The roster is just about set, although as we know, there will be shuffling with the bottom of the roster throughout the season. Let me start with the RB’s, and I have to say, I’m thrilled with the RB as it stands. We kept the 4 RB’s I wanted to keep, Mostert, Achane, Ahmed and Brooks. I feel that’s a good mix of players, Mostert a good all around back with speed and good receiving skills. Achane also brings tons of speed in his own right, and Ahmed is a slippery back who I feel has never looked better. Very happy we kept the big back from BYU Chris Brooks. He’s the banger, the big body that can run between the tackles. Brooks runs hard, and although we didn’t get Jonathan Taylor from the Colts, Brooks is a hard runner that won’t be asking for $12M per year anytime soon. FB Alec Ingold also received a nice extension, 3YR/$17.2M. We need Ingold, along with the front 5 to give our speedy RB’s room to run.
The WR room also shaped up like I had hoped, although I am surprised that Robbie Chosen didn’t make the cut. I was hoping Erik Ezukanma would make the 53, and he did. Hill, Waddle, Berrios, Wilson Jr. , Ezukanma, and Cracraft round out the receiving corps. I believe Berrios is really going to thrive in this offense, while teams will be protecting against Hill and Waddle. Wilson Jr, will also have opportunities, but Berrios’ ability to create space quickly and run after the catch quicks will keep him busy this season. Berrios will also be handling kick returns and punt returns, so he will be a very valuable player for us this season.
We weren’t able to come to a contract extension with DE/DT Christian Wilkins, but it seems as if both sides are on the same page and willing to delay the process of negotiating that extension after the season. The dollar amount of course can be debated, but Wilkins is a core piece of this defense, and if Fangio can wring out a little more opportunity for Wilkins to get to the QB this season, the money he wants might actually be a fair asking price. Wilkins brings it every week, has been a leader on this team and belongs on this team for the long term. I’m quite pleased that we were however able to lock up our other DE/DT Zach Sieler on a 3YR/$38.65M deal. The lunchpail guy got paid! The Dolphins are a little thin on DL depth, with only rookie DT Brandon Pili and DE Emmanuel Ogbah.
At LB, no surprises, the proven guys stay, and only one real question mark will be 2nd year LB Channing Tindall. Big things are expected from 3rd year LB Jaelan Phillips. Everyone expects a breakout season, I only hope the prognosticators are right. Some players just too much hype, I hope Phillips isn’t one of them. David Long will be the physical guy in this group, and underrated Jerome Baker just keeps keeping on. Will Bradley Chubb find his comfort zone in this defense? Chubb had double digit sacks in his rookie season in 2018 with the Broncos but has yet to see more than 8 sacks in a season since. Chubb could end up being a huge factor for this defense. If he can be a pass rushing terror, Phillips will no doubt feast as well. The LB depth is rounded out by familiar guys Andrew Van Ginkel and Duke Reilly.
In the secondary, we’re definitely a little thin, and this is a spot I expect there to be a lot of turnover in. X (Xavien Howard), and Eli Apple will start as the corners. Brandon Jones and Jevon Holland are the starting safeties. Kader Kohou will be the primary nickel back until Nik Needham, who is on the PUP is healthy enough to take the field. Kohou was excellent last season, an excellent find. The Dolphins finally parted ways with former 2020 1st RD pick Noah Igbinoghene, trading him to the Dallas Cowboys for 2021 2nd RD pick Kelvin Joseph. Joseph did not fare too well with the Cowboys, much like Iggy didn’t get it done here. It will be a fresh start for both players. Joseph is a long, lean CB at 6’1 192. Hopefully he can turn it around here in MIA with Vic Fangio. Will rookie Cam Smith make enough of showing to see legit playing time? He missed some preseason action which puts him a little behind the curve. At safety, DeShon Elliot, Elijah Campbell and “centerfielder” Verone McKinley III fill out the depth. The Dolphins signed Justin Bethel for CB depth, he played pretty well last season in some spot duty, and is a very good special teams player.Parry Nickerson rounds out the CB depth, he has played for 4 different teams in 4 seasons, the Jets, Jaguars, Packers and Vikings. The Dolphins make his 5th team in as many years. Again, the secondary is where I expect a fair amount of turnover.
OK, let’s get to the dreaded O-line. I know no one is happy here, especially the big green guy. Terron Armstead will anchor the line at LT, next to veteran Isaiah Wynn. Connor Williams will be back at C, he had a great season last year playing every-single-snap. Williams did have some snapping issues, and hopefully he can clean those up. We don’t need Tua chasing footballs over his head and getting mangled trying to recover the bad snap. One of our best OL draft picks in recent history, Robert Hunt returns at RG and Austin Jackson will start at RT. Jackson came in lean and ready to go, so we can only hope this is his best season. T Kion Smith, OG Lester Cotton, T Kendall Lamm and potential backup C Liam Eichenberg fill out the O-line depth. Cotton looked very good in limited action and could step in at G if Isaiah Wynn doesn’t play well enough to keep that spot locked up.
I think we all deep down know that if our starting QB Tua Tagovailoa is going to miss a few games, we’re gonna be in trouble. I’ll admit initially I was pleased with the Mike White signing, but he looked just awful in the preseason, especially in the red zone where his decision making was horrendous. He almost turned the ball over with extremely questionable throws nearly every red zone trip. 2nd year Miami Dolphins QB Skylar Thompson, the star of of the 2022 preseason was a dud in 2023. If anyone was expecting him to take step forward, it doesn’t look like that’s happening. We need our boy Tua to stay healthy, so that Jiu Jitsu falling stuff better keep him safe!
Now on to the next underwhelming unit. Tight End. I can only imagine where this group will be ranked in the NFL. Versatile blocker and occasional pass catcher Durham Smythe is the starter. Tyler Kroft, another solid blocking TE is next on the depth chart and surprising undrafted rookie from Campbell, Julian Hill. Our 6th RD pick, former WR Elijah Higgins didn’t make the 53 and was signed by the Arizona Cardinals. Maybe Julian Hill ends up being the surprise receiver of this group, who knows?
On special teams, K Jason Sanders returns for his 6th season and at P, we signed former NE Patriot Jake Bailey, who spent 4 seasons with the Patriots. Blake Ferguson returns as the Long Snapper and Braxton Berrios will be the primary KR/PR. Cedrick Wilson Jr., Raheem Mostert, De’Von Achane and River Cracraft will round out the depth in the return game.
Overall, I’m really happy with the roster. The question marks are the O-line, backup QB, depth on the D-line and at least until Jalen Ramsey is healthy, depth at CB. Eli Apple doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence, so he will need to play well enough to stay on the field. We lost Keion Crossen to injury and he’s out for the season. Problem is, behind Apple is potentially Kader Kohou, Justin Bethel, Kelvin Joseph and Parry Nickerson. The depth is shaky, which is precisely why we brought in Jalen Ramsey. Best expectations for Ramsey would be late November, but I think December for actual playing time is more realistic. Even then, to expect him to came back and be the player he’s been his entire career coming back so soon after injury is a big ask. As I mentioned, I love the running backs, so glad Chris Brooks is in the mix. I’m a little concerned with how Achane was “rag dolled” and then injured, but I can’t wait to see him get some space. Brooks is unquestionably the sole physical RB in the group. Mostert, Ahmed and Achane are looking to run away from contact while Brooks welcomes it. I feel like our WR’s are very strong, love the addition of Berrios. The offensive line could be a pleasant surprise if Armstead can stay healthy, and Wynn and Jackson do their job. We’ll see if this star studded LB crew rise to the hype. If they do, we could be a top 10 defense for sure!
GO DOLPHINS!!!
Finsmob Unleashed 
The Mac is dead. Long live the Mac!
It’s a shame, I was hoping it would last until the new Macs come out in October, but it didn’t make it. It was a faithful worker for somewhere around 12 years though.
That is ancient technology nowadays! Planned obsolescence puts you a 4-5 years.
Nice article MikeE one edit “I fel like our Wr’s a very strong”
Thanks Editor Rock, all fixed.
I think our running game is going to benefit immensely from the “down grade” at the TE position. The stork was so bad at blocking he killed running plays just by existing. EVERY TE we have now can block. Addition by subtraction.
While that’s true, don’t expect a receiving season resembling anything close to Kittle in SF, even combined with all 3 TE’s here.
^
Great article, Mike E.
Go Dolphins!
Thanks Naples! How are you guys doing after the storm?
We’re fine. It came ashore about 300 miles north of us.
It messed those folks up pretty badly though, sorry to report.
Glad to hear you’re OK Naples, looking forward to seeing you guys in October
My dark side rises up about his time every year.
What if Chubb is actually a meh level semi-dud and 6 sacks is all he’ll ever be?
What if Phillips is just an athletic freak but can’t convert that to production
and only ever averages about 8 sacks a year?
What if Wilkins is pissed off/distracted and sages back to average?
What if Sieler is not all that after all and doesn’t perform to his contract?
What is X is old?
What if Holland was over-rated and Brandon Jones is Just a Guy?
What if the DCs actually did figure out how to defense
McDaniel’s playbook like they did during that 5-game losing streak?
What if Armstead is a has-been and Jackson is a never-was?
What if we have to play Mike White and Skylar for more than half the games?
What if our Running-Back-by-Smurf means
the only healthy back we have is a UDFA?
No lie, right at the end of reading your post there was a huge rumble of thunder outside. Freaked me out and I got a sense of doom and gloom. lol
Stop it!
I think out of all your fears, Chubb and Phillps are the ones I can see being realized, and that would be awful. Sure, It’s great that Phillips looks like he was chiseled from stone, but can he play like an all pro? All those “just missed” sacks need to turn into actual sacks this season.
Lol….oh my…is it happy hour there yet? You need to get happy…lol.
Good article MikeE! I actually like our TE room. We don’t have anyone special at the position but don’t need to in this offense, IMO. I like the rookie Hill and he has good potential. I also like the way Tanner Conner has bulked up and greatly improved his blocking. Conner also brings serious speed to the TE position. I think he continues to put it all together.
Conner isn’t on the roster, I’m not counting PS guys at this point
Gotcha
Boy, I can’t type today.
Out for a bit. Got some party shopping to do!
Naples, glad to hear all is well. I knew it passed far out and even Tampa. I think that wobble in the eye wall just before landfall really helped the Keaton Beach area. They said it might take 4-6 weeks to get power back to that area but from all the video’s I have seen, there were only 1 or 2 houses totally destroyed and they were older construction/not up to current code. The rest just had minor to moderate roof damage and cosmetic damage.
The house we rent only had cosmetic damage. It’s 20′ up on stilts so no water damage either.
Damn! I Just tried to slow down the video and he still talks like a smurf!
o n l y r e a l l y s l o w
Thanks again, Mike E.!
Loved the summary and again agree. What I like about this team this year is the blend of very fine, excellent veterans with UDFA finds/pearls of potential, and the “lunch pail” guys (as you put it) that fill in rest. We lack depth, for sure.
Let’s go Dolphins!!!
NEXT WEEKEND DOLPHINS FOOTBALL IS BACK!!! WOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOO!
So where is everyone staying for the Fest this year?
Rock- Margaritaville
Same here, from Friday to Wednesday
M13: 11-6
Rockphin: 11-6
BBM: 11-6
🐷: 13-4
🥸🐟: 17-0 (Until they lose one. Then 14-3)
Naples: 11-6
🦬 12-5 (I like to be different)
Realist 9-8 (Losses: Bills 2x, KC, split with pats and jets, ravens, eagles, chargers)
🇬🇧 10-7
This was fun…at least I thought so…
Dolphins 2023 53-Man Roster Breakdown
Examining the Miami Dolphins roster from all angles, including numerically from Tua Tagovailoa to Raekwon Davis
ALAIN POUPART48 MINUTES AGO
Now that the Miami Dolphins. have gone through the difficult task of paring down their roster, we break down the 53-man roster (plus those on injured reserve who can return in 2023) in all types of ways.
DOLPHINS ROSTER BY EXPERIENCE
ROOKIES (5) — RB De’Von Achane, RB Chris Brooks, TE Julian Hill, DT Brandon Pili, CB Cam Smith
FIRST-YEAR PLAYERS (1) — T Kion Smith
SECOND-YEAR PLAYERS (6): G Lester Cotton, S Verone McKinley III, QB Skylar Thompson, WR Erik Ezukanma, LB Channing Tindall, CB Kader Kohou
THIRD-YEAR PLAYERS (6) — WR Jaylen Waddle, OL Robert Jones IIR), OL Liam Eichenberg, LB Jaelan Phillips, S Jevon Holland, CB Kelvin Joseph
FOURTH-YEAR PLAYERS (9) — QB Tua Tagovailoa, RB Salvon Ahmed, OL Robert Hunt, OL Austin Jackson, DT Raekwon Davis, DB Elijah Campbell, S Brandon Jones, LS Blake Ferguson, CB Parry Nickerson
FIFTH-YEAR PLAYERS (8) — FB Alec Ingold, DT Christian Wilkins, LB Andrew Van Ginkel, P Jake Bailey, WR River Cracraft, LB David Long Jr., QB Mike White, CB Nik Needham (PUP)
SIXTH-YEAR PLAYERS (10) – RB Jeff Wilson Jr. (IR), WR Cedrick Wilson Jr., TE Durham Smythe, OL Connor Williams, DT Zach Sieler, LB Jerome Baker, K Jason Sanders, WR Braxton Berrios, S DeShon Elliott, OL Isaiah Wynn, Bradley Chubb
SEVENTH-YEAR PLAYERS (1) — LB Duke Riley
EIGHTH-YEAR PLAYERS (6) — WR Tyreek Hill, DE Emmanuel Ogbah, CB Xavien Howard, CB Eli Apple, T Kendall Lamm, CB Jalen Ramsey (IR)
NINTH-YEAR PLAYERS (3) — RB Raheem Mostert, TE Tyler Kroft
11TH-YEAR PLAYERS (1) — T Terron Armstead
12TH-YEAR PLAYERS (1) — DB Justin Bethel
DOLPHINS ROSTER BY METHOD OF ACQUISITION
DOLPHINS DRAFT PICKS (21) — WR Jaylen Waddle (1-2021), LB Jaelan Phillips (1-2021), QB Tua Tagovailoa (1-2020), OL Austin Jackson (1-2020), DT Christian Wilkins (1-2019), CB Cam Smith (2-2023), S Jevon Holland (2-2021), OL Liam Eichenberg (2-2021), OL Robert Hunt (2-2020), DT Raekwon Davis (2-2020), CB Xavien Howard (2-2016), RB De’Von Achane (3-2023), LB Channing Tindall (3-2022), S Brandon Jones (3-2020), LB Jerome Baker (3-2018), WR Erik Ezukanma (4-2022), TE Durham Smythe (4-2018), LB Andrew Van Ginkel (5-2019), LS Blake Ferguson (6-2020), QB Skylar Thompson (7-2022), K Jason Sanders (7-2018)
UFA SIGNINGS (10) — FB Alec Ingold (LV), RB Raheem Mostert (SF), WR Cedrick Wilson Jr., OL Connor Williams (DAL), T Terron Armstead (NO), DE Emmanuel Ogbah (KC), LB Duke Riley (PHI), S DeShon Elliott (DET), LB David Long Jr. (TEN), QB Mike White (NYJ)
TRADES (5) — WR Tyreek Hill (KC), LB Bradley Chubb (DEN), CB Jalen Ramsey (LAR), CB Kelvin Joseph (DAL), RB Jeff Wilson Jr. (SF)
WAIVERS (3) — DT Zach Sieler (BAL), DB Elijah Campbell (NYJ), RB Salvon Ahmed (SF)
FREE AGENTS (18) — OL Robert Jones, CB Kader Kohou, CB Nik Needham, DB Justin Bethel, TE Julian Hill, RB Chris Brooks, DT Brandon Pili, T Kion Smith, OL Isaiah Wynn, G Lester Cotton, S Verone McKinley, CB Parry Nickerson, TE Tyler Kroft, P Jake Bailey, WR Braxton Berrios, CB Eli Apple, T Kendall Lamm, WR River Cracraft
DOLPHINS ROSTER BY ARRIVAL IN MIAMI
2016 (1) — CB Xavien Howard
2018 (3) — LB Jerome Baker, TE Durham Smythe, K Jason Sanders
2019 (4) — DT Christian Wilkins, LB Andrew Van Ginkel, DT Zach Sieler, CB Nik Needham
2020 (8) — QB Tua Tagovailoa, OL Austin Jackson, OL Robert Hunt, DT Raekwon Davis, S Brandon Jones, LS Blake Ferguson, RB Salvon Ahmed, DE Emmanuel Ogbah
2021 (7) — WR Jaylen Waddle, DE Jaelan Phillips, S Jevon Holland, OL Liam Eichenberg, DB Elijah Campbell, OL Robert Jones, LB Duke Riley
2022 (17) — LB Channing Tindall, WR Erik Ezukanma, QB Skylar Thompson, WR Tyreek Hill, T Terron Armstead, FB Alec Ingold, CB Kader Kohou, RB Raheem Mostert, OL Connor Williams, WR Cedrick Wilson Jr., DB Justin Bethel, G Lester Cotton, S Verone McKinley III, LB Bradley Chubb, T Kendall Lamm, RB Jeff Wilson Jr., WR River Cracraft
2023 ( 17) — RB De’Von Achane, RB Chris Brooks, TE Julian Hill, DT Brandon Pili, CB Cam Smith, T Kion Smith, CB Kelvin Joseph, CB Parry Nickerson, P Jake Bailey, LB David Long Jr., QB Mike White, WR Braxton Berrios, S DeShon Elliott, OL Isaiah Wynn, CB Eli Apple, TE Tyler Kroft, CB Jalen Ramsey
DOLPHINS ROSTER BY AGE (as of opening day)
21 — RB De’Von Achane
22 — CB Cam Smith
23 — WR Erik Ezukanma, LB Channing Tindall, S Jevon Holland, RB Chris Brooks, TE Julian Hill
24 — RB Salvon Ahmed, WR Jaylen Waddle, OL Robert Jones, OL Austin Jackson, LB Jaelan Phillips, CB Kader Kohou, S Verone McKinley III, T Kion Smith, DT Brandon Pili
25 — QB Tua Tagovailoa, OL Liam Eichenberg, S Brandon Jones
26 — QB Skylar Thompson, OL Connor Williams, DT Raekwon Davis, CB Nik Needham, LS Blake Ferguson, P Jake Bailey, S DeShon Elliott, LB David Long Jr.
27 — FB Alec Ingold, WR Cedrick Wilson Jr., OL Robert Hunt, DT Christian Wilkins, LB Jerome Baker, K Jason Sanders, WR Braxton Berrios, LB Bradley Chubb, QB Mike White, RB Jeff Wilson Jr., G Lester Cotton, OL Isaiah Wynn
28 — TE Durham Smythe, DT Zach Sieler, LB Andrew Van Ginkel, DB Elijah Campbell, CB Jalen Ramsey, CB Eli Apple, CB Parry Nickerson, WR River Cracraft
29 — WR Tyreek Hill, DE Emmanuel Ogbah, LB Duke Riley
30 — CB Xavien Howard, TE Tyler Kroft
31 — RB Raheem Mostert, T Kendall Lamm
32 — T Terron Armstead
33 — DB Justin Bethel
DOLPHINS ROSTER BY JERSEY NUMBER
0 WR Braxton Berrios, 1 QB Tua Tagovailoa, 2 LB Bradley Chubb, 4 CB Kader Kohou, 5 CB Jalen Ramsey, 7 K Jason Sanders, 8 S Jevon Holland
10 WR Tyreek Hill, 11 WR Cedrick Wilson Jr., 14 QB Mike White, 15 LB Jaelan Phillips, 16 P Jake Bailey, 17 WR Jaylen Waddle, 18 WR Erik Ezukanman, 19 QB Skylar Thompson
20 CB Justin Bethel, 21 S DeShon Elliott, 22 DB Elijah Campbell, 23 RB Jeff Wilson Jr., 24 CB Cam Smith, 25 CB Xavien Howard, 26 RB Salvon Ahmed, 28 RB De’Von Achane, 29 S Brandon Jones
30 FB Alec Ingold, 31 RB Raheem Mostert, 32 S Verone McKinley III, 33 RB Chris Brooks, 33 CB Eli Apple
40 CB Nik Needham, 41 LB Channing Tindall, 43 LB Andrew Van Ginkel, 44 LS Blake Ferguson, 45 LB Duke Riley, 48 TE Tyler Kroft, 49 CB Parry Nickerson
51 LB David Long Jr., 55 LB Jerome Baker, 58 OL Connor Williams
65 OL Robert Jones, 66 G Lester Cotton, 68 OL Robert Hunt
70 T Kendall Lamm, 71 T Kion Smith, 72 T Terron Armstead, 73 OL Austin Jackson, 74 OL Liam Eichenberg, 77 OL Isaiah Wynn
81 TE Durham Smythe, 85 WR River Cracraft, 89 TE Julian Hill
91 DE Emmanuel Ogbah, 92 DT Zach Sieler, 94 DT Christian Wilkins, 96 DT Brandon Pili, 98 DT Raekwon Davis
M13: 11-6
Rockphin: 11-6
BBM: 11-6
🐷: 13-4
🥸🐟: 17-0 (Until they lose one. Then 14-3)
Naples: 11-6
🦬 12-5 (I like to be different)
Realist 9-8 (Losses: Bills 2x, KC, split with pats and jets, ravens, eagles, chargers)
🇬🇧 10-7
✋️ 11-6
10-7
Who’s gonna get #33, and who is changing? Brooks or Apple?
I think they should have a contest of some sort.
Rock paper scissors?
Rap battle?
Arm wrestling?
I always lose that game for some reason…..
I’ll take Brooks every day of the week in arm wrestling
Combat crocheting
Good write, Mike.
Now it’s time to go win a bunch of games.
Yessir! At least 11!!
Phelon. From the last board .. draft is 18 rounds … should be done in a little over an hour
Saw that. Thanks. So the travel warning has no impact?
Isn’t it 16? Did we add/change something?
10 starters, 6 on the bench. I did the math in my head….😂
Lol
He’s Canadian they use that metric stuff
Sorry I was in a rush .. 🤷♂️I opened league settings and added all of them up… 10 plus bench 6 , then 2 reserve spots that I counted without noticing what they were …
SOOOOO to paraphrase 16 Rounds Phelon .. and no I think I will be okay on travel plans😊👍… if I’m not wearing Finswear I have a Canada on somewhere… tie dye YES , Rainbow wear nassomuch 😎
It’s Friday!
Confession: every time I see crocheting my mind sees crotch. Can’t NOT see it
lol
crotch watcher
HOW CAN OTHER PEOPLE POST LINKS WITHOUT WRITING SHIT AND ALL MY STUFF GOES TO SPAM!?
Rock
LOL
Nice summary Mike. Did I miss a Cam Smith mention? He likely won’t be available for the opener but should be at least in the rotation by season’s end?
I’m still not taking the cheese. These Fins need to show me
Just re-read it. He did get a mention. Its late here and red wine came into play
Actually, I edited it, but before you made this post. I had realized that I somehow omitted him and got him in. He may definitely be leaned on big time at some point during this season
Because Mike CAN’T NOT see it
LOL – true that!
LOVE this song!!! I don’t know what happened to her.
My car used to be fast, now every fucking electric car can run circles around it. Regardless, they lack the intimate relationship between man and machine
good song
Another confession: I thought Tracy Chapman was a white dude
LOL!!
That’s hilarious. 🤣
I thought Cam Smith has been practicing?
I don’t think he’s been practicing. He’s also been ruled out for the season opener against the Chargers.
not spam
https://www.si.com/nfl/dolphins/news/miami-dolphins-cam-smith-cleared-to-practice
He’s been ruled out already?
THE RAMSEY INJURY SUCKS SO MUCH! WHY CAN’T WE HAVE NICE THINGS!?
When asked if he’s on track for the Sept. 10 season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers, Smith’s response was an emphatic “for sure.”
Players are always optimistic about their recoveries and want to speed the healing timeline. The true test will come from how he handles physical contact in practice, and how his body feels afterwards
Hopefully, I’d like to see him get going right away.
I wonder if Achane plays, he’s nursing a shoulder injury too.
No one else here thought Tracy Chapman was a white guy??? I was practically sure about it
No probably because I saw the video first.🤪
I heard the song on the radio, didn’t see the video till much later.
Another “Rich Men North of Richmond” REMIX.
I don’t remember if I posted this one yet. It’s new.
That’s another HIT!!! LOVE IT!!!
Former first-rounder Noah Igbinoghene on fresh start with Cowboys: ‘I honestly needed it’
WTF, ACC becomes latest power conference to expand cross-country by adding Stanford, Cal and SMU
Yeah, PAC 10 no mas
For all the skepticism in Jaelan Phillips, he’s averaged over 50 tackles and almost 8 sacks a year in his first two seasons- that’s pretty damn good! I think he’s ready to take off.
A lot of people think that. I’m one of them.🙂
M13: 11-6
Rockphin: 11-6
BBM: 11-6
🐷: 13-4
🥸🐟: 17-0 (Until they lose one. Then 14-3)
Naples: 11-6
🦬 12-5 (I like to be different)
Realist 9-8 (Losses: Bills 2x, KC, split with pats and jets, ravens, eagles, chargers)
🇬🇧 10-7
✋️ 11-6
Brian in NY 10-7
Someone is being high maintenance.
🤣🤦🏼♀️🥴
I’ll roll with 11-6 because the AFC is going to be very competitive.
We’ve got a bunch of good front 4-5 guys.
M13: 11-6
Rockphin: 11-6
BBM: 11-6
🐷: 13-4
🥸🐟: 17-0 (Until they lose one. Then 14-3)
Naples: 11-6
🦬 12-5 (I like to be different)
Realist 9-8 (Losses: Bills 2x, KC, split with pats and jets, ravens, eagles, chargers)
🇬🇧 10-7
✋️ 11-6
Brian in NY 10-7
TK 11-6
Also high maintenance. 😂😂😂
M13: 11-6
Rockphin: 11-6
BBM: 11-6
🐷: 13-4
🥸🐟: 17-0 (Until they lose one. Then 14-3)
Naples: 11-6
🦬: 12-5 (I like to be different)
Realist 9-8: (Losses: Bills 2x, KC, split with pats and jets, ravens, eagles, chargers)
🇬🇧: 10-7
✋️: 11-6
Brian in NY: 10-7
🗡 : 11-6
High maintenance, let me introduce OCD. 😂
😆
M13: 11-6
Rockphin: 11-6
BBM: 11-6
🐷: 13-4
🥸🐟: 17-0 (Until they lose one. Then 14-3)
Naples: 11-6
🦬: 12-5 (I like to be different)
Realist 9-8: (Losses: Bills 2x, KC, split with pats and jets, ravens, eagles, chargers)
🇬🇧: 10-7
✋️: 11-6
Brian in NY: 10-7
🗡 : 11-6
🇨🇦 15-3.
You go Toba!!! All the way to the Super Bowl!!! Did we win?
Toba has math issues
Apparently I like the #18 today… I see you chopped me off the list pretty quick …
Of course we win 😎😎
Happy Birthday to Zach Thomas and Jadon Taylor, 50 and 49
M13: 11-6
Rockphin: 11-6
BBM: 11-6
🐷: 13-4
🥸🐟: 17-0 (Until they lose one. Then 14-3)
Naples: 11-6
🦬: 12-5 (I like to be different)
Realist 9-8: (Losses: Bills 2x, KC, split with pats and jets, ravens, eagles, chargers)
🇬🇧: 10-7
✋️: 11-6
Brian in NY: 10-7
🗡 : 11-6
🌞: 13-4 juggernaut
Good to see you stop by Realist, keeping it Real 👍
Bri – Phillips has been a good player at best, nowhere near a superstar. If he has the year he’s expected to have, that will change and elevate his status. I like the kid, but I don’t like when players get too much hype.
I hear you. I just really feel like he’s going to take the next step this year.
I’d be very disappointed if our defensive front isn’t very good.
He gets a lot of almost sacks – which should be a stat these days…lol
It is, it’s called pressures
It’s 3rd down, your defender hurries the QB into an incomplete pass, what’s wrong with doing that?
Let’s here it for those of us with the squigglies to predict 13 wins or more!
Sounds like Kader will start opposite X. We’ll see who the nickel is.
Any news on cam smith?
We talked about that earlier. He says he thinks he’ll be ready for the opener.
He’ll play the boundary in traditional base, then move to slot in the Nickel
Who do you think is the early favorite as the 5th DB?
Road 🍎
Hopefully my 3 loss math is correct and son let’s me stay in the list … FTR a Buffalo split , KC and Philly Losses
M13: 11-6
Rockphin: 11-6
BBM: 11-6
🐷: 13-4
🥸🐟: 17-0 (Until they lose one. Then 14-3)
Naples: 11-6
🦬: 12-5 (I like to be different)
Realist 9-8: (Losses: Bills 2x, KC, split with pats and jets, ravens, eagles, chargers)
🇬🇧: 10-7
✋️: 11-6
Brian in NY: 10-7
🗡 : 11-6
🌞: 13-4 juggernaut
🇨🇦 14-3
On the official site I count 54 players. I see an unfamiliar name in DT Rashard Lawrence.
So what are you saying? Toba works there
M13: 11-6
Rockphin: 11-6
BBM: 11-6
🐷: 13-4
🥸🐟: 17-0 (Until they lose one. Then 14-3)
Naples: 11-6
🦬: 12-5 (I like to be different)
Realist 9-8: (Losses: Bills 2x, KC, split with pats and jets, ravens, eagles, chargers)
🇬🇧: 10-7
✋️: 11-6
Brian in NY: 10-7
🗡 : 11-6
🌞: 13-4 juggernaut
🇨🇦 14-3
🦍 10-6
shit
M13: 11-6
Rockphin: 11-6
BBM: 11-6
🐷: 13-4
🥸🐟: 17-0 (Until they lose one. Then 14-3)
Naples: 11-6
🦬: 12-5 (I like to be different)
Realist 9-8: (Losses: Bills 2x, KC, split with pats and jets, ravens, eagles, chargers)
🇬🇧: 10-7
✋️: 11-6
Brian in NY: 10-7
🗡 : 11-6
🌞: 13-4 juggernaut
🇨🇦 14-3
🦍 10-7
Lmao at Kong. Great minds count alike 👍😎
I had just read your counting issues right before posting too, lol
🤦🏼♂️
3-4 Base:
LE Wilkins
NT Davis
RE Sieler
OLB Phillips
OLB Chubb
ILB Baker
ILB Long
CB Howard
CB Kohou
SS Jones/Elliot
FS Holland
*Ogbah gets 25-30 snaps at DE, OLB and inside in some pass rush situations.
In nickel and dime I could see a lot of different personnel groupings.
Pro Set Base:
LT Armstead
LG Wynn
C Williams
RG Hunt
RT Jackson
TE Smythe
WR Hill
WR Waddle
QB Tua
RB Mostert
FB Ingold
M13: 11-6
Rockphin: 11-6
BBM: 11-6
🐷: 13-4
🥸🐟: 17-0 (Until they lose one. Then 14-3)
🌴Naples: 11-6
🦬: 12-5 (I like to be different)
Realist 9-8: (Losses: Bills 2x, KC, split with pats and jets, ravens, eagles, chargers)
🇬🇧: 10-7
✋️: 11-6
Brian in NY: 10-7
🗡 : 11-6
🌞: 13-4 juggernaut
🇨🇦 14-3
🦍 10-7
I know coaches have been known to keep things under wraps during the first game of the season so they’ll have some surprises for later games.
They usually only do enough to win.
But still, I think we can learn something from the LAC game concerning our OL and specifically the rushing blocking.
The Chargers were not good against the run last year.
We should exploit that.
If we can have 100 yards rushing against them, it’ll help us learn how to be successful that way against harder defenses.
I like this guys breakdowns and he doesn’t talk like a Smurf
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2023/09/01/here-are-10-steps-to-dolphins-playoff-wins-schad/70737595007/
Here Rock – This should make you feel better
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2023/09/01/miami-dolphins-los-angeles-chargers-picks-odds-nfl-week-1/70664072007/
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2023/08/28/nfl-power-rankings-week-1-2023-season/70675263007/
A couple days old but pertinent. I would love to see Miami run successful HB screen passes
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/dolphins-film-study-has-miami-s-offense-found-a-new-wrinkle-for-the-2023-season/ar-AA1fTxUO
RIP Jimmy Buffett
Damn !!
Lots of memories come flooding back, my roommate and I listened to the live album all the time my freshman year at Marshall. I finally went to a concert about 10 years ago, he was touring with Jackson Browne. 😔
Then must have been an amazing concert. Both of their voices are types that have really held up over time.
So I cruise along always searchin’ for songs
Not a lawyer a thief or a banker
But a son of a son, son of a son
Son of a son of a sailor
RIP Jimmy
Son of a gun, load the last ton
One step ahead of the jailer
I’m going to be spending the afternoon poolside, jamming to Jimmy, drinking margaritas.
Wasted away in Margaritaville
Watch those pesky pop tops
A true Florida legend, RIP Jimmy
RIP Jimmy Buffet
He got married same year as us. We always identifiesd with his laid back style.
M13: 11-6
Rockphin: 11-6
BBM: 11-6
🐷: 13-4
🥸🐟: 17-0 (Until they lose one. Then 14-3)
🌴Naples: 11-6
🦬: 12-5 (I like to be different)
Realist 9-8: (Losses: Bills 2x, KC, split with pats and jets, ravens, eagles, chargers)
🇬🇧: 10-7
✋️: 11-6
Brian in NY: 10-7
🗡 : 11-6
🌞: 13-4 juggernaut
🇨🇦 14-3
🦍 10-7
🤠: 15-6 🏆
With 15 wins it might only take 20 games!
4 of them come after the play-offs start
Oh gotcha I was doing Toba math lol
NCAA preseason game OU 45 Arkansas State 0 at half
Phelon this doesn’t make me feel good. It makes me angry 😡
. Miami Dolphins (15)
Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle can make Tua Tagovailoa look good this season, as can a lot of other weapons on the Miami offense
It’s not all the weapons he is good you dink
#8 make it better
Some people (like omar) can’t admit when they’re wrong, instead they come up with reasons why he’s succeeding
Phelon I saw a site today that had LA at 44% chance to win and the Dolphins at 44% chance. I was like ok….. (100-44)-44= who is the other team that can win… 😂😅😅
12% tie?
Did Toba write the article?
😂. Poor Toba. That’s never going away on this blog.
I saw that too….why not just say it’s 50/50?
Now I see where we are exploring signing FA RB
Kareem Hunt, who was with Tyreek Hill in KC.
If he hasn’t lost a step, he is a very dangerous runner.
Even if he has, he’s still very slippery to tackle.
With Ahmed, Achane, and Wilson all hurt,
we might need some help at RB.
Deon Sanders in his Colorado debut in a shootout with #17 TCU. At the end of 3rd quarter, Colorado 31 – TCU 28.
Notice the success of screen passes,
something we’ve had trouble running successfully.
Colorado 38 TCU 35
7:36 to go
Colorado scoring so fast the second half their defense can’t catch their breath.
Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders
35/43, 444 yards, 3 TD’s, 0 INT’s
He looks damn good. Travis Hunter too. Deion really has that team ready.
^
I liked the Winovich PS signing.
Colorado 45 TCU 42
4:20 left
Statement win for Colorado right off the bat.
HUGE statement win!
Now let’s knock West Virginia’s dicks in the dirt @7:30!!!!!!
WE ARE!!!
🦁🔵⚪️
Yep!
WOW!!!
What a win by Deion Sanders’ Colorado!!! CONGRATS, Prime Time!!!
Yeah, from what I hear, he went old school on the players. All the pusses hit the transfer portal and left.
He pretty much gutted the team too- wanted his guys in there and pretty much forced them out.
The Smurf also praised Jackson, who still gets bull rushed too easily, because his anchor sucks
IU trying to hang in there for you PSUer’s. Don’t know how long it will last though.
vs #3 OSU
Interestingly, Elijah Higgins, even if he didn’t get claimed by the Cardinals, still wouldn’t have made it back to Miami, as according to ESPN’s Field Yates, he was also claimed by four other teams.
Those other four teams were the Colts, Tennessee Titans, Washington Commaners and Green Bay Packers.
According to Yates, Higgins was one of just two players that received more than two claims.
He had a good TC and PS so…
At least he ended up on the Cardinals
I think he’s a tweener, and if not used properly will fail
He was perfect for what we were looking for, hard to believe we exposed him
We do have Tanner and EZ, that can fill that role
That was a BS unsportman like penalty
I think that was a sack/fumble
Incomplete my ass, BS, oh well
IU defense is wore down now.
RIP Jimmy Buffett😥
bailbondmike says:
September 2, 2023 at 4:04 pm
Yeah, from what I hear, he went old school on the players. All the pusses hit the transfer portal and left.
Not exactly how it went down, he forced guys to transfer, by bringing his own guys in and not honoring the prior commitments of CU
I used to like Dion, but I’ve lost all respect for him
Beer me
4:11pm missed that post
🍺🍺
M13,
Did you know Langdon Tengwall had to retire this week due to medical reasons?!!!!!! That’s a tough loss
Landon
Chubb and Phillips not getting big number sacks last year had to do more with 2 things, than anything they did/didn’t do themselves
In the style D we played players don’t traditionally get a lot of sacks
The other reason was how bad our pass D was, that left too many receivers too wide open, allowing the QB to get rid of it early
Fangio’s Ds favor high sack numbers, if the pass D is good both should have double digit sacks
Five Biggest Reasons for Optimism for Dolphins Heading into 2023 Regular Season
Tua taking another step was one of them
I don’t really see how he takes another step, other than staying on the field
I mean the OL and running game being better might make Tua look better, but would he really be playing better, if his stats were worse, and these 2 things happened (if these 2 things happen I’d assume the w/l record would be better)?
https://www.si.com/nfl/dolphins/news/miami-dolphins-five-biggest-reasons-for-optimism-heading-into-2023-regular-season
I expect Tua’s ints and yards to be down, his comp% up, due to more runs and his TDs up while playing more games
I see the efficiency of the offense improving which will be part of another step for Tua.
Hopefully McDaniel can adapt to other teams game planning against the O- they had us figured out in the last half of the year, and he didn’t really have an answer. If the running game gets going, that will make us less predictably.
Predictable
I don’t think he goes down I just think we’re going to have a lot more offense. Huge chunk plays in the passing game , running to control the clock and sustained drives more often with nice run pass balance. We need Tua for the entire season and if he does it his numbers will be gigantic mostly because of 🐆
Exactly, the running game going to another level is key. That’s what I expect. Year two in the offense and lots of 2nd year players sharing intel with the newbies instead of everyone learning it.
In answer to 🐽 survey question
Dolphins
ROY – Julian Hill
OPOY – Tyreek
DPOY- ⛄️
MVP – Tua
Anymore categories?
Pulled every one of these out of my ass who the hell knows what will happen but I can see J Hill the rookie possibly taking off in this offense but you figure THill 🐆 is going to make a shit ton of plays all day every day
Then ⛄️ Gonna feast off our soon to be improved pass rush, we’re going to be putting up points so teams are going to have to throw welcome to Miami Coach Fangio
Then Ramsey enters the picture Dolphin fans
Tua makes the season and we’re in the playoffs he’s your MVP
And now for something to completely irritate everyone:
https://dolphinstalk.com/2023/09/espn-segment-on-matthew-stafford-and-the-dolphins/
LMAO!
duly irritated
We should do it right away. We should send them a second round pick for him. He’s the answer he’s the last piece.!!! 😳🤣🤣🤣
We have a FULLBACK
(actually, the highest payed full back in the AFC) which only reinforces for me the value that they place position. I love this team!!!
Go Pokes!
The Miami Herald has already projected the Dolphins will return to the playoffs for a second consecutive season as they seek to win the franchise’s first playoff game in two decades.
Now, here are 11 season predictions for each of the Dolphins’ 11 position groups.
Quarterback: Tua Tagovailoa will play every game in the regular season for the first time in his career. Tagovailoa’s injury history is well-documented. He missed five games because of a pair of diagnosed concussions. And even before the spate of head injuries in 2022, he dealt with ailments that sidelined him in his first two seasons. Tagovailoa has worked hard in the offseason to learn jiu-jitsu and adjust the way he falls. As he noted, football is a physical sport and weird things happen during a season. But this prediction is banking on his martial arts training making an impact and, frankly, just a bit of better luck for the 25-year-old.
Running back: Chris Brooks will emerge as the Dolphins’ No. 2 running back. Brooks entered training camp as a long shot to make Miami’s 53-man roster, with four veterans and second-round pick De’Von Achane also in the position room. But Brooks, an undrafted rookie from BYU, thoroughly played his way onto the team with a standout camp and showing in the preseason. With Jeff Wilson Jr. on injured reserve, sidelining him for at least the first four games of the season, there is an opportunity behind Raheem Mostert. Brooks will have to earn the trust of the coaches in the regular season, but his physicality and adept feel for the zone running scheme could lead to a role in the offense.
Wide receiver: Tyreek Hill will achieve the NFL’s first 2,000-yard receiving season. Multiple times throughout the offseason, Hill said that his goal is to reach the 2,000-yard mark in 2023. And while it’s never been achieved in the NFL, he was on pace for the feat through nine games last season. The Dolphins want to run the ball more but Hill, who said he has a better knowledge of the offense, will still be the offense’s top playmaker. And if Tagovailoa stays healthy as he’s predicted to, Hill reaching 2,000 yards could be obtainable.
Tight end: Durham Smythe will set a career-high for catches and yards. The Dolphins don’t throw much to their tight ends and nothing from training camp and the preseason suggests that will change much. Smythe, though, is the undisputed No. 1 tight end after the departure of Mike Gesicki. Tyler Kroft and undrafted rookie Julian Hill are also on the roster but Miami likely won’t run many two-tight-end groupings. In 2021, Smythe caught a career-high 34 passes for 357 yards. With an uptick in snaps, he should pass those marks in 2023.
