AFC East – Post Draft Evaluation

A couple of weeks ago I broke down the AFC East, pre draft to get an idea how our Dolphins stacked up in what should be a very competitive AFC East division. I can tell you this, our rivals in this division caught up nicely by adding a significant amount of talent via the draft, especially the New York Jets. The Jets were loaded with draft capital, and parlayed that into a very nice draft haul. They came into the draft with two first round and two second round picks and then with a bold move traded back into round 1 to select their THIRD pick in the first round. The Bills had a decent draft adding a couple of prospects loved by some of our FMU brethren. The Patriots had an odd draft, to put it mildly. Our Dolphins were bereft of any high picks due to the trade for WR Tyreek Hill and the Dolphins chose not to trade by using any future draft capital, despite being armed well next year with two 1st round and two 2nd round picks. Our first selection this year was a very late, compensatory pick at #102.

NEW YORK JETS

As I alluded to, the Jets came into the draft with two picks in the top 10, #4 and #10. Their first pick reflects the necessity to be able to cover elite receivers as the AFC East has a few, with the Bills having Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis, the Dolphins having both Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, and the Patriots with DeVante Parker and Kendrick Bourne. The Jets took CB Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner at #4. Gardner, a brash, confident, lengthy CB out of Cincinnati didn’t allow a TD to a receiver last season. Well, welcome to the AFC East, where it will become commonplace. At #10, the Jets selected Ohio St. WR Garret Wilson. Two very strong picks so far and then a trade back into the first round at #26 netted the Jets the pass rusher they need in Florida St. DE Jermaine Johnson. The Jets first selection in RD 2 was another favorite here on FMU, RB Breece Hall. Four excellent picks should infuse this Jets with talent to compete. Robert Saleh must be pleased, as the Jets had already upgraded the O-line in free agency by adding OG Laken Tomlinson and a couple of TE’s in C.J. Uzomah and Tyler Conklin. If their 2nd year QB Zach Wilson can get on track with his new WR Garret Wilson, and the O-line can create holes for new RB Breece Hall, their offense will be better and the defense should improve as well with Sauce and Johnson. How quickly though will be the key.

BUFFALO BILLS

The Bills were not lost on the talent infusion at WR in the AFC East either, with the Dolphins adding Tyreek Hill and already having Jaylen Waddle, along with the Patriots getting DeVante Parker to the Jets drafting Garret Wilson. The Bills first pick was CB Kaiir Elam from Florida, another taller, fast CB. In RD 2, probably earlier than expected, the Bills took another FMU fave RB James Cook. That Bills offense just keeps adding pieces. In RD 6, the bills broke many hearts here as they snagged the best punter in the universe, Matt Araiza. The Bills were already a strong team and their draft should help them stay that way. As was pointed out here, does a team that scores over 28 PPG need the best punter?

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

I wouldn’t say Bill Belichick’s genius was ever considered to be present in his drafting ability, and this year’s draft was no exception. Their first pick at #29 in round 1 was Strange. Literally, the Patriots selected OG/C prospect Cole Strange of Tennessee-Chatanooga. To be fair, I liked Strange as a pick for our Dolphins, he’s a nimble footed, smart OL who can play any inside position on the line, although he has never actually played C and therefore has never snapped in gameplay. He was pretty much rated as a 3rd RD pick but Bill Belichick pulled the trigger and got his guy. In RD 2, possibly another pick in which he drafted a player expected to be taken later. The Patriots grabbed speedy WR Tyquan Thornton from Baylor, the tall lanky WR ran a blistering 4.28 40 at the combine. Nevertheless, he was expected to be a late 3rd round or 4th round pick. The Patriots added a CB who will likely be a ST’s player in the 4th RD.

MIAMI DOLPHINS

Our Dolphins, as previously mentioned didn’t have much draft capital left after the Tyreek Hill trade, but the Dolphins remained patient and stayed pat with they had. At pick #102, the Dolphins took Georgia LB Channing Tindall. Tindall is a very athletic LB who is a dept at blitzing which really fits this defensive style, and he has exceptional closing speed, which is really evident when you watch any reels available on the kid. He was a part time player on a very talented Georgia defense, with Nakobe Dean being the best known LB. With Elandon Roberts, a bit stockier fireplug of a LB in place, Tindall will most likely still be a part time player in ’22, but if he shows up quick, as Zach Thomas did back in ’96, perhaps he’ll be inside next to #55 Jerome Baker all season. The Dolphins second pick was Texas Tech WR Erik Ezukanma (Eh-zoo-comma). Ezukanma is a big WR similarly sized to DeVante Parker at 6’2 220, and displays some similar traits as an aggressive catcher of the football who will go up and get the football. Definitely nice value in RD 4. We used the first of remaining 7th RD picks on OLB/DE Cameron Goode from California. We need depth there but Goode will have a fight on his hands to make the 53. More than likely he’s a PS candidate at best. With our last pick, we took QB Skylar Thompson from Kansas St. The Dolphins currently have 4 QB’s, with Tua Tagovailoa, Teddy Bridgewater, Chris Streveler and now Skylar Thompson. With the injury histories of our top 2 QB’s, it’s not crazy to add some depth. Regardless, both QB’s will likely be on the PS.

