The Dolphins finally kick off the season at Hard Rock Stadium after 2 road games to start the season. 2 impressive ones, one in LA against the Chargers, a 36-34 shootout victory, and then a more methodical 24-17 against our division rival New England Patriots. Even after the 2 victories, I still feel like we haven’t seen the defense thrive like I expected it to. We were gashed for over 200 yards on the ground in LA against the Chargers as well as giving up 34 points. In Foxborough, we surrendered half the points, but the defense has not looked dominant in any way, shape or form. They have made plays to seal games, and I suppose that’s the important thing, and at 2-0, I’m not going to complain too much, but I’d love to see this defense become what I hoped it could be.
If I told you before the season that LT Terron Armstead was going to miss the first 2 games, and that the Dolphins offensive line would have only allowed 1 sack in those 2 games, would you believe me? This may be the biggest surprise so far. The offensive line has done their job, with the exception of the bad snap issues that have plagued center Connor Williams. The shame of it is Williams is an excellent blocker, but it’s only a matter of time where a bad snap hurts us. Our run game has been excellent, when we actually run the ball like we did against the Patriots. Mostert bulked up some 15 lbs and he looks great this season. Mostert has 158 yards on 28 carries for a very nice 5.6 YPC, and he already has 3 rushing TD’s. RB Salvon Ahmed has been serving as 2nd string, but he’s now dealing with a groin injury, so De’Von Achane will now be the 2nd string RB as he has recovered from his shoulder injury. I’m excited to Achane, although props to Ahmed for simply making it impossible to not see that he makes plays and although he’s not physically imposing like Chris Brooks or super fast like Mostert or Achane, he gets the job done and looks slippery and elusive so far.
At WR, it’s been a lot Tyreek, especially in game 1, but as I told you, and you probably already knew it anyway, Belichick was going to do everything he could muster to keep Tyreek Hill from beating them. Tyreek still caught a TD but was much quieter compared to his 215 yard explosion against the Chargers. WR Jaