After a thrilling playoff game, unfortunately a loss for our Miami Dolphins, the team and front office have officially entered the offseason, and changes have already been made, and rumors will swirl regarding coaching hires and possible departures, and of course player signings and leavings. It didn’t take the front office long to make one big change, they fired our defensive coordinator Josh Boyer, and also let go safeties coach Steve Gregory, outside linebackers coach Ty McKenzie, and also assistant linebackers coach Steve Frentz.
The playoff loss. It was a crazy game, our offense never really got on track, but the defense played well enough to win most games, just not that one. Mike McDaniel looked like a rookie Head Coach in his first playoff game. He struggled all game getting plays in quick enough to avoid penalties, and there were some bad ones during the game. It wasn’t just penalties, it was the timeouts we had to waste as well, but the penalties plagued us all season long, and we had 7 for 34 yards in this one. While that doesn’t seem excessive, this is something that has hampered our offense every game, and it’s a particular point that our young Head Coach must improve on next season. It’s understood that a rookie 7th RD pick was running the offense, but back in SFO, Kyle Shanahan has his 7th RD pick QB looking far more prepared. In any case, our defense was so much better than my expectations, with the exception of the last drive of the 1st half when we were tied 17-17, we allowed the Bills to run a 33 second drive from their own 25 yardline to our 22 yardline and take the lead all too easily before the half, 20-17.
With the departure of Josh Boyer, our defense may be getting a facelift. This defense that was predicated on a dominating secondary, one like we had with a healthy Xavien Howard and Byron Jones, and our two premier safeties Brandon Jones and Jevon Holland, struggled without half of those players this season. Add in the loss of Nik Needham who plays everywhere, inside and outside, and the secondary was anything but a strength this season, and our defense’s weakest link. Diminished play due to injuries is expected, however, if the defense counts on great secondary play, the ever present zero blitzes left inferior talent on an island trying to cover other teams best receivers. This was a failure for two reasons, not only did the blitzers not accomplish the task of getting to the QB, but our bevy of pass rush guys like Jaelan Phillips, Melvin Ingram, Emmanuel Ogbah (injured), Bradley Chubb weren’t getting to the QB enough either, which left easy pickings for opposing QB’s. We were bottom 6 in passing yards allowed (3992 yards), bottom 7 in passing TD’s allowed (25 TD’s), and bottom 4 in interceptions with a measly 8 INT’s all season long. CB Xavien Howard had only one INT, despite being thrown at more than any time in his career. Jevon Holland led the team with 2 INT’s, veteran ST’s ace Justin Bethel added 1 INT, scapegoat Noah Igbinoghene had a very important late game INT against the Steelers that sealed a victory for our Dolphins. Kader Kohou and seldom used S Verone McKinley each 1 INT, and LB Andrew Van Ginkel had the last of the 8. The Dolphins defense forced 13 fumble, but only recovered 6 for a total of 14 turnovers. To be fair, we did return 2 fumbles for TD’s during the regular season, and we added another against BUF in the playoff game last week.
Next year, hopefully Brandon Jones will be back at 100%, and he alone makes our secondary much better. He’s a playmaker, great blitzer, and sure tackler in the secondary. I’ll add that I hope DE Emmanuel Ogbah returns 100% as well, we missed his pressures on the QB. Christian Wilkins added another monster year on defense, he was nothing short of excellent this season.Wilkins played 84% of the defensive snaps, all 17 games, just unbelievable at such a demanding position. Wilkins made 98 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 2 FF’s, 7 QB hits, 6 passes defensed and 1 FR. He’s one of the best DT’s in the game. I love thinking that we’ll have Bradley Chubb and our own young budding star Jaelan Phillips as bookends, but our depth is scarce, with Melvin Ingram, Andrew Van Ginkel, Trey Flowers all not signed for next season. Even as is, there’s a lot of good to build on, but my feeling is our big NT Raekwon Davis isn’t quite good enough as a NT, or interior DT. No passes defensed at 6’7? C’mon! He never gets push up the middle either, which to me is the bigger issue. As good as our ends are and our OLB’s are, time and time again our defenders came around but routinely ran behind the QB who was able to step up and either find a receiver or run free for yardage, due to that weakness. It may be time to grow that NT tree!
The offense with Mike McDaniel, and of course QB Tua Tagovailoa was as dynamic as any Miami Dolphins offense in the last 25 years. We all hope (I think) that Tua is our QB going forward and his concussion issues of this season, and let’s face it, any injuries, are behind him. This will be the first time Tua will have the same offense 2 years in a row, and if he can play 17 games, this offense could be a top NFL unit. I know everyone moans about the O-line, but newcomers like C Connor Williams and LT Terron Armstead were exemplary this season. Armstead obviously battled injury woes, and Connor Williams had high snap issues most of the season, but as a blocker and pass protector, he was aces.and his durability was unmatched, playing every snap this season.A shoutout to T Brandon Shell, who started about 11 more games than he was expected to, and he played remarkably well, a true professional. Oh, by the way, we have no running backs as of now for next season, Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson, Myles Gaskin and Salvon Ahmed are all unsigned and therefore UFA’s.It’s certainly possible that at least one of the two top guys, Mostert or Wilson can be re-signed, but might be time to draft a RB? Mostert is not necessarily a durable back to count on and Jeff Wilson has been a part time RB for most of his career, not a bellcow guy. RB by committee is a common theme across the NFL, but a major talent at RB can really impact an offense. I know Mostert played in 16 games this season, and Jeff Wilson played 16 games as well, (8 with SFO), but a young talented back, think Breece Hall, can elevate your offense. It would be wonderful to have a running game that opposing defenses had to gameplan for, not just the aerial circus with Hill, Waddle and others. Anyone here a little disappointed we didn’t see Erik Ezukanma? Yeah, he had 1 reception for 3 yards. I thought he’d play a lot more than that.
There’s a lot to be enthusiastic and optimistic for next season, but our DL depth , DT talent (Davis), and CB depth are a concern going forward. Can Xavien Howard return to his 2021 form? Will Byron Jones ever again suit up in a Dolphins uni? My fear is no on both counts, unfortunately. Kader Khou is a promising player, and if Nik Needham and Brandon Jones can come back healthy, that’s a good start. I believe the Noah Igbinoghene experiment is over, and Keion Crossen is better as a depth player. We need CB help. Don’t be surprised if we look for one early in the 2023 draft, not that early though because we have no 1st RD pick (Thanks Steve Ross!!!).If Terron Armstead can play healthy next season, his talent provides something we haven’t had here for too long, an extremely reliable pass protector and excellent run blocker at LT. Who knows what will happen to our 2 young-ish draftees Liam Eichenberg and Austin Jackson? Will either pan out? No need to respond Ken, I know your answer! I think Robert Jones played admirable this season at LG. I still haven’t mentioned TE, which next season will feature Durham Smythe, Cethan Carter, Hunter Long and Tanner Conner. Excited yet? Gesicki is most likely gone, and unless Mike McDaniel thinks if he has one more season with Gesicki, he can turn him into George Kittle, we won’t have a real receiving threat at TE. Well, most of all, we need to see the picture featured in the article for 17 + games next season, or we better have a damn good backup. Will that be Skylar Thompson, or do we dip into the FA QB pool, with someone like Gardner Minshew, Baker Mayfield, I can’t even type his name, but you know it well, Sam Darnold, Case Keenum (M gets wood!), or maybe Andy Dalton or Taylor Heinicke? I have no idea, but will the Dolphins have to be careful not bringing in a QB that will crave to be the starter, or maybe they can do that w/o upsetting Tua? We’ll see. Stay tuned!
Finsmob Unleashed 
FOIST!
OK, now let me look for typos….
😉
It didn’t take the front office …LONG …to make one big change
and unless Mike McDaniel thinks if has one more season with Gesicki
Unclear? thinks HE can?
Sigh at the use of the Oxford comma….
us a period somewhere in that first paragraph…..
QB who was able to step and either find a receiver
Step UP
bevy of pass rush rush guys
Double rush
Mike, delete my posts when you correct the article. 😉
Thanks editor Rock! You have your job back!
OK, now fix this shit and delete my posts! LOL Don’t leave me hanging with “fake edits” once you change the article. HA!
I fixed it, I no feel shame. I got like 3 1/2 hours sleep last night, spent the night in AC celebrating our softball championship in style!!
Leave them Mike so everyone can see what a prick he is
Lol!
Sonny – I’ve actually asked for his help. He’s just doing me a solid. I don’t see my mistakes because most times I know what I was trying to say, so I miss them.
Grumble grumble grumble….
Love you too Son!
Oxford commas are not typos
Only in England
Didn’t say they were. Just sighed over the use of them. I am not a fan of the Oxford Comma.
They only are in Cambridge.
I got nothing like David Crosby stealing my groceries, but my first stadium concert was 1982. Daylight Again Tour. C,S&N. Encore was Our House and they wanted everyone there to sing it. I just sat back in my seat and felt it vibrating to each word (yeah I was stoned).
Yay Touch Downs!
Real nice overview Mike E. You take the position groups down piece by piece and we have some places that can be improved, but I don’t see any real holes. That’s pretty darn good compared to years past.
Lot of talent on this team. Think sometimes lost in the shuffle is we made the playoffs despite having the worst injury year in recent memory. That says something.
Thanks Mike E….good stuff.
I just wonder why Boyer was fired before the ST coach.
My guess it will be easier to replace a ST’s coach than a DC. The did okay better the last 2-3 weeks of the season.
I wonder that too
Maybe Bc DC is a competitive market and they are already shopping for one
Makes sense
Boyer wasn’t a MM hire
Good article Mike. Needham is a FA, so hopefully we can re sign him, and hopefully he rebounds from his Achilles injury and returns at full strength. That’s a tough one
It’s a tough one but will also be easier and possibly cheaper to resign him. Won’t be a long deal in that case but possibly get him on a 2 year deal on the cheap.
We need ham
😂
I don’t think Vic Fangio and his schemes are out of date. He runs a classic 3-4 defense with a physical and aggressive approach. He’s got a great reputation as a DC. It will come down for money for him. His reputation and resume is one of the higher paid DC’s in the league.
Phel and Mike, I just finished Master of Furies. All my questions were answered obviously. My overall feeling is Meh ++
Rock – That was my feelings too. Very meh.
It seemed like he started out to have a completely different universe and then got rushed and copped out in the last 10 chapters and said I fuck it I’ll just tie it into my last book
Almost like the publisher pressured him into finishing
Looking forward on defense – Wilkins, Davis and Sieler inside with Phillips and Chubb as OLB/Edge, Baker and Roberts inside with maybe Riley again, Tindall making the 2nd year jump, or adding another good LB somehow. I like the core front 7. It’s a good mix of young and prime.
Not sure if we re-sign Van Ginkel who has been an above average role OLB and ST’s player. Not sure Ingram is back. Maybe one of those end of career “I still want to play and I like it here deals.”
What’s up with Trey Flowers who could have really helped us this season as a rotation hybrid inside/out lineman? He played a game or two and poof he disappeared.