So after the draft, my initial impression is the Jets easily improved the most after the draft. They were set up nicely to add lots of talent and GM Joe Douglas didn’t disappoint. We’ve seen teams improve quickly, think LA Rams with a young HC Sean McVay. Can HC Robert Saleh get this young squad to mesh together quickly as McVay did with the Rams? That remains to be seen, but on paper, the Jets improved the most. The Patriots seemed to tread water if you ask me, I don’t see this team making any great strides this season due to the talent infusion in ’22. They may even take a step back, although it’s hard to bet against Bill Belichick. The Bills added an important piece to the secondary if CB Kaiir Elam can show he’s NFL ready and a nice piece to their run game with RB James Cook. The Bills are already the class of the AFC east but they better have eyes in the back of their head. Our Dolphins did the heavy lifting in free agency and via the trade, adding LT Terron Armstead and WR Tyreek Hill. We also added slot WR Cedrick Wilson, added a couple of RB’s in Raheem Mostert and Chase Edmonds as well as a very good FB in Alec Ingold. Just as important, we basically brought back our entire defense intact by re-signing everyone whose contracts were up, a nice job by Grier and a promising sign that everyone wanted to come back. I think our division just got a lot more competitive, but the Bills are at the top until someone knocks them off. Hope it’s us!

#stangerstrong

GO DOLPHINS!!!

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860 Responses to AFC East – Post Draft Evaluation

  1. sb7mvp's avatar sb7mvp says:

    I’m really ready to see this team in action so we can start putting to bed most of the concerns we have. I kind of wish we were on Hard Knocks so we’d have more insight, but McDaniel doesn’t need that distraction in his first year.

    I want this o-line stealing people’s bikes and snatching chains
    Running backs that can cover 30+ yards in an instant
    Wideouts catching the ball in stride and taking it the house
    Gesicki Mossin’ and truck sticking opponents like he’s Techmo Bowl Bo Jackson
    Tua handing out touchdown passes like Oprah giving away cars
    Boyer’s defense crushing our enemies, seeing them driven before us, and hearing the lamentation of their women.
    Let’s get this top of the division playoff spot and never look back.

    • naplesfan2010's avatar naplesfan2010 says:

      Damn straight SB.
      “And there was weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth” among the buffalo chips.

  2. Mike E.'s avatar Mike E. says:

    SB – I also am really looking forward to seeing what we got. Hearing the lamentation of their women would be music to my ears.

  3. Rockphin's avatar Rockphin says:

    Nice article Mike E!!! Thanks as always for keeping this place stocked with new content!

  4. steveccnv's avatar steveccnv says:

    Tua getting bashed by the national media may be a good thing, may keep his head on straight

    If you believe the reports Flores put out last year, that Tua wasn’t working on his craft as much as Flores wanted…I don’t believe it, but either way think we’ll get Tua’s best effort

  5. Rockphin's avatar Rockphin says:

    Gesicki Mossin’ and truck sticking opponents like he’s Techmo Bowl Bo Jackson

    you are wishing for too much from a big guy who goes down on first contact!

  6. Rockphin's avatar Rockphin says:

    SB7MVP, I love that quote by the way. One of my favorite movie quotes of all time.

    Next one is “Aim for the bushes” Can anyone name the movie that quote if from?

  7. steveccnv's avatar steveccnv says:

    I see Ezukanma getting on the field more, if he’s a willing blocker, he at least has the frame to do it

    He could be a 3rd down back too

    A more nuanced trait that gets lost in the shuffle of wide receiver evaluation is blocking. McDaniel’s scheme asks his receivers to hold blocks on the outside and make crack blocks against second-level defenders consistently.

    Ezukanma should fit in nicely thanks to his ability to block. The rep above is a great example of a wide receiver who has the right physical mentality to make impact blocking. He comes downhill and lays out the TCU defensive back.

    https://www.si.com/nfl/dolphins/news/miami-dolphins-rookie-film-study-on-erik-enukanma

  8. steveccnv's avatar steveccnv says:

    How about playing Buffalo, passing downs putting Ezukanma in the backfield to block? He could block, run or go out for a pass

    Could he be ourpowerback or to close out a game?

    Cordarrelle?

    • steveccnv's avatar steveccnv says:

      Maybe MM has plans for him like this, and why he was drafted when he was, higher than expected

      Well we should’ve taken this WR, he was higher rated…

      Could be a good argument against the talking heads, that don’t really know what they’re talking about

      But let’s listen to them and draft another midget WR with blazing speed, when we already have 16 of them on the roster

    • sb7mvp's avatar sb7mvp says:

      How about Tindall shoots the gap on Josh Allen and causes an early retirement?

      • steveccnv's avatar steveccnv says:

        Now you’re talkin

      • steveccnv's avatar steveccnv says:

        In war they say, if you injure someone you’re attacking it takes out 3 men, the injured plus 2 to carry him out

        Instead of ending his career, I’d rather he made him loose a step, that way for the next 10 years they’re paying him 40M+ to be a shell of himself

  9. Rockphin's avatar Rockphin says:

    I’ll give you a hint. The line was said by my namesake. The Rock.

  10. steveccnv's avatar steveccnv says:

    When was the last time we drafted a player, before Tindall, to stop or contain a division rival?