Offensive line: Kendall Lamm starts at least six games. There is still a lack of clarity on whether left tackle Terron Armstead will be ready to play in the season opener after injuring his leg during joint practices in Houston. And even if he is able to suit up for Week 1, he has a lengthy injury history and has never played in every regular-season game in his career. On the right side of the offensive line, Austin Jackson enters a pivotal season to prove he can be a reliable starter but also has dealt with injuries in his young career. It’s tough to field the same five players along the line for the duration of the season. Miami might not need to use nine different starting combinations like last year, but it feels more likely the team will have to turn to Lamm at some point.
Defensive line: Christian Wilkins will be named to his first Pro Bowl. While much of the attention this summer has been on Wilkins’ contract situation, he was one of the Dolphins’ top performers in camp before he began to stage a hold-in in early August. In defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s scheme, Wilkins was his usual self as a stout run defender but was also a disruptive pass rusher. With a lucrative extension on his mind, this feels like the year Wilkins puts it all together and firmly cements himself as one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL with a Pro Bowl honor.
Outside linebacker: Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb will become the first Dolphins duo since 2003 to record double-digit sacks in the same season. Adewale Ogunleye and Jason Taylor were the last Dolphins to record at least 10 sacks in the same season, finishing with 15 and 13, respectively. Since then, it’s only been a few seasons in which Miami even had a pass rusher reach the 10-sack mark. Phillips and Chubb look like they could be one of the league’s best pass-rushing duos. Chubb is healthy and reunited with Fangio, whom he played for in Denver. And there is local and national buzz surrounding Phillips as he enters his third season. Those two should lead what will be an impressive defensive front.
Inside linebacker: David Long Jr. will set a career-high in tackles. Injuries have been the only question for Long, who has yet to play an entire season in his first four years in the NFL. But when healthy, Long is a speedy and aggressive linebacker who could be a perfect complement to Jerome Baker. Long’s previous career-high for tackles is 86, which he set this previous season in just 12 games. With lighter boxes in Fangio’s scheme, a linebacker described as a “run and hit” player by teammates and coaches should do plenty of that in 2023.
Cornerback: Eli Apple will start more games than Cam Smith. The Dolphins traded Noah Igbinoghene to the Dallas Cowboys as part of their roster cutdown moves, leaving Apple and Smith as the candidates to replace Jalen Ramsey. While Smith has a higher ceiling, Apple has fit in well after signing to the team in the first week of camp. Smith will get some playing time but Apple, an eight-year veteran, will assume the starting spot until Ramsey returns late in the season
Safety: Verone McKinley III will start the most games alongside Jevon Holland. There is a lot of ambiguity at the safety spot next to Holland. DeShon Elliott, who has 35 starts in his career, entered camp as the favorite. 2022 starter Brandon Jones was limited throughout camp as he continued his return from last year’s ACL tear. Meanwhile, McKinley and Elijah Campbell had strong camps but Campbell will be sidelined after injuring his knee in the preseason finale. This is a position in which the Dolphins could rotate multiple players in different packages. But McKinley is the closest thing the Dolphins have to a free safety outside of Holland, his teammate at Oregon, and allows the two safety spots to be a little more interchangeable. He’ll be the full-time starter by the end of the season.
Specialists: The Dolphins will record their first return touchdown since 2020. The impact of returns has been diminished in the NFL, but Miami has especially struggled in recent years. The Dolphins ranked 32nd in kick return average and 31st in punt return average in 2022. However, Miami added a pair of players — Achane and wide receiver Braxton Berrios — who have significant return experience. Between those two, the Dolphins will break one return for a score.
Read more at: https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nfl/miami-dolphins/article278776069.html#storylink=cpy
Thanks for posting that!
Generally I hate long article posts, but since it’s behind a paywall…it’s info I otherwise wouldn’t get
YW It took a lot of post paste editing because it copied all the video and picture embedded credits and advertisement headings and pasted it as one continuous block. I had to backspace all the ads and credits out and I did it from my phone which most frustratingly will not put the cursor where you touch. LOL
I hope Hill doesn’t get 2000, I want him to always be pushing to achieve 2k
He mentioned when he’s going to retire, it seemed to coincide with his last year of his contract the void able year, but that can be renegotiated and think it will, especially if he hasn’t gotten 2k
1986 LOL
Last year during the losing streak teams took away the 10-20 yard middle of the field, we had no answer
An article was recently written about using screens to pull the LBs up, the running game will do the same
Tua was near tops in the league with yards per pass play, as we found out it isn’t always great news
We’ve talked about balance, we need balance everywhere O and D, run/pass, throws deep/intermediate/short, middle/outside
Make the D cover the entire field
Achane should put Tyreek type of fear in the LBs, if that happens everything will fall into place
Yeah, “taking what the defense gives you” isn’t the same thing as the defense dictating what you do on offense. With a more balanced offense, especially with everyone in the second year of the system the execution and, I can’t figure out exactly how to say it “Multiplicity?” , from the same looks will have the offense “Giving” what we TAKE.
**Defense “giving what we take”
I hope the Dolphins media department is doing a blitzkrieg on Germany right now to drum up the “home field advantage” even though it’s an “away game”
Remember the Giant Jason Taylor? They can really effect things if they do it right and we need every advantage we can get to beat KC (and put us in AFC#1 for us to hold for the remainder of the year….
Been sippin the homeraid today. just little sips. hic
^ affect. My turn to edit. 🙂
I always get those reversed. LOL then the next time I’m like it’s reverse of what I thing so…..reverse it…
MVP – Tua
OPY – Hill
DPY – Holland
OROY – Brooks
DROY – Pili
Not buying the Phillips hype?
The Chargers have some good players on the edge: Bosa and Kahlil Mack. Mainly concerned about Bosa vs Austin Jackson with Bosa’s size. Jackson got pushed around a bit too much for my liking during the PS. We will need to chip Bosa the whole game.
Not sure how much Mack has left in him but game one he will look much younger now than come later in the season.
MVP – Tua
OPY – Hill
DPY – Wilkins
OROY – Brooks
DROY – Cam Smith