It’s that time of year folks, the time of the NFL football season where you start doing mad calculations as to what your team’s playoff chances are. Think about it, really think about it. It’s crazy that we’re even in position to be thinking about such things. This season was going the way of blowing it up, and that means GM, Coach and starting all over again at 1-7. When you consider that this was the feeling here and now that an unlikely 6 game win streak which included some “gimmes” but also included a game I figured we had no business winning against the 6-2 Baltimore Ravens. That was a game I expected to be thrashed as per usghe, especially considering the the Ravens had pulverized our Dolphins in the last 4 meetings to the tune of 137-16. Yes, we beat the Jets twice, the Watsonless Texans, the Panthers who were flying high because their “Superman” Cam Newton was back at QB, and the other NY Football team, the Daniel Jonesless Giants. Whatever the level of competition you play in the NFL, it’s remarkable to run off 6 straight wins. So now our Dolphins sit at 7-7 and enable us to banter back and forth and argue about which teams we should root for in which matchups. Gotta love it!
We travel to play the New Orleans Saints, led by one of the better NFL Head Coaches around, Sean Payton. He’s hamstrung somewhat because he has to rely on a guy that he used to draw up a number of offensive packages for and pull then QB Drew Brees and let the gadget guy Taysom Hill go out and use his athletic ability, a nice change of pace from the heavy passing offense of Drew Brees. However, COVID-19 has struck the Saints and both starter Taysom Hill and backup Trevor Siemian are both out with COVID so they will be forced to start rookie QB Ian Book. Ian Book was the Saints 4th RD Pick (#133) this year. When you face this current Saints team, you no longer worry about WR Michael Thomas, it’s basically the Alvin Kamara show. For perspective, Kamara leads the team in rush attempts (184), receptions (38) and total yards with 1016, 668 yards rushing, 348 yards receiving. He’s basically their offense, and if you can limit Kamara, you’re probably going to beat the Saints. The Saints are also 7-7, but unlike the surging Dolphins, the Saints were 5-2 and now have lost 5 of 7. The Saints have one of the better NFL defensive units, currently 6th in points allowed at 20.4 PPG. The Dolphins slipped a bit and are now worse than midpack at 22.3 PPG. Offensively, the Saints are 17th (22.4 PPG) and the Dolphins are 21st at (20.4 PPG). With QB Ian Book in, you really are playing against The Kamaras this week.
The Dolphins managed to slip past the Jets last week and although we didn’t look great doing so, we did enough to win, and that’s what it’s all about now. Just win baby. I know some of you people are all on board “The Duke Train” but I’m of the opinion that he had a really nice day in front of a crowd he was eager to be in front of and seized the opportunity. Does he end up being another Lamar Smith type story, we’ll find out. For the record, I hope Duke is even better than Lamar Smith, but I’m not expecting as much as others from The Duke. I do like the physical style and effort he brings so maybe that rubs off on the other guys. Tua had an uneven game against the Jets, we’ll need a better effort from him. The good thing is the O-line play is trending upwards, a great sign. They have quite the challenge in the Saints front 7, Cam Jordan is one of the best DE’s in football. Marcus Davenport excels as well and benefits from the extra attention teams usually slide towards Jordan. Kwon Alexander is a fine LB along with former Jet Demario Davis. LB Kaden Ellis is on the COVID list so not sure if he plays. The Saints secondary isn’t too shabby either with CB’s Marcus Lattimore and Bradley Roby. SS Malcolm Jenkins is a wily veteran and is joined by FS Marcus Williams. The trio of Davis, Jenkins and Williams are the Saints leading tacklers.
As you are all aware, our friend Jon (Stanger) is still fighting the good fight. At times it looks like he’s turned a corner only to fall back a few steps. This is going to be a tough battle for him so please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. At this time, I want to wish all of you here Happy Holidays, and also hoping for all of you to stay safe and healthy.
Merry Christmas
GO DOLPHINS!!!
Finsmob Unleashed 
When you can’t wait until 830
IT’S GAME DAY BITCHES!!
GO DOLPHINS!!!
“The NFL is figuring out Herbert and Mac Jones. Tua is figuring out the NFL.”
I love this, but homerism aside, I think it is true to a degree.
Who said this?
Marlo Stanfield. (unknown poster)
I think this would make the game more interesting!!!!!!
“Mac Jones has a passer rating of 19.9 today.”
Mac Jones sucks
too many NY wanna be reporters are bashing Tua while gargling Mac Jones balls!
at least they can multitask, lol but, but but,,,,
but Jones isnt ready for primetime yet, and Tua, IS prime time
Tua has played in some huge college games. I know you know this.
He got 418 and 4 against #3 LSU in the 2nd Burrow year. Put up 41 and lost.
The previous year they shut out #4 LSU in Burrow’s first year, 29-0.
Tua threw for 295 and 2 and ran for a 44 yd TD.
Naples
I think Herbert had a bad game. I think young QBs should be able to have ups and downs. I’m a little less enthusiastic about Mac Jones, who really kind of got hyped up a little too soon
True.