That’s the front 7 viewpoint.
The secondary needs talent back off of injury, and in the mix regardless of whether we terminate or keep on developing some of the young bucks, this is how much deeper it could have been this year. Byron Jones, Brandon Jones, Nik Needham, Trill Williams and then add Kader Kohou to that mix.
We have talent on defense for any coach to work with.
Oh right I forgot Ogbah. Healthy we’re loaded on defense.
Rock – I still haven’t finished it yet, I’m at the part where Daylon and Declan are invading the Pride Lords lair
I do think Nathan is Nakor, I’m not 100% sure though
Bri – yeah, forgot we don’t have Needham signed. I think he’s well liked here, hope the feeling is mutual. I feel like he would want to come back unless someone offers him a crazy contract, which of course is possible
He might decide to go and join Flores in Atlanta
Did somebody say CASE KEENUM?!! 😉 😀
Mike E, seriously good write, Bro. You pretty much covered everything.
Thy Knight (@ThyKnight3) says:
January 20, 2023 at 5:04 pm
I don’t think Vic Fangio and his schemes are out of date. He runs a classic 3-4 defense with a physical and aggressive approach. He’s got a great reputation as a DC. It will come down for money for him. His reputation and resume is one of the higher paid DC’s in the league.
———-
I’m right there with ya, Tim… I’d VERY much like to hire Fangio.
This here is a pretty good read on Fangio:
Vic Fangio, the most influential DC in modern NFL: A deep dive into his system
https://theathletic.com/3311028/2022/05/24/vic-fangio-defense-analysis/
I can read this article on my celly, but not on my home computer. And no, I’m not subscribed to The Athletic.
Two concussion experts contacted by the Miami Herald in the past week say there’s not enough evidence to indicate that Tua is prone to concussions.
They also say there’s no reason for him to consider retirement
(Via the Miami Herald)
Just to play devil’s advocate (nothing more), what if three concussion experts say the opposite?
They won’t
They have. Bro, there are over a dozen concussion experts who have stated Tua should retire. I’m not in that camp either, I’m just sayin’.
They are not experts. They are talking heads spouting off.
I said it is NOT spam
I think the Defensive player who is productively hurt more than anybody else by the firing of Josh Boyer is Brandon Jones… and I HATE to say that as a huge fan of Jones, and several of us think so highly of him.
His productivity comes almost strictly from the 0-blitz (8 sacks, 13 QB hits), which will be all but obliterated by our next DC.
He’s a 191-pound SS with only 1 INT and 5 PDs in 38 games (24 started)… that’s not very good, to say the least.
In the event we hire Vic Fangio (for example), Jones will likely no longer be our starting SS. Additionally, we’ll likely be looking for a new SS.
IF THAT’S THE CASE, give me FA Jordan Poyer.
I know, Poyer is no bigger than Jones… but look at Poyer’s productivity (ya don’t even have to, he’s an All-Pro SS).
He’s 31 and can no longer dictate top-dollar. 3-year deal, incentive-laden.
That makes ZERO sense, scientifically. So if this is to be taken seriously, one could theoretically have 50+ concussions… but so long as those concussions were handled properly, there is nothing to be concerned with?
What’s more, we don’t quite understand CTE… and it can only be discovered on a deceased body?
True science is DEAD, as evidenced by the COVID vaccine.
Oh brother
How are we to determine just how many and/or severe a concussion must be before CTE sets in? WE DON’T KNOW THAT YET!!!
Hulkster, I’m not arguing with YOU… I’m arguing with today’s definition of ‘science’, which is NOT science.
True SCIENCE is fact-based, not ‘consensus-based’. True SCIENCE isn’t about ‘well, we’ll see how it works on the population and take it from there’.
M13, CTE physicians do quite know how brain trauma works. You seem to be against science even as you proclaim to be a man of science as you still believe in something that has nothing to do with science.
“True SCIENCE is fact-based, not ‘consensus-based’.” Hmmm….
This one is based on keeping and restructuring Byron Jones and getting Trill Willliams back and Needham resigned.
51. Darnell Wright OT Tennessee
77. Jack Campbell LB Iowa
84. Israel Abanikanda RB Pittsburgh
165. Luke Schoonmaker TE Michigan
217. Arquon Bush CB Cincinnati
I think RB Abanikanda would be a great fit for our offense. He is 5’11 215, runs with power and has great vision, acceleration and some speed. Resign Mostert and Wilson and we have a really good RB room.
Highlights look great on that kid. Can he pass block?
I hope so. lol That’s the problem with highlights.
He reminds me of a faster Jeff Wilson though.
M13, if you think we need a traditional SS. Check out Cincinnati Bearcat’s Deshawn Pace. He is 6’2 215. Has 5 INT’s in the 2 years he started.
A junior last season so not sure if he declared for the draft or not.
Kind of rethinking my pick on RT Darnell Wright. He’s probably the best RT in the draft but hear he would be best in a gap scheme than a zone scheme. He did do really well in the Alabama game vs Will Anderson who is probably the best Edge defender in the 2023 draft.
Posted just incase you’re a weather nut like me. lol
For the most part, he has to like what he will have to work with in Miami.
Fangio likes to run a 3-4 scheme and we’ve got players already in place. Including one guy he’s already coached in Chubb.
I wonder if we see 2 lopsided games today?
Ed don’t sound happy about being fired
Alrighty then!!! You’re not the first guy to ever get fired, Ed. Geez!!!
Superb find by the scouting dept!
Now find us another one. I hope we see LB Cameron Goode make a jump also.