  11. mf13ss's avatar mf13ss says:

    steveccnv says:
    May 6, 2022 at 1:16 pm
    How about playing Buffalo, passing downs putting Ezukanma in the backfield to block? He could block, run or go out for a pass

    Could he be ourpowerback or to close out a game?

    Cordarrelle?
    —————-
    I like your train of thought, Steve! Still, I’d pay $2M to sign Carlos Hyde for that role.

  12. naplesfan2010's avatar naplesfan2010 says:

    I think Cordarrelle is a good model for using both Bowden and Ezukanma, (as well as deebo as a model, of course), although I think McDaniel’s playbook is more dynamic, so our guys won’t be running just standard RB plays.

  13. naplesfan2010's avatar naplesfan2010 says:

    Hey Mike E. Unfortunately, you made a really good presentation of how well our division did in the draft.
    I still think we stayed ahead of the jest and crept up on the stupid buffaloes. I think some of their defenders will begin to show age, and I’m not sure they replaced their lost DB with equal talent.

    • steveccnv's avatar steveccnv says:

      Bills advantage over us is crowding the LOS, the way the cheats used to do to us

      With a running game and speed outside, that advantage may be gone

  14. steveccnv's avatar steveccnv says:

    Watching the 49ers against GB in that championship game, where Garo Polo only threw like 2 passes, they came up with all sorts of running plays, WR end around, FB up the middle, ever running play in their playbook it seemed, to keep GB off balance

    Imagine what he can do fir us

  15. naplesfan2010's avatar naplesfan2010 says:

    MF13
    Hyde went to Naples HS.
    … jus sayin …
    I would bring him in to Miami for a look.
    If he hasn’t lost a step, (and he might’ve)
    he could be a thunder back to keep all our little lightning bolts fresh through 17 games.

    • mf13ss's avatar mf13ss says:

      Yessir, I’m aware he’s from Naples. My bad for not having mentioned as much.
      Props for bringing that up!

      • naplesfan2010's avatar naplesfan2010 says:

        nawww that is absolutely useless trivia except to me,
        although he has played football in the south Florida heat, in case that matters, since people think of him as being an Ohio State guy.
        It’s odd that he was born and raised in Cincinnati (I think), but for some reason moved to Naples after his freshman year in HS, then went back to Ohio for college.
        The other schools here accused Naples High of recruiting him, which is something they have been accused of before.

  16. CavalierKong's avatar CavalierKong says:

    Ha! I know it without googling because it’s one of the funniest scenes I’ve ever wtached (even though the movie was meh).

    The Other Guys.

    • CavalierKong's avatar CavalierKong says:

      Another great scene was the lion vs the tuna conversation. And Wahlberg being unable to get over how smoking hot Will Ferrel’s wife is is freakin’ hilarious.

    • CavalierKong's avatar CavalierKong says:

      The way they kind of float down until they splat 😂😂

  17. naplesfan2010's avatar naplesfan2010 says:

    Steve
    Let’s all not forget this game:
    “Mostert lifts 49ers to Super Bowl with 37-20 win vs Packers
    Raheem Mostert rushed for 220 yards and four touchdowns to make quarterback Jimmy Garopolo mostly a spectator, Nick Bosa harassed Aaron Rodgers from the start, and the San Francisco 49ers beat the Green Bay Packers 37-20 for the NFC championship.”

  18. stangerx's avatar stangerx says:

    Awesome breakdown Mike E. Seems the current AFC East status bottom line is that we shouldn’t take the Jets as lightly and the Bills shouldn’t take us as lightly.

  19. stangerx's avatar stangerx says:

    Ezukanma was a captain at Texas Tech as a freshman. Don’t think I ever heard of that before.

  20. mf13ss's avatar mf13ss says:

    The Stealers* don’t leave the Eastern Time Zone all season? WOW… SMH

  21. Rockphin's avatar Rockphin says:

    Ding ! Kong wins!

    I love that movie. I think it is way better than Meh! Some of the funniest one liners put together in one script!

    “The sound of your piss hitting the urinal sounds feminine to me”

  22. Rockphin's avatar Rockphin says:

    steveccnv says:
    May 6, 2022 at 1:31 pm
    In war they say, if you injure someone you’re attacking it takes out 3 men, ……., that way for the next 10 years they’re paying him 40M+ to be a shell of himself

    I agree, Let some guy hit him low like the Bengal did to Tannehill and pop his knee for the year and have it not heal quite right so it takes away that running edge from his game. Then they keep him but not as effective.

  23. Mike E.'s avatar Mike E. says:

    Thanks Naples – I wasn’t actually implying the Jets surpassed us, I just think they improved the most using the draft, and since I wrote my last AFC East break down. I flipped on the NFLN the other day, possibly yesterday, and I noticed we slipped down to #19 in their power rankings where before the draft, I believe we were at #14 or 15. I’d bet the Jets were around 30-32 and they moved up to #24. Oddly enough, the Patriots are still somewhere around 13-14, and other than a hefty dose of respect for BB, I can’t see why that’s the case.

    • Rockphin's avatar Rockphin says:

      Well the narrative is that THEY drafted a GOOD QB from Alabama and we took Tua. That is the BS I have heard the WeTodds on NFLN say.