I think both of them got a little over hyped, but both of them have skills and mindset to be a success in the NFL. I’m not dismissing either of their careers.
Not nearly as confident in the kid for the jest.
Belichick will be what helps Jones become a solid to great QB. He has all the support he needs, and the media won’t go after him like they do Tua. Of course, our coaches, owner, and FO are part of the reason Tua wasn’t getting the right support his first 1 and 1/2 seasons.
Yay! Internet is fixed. I can watch tonight’s game from the comfort of my own home.
I watched a movie last night, but had to order pizza delivery by calling the actual pizza place as if I was a freakin hobo. And to watch the movie we used some weird, little, silverish record looking thing. I had to get up off the couch and put it into a little slot in my PS5 and the movie just started playing.
I sat back down on the couch thinking how this must be what it’s like living in a 3rd world country. Bless the USA.
Lmao at your inconveniences
A win tonight makes us undefeated in Nov/Dec. That’s pretty awesome.
Have to work today , was very confused this morning… will be home by game time, but it’s game day .. do I put on the Tua jersey before I go to work ? Do I wait until I get home ??
Played it safe and wearing to work …
Good decision. I’ve had my jersey on all day.
A good luck dance for Stanger and the Dolphins!
https://twitter.com/irishbullphins2/status/1475473838364372992?s=20
The first Domino of the early coaching interviews?
Excited for the biggest game of the year for us this season. Go Phins!!!!
I’ve got Christmas laundry saved for tonight for some extra magic! ✨🐬
If we win out and the Raiders win out both will be 10-7, Raiders play LAC, so LAC would have at least 8 losses and be out
Cheats and Ind could also be 10-7, since Cheats play us and Ind plays Raiders
First get only 1 team from each div, Cheats out, then head to head Raiders beat both, so they get 5th seed
then 3 teams Ind, Cheats and us go for the 6th seed, Cheats again eliminated first, head to head Indy wins, so the get 6th seed
7th seed we would beat out NE from div tie breakers based on head to head
Balt already has 6 conf losses, so they are irrelevant for this discussion
I believe this is how it would be, based on the circumstances I provided
Raiders play LAC and Ind, so I don’t expect them to be 10-7, I do expect Ind to be 11-6 and take 5th seed, that would give us the 6th seed and the Cheats the 7th
Think I’d rather be the 7th and play Tenn, than Bills
I think Mac Jones has been a little bit exposed the last couple of games.
They’ve babied him most of the year, getting by on D, running game and great OL play
He needs to adjust now that they’ve been stopped
I also would not say Herbert had a terrible but he did make a couple of critical mistakes
You want big play, quick strike it comes with more risk
If we can get by with Tua throwing for 225 yards a game, while hitting on 75% – 80% of his passes I’ll take that over a hot and cold Herbert
I say if we can get by…because he hasn’t beaten Buffalo
If he can beat Buffalo, then he doesn’t need to do more, consistency is better, but until then Herbert is the better QB
For Piggy
Pork will endure
Retrospectively, we’re happy the Niners lost on Thursday.
I’m always happy when the niners lose … just don’t tell my wife 🤡
My disdain for Pats may have cost Stanger his win against Twice.. I left Harris on his bench in favour of AJ Dillon .. Harris had 30 pts vs Dillon 8.6 …he is down 21 pts but still has Fins D , while Twice has Baker … winner faces Darlene in the championship game
Thinking of ya Stanger hope you having an upswing 👍👍
I thought we had all of our RB’s already.
Making some sirloin/ short rib burgers w/ onion rings for the game. Mostly decided to do it to take my mind off the game and the 3+ hours of waiting till it starts, lol.
Did a prime rib on the pit earlier for 2nd Christmas dinner with the Son & my new Daughter In-law!
Now I need a nap!!!!!
Nice! Get a nap in, wake up and it’s Dolphins time
I made prime rib for Xmas too
Mmmmmmmmm – cows are tasty jerks
CavalierKong says:
December 27, 2021 at 4:30 pm
Retrospectively, we’re happy the Niners lost on Thursday.
Reply
manitobafinfan says:
December 27, 2021 at 4:41 pm
I’m always happy when the niners lose … just don’t tell my wife
———————————————————————
Niners QB Jimmy Garoppolo dealing with right thumb injury, status for Week 17 uncertain
I have a bad feeling about this game
2 years ago I had Brees and Watson in FF and they were playing each other (Hou vs NO), chose to play Brees, because of this mythical theory about how great the Saints are on MNF
That mistake cost me the playoffs
Have less of a bad feeling for this game, than I did against the jets last week
Just when I thought I was out, they pulled me back in!
Welcome back. I was never able to leave
Lol….maybe a fan?!
Welcome back drg
They have us at 99% chance to make the playoffs, if we win out
Ind and only 1 AFC West team, Raiders play LAC week 18, can get ahead of us in the WC
No one from the Central can
The cheats can’t
What is that 1% that will keep us from making it?
If we win, we’re in. There is no W/L outcome that could stop us, so that 1% must be if a comet destroys the earth or something like that, lol.
A tie somewhere? Lol…
Actually, you’re probably right, Krishna. I haven’t considered ties.