We had another one in Trill Williams. Hopefully he comes back from the ACL injury he suffered in the PS.
Thy Knight (@ThyKnight3) says:
January 21, 2023 at 1:07 pm
Fangio likes to run a 3-4 scheme and we’ve got players already in place. Including one guy he’s already coached in Chubb.
———————-
Yes, I posted my comment earlier based on your post from yesterday evening.
I agree.
Kohou is an upgrade over Needham.
Needham is pretty damn good and can play both inside and outside.
Looks like we have a snow game in KC. Cool!!!
I reiterate – Raekwon Davis will be one guy Fangio will either want to replace, or get someone to work with to get him to be a better player. He doesn’t cut in my opinion.
He’s a big man who holds ground at the LOS. I thought he was going to develop into more of an impact player but he only flashes that a few times a year. He was part of our 4th ranked run defense. Teams did not consistently run against us this year. Some QBs hurt us on the ground but some of those guys do that to every team.
I still think the biggest improvement for our defense will be getting back some guys in the secondary and adding some young talent. We got good effort from the young guys who had to step in but the tackling was sub par and they looked confused at times, especially playing zone.
We have/had talent on D….even with the injuries, we could/should have done better. Glad the man behind the curtain was exposed and Boyer’s gone.
We need to be better….
It’s not like the defense never played well. We were playing well down the stretch and gave us every opportunity to beat the Bills. Of course we can get better. Every team says that.
Shouldn’t be any confusion over the word “better.” Lol.
Just glad Boyer’s gone as I didn’t think he performed at a high level. It’s that simple.
Fair enough. I’m not devastated by any means. LOL
Anecdotal evidence is just as valid as empirical evidence….just saying.
So called “science” is constantly proving “science” wrong..lol.
Science is constantly evolving. It’s the search for the truth and how things work. That’s what it is at the core. False science is an oxymoron.
Lol…ok…
Science is always proving past science wrong….lol…that’s what science does…I think we agree…lol
Yes we agree. Truth always proves false wrong.
Whether empirical or anecdotal….
It’s a nice fluffy snow in KC…lol
Dolphins players who will hit free agency this offseason
OT Brandon Shell
LB Elandon Roberts
WR Trent Sherfield
RB Raheem Mostert
OT Greg Little
DB Eric Rowe
RB Jeff Wilson Jr.
TE Mike Gesicki
LB Melvin Ingram
LB Duke Riley
P Thomas Morstead
LB Andrew Van Ginkel
CB Nik Needham
DL John Jenkins
WR River Cracraft
QB Teddy Bridgewater
CB Justin Bethel
CB Elijah Campbell – ERFA
DE Trey Flowers
RB Myles Gaskin
DL Justin Zimmer
RB Salvon Ahmed – RFA
S Clayton Fejedelem
OT Kendall Lamm
LB Sam Eguavoen
OT Geron Christian
DE Porter Gustin
FB John Lovett
C Michael Deiter
TE Adam Shaheen
OT Eric Fisher
Some of those huge contracts are going to have to be re-worked. Byron Jones almost has to go. The FO people who handle the cap have a TON of work to do.
Starting last Sunday…lol
We’re going to see a lot more turnover in personnel this offseason. McDaniel now knows his team and who fits and who doesn’t. 2023 will be Phase II of his vision moving forward.
I think most of us were happy to keep Boyer when McDaniel took over because they played well down the stretch. Most of that okay was predicated on forcing turnovers- we had a bend/don’t break D, and the turnovers helped that style of D. This season, the turnovers were sparse, and it definitely showed. It was time for Boyer to go. We have a lot of talent on this D. Yes, we had a ton of injuries, but we still had a lot of talent left. I’m excited to see who they bring in next.
Agree 100%
I was happy when they kept Boyer but then he sucked. Now I am happy he is gone
^
Vic Fangio would be a perfect fit for a relatively young group of defenders who still have upside. He’s a vet coach who knows defense and has seen everything. Our defense is also constructed for his 3-4 scheme. But he’s got a lot of suitors out there. Ross needs to step up and pay him big.
Mahomes looks banged up.
Henne time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Of course
Mahomes questionable to return
If he’s not out after halftime, it’s doubtful he goes back in
Thy Knight (@ThyKnight3) says:
January 20, 2023 at 10:55 pm
M13, CTE physicians do quite know how brain trauma works. You seem to be against science even as you proclaim to be a man of science as you still believe in something that has nothing to do with science.
“True SCIENCE is fact-based, not ‘consensus-based’.” Hmmm….
————–
Isn’t CTE only detectable with a corpse in the mortuary? That’s what I thought and I rest my case. That’s why Junior Seau performed Seppuku on himself, in order to preserve his brain, no?
You’re mixing things up with CTE physicians and concussion doctors… and we still don’t know exactly HOW/WHEN/WHY CTE sets into an individual.
I don’t believe I stated anything outrageous or controversial… only the FACTS. I don’t understand your statement above: perhaps you are confused or misinterpreted what I was saying.
Dude, Cat Scans and MRI’s is technology that shows what’s going on. It’s pretty cut and dried. Nothing is ever perfect.
M13, you’ve said you’re a man of science and a man of Christ. Do you believe in Adam and Eve? I don’t because it makes no sense scientifically.
You haven’t answered my question: when do we know when CTE has set into an individual? You seem to believe we have an answer… I’d like to hear it.
I’m not a doctor. CTE physicians have said time and time again, once the brain heals there is no timeline of rest that will be better in time.
Krishna says:
January 21, 2023 at 3:28 pm
Anecdotal evidence is just as valid as empirical evidence….just saying.
So called “science” is constantly proving “science” wrong..lol.
—————-
Man, you’ve got a messed up definition of SCIENCE.
Yes, discovery leads to a rethinking of certain matters, but a universal truth is a universal truth = SCIENCE. Just as 1 + 1 = 2
Sorry, I should have said an EARTHLY truth is an EARTHLY truth.
Meaning, what we know here on Earth may not apply on foreign worlds.
Lol…yep studying chemistry, biology, genetics, physiology, biochemistry, cenral and peripheral nervous systems, embryology, quantum physics, thermodynamics, electricity, physics, etc., etc., etc. means I’VE “got a messed up definition of Science.”
I’m pretty sure you don’t have a fucking clue what you’re talking about….lmao!!!
….central…
Thy Knight (@ThyKnight3) says:
January 21, 2023 at 7:25 pm
I’m not a doctor. CTE physicians have said time and time again, once the brain heals there is no timeline of rest that will be better in time.
————-
Care to define what a “CTE physician” is? Physicians work with the living, not the dead!
AGAIN, tell me when we KNOW a living player has CTE!
You cannot win this, Tim.
Travis Kelce is a TE that has to be prepared for… and even then he’s going to piss in your Cheerios. He’s likely going into the HOF.
Let us pretend we were the ones playing the Chefs* today: how do we stop him? He likely would have destroyed us.
Could Tremaine Edmunds positively defend Kelce?
Edmunds is a FA after the season… he’s big, he’s fast (sideline-to-sideline), and might give Kelce fits.
With the uncertainty of CTE and when it occurs, I think players who have had multiple concussions could certainly choose to walk away in the interest of their own health and well being, and in consideration of their family.
I agree, and while this shit about Tua not being concussion prone might be true, the more concussions you pile up the higher your chances are for getting CTE, which is why many say he should retire
2 isn’t a huge amount, so I don’t think he should retire, but if he gets 2 more next year it should be on his mind
Yeah, I agree.
Henne for the win!!!!!!
Rock – re: Feist…That’s what I was saying about characters not being developed, like Donte. Just seemed like he was mailing it in.
How do you stop Travis Kelce?
Step 1: Get a time Machine and go back in time before the 2013 NFL Draft.
Step 2: Get whoever was Miami’s GM at the time to read our blog where BBM was pounding the table for us to draft Kelce.
Step 3: Hold a gun to that GM’s head until he drafts Kelce in the 2nd round ahead of KC.
^
WINNING!!! 😀
Kelce had 14 receptions. The rest of the team had 13 receptions.
I truly hope nobody here thinks I’m against Tua, for I’m ANYTHING but that. I’m all for exercising his 5th-year option TODAY and I think/hope he’ll be okay.
I’m merely debating the so-called “science” (which is NOT science) regarding CTE and the like.
It ultimately comes down to Tua’s decision, and I’ll support that cat in his decision regardless… and I’m absolutely positive he’s not going to retire.
You should know something about science before you start debating what you think you know about “science.” Otherwise, you sound stupid….
^
100% agreed
Lol….but ignore…oh my
Every time I see a TE run over a defender, PAB Gesicki pisses me off more
Gesicki is what he is: an elite redzone target. But I hear ya, man.
He’s certainly not a Kelce or Kittle.
And what he is, is not what we need in a TE
We need someone with size, that can be a good 3rd down target
Our TEs on 3rd and 3 run a yard route, then can’t get the other 2 yards
Totally agreed, Steve.
As I stated yesterday, I’m 100% with Tim on hiring Vic Fangio. Steve Ross, please open your wallet one more time.
That’s never been a problem
I was looking at the top LB’s in the draft. From different draft sites I have read (some still haven’t updated), there is only one considered a sure thing 1st rounder. Others could move up into 1st or slide for one reason or another. These are ones who interest me.
Trenton Simpson, Clemson, 6’3 240 – Very athletic do everything LB. Sure thing 1st rounder. Really good in coverage.
Drew Sanders, Arkansas, 6’5 233 – Off ball/On ball hybrid LB. Former Edge who transferred from Alabama. Had 11 sacks blitzing from the LB position. Possible 1st rounder to early 2nd rounder.
Jack Campbell, Iowa, 6’5 246 – True Mike LB. Only knock for me is he doesn’t seem to play downhill and not as physical for his size. Don’t see much pop in him. Does well in coverage but doesn’t possess a whole lot of range. Day 2.
Demarvion Overshown, Texas, 6’4 224 – Former Safety. Huge wingspan and great in coverage. Only allowed 214 yards in 332 coverage snaps. Downfall is missed tackles with 19.2% missed tackle rate. Day 2.
Noah Sewell, Oregon, 6’2 253 – Serious downhill thumper. Younger brother of OT Penei Sewell. Has the speed to chase ballcarriers but struggles a bit in space against quicker players. Does have an 86.5 pass rushing grade over last 2 seasons. Projected late 1st round to late 2nd round.
Dorian Williams, Tulane, 6’2 230 – Good all-round LB. Plays bigger than his size suggests. Very good in coverage. Has a 92.4 coverage grade over his college career. Projected late day 2.
Cam Jones, Indiana, 6-3 227 – Don’t let his size fool you. He is being referred to as one of the most violent downhill thumpers in the draft. A foot injury ended his 2022 season early though. Projected late day 2.
Seems like the LB class is kind of weak compared to DB and RB
Daniel Jones, what a schmuck
2nd and 1, he rolls out and doesn’t dump the ball off, just goes OB and takes a 5 yard loss
That kind of mentality has no place in NFL
I was like WTF also
The homer in me had to look more into Illinois CB Devon Witherspoon who is from Pensacola, FL. He actually played just a couple miles from my house.
Man, I like him more than Emanuel Forbes. Only problem is many are starting to say he will be a 1st rounder. That sucks.
He had a 92.0 coverage grade which is better than any CB in the top 10. On 738 defensive snaps he played man coverage on 560 of those snaps which is more than any other CB in the draft. Despite all those snaps, he was only targeted 63 times allowing only 22 receptions for 206 yards and didn’t allow any TD’s. He collected 3 INT’s and had another 14 PD’s. All together good for a 25.0 passer rating against him.
If he somehow is there at pick 51, I hope he would be the pick. This is a good year for CB’s, we need to take advantage of that and grab a good one.
One of those guys is gonna fall into The 2nd round
We can probably afford to take the best player left
I doubt we have the option of either
M13, I’m not trying to win anything.
I wonder if that is simply to satisfy the Rooney Rule
From the Miami Dolphins Zone
Free agent CB Nik Needham, who sustained a torn Achilles in the sixth game, said the Dolphins have conveyed they want to re-sign him.
not spam
Sean Desai would be a GREAT hire at DC.
He is a disciple of Vic Fangio, but only 39 instead of 65,
so he is still young and hungry to make a name for himself to move up to DC,
so he will be wanting to show great numbers to the league for 2-3 years.
This will be Fangio’s last job.
He’s already failed at HC,
so he won’t be burning to get another HC job.
Desai is a former safeties coach, and
we just fired ours so obviously we need help there,
but we have a potential HOF safety in Holland
IF we can just get him some scheme fit and coaching.
I meant move up to HC.
Some coaches who are great coordinators are not good HCs. Part of the problem with Fangio in Denver as a HC is he didn’t have a QB.
Sean Desai is young but he doesn’t have a lot of experience as a DC. I think our young group could use a more experienced DC.
If I were Grier, …
(star means yes re-sign these FAs)
(x means DON’T)
(The rest are meh, meaning we should resign if we can’t upgrade.)
IMHO
Dolphins players who will hit free agency this offseason:
*OT Brandon Shell
LB Elandon Roberts
*WR Trent Sherfield
*RB Raheem Mostert
xOT Greg Little
DB Eric Rowe
*RB Jeff Wilson Jr.
TE Mike Gesicki
*LB Melvin Ingram
LB Duke Riley
*****P Thomas Morstead
*LB Andrew Van Ginkel
*CB Nik Needham
DL John Jenkins
*WR River Cracraft
QB Teddy Bridgewater
CB Justin Bethel
CB Elijah Campbell – ERFA
DE Trey Flowers
RB Myles Gaskin
DL Justin Zimmer
RB Salvon Ahmed – RFA
S Clayton Fejedelem
OT Kendall Lamm
LB Sam Eguavoen
OT Geron Christian
DE Porter Gustin
FB John Lovett
C Michael Deiter
xxxTE Adam Shaheen
OT Eric Fisher
Again
You are both correct.
Empirical means “based on observation or experience rather than pure logic.”
Anecdotal means “based on personal accounts rather than facts or research.”
So in a way, they are the same thing, because in both cases, someone says they saw it happen with their own eyes.
It is labeled anecdotal if the observer is deemed unreliable or the thing happened only once (or an insignificant number of times, or there were extenuating circumstances, etc. etc.) so that you don’t trust it.
It is labeled empirical if it seemed to happen plain as day to you or someone you trust.
They are both different than scientific fact.
Science means “the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation, experimentation, and the testing of theories against the evidence obtained.”
Science elevates things that happen,
anecdotally or empirically,
into facts via logic and/or research.
Facts cannot change
unless better measurement devices are devised and/or
the research is redone to prove the revision to the fact.
2+2=4 was first anecdotal, then empirical, but has since been proven via mathematical logic, so it is now a scientific fact.
Spiders are deadly was first anecdotal, then empirical, and now has been proven by research, so it is a scientific fact. (but only some of them)
It’s a fact that the sun is hot and the moon is not green cheese, but how many degrees it is on the sun’s surface and the exact composition of moondust is a matter of on-going revision as measurement devices mature. Those are still facts proven by math and research.
Lol…thank you Naples…kinda my point, but you were so much more eloquent.
The only slight change I would make is to your characterization that anecdotal is unreliable or infrequent….even contradictory to your explanation.
Because anecdotal evidence is repeatable and many reliable people do experience similar outcomes…..yet until measurement can be applied (technology) catches up, we may not understand “how” or “why.”
Math might be immutable in one framework, but in another, you may not have the math….just saying
And to the CTE discussion, symptoms may mirror other disease processes, but until we are able to measure the changes in brain trauma via imaging or bloodwork or whatever, empirical evidence is lacking.
Anecdotally we might believe someone is suffering from CTE, but we don’t have the empirical evidence during life to diagnose it. Upon death, we do.
I’m not trying split hairs, only suggesting both approaches are just as valid, imo.
Desai actually worked closely with Vic Fangio when they were with the Bears together
He’s a pretty serious candidate
He would be a good hire
Maybe he will be. He does seem to be well respected around the league.
What is a simple definition of science?
Science is the pursuit and application of knowledge and understanding of the natural and social world following a systematic methodology based on evidence. Scientific methodology includes the following: Objective observation: Measurement and data (possibly although not necessarily using mathematics as a tool)
==============================================
It’s really the search for truth. Yes that mountain over there is in fact a volcano because we’ve seen it erupt and there is physical evidence that it did happen.
Some of these vaccines that are out there today is not science on its own. People say follow the science. But we still don’t know what the effects will be on people over time. So the evidence is incomplete. But science will continue to search for that data.
I’m done with science….my brain hurts…lol
Piggy, yeah LB class is weak to say the least. After Trenton Simpson is off the board (probably a top 10 pick), I feel we could get one with just as much potential in the 3rd round vs those who may go in the rest of the first or second rounds. They all seem to have some downfall.
We need Tindall to make a 2nd year leap and get on the field more. We could use his speed and athletic ability.
Our defense needs to tackle better in all phases. Too many times we had the play covered or stopped only to allow the ball carrier to sneak through for a positive gain.
What’s the science behind when you eat corn you poop corn but everything else comes out like soft serve ice cream?
Corn doesn’t digest well. It’s like sprinkles on a soft serve. LOL
Proper mastication and lack of certain digestive enzymes….lol
In the 2023 season Tua will be the starter and I think Skylar can develop into a quality backup. He’s got some things to work on like processing the play quicker and playing more calm. But he has the physical skills to put points on the board.
The OL could use another jolt of quality talent and make the battle for depth fierce. That said we need to keep these guys healthy. How many tackles did we go through?
TE could use a jolt of more talent and we’ll see what happens with Gesicki.
We’re pretty set at WR. We’ll see who rounds out the depth.
We could use more young talent at RB. We’ll see who comes back.
OL is no different, than any other position, they can all use more talent, but you have to skimp where you can, because of salary cap
We can use some help there, let’s not overdo it though at the expense of another position
We need adequate help at LT, when Armstead gets hurt
I liked moving Hunt out to RT for injury, like he did against Buffalo
If we could add a vet in FA who has starter experience and could upgrade our depth at tackle, and draft a C/G as a backup with better upside than Deiter, that could help this OL. Jackson and Eichenberg need to get better and stay healthy. Not sure what their upside is over what we’ve already seen which is a meh backup. The unit wasn’t bad this year but they need to get better.
Looks like a snow game in Buffalo today. Possibly heavy.
Awesome!
Thy Knight (@ThyKnight3) says:
January 22, 2023 at 12:09 pm
We need Tindall to make a 2nd year leap and get on the field more. We could use his speed and athletic ability.
—————-
I have the same high hopes for Cameron Goode. He looked Goode last preseason. Maybe he can, at least, make the jump to the 53 as a backup.
Yeah that would be great.
Kelce 14-98 2 tds killed the Jags
Not a lot of YPC 7, but I’d love to have a TE catching that many passes and getting a lot of 1st downs, we lacked that last 6 games
Yeah every team wants a Kelce.
Just meant a TE to get some 1st downs, we don’t need the best TE
I agree. A TE who can help move the chains and block. Along with Smythe that would be solid. I have no idea if Hunter Long can become that guy but it’s not looking good.
Mahomes high ankle sprain
I want Cin to win today more than ever
Thy Knight (@ThyKnight3) says:
January 22, 2023 at 12:24 pm
In the 2023 season Tua will be the starter and I think Skylar can develop into a quality backup. He’s got some things to work on like processing the play quicker and playing more calm. But he has the physical skills to put points on the board…
—————
We were very wise to carry 3 QBs on the 53 this past season and I should think we’ll do the same in ’23. If we do so again, the question becomes: will Skylar become the #2 and we sign a lesser as the #3, or do we sign a vet FA to become the #2 and Skylar remains the #3?
good point about needing 3;
especially now with 17-game season and playoffs to plan for.
Thank you, Naples. And keep in mind if we sign a vet backup (at least a decent one), expect to spend around $4M/year… and we are in cap hell at the moment. Yes, we can clear out enough cap space, but we’ll be kicking the can down to 2024.
Possibly. But I think Skylar proved he can play in the league. Like I said he has to improve some areas of his game.
correct
to me though, you need your #2 QB to have at least a 50/50 chance of winning,
especially if you remember you might need him for 3-4 games
or late season playoff push games.
Is Skylar capable of that ?
If he improves on some things I think he is. To me the main thing for him is he has to speed up his processing and have the game slow down for him at the same time. Play more calm, cool and collected.
He was, after all, a rookie playing for a rookie HC.
But Skylar got some very meaningful PT,
and McDaniel pushed us all the way into the playoffs,
so both of them should show a nice improvement.
your #3 can’t be an automatic loss guy either
Very true.
We need to get more out of our draft picks. Sure, we got to see 7th RD pick Skylar Thompson play due to injuries, but man, WTF. No Tindall, or Ezukanma, a 3rd and 4th RD draft picks. I don’t know what type of defense we’ll be running next season until we hire our new DC, but I hope Tindall gets some playing real playing time next season. You have to get something from a 3rd RD pick, especially when you traded away so many picks, or lost them due to an asshat owner.
^
I think the main reason we didn’t see Tindall more is because Baker, Roberts and Riley were ahead of him and they played most of the season outside of a few bumps and bruises.
Ezukanma was learning all the positions and maybe an overload for him but it could payoff next year. We really didn’t need him this year with Hill, Waddle and Sherfield. Some other guys with more NFL experience got the call over him as well. But he could be another 2nd year jump player.
Tim – I don’t know that Skylar proved he can play in this league at all. Let me rephrase that, I don’t think he proved he can play well in this league. If he’s the backup and our starter goes down for a long stint, we’re in big trouble.
I’m talking about improving. He did show signs he can compete at this level. But he has to get better. I didn’t say he’s good enough right now.
To me, ya sign Case Keenum as our backup and call it a day. He was born into the NFL under Shanahan disciple Gary Kubiak: he knows the outside zone scheme we play with. He’s got the arm, he’s got the accuracy, and he’s experienced.