  24. Mike E.'s avatar Mike E. says:

    SB – I think “The lamentation of their women” line being delivered by Arnold made the line even more hilarious.

  25. Rockphin's avatar Rockphin says:

    Terry: Bye Sheila, bye Sheila byeSheila
    Allen: By Terry
    Terry: Shut up Allen, Bye Sheila.

    LOL! Love that movie

  26. mf13ss's avatar mf13ss says:

    bailbondmike says:
    May 6, 2022 at 2:17 pm
    I know our division opponents are all in the NE but that is still a lot of miles for a team not paying overseas.
    ————
    Yeah, man. From the traveling perspective, it will be tough sledding for us this season. Must be nice to be the Stealers*, right?

  27. naplesfan2010's avatar naplesfan2010 says:

    Well it’s always unfair to us that we have to travel over a thousand miles 3 different times each year just to get to all 3 of our division opponents, whereas the 3 of them only have to come that far to us once each.
    Seattle has a similar problem.
    So does Dallas.
    The AFC North and NFC North seem to have much closer division destinations to the naked eye.

  28. mf13ss's avatar mf13ss says:

    naplesfan2010 says:
    May 6, 2022 at 2:31 pm
    nawww that is absolutely useless trivia except to me,
    although he has played football in the south Florida heat, in case that matters, since people think of him as being an Ohio State guy.
    It’s odd that he was born and raised in Cincinnati (I think), but for some reason moved to Naples after his freshman year in HS, then went back to Ohio for college.
    The other schools here accused Naples High of recruiting him, which is something they have been accused of before.
    —————
    I don’t find it to be useless trivia, man. To me, it means Hyde has been acclimated to where he came up/played (in this case, Naples, FL). Additionally, he’s been in the Houston heat (domed or not) and twice in Jacksonville (<- and most recently).

    This is significant in many ways and it's a point I wanted to bring up(!), but I get into the stats and tape and forget about mentioning some of these other things.

  29. bailbondmike's avatar bailbondmike says:

    Well, it is music Friday. TM dropped a new one today. He portrays himself as “The System”. It’s a banger!

    Que Rock in 3, 2, 1

  30. naplesfan2010's avatar naplesfan2010 says:

    why I’m not worried about Peeze berg…
    This is Pickett high fiving his new teammate.
    https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FSFPZiCWQAEDI5-?format=jpg&name=small

  31. naplesfan2010's avatar naplesfan2010 says:

    Players MUST get acclimated to how hot it is in South Beach !!!!!!

    • Mike E.'s avatar Mike E. says:

      Looks pretty damn hot!!!

      • naplesfan2010's avatar naplesfan2010 says:

        We who live down here year round are prepared for this.
        1) Stay hydrated. Drink a lot.
        2) Remind friends to dress in light colors and breathable fabrics (as in pic).
        3) Engage in less active pursuits during hottest time of day, as photographer does above (or as BBM puts it “people watching”)
        4) Opt for shorter hairstyles or updos to expose neck and shoulders to cooling breezes.
        5) Encourage friends to dampen tee shirts to prevent heat stroke if working out in sun.

    • bailbondmike's avatar bailbondmike says:

      Damn, she still looks fantastic! I never should have broke up with her. 😉

  32. Krishna's avatar Krishna says:

    Thank you, Mike E….nice breakdown/summary/analysis as usual.

    I think it’s BB, MD, NEP, NYJ in our conference….sure hope we can split with BB this year and sweep the other two in our division.

  33. Rockphin's avatar Rockphin says:

    Rock on BBM. I don’t have to hit play. LOL

  34. mf13ss's avatar mf13ss says:

    Here’s a throwback! Rhino and I absolutely loved these when they came out…
    Vader vs Hitler, Battle I

  35. naplesfan2010's avatar naplesfan2010 says:

    hey what’s the theme for music friday?

  36. naplesfan2010's avatar naplesfan2010 says:

  37. Wyoming85's avatar Wyoming85 says:

    • mf13ss's avatar mf13ss says:

      Omar Kelly’s favorite song of all time! LOL, he HATES this one! I, on the other hand, LOVE IT!!!

      • Mike E.'s avatar Mike E. says:

        Ha! Didn’t know O hated it. I also dig this one. Who ever said O had good taste? lol

  38. naplesfan2010's avatar naplesfan2010 says:

    Holland showed poise beyond his years last year and was formidable all over the field as a rookie. Due to his ability to blitz the passer, drop into coverage or lay the wood on booming hits, Holland recorded an 81.1 grade last season from Pro Football Focus. That mark was good for the fifth-highest grade for all rookies in 2021.

    Jevon Holland talks up UDFA college teammate and mocks Brandon Jones’ nickname

  39. Rockphin's avatar Rockphin says:

    Mother told me yes she told me, I’d meet girls like you.

    • bailbondmike's avatar bailbondmike says:

      I saw them a LONG time ago at the in Indiana. Always liked them.

      • steveccnv's avatar steveccnv says:

        Saw them in the 80s at Universal Amphitheater in Hollywood

        My brother worked at the bar at Victoria Station, free drinks whenever, it was a Saturday night he said Cheap Trick is playing tonight tickets still available, so we did

        Great place to see a concert, all seats close

  40. bailbondmike's avatar bailbondmike says:

    This is for all heading home anticipating 4:20.