Nope I laid out the scenarios above
A tie by LAC vs LV would put both of them behind us and put the Cheats in with a win this week
Dolphins 20, Saints 16
Todd McShay talking about getting Book to play outside the pocket.
Todd our safeties will feast on him there.
T minus 2 hours
Dolphins throw for Tua TD’s and run for Tua more tonight. Defense does it’s job and holds NO to 3 FG.
31-9 Phins
Backup 7th string OT blocking for Book tonight……
We confused Herbert last year and that was after he had a few starts, no reason it should be any different tonight
They showed a stat a moment ago, Tua 69.5% accuracy Leads the league…But the truth is it is tied for the lead with Joe Burrow who has 125 more completions and 2024 more yards and 16 more TDs.
69.9% Need to put on my glasses
Tua’s is slightly higher
0.6986754967
Vs
0.6985446985
we can survive that.
T minus 60 minutes
Your going to miss our first td
So it seems Ahmed is down in favor of Scarlett.
BBM, if you are on here tonight …
as a ND fan, I sure wish Book was getting his first shoot to start in some other game. Now I gotta cheer that his game is a nightmare.
For those of you who are NOT Irish fans, Ian Book ranks up there with some of their legendary QBs amongst Irish fans. He was an unlikely choice to take over as the starter over Wimbush in his sophomore year. Over those 3 yrs as starter he led his class to the only ‘undefeated at home’ for all 4 yrs in the history of the school. His improvisational play making won over the fan base.
So… let him get his confidence elsewhere. The gold on his helmet tonight is tarnished by the fleur-de-lis. lol
How confident would you guys be, if our 3rd string QB, whatever his name was from preseason, was making his first start tonight?
Not very, but book is the winningest QB in ND history, so he has serious talent, he’s tenacious, smart, and athletic.
We need to take him very seriously. He could be the next Brees.
Serious talent, such as weak arm?
I haven’t missed a ND game in over a decade. Ian Book (if given time) has the arm. His problem tonight is his OL …. In his 3 yrs as starter he played behind a line that had 11 guys drafted, 3 in top 10. If the guy is open, and the pocket clean, he’ll hit them no matter how deep
Not a noodle arm though.
Earlier this year instead of Briskette, I would have loved it
True and then we lost him to another team.
Come on man! Moss showing his cheats stripes only one from ESPN picking NO
Love the all white uniforms
damn. what are the chances of a ‘jinx’ on color of uniforms. LOL
I like the all white unis. So many pictures in my head from those teams in the 70s wearing all white. It feels natural.
Yep
Bert Jones, Namath, Greise
I freaking hated Bert Jones. Can’t exactly say why… maybe it was a Colts thing from Shula leaving them, but I hated that guy. lol
GO PHINS!!!
HELL YEAH!!!
If I’m NO I’m going to make Tua throw downfield
If they can’t stop our short passing and Tua doesn’t turn it over too much we win
They were just talking about that on the NFLN that the Saints play a lot of man so it helps to cut down the RPO game – saying that works better against zone.
As long as our offense and special teams don’t screw the pooch and give their offense short fields and/ or points, not sure how they beat us.
Oh boy it’s almost game time. 🙂
Getting green and sweaty
Remember the days when Dolphins-Jets was a GIVEN for Monday night?
Woohoo! Game time, let’s get it done!!
GAMENIGHT Blog up!!!
I”M READY. MRS. OD is ready. My Greyhound is ready. My little mutt is ready.
READY FOR WHAT???
WE are READY to show the rest of the NFL how to score on, and BEAT the New Orleans Saints.
LAST WEEK the defending Super Bowl champions, the Buccaneers, COULD DO NEITHER!!
———————–
Tonight, Tua and his boys will show the NFL HOW TO DO BOTH!!!
THIS DOLPHINS TEAM IS FOR REAL!! BELIEVE IT!!
HERE WE GO!!
LET’S GO MIAMI!
GO DOLPHINS!!
I haven’t been this nervous for the start of a Fins game in quite some time.
…. could it mean … I care?
I thought the ga,e started at 830….did it start early?
815 pm
Wtf lattimore
Yeah stupid play but I already see the Saints want to play chippy.
Well that worked like they drew it up….lol
WOOOO HOOOOOOOOO
we need a turnover early to get the defense pumped
Nicky six
Rookie is gonna throw that every time.Flores knows how to rattle a rook.
it’s as close to scripting a play on defense as it gets
PSSSST. Come to game blog 👍👍
lol that was the turnover the fins needed
Nice!!!
helll yeaaaaaaaaaaaaa
let’s get this offense going. take the crowd out early!
DEFENSE!!!!
lol saint suck! they cant hang tonight
that’s an EASY call for refs
what a terrible looking play.
he’s down
DEFENSE!!!! DEFENSE!!!!
Wow Phillip Lindsay has never fumbled in the NFL.
There’s a new blog Tim.
This is not a playoff offense. Defense? Yes, offense? Nope, not close
Playcalling very tight
We don’t have a playoff offense Rock.
7 straight losses, followed by 7 straight wins!!!