What’s more, he can probably tell us about the inside workings of the Bills’ Offense.
Frankly, I’m shocked that M is advocating for Case Keenum. Who could have seen that coming? I 😂
I still have a woody from your write, my guy! 😀
LOL
Maybe Dri Archer can be our return man. LOL
Oooooooh!!! That’s a GRAND idea, man! 😀
I agree with Mike E. on Skylar….boy has a long way to go. Maybe, he’s a fast learner.
Also, I thought I saw a “fan” posting about Purdy’s success at SF vs Thompson’s performance here and critiquing MM’s coaching on QBs. I always love apples-to-oranges comparisons. LOL.
That’s easy to do make comparisons but maybe Purdy is simply better. He plays a lot cooler than Skylar – who plays more hectic.
I know, right?
Purdy stepped into a mature offense with a veteran HC where the other 10 players were good to go, there was a top 10 or better defense to help out, and all he had to do was not be a TO machine.
Yep….kinda….lol.
Skylar looked good for a drive during the Vikings game, where we had a boatload of penalties which negated how good the drive was, and how many yards we gained, I think it was over 100 yards. Then he got hurt, and that was it, until Teddy B got hurt in his own right. Skylar looked unwilling to run the ball against the Bills, which is something he shouldn’t have been scared of. Obviously, there was more chaos due to the 3rd string QB playing, but he did get first team reps, yet we struggled mightily getting plays in and snapped before the playclock ran out. Some of it is on McD, but I’d say a lot of it was Skylar too. He made a couple of nice throws, but overall, he did nothing to make me feel like he potentially is an NFL starter.
I don’t think he’s a starter either. But most backups in the league aren’t starter quality. If the Bills lose Josh Allen they don’t have a guy as good as him. They’re not the same team. The same with the Chiefs and Bengals.
BB Mike,
Thank you kindly for your scouting, Brother. You are lightyears ahead of me this year being I didn’t catch much college football this past season. You definitely KNOW what you’re talking about, my guy.
I also think MM will find a way to “shorthand” the play calls….I think he needs to. However, in my book, he gets props as a first time head coach managing the game and calling the plays.
He needs better sideline help, imo, on everything from play-clock management to challenges. Oh boy. That 1st (no 4th and 1) was the game….just terrible…that’s the guy in the booth…wtf?
Yeah MM got his first season as a HC under his belt. His team went through a lot of challenges and he made the playoffs first season. Not bad at all. I expect him to have a better feel for things in 2023 including personnel that fits how he wants to play. Tua will be a big part of our success next season. He has to find way to stay on the field.
I’m quite curious as to why so many are down on Elandon Roberts. The guy set career highs for himself this year and played in all 17 games.
https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RobeEl00.htm
Now I’m not against upgrading from him if we can, but the guy is SOLID for us.
He outperformed his counterpart Jerome Baker this past season. I don’t have the snap counts on-hand, but Baker definitely had more snaps than Roberts.
https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BakeJe00.htm
I’ve been saying how good he’s been all year. Duke Riley played well too. Baker had another 100 tackle season and 4 sacks as a blitzer. LB was not a weakness for us. And yes Chubb and Phillips are LBs, just on the edge.
What needs to improve on defense in 2023 is overall tackling, pass rush with 4 and upgrades to the secondary which can be new talent, getting guys back from injury and young players taking the next step. We’ve got a solid core to build on.
I agree mostly about the core…
Tackling is terrible…lol….I don’t even know if it’s practiced any more.
I agree with everything ya just said, Bro. I just wish we had an answer for the Kelce’s and the Kittle’s of the league at LB, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be a LB, either.
Eric Rowe seemed to be that guy for us, our ‘TE specialist’ if you will, but he’s not likely to be re-signed. He was hit-or-miss for us, but he had some very good games against some very good TEs.
Think about this too. We have a 3rd year Phillips who improved his overall game this year. Chubb has the ability to have a big season. We get Ogbah back along with Wilkins, Sieler and Davis. There is a lot of potential up front for our defense.
I was not a huge fan of Elandon Roberts, but he did play much better than I expected. I thought if him as a 2 down run stuffer, but he looked much faster and more agile. He’s also an emotional leader.
^
And that cat can lay the WOOD!
M13, the entire league has trouble stopping the elite TEs. Those guys always feed. It’s not just a Dolphins issue.
Oh, I agree with that, bud. I just wish we would be the ones who come up with the answer.
Perhaps the answer is having an enforcer at Safety, somebody who can knock the wind out of these elite TEs.
Safeties keep getting smaller, and TEs keep getting faster.
It’s hard to stop everything. To me you have to be able to pressure the QB, stop the run and create some turnovers. You can’t shut teams down every week. You’re going to have to win some high scoring games.
Thy Knight (@ThyKnight3) says:
January 22, 2023 at 2:21 pm
Think about this too. We have a 3rd year Phillips who improved his overall game this year. Chubb has the ability to have a big season. We get Ogbah back along with Wilkins, Sieler and Davis. There is a lot of potential up front for our defense.
————-
Undoubtedly!
Look at that snow. Love it!!!!
Hell yeah. Snow game
Rooting for the Bills. Heard enough of the Joe Burrow knob slobbering. lol
I can’t root for either. With Mahomes having that sprain, it’s likely the winner meets the Eagles and I want neither of them there. I think I’m rooting NFC this year. I hate all the teams left in the AFC.
I’m for the Bengals. My daughter’s boyfriend’s team. Plus, I can’t with the Bills 😂
Bengals have the better run game and WR’s.