or great, but not a liability.
Agreed.
But, I would like a QB that can beat you, too.
It takes some time with young QBs to get to that point. Not many can do that early on. A strong team around them allows him to progress without all the pressure on his shoulders. We’re still in early stages with this team and we all want to know we’ve got what it takes. But it’s really just getting started. This season will tell us a lot about where we stand.
Birkhead isn’t a Pat anymore right?
That favors us, he’s one of those assholes we struggled with.
LOL, yeah he has the pleasure of being on the Texans.
Good for him
Don’t discount the Navy connection with Perry I’m afraid we’ve lost him for good. I really liked him hopefully now he kinda sucks lol
Lol…..ok
I hope he reaches his potential…lol!
I saw the Navy connection with Belichick right away. I liked him too but to me he seems
limited physically. Not a big guy and lacks NFL play speed. Could he develop like the Pats do with those type of guys, sure, but he didn’t make our team. He had to beat out Wilson and Grant and he didn’t. He wasn’t getting a roster spot over Waddle even if he was better, we know that.
I just hate them getting our guys I thought he made what I would call some nifty plays for us not the least of which we’re just last week. Among a few nice plays he caught the 2 pointer. I understand where he was with us but it’s too bad we couldn’t keep him on the PS or that an NFC team didn’t get him.
He can play well against 2nd and 3rd teams because that’s who played against in college. Even lesser than that. I didn’t see that extra step you need at the next level. Bowden has that and we’ll have him for next year. We’ll see. Either way they’re both bottom depth players, not key guys.
If losing Perry is a big issue for us, we’re not good enough. That’s how I look at it.
They probably made a choice between Bowden and Perry one goes on IR the other gets cut. I’m sure Perry would be on our PS if he hadn’t been claimed. I agree Bowden is better but both aren’t what we have starting 😁
You could say that Malcolm Perry took Cam Newton’s roster spot and they weren’t even in camp together
How’s that?
Just by virtue of Perry being on the Pats roster and Cam not
He’s not a QB though.
Remember Wilson can also throw the ball. So we get some of that trickery from him.
I really like the balance of offensive skills players we have. Size guys who can run, speed, quickness and some power. We can play different ways. We’re going to find out what our bread and butter is. But we don’t really know what that is yet.
Hopefully our bread and butter is feeding Gaskin and he goes for 1300 yds and we dance into the playoffs. I think we want to be able to run and use the short quick passing game as part of it, taking shots both deep and in the seams down the middle of the field often enough to keep em honest or blow them out.
I don’t want to tell Gaskin what he is, but I think we’ve all been underrating him his first two seasons. He can play at a high level. I’m not even sure he gets 1,000 yards rushing because we use a 3 back system. But if he does that, we most likely had a really good season.
I could see something like this and it’s not a knock on anyone. Of course injuries and having to utilize other backs would change that. Just a projection.
Gaskin 850/400
Ahmed 450/250
Brown 350/150
Then you add the other rushing yards from various players. Average over 100 yards on the ground and we’re in good shape. Passing is going to play a big role in our offense. It has to.
We really don’t know and no one else does either…..I’m excited.
Oh, fuck Orob knows! Plus, we don’t get to count 1st down runs for 1st downs and any pass less than 30 yards downfield. We’re fucked!!!!
That’s what I find getting old here with the discussions. It’s all predictions as if it’s the final results. Let us see it all play out. We’ve got a nice young core to roll with. Enjoy the unpredictable ride. 🙂
Hope springs eternal
And the ball bounces funny
He hit the plant leg, shit call
With the 3 game PS and a week off before the 1st RS game, are teams still in TC mode until next week when it becomes obvious game mode?
It’s game mode now, it’s game week
First game plan install this week
I said it wrong. This past week wasn’t game week. Now it is. Does tomorrow start game week? I know the coaches have been game planning for week one, what were the players doing this past week?
McKenzie Milton is he not just amazing
It’s incredible that he’s back
Charge On
ND vs FSU has been a fun game. FSU with an opportunity to take the lead late.
Holy crap Milton is coming back in
center shyte the bed on that snap, but they did manage to tie it up
They keep showing his mom tearing up, it’s making me tear up, lol.
ND butts tighten
The FSU starter got accidentally Fitzpatricked
Ok, this is the first time in a long time I’ve watched this much college ball, can someone explain to me what I just saw.
Kickoff, the ND returner fair caught it at the 5 and they moved it to the 25. If they fair catch the kickoff it automatically gets moved to the 25?
Yes
That one took me a while too
Ok, thanks. Weird rule
Milton is pals with Tua both from Hawaii
One broke all of the others records in HS
Tim, they asked Rowe what he did the last week, he said he watched a little of the Pets TE gametape but it would ramp up this week. I’m guessing it probably depends on the player what they did.
Woah, big drop by ND, which would have given them a FG to win it.
Yeah the roster most likely continued to work on fundamentals with an eye on the week 1 opponent last week. This week for sure is all about the Pats.
I’m so psyched for this game. Week 1 is always exciting. For us especially the Pats in NE.
Rowe did also mention this last week was still about ‘us’ , and next week would be the Pets.
Dude, I’ve watched 3 of our preseason/ 2020 reg games and 3 college games this weekend trying to scratch that itch. I am way too amped, lol.
FSU kicker whiffs. What a disappointing end to this game (likely)
STILL one of the greatest college football games I’ve ever seen!! McKenzie Milton leading the Noles back from an 18-point deficit in the 4th quarter sent chills down my spine!!!–His comeback from a 3-year absence (almost having his leg amputated) is the stuff of legends
It was a great game to watch. Would have loved to see the kid pull off the upset, but what he did was pretty amazing.