  41. naplesfan2010's avatar naplesfan2010 says:

  42. Rockphin's avatar Rockphin says:

    This video had a lasting impression on me. Tawny!!!

  43. Rockphin's avatar Rockphin says:

    Right back at your 420 self BBM

  44. steveccnv's avatar steveccnv says:

    Mike everyday

  45. mf13ss's avatar mf13ss says:

    Shock G (piano), with his man Shorty B on the guitar and talkbox.
    “Smells Like Teen Spirit”

    • mf13ss's avatar mf13ss says:

      I’ve got a digital talkbox, but it doesn’t deliver nearly as well as the ‘tube in the mouth’ analog version that Roger (Roger & Zapp) made famous. I should think it would be most uncomfortable in your mouth as ya try to talk. It’s truly an art.

      • mf13ss's avatar mf13ss says:

        That stated, I think Shorty-B did rather well in the video above! KUDOS to him!

  46. Tim Knight's avatar Tim Knight says:

    Good write Mike, I agree our division will be tough and the Jets did have a great draft. The AFC is going to be very competitive.

  47. naplesfan2010's avatar naplesfan2010 says:

    That singer Ashland Craft is from Piedmont SC, a tiny town about 20 miles from where I went to college in Clemson. Used to be a bunch of party girls over there back in the day. Maybe still.

  48. mf13ss's avatar mf13ss says:

    Mike E, speaking of Montell Jordan, ever hear this one? It’s GREAT! Hella Hispanic flare and I love it…

  49. The Flying Pig's avatar The Flying Pig says:

  50. bailbondmike's avatar bailbondmike says:

    naplesfan2010 says:
    May 6, 2022 at 4:14 pm
    That singer Ashland Craft is from Piedmont SC, a tiny town about 20 miles from where I went to college in Clemson. Used to be a bunch of party girls over there back in the day. Maybe still.
    ————————–
    I know where Piedmont is. Go right by it on my way from P-Cola to Charlotte on I-85. I used to date a girl from up that way, but she was from the other side of Spartanburg in Cowpens, SC. I met her at a Gamecock game tailgating. Turned out she was a student at the College of Charleston so we started dating. Yes, them girls love to party back then. Sigh, the memories. lol

    • naplesfan2010's avatar naplesfan2010 says:

      ahhh Cowpens … Cherokee country … site of a Revolutionary War battle; I think we won that one.
      yeah all those small town SC girls were looking for something to do … no internet or cell phones to make them boring … ‘girls just want to have fun’ ya know?
      Southern Belles with that honey dripping accent and those languid, smoldering eyes.
      My wife was from Camden SC, another small town, sorta north of Columbia.
      She got a masters from College of Charleston.

  51. naplesfan2010's avatar naplesfan2010 says:

    “Stop it,” she says.

  52. naplesfan2010's avatar naplesfan2010 says:

    BBM
    It’s so odd how criss-crossed we are somehow.
    I still have family in Pensacola and Charleston and Charlotte and Atlanta.
    And I have a small family.
    I frequently drove I-85 from Clemson to Atlanta or to Charlotte, going to concerts.

  53. Tim Knight's avatar Tim Knight says:

    The Pats drafted two smallish corners who are very fast. They looked at the WRs in the division and looked for matchups. They typically don’t draft small corners.

    • naplesfan2010's avatar naplesfan2010 says:

      I’m hoping we can morph through our multiple changes and get settled as fast as all the other teams making drastic changes. At least the ones we play.
      That’s another good thing about keeping the defense and DC.
      (and QB)(and TEs)

      • Tim Knight's avatar Tim Knight says:

        The offense had to change so there was no way around changing things up in both scheme and personnel. Hiring Mike McDaniel obviously set that in motion. But we do have some experience on offense so it’s not like having a bunch of rookies and 2nd year players all at the same time.

  54. Tim Knight's avatar Tim Knight says:

    Man, Channing Tindall is an athletic freak.
    Height: 6’2″
    Weight: 230 lbs
    Arms: 32 7/8″
    Hands: 10 5/8″
    Vertical jump: 42
    Broad jump: 129
    40-yard dash: 4.47 seconds

  55. steveccnv's avatar steveccnv says:

    Lol Fin Tua

    Things are starting to line up, everything seems to be coming together

    https://phinphanatic.com/2022/05/06/will-tua-tagovailoa-return-to-his-alabama-style-of-play/

    • Tim Knight's avatar Tim Knight says:

      I really hate comments like this; “Tua is out of excuses.”

      Coming off of a hip injury as a rookie, broken ribs on an illegal blind side hit in his 2nd season – defenders can’t throw all their weight on the QB to the ground which is exactly what that was. Then playing on a sup par offense with different OCs and OL coaches every year along with a struggling young OL are not excuses. They’re valid reasons. It’s a team game.

      However I do agree if Tua doesn’t play better with what we’ve put around him, than that’s a red flag, but the rest of the offense has to do their job too.

      I’m not worried about Tua. He could be one of the most efficient QBs in the league this year. He might not be tops in yards and TDs, but that’s because the run game is going to be prominent.