Ohhh, that was so bad. The ND coach just tried to use the ‘execute my team joke’, except he brought it all out himself, he wasn’t asked about his team’s execution. FAIL, lol.
He fucked that up so bad OMG
The announcer told it right lol
And tried to clean up the coach’s image with “He’s a historian of the game.” LOL
Yeah lol but it was honest fuck up on joke he shouldn’t have even gone near now the nut jobs will claim his team is in danger of their coach wanting to execute them
LOL
#cancelbriankelly
#coachthreatenstokillteam
SONNNY, I’d SURE like to see a rematch of this game in a BOWL GAME, wouldn’t you?!?
That’d be fun
14 getting two picks wasn’t executing?
First ever start for QB throws 4 TD’s wasn’t executing?
Having a pass rush and blocking to do both wasn’t executing?
He’s gonna get hammered on sports talk radio on this one
Winning isn’t executing?
You play to win the game…
Just win the game. Nobody cares about the score other than the win column. Plenty of time to score more points along the way. But if the wins aren’t there, it’s all BS.
The other team is good too it’s hard to win
It really is. That’s why they play the games. Last year was the perfect example. We thought we should have won the Denver game but we did not play well and that game cost us the playoffs. Coaches and players no matter how good they are, always say it’s tough to win in the NFL. Most games are close. A lot of games come down to the 4th quarter.
I flipped back over to the Rams vs Dolphins from last year. We finished the half with 28 points on 54 yds. Unreal, lol.
And bitch slapped that punk to Detroit lol
LOL
It’s really wierd out here, people have farm animals and the effing roosters wake me up at 5am every morning 😳
LOL!
I think it should be legal to shoot your neighbors cock at 5 am. Oh wait that’s sounds gay.
Reminds me of the owl scene by the hunting cabin in My Cousin Vinny
No shit ! And we have effin train’s as well. Someone didn’t do enough research 🧐
Damn.. I just pulled a booger out that was so deep it made my eyes roll 🤓
I think there’s still a chance they can play Sunday, have to test negative 3 days in a row or something like that
Well, didn’t know he was not vaccinated. Good thing we kept 5 TE’s!
Que someone in 3,2,1….
Que for what? That maybe keeping all those TEs and drafting Long makes sense now?
We love executions!
I ❤️ ⚡️ 🪑
How much do they get paid to be on the practice squad?
Players with less than 2 years NFL experience get $9200 per week. Players with 2 or more years of NFL experience get $14,000 per week
Yeah, I thought it was six figures at least if they lasted the season. That’s pretty good just for being on the PS.
Oh well, hoped Strowbridge could be a rotational DE for us, guess not.
You guys have to catch this new flick. Stars Isaiah Ford and Chris Grier. Co-starring credit goes to Bill Belichick as the cold hearted GM that almost lured Ford from his true late night GM call place of destiny.
Stanger, the que was for someone on here to spaz out on Sheehan. The person said he should have been released weeks ago just because he would not get vaccinated.
Don’t know who that was, but can tell you if I was a fringe guy on the team would be vaccinated. When trying to stick in the NFL you look for every edge. But for sure wouldn’t cut a guy just for not being so. Just another factor.
son,
Execution is it exactly. They are finally getting better talent in personnel. The defense is close to being a consistent top 10 defense, maybe better, and that’ll win championships. Our offense is still missing a couple really high end performers to step up and lead it. If that does happen, then it comes down to execution. We’ve seen a fairly disciplined team so far under Flores. But, the offense needs to get the main pieces in place and start executing consistently so you can start learning how to win close games.
How did Shaheen get COVID? I thought if you were unvaxxed NFL rules required you to be in a giant hamster ball at all times? Can this virus penetrate hamster balls now?
Doomed…
Yes, the virus can penetrate hamster balls. It’s called the Colon Pokey Variant.
From the analytics nerd at ESPN.
——————————————————-
Heading into the 2021 NFL season, ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) simulated the entire 285-game slate 20,000 times to create our projections. Having a sample size that large allows us to have the most accurate projections possible, which is, of course, what we want most of the time. But today, we’re only focused on one of them: Simulation No. 13,330.
Final simulation regular-season standings
The top four seeds in each conference are the division winners. Seed Nos. 5-7 for each conference make the playoffs via a wild-card berth.
CONF.
SEED AFC NFC
1 Bills (13-4) Buccaneers (12-5)
2 Colts (13-4) 49ers (12-5)
3 Browns (12-5) Packers (11-6)
4 Chiefs (11-6) Cowboys (10-7)
5 Dolphins (10-7) Saints (11-6)
6 Steelers (9-8) Rams (9-8)
7 Jaguars (9-8) Bears (8-9)
8 Chargers (9-8) Vikings (8-9)
9 Titans (8-9) Eagles (8-9)
10 Patriots (8-9) Washington (8-9)
11 Raiders (8-9) Lions (7-10)
12 Ravens (7-10) Falcons (7-10)
13 Broncos (7-10) Cardinals (6-11)
14 Bengals (6-11) Seahawks (5-12)
15 Texans (5-12) Giants (5-12)
16 Jets (5-12) Panthers (5-12)
PS the Paytriots have never beaten a Tua led team! 😉
“Here’s a game-by-game look at the Dolphins’ schedule, with score predictions” by new Herald writer Daniel Oyefusi.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/dolphins-game-game-predictions-10-105500400.html (no paywall)
Haven’t listened to it yet, but….press conference with Flores.
https://www.miamidolphins.com/video/coach-flores-meets-with-the-media-september-6-press-conference
We were much tougher back then