  56. Tim Knight's avatar Tim Knight says:

    For those of you who like progressive rock and don’t know ELP’s Tarkus, I’d suggest you listen to it. From 1971 and it’s amazing.

    • naplesfan2010's avatar naplesfan2010 says:

      excellent and related to the King Crimson band I submitted earlier.

      • Tim Knight's avatar Tim Knight says:

        I love King Crimson and they’ve had a lot of different and unique lineups. I saw them during the Discipline era in the early 80’s at the Pier in NYC on the Hudson. Unbelievable band.

  57. bailbondmike's avatar bailbondmike says:

    Naples, I thought that girl was going to be the one, but military got in the way. Got transferred and then deployed 6 months. No internet just snail mail. We drifted apart. She had those eyes you mention and the most luscious lips before Botox was a thing. When she spoke with that honey accent through those lips, it was hypnotizing.

    I better stop before I make Herd puke. LOL

  58. bailbondmike's avatar bailbondmike says:

    Naples – It’s so odd how criss-crossed we are somehow.
    ————
    I know. LOL

    We went camping on the lake up there by Clemson a couple times but a little south around Anderson. Most of the time we took a shorter camping trip to the lake below in the Calhoon Falls area.

  59. bookman11's avatar bookman11 says:

    Good advice, just saying.

    • bookman11's avatar bookman11 says:

      Maybe just talk football, this blog has sucked

      • Tim Knight's avatar Tim Knight says:

        I try to post about the team often and so much stuff gets bypassed onto other convos. I admit I get caught up in the other stuff too, but I’d rather not. I come here for Dolphins and football discussions even though I know other stuff will be posted.

        Just like on Facebook, someone could post about going to a restaurant and the food was great, but a bit pricey. Then someone else finds away to interject politics as the reason. LOL

      • bookman11's avatar bookman11 says:

        Ummm. You say some of the things that, to me, are the most emotional and controversial, I have just stopped participating. I am actually done with this blog. Too many people have shown their views. That has really affected me. Sorry, my issue. Nobody else’s. See you all later. Enjoy the next season.

  60. steveccnv's avatar steveccnv says:

    Does anyone really expect this to be Tua’s make it or break it year?

    Like the only possible outcomes are regression or MVP candidate?

    I expect him to have better stats and results, based on the talent around him, then also progress naturally based on his development and experience

    He’ll get us to the playoffs and maybe win a game, but he likely won’t be at his highest level

    Next year they’ll say no more excuses again

    • Tim Knight's avatar Tim Knight says:

      I know it’s crazy how people view him. They talk about him like this is already his 5th season and he’s been horrible. I’m rooting for him obviously as a Phins fan, but I’m also rooting for him as a person to make everyone STFU!!!

  61. Tim Knight's avatar Tim Knight says:

    When does the NFL schedule come out?

  62. Tim Knight's avatar Tim Knight says:

    Sorry to hear that, Bookman. But I rarely start controversial topics here, I simply engage just as you do. Sorry my belief in individual freedom has really affected you. Glad you said sorry, my issue, nobody else’s, after calling me out. Much appreciated. SMH

  63. Mike E.'s avatar Mike E. says:

    Bookman – truly sorry to hear that. You’ll be missed!

    • Tim Knight's avatar Tim Knight says:

      Maybe I should leave being that I’m the bad guy for having opinions that differ from others. Apparently I’m the only one.

      • Mike E.'s avatar Mike E. says:

        Listen, we all say what we feel, sometimes it’s gonna rub someone else the wrong way. Either you’re willing to deal with that or you aren’t. Can’t make everyone feel comfortable all the time. We do our best here, but conversations take on a life of their own. 2 different people brought up Roe v Wade, one of them being Stanger and the other Phelon. Neither one came here with intent to fuck up the blog or get anyone upset. That happens during normal discourse and conversation

      • Tim Knight's avatar Tim Knight says:

        Right, I stated where I stand on the issue in a very minimal way and moved on. With the exception of sharing a very emotional experience I went through with losing potential children. I wish I never brought it up.

  64. The Flying Pig's avatar The Flying Pig says:

    Bookman

    Don’t worry about the people you disagree with

    Just try to keep it light

    Don’t me me sing

  65. naplesfan2010's avatar naplesfan2010 says:

    There are more than 2 discrepancies within the “Tua narrative.”
    There’s OC turmoil. There’s OL failures. There’s WR drops ratios. There’s per carry rushing support. There’s WR separation failures. There’s injuries to ribs and thumb that are not “injury prone” types.
    But let’s just look at 2.
    First is the erroneous misconception that Tua has performed miserably or that the team has performed miserably with Tua at QB. There are no facts to back that up. Team W/L record, TD/INT ratio, completion percentage, red zone rating, not even his worst stats say “bust.”
    Second is the fallacy that Tua has had ample time or opportunity to show what he is as a QB.
    He’s only completed 2 seasons and even with that few chances, it is less because he only has 21 starts and 23 games in which he appeared. That’s compounded by very few pre season games.
    … …
    The problem with the article referenced above about the Bama Tua vs. the Fin Tua is they are asking Tua in the pros to beat the best record ever in college. Let’s ask all pro QBs to beat that.
    Highest passing efficiency, career (minimum 325 completions): 199.4, Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama, 2017–2019
    Everyone knows that high school production normally goes down when stepping up to college and college goes down when stepping up to NFL level.
    It’s unfair to ask Tua to have the same near perfection of statistical success he had in college. No one really does that. But it’s nice to know that our QB holds the record for college. That’s a damn good stat to have on record, a damn good level to try to live up to.

  66. manitobafinfan's avatar manitobafinfan says:

    Bookman : I really hope after a bit of a break you can come back …you are a great dude and wife and I really appreciated your company …

  67. manitobafinfan's avatar manitobafinfan says:

    Someone yesterday mentioned Tua being stockier.. I was watching Panthers game last night and he looked it .. when they showed him , I thought “ I should know who that is” … then they went back and said it was him .. was quite surprised how he looked SOLID .. he was sitting with Gesicki and few others I did not recognize in the 10 secs they showed them

  68. manitobafinfan's avatar manitobafinfan says:

    Regarding schedule release , they started with the Amazon premier game then have been slowly giving info on the International Games .. balance drops on Thursday ….

    95% sure we will be going to SF game … loved our trip there 8-10 years ago .. and that’s the wife’s team. Our friends Tim and Carol who came to the infamous Texans fest are hoping to make the Fest this year , hopefully doing another 2fer trip, if all works out .. should be a fun season

  69. manitobafinfan's avatar manitobafinfan says:

    Not sure why but I always get these guys confused with Cranberries…

    Possibly the WORST remake EVER

  70. manitobafinfan's avatar manitobafinfan says:

    And my David moment is done LOL

  71. manitobafinfan's avatar manitobafinfan says:

    Naples : here’s a decent remake of Schizoid man

  72. naplesfan2010's avatar naplesfan2010 says:

    Toba
    I too got 3 bands mixed up for a while, Cranberries, Cardigans, and 6pence none the richer.
    Not sure why.

  73. naplesfan2010's avatar naplesfan2010 says:

  74. naplesfan2010's avatar naplesfan2010 says:

    Dolphin Nation
    @Dolphin_Nation
    Miami’s new coaches believe they can help Mike Gesicki become a better blocker, per Sun Sentinel’s Omar Kelly

    • naplesfan2010's avatar naplesfan2010 says:

      Gesicki is another guy that looks way more jacked this spring.

      • naplesfan2010's avatar naplesfan2010 says:

        BREAKING NEWS: @OmarKelly
        reporting that new coaches are going to try and coach.
        Replying to
        @Dolphin_Nation
        So you’re telling me coaches are going to coach..? 🤯
        penguah 🐧🐆
        @bUrSelf44
        Sooo…Coaches are going to coach (better) and introduce a scheme that he should benefit from.
        Replying to
        @Dolphin_Nation
        Who cares?… throw the pimp the ball!!

      • manitobafinfan's avatar manitobafinfan says:

        What a novel concept 😱😱

  75. Ken's avatar Ken says:

    Omar gets dumber every day:

    Uh isn’t that the job description of a backup QB

  76. bailbondmike's avatar bailbondmike says:

    One player we have not talked about on the roster who is listed as a WR is Devonte Dedmon who we signed from the CFL. I would list him as a WR/RB/KR/PR. He is built like a RB at 5’10 200 and has good speed, runs about a 4.4 flat. Dude has incredible vision running the ball.

    We have talked about who could be our “Deebo”. Dedmon would not surprise me if he climbed the depth chart and made the final 53.

  77. bailbondmike's avatar bailbondmike says:

    Safety Verone McKinley has some ballhawk skills. Like Holland, he seemed to be in the right place a lot for Oregon. He does not have the physical skills of Holland and his tackling is less than desirable but that can be fixed. I wonder who the Oregon DB coach is because they have been producing some good ones of late. Our safety group is not that deep once Rowe is gone next year. McKinley can play both safety positions and is a fit for what we do. He seems to play faster than his 40 time but did score poorly at the combine or his pro day. I remember which exactly.

    • steveccnv's avatar steveccnv says:

      Those ints are mostly horrible throws/decisions by QBs, but how many times a game does a QB throw almost intercepted passes?

      Jets Favre threw a deflected pass against us, that went high up into the air, completed and I thought how is that possible, why no int, McKinley would’ve picked it

      He focuses on the ball and has good ball skills, if he’s back there you better know where he is, like X and Holland

  78. Rockphin's avatar Rockphin says:

    Huh, someone found a controversial subject offensive? Go figure who could have predicted such a thing …..🙄

  79. The Flying Pig's avatar The Flying Pig says:

    Late on the posting of this music

    But it needs to be posted

  80. steveccnv's avatar steveccnv says:

    Erik Ezukanma was a surprise selection to many, due to the Dolphins crowded wide receiver room. But Chris Grier and Mike McDaniel just had to have the Texas Tech receiver on the team.

    Sounds like MM has something in mind for him, and with Welker working him out…bet he gets every chance for PT in a specific role

    • naplesfan2010's avatar naplesfan2010 says:

      I agree with that.
      The story I read said
      Grier sent Welker to check out Ezukanma, and he came back and relentlessly banged the table to get that guy, so when Zamir White and Spiller got drafted right ahead of us at 125, the FO knew they needed to get a guy right then who could contribute on offense to make up for missing BOTH their RB choices, so they took him.
      If Wes Welker thinks highly of a guy’s chances to succeed in the NFL, I bow to that.
      Welker knows a million things about WR success from his over-achieving career and Bellicheat’s designs, and he coached deebo plays just last year sooooo …
      works for me and Ezzz seems like a great kid to have on your team as well.

  81. steveccnv's avatar steveccnv says:

    The Miami Dolphins have ample ability to score near 28-30 points a game based on their offensive personnel and the mind of Mike McD.

    Pts per game is just a number, more important is pts per possession

    We could score quick like KC, and give the ball back to Buffalo to score or would could work the clock and limit the opponents possessions after we take the lead

    We’d still have quick strikes, but the game plan would be ball control

    • Krishna's avatar Krishna says:

      I don’t care if we score in flash or ball control into the end zone. It seems to me the offense is being built for both, especially with YAC and RAC ability to take it to the house. We shall see.

      D has to do its part no matter what the O gives them.

    • Krishna's avatar Krishna says:

      Agree with you.

  82. naplesfan2010's avatar naplesfan2010 says:

    BBM
    Dedmon looks good in those Punt Returns, but not sure there is room on the 53 for him.
    btw
    How much do they pay STs guys in the CFL?
    I’m thinking I jog myself back into shape and try out for that.
    because
    Damn I could tackle that well.

  83. naplesfan2010's avatar naplesfan2010 says:

    I actually think Steve and Krishna hit on something else that is great about our chances.
    We are built to score fast AND grind it down the field.
    We had some nice long drives last year and we have even better personnel on offense this year.
    If they try to take away the quick strike game, we’ll grind them down with a 75-yard drive.
    If they stack the box, we’ll get our skill guys into open space and score from 30 – 50 yards out.
    And some games we’ll do a mix of both, so their D is back on their heels, and their O plays into the hands of X and Jevon.

  84. bailbondmike's avatar bailbondmike says:

    Naples, referring back to those SC hotties, I wish I were camping this weekend at Darlington Speedway. I miss going to races there and camping at the track. It was always a blast and then some.

    • naplesfan2010's avatar naplesfan2010 says:

      talk about tailgating … whoa yeah,
      we’d get a van full and go to Darlingotn by way of Myrtle Beach.
      Sortof extend the party to include bikini times … love beach volleyball with some harvey wallbangers to loosen up with.
      Also went to Rockingham Speedway for races and then also sometimes there just for noon to midnight rock concerts. sleep out under the stars afterwards, so crazy …
      saw Poco and some other good bands there … forget who all.

      • bailbondmike's avatar bailbondmike says:

        Awe man, we would go to the Rock every race also. That track was almost better to camp at than Darlington. Especially since it was in the middle of nowhere. Saturday nights before the race they would have a couple flatbed semi trailers put together to form a big stage in the camping area. They would have about 12-15 musicians on stage just jamming to anything and everything.

  85. Mike E.'s avatar Mike E. says:

    Naples – like you, I’m still worried we don’t have a back on the roster to wear a team down and eat up some clock though. It doesn’t appear McD or Grier share that concern though. Maybe Z-White is that guy if he makes the cuts.

    • naplesfan2010's avatar naplesfan2010 says:

      yeah ZQ is a wild man though.
      hate to be picky about this, and the guys we added are slightly thicker than Gaskin and Ahmed but both are frequently hurt, and i just want to protect them enough to still have them for weeks 16 and 17 and the playoffs.
      I just remember how much Duke gave us a lift last season, and he’s not even what you’d call a bruiser size back.
      At least he was someone we could run up in there between the tackles and inside the 5.

  86. Rockphin's avatar Rockphin says:

    I can almost see in my mind the offensive system I imagine they are installing. All about presnap motion and coordinated movement to get players into space as soon as possible to take advantage of their speed to pick up chunks. Stretching defenses horizontally until they spring vertical seams for our speed to strike.

    Tua is very good at seeing the play develop and making a decision quickly. With the wide running game and sweeps etc, i can see gaps opening in the D.

  87. Rockphin's avatar Rockphin says:

    Jet sweep action is still play-action.

  88. uwantwat's avatar uwantwat says:

    Don’t forget we have Ingold and Doaks to run between the tackles. Also Lovett if he makes the team.

  89. bailbondmike's avatar bailbondmike says:

    I’m still worried we don’t have a back on the roster to wear a team down and eat up some clock
    ——————————
    I am not ready to give up on last years 7th round pick. 5’11 228 pound Gerrid Doaks. He is a solid runner, good receiver and really good in pass pro. I know. Last year we kept bringing in RB’s (Lindsay and Duke) instead of bringing him up from the PS. This is year 2 for him and we have better coaching. I know they also just looked at Sony Michal but that doesn’t tell me much. Our RB room is not overcrowded and they need RB’s to carry the load during TC and preseason to not get our top 2 injured.

  90. stangerx's avatar stangerx says:

    First Ross brought shade for football games at Hardrock and now he’s brought a water-filled Marina to the Grand Prix course….. we’ll sort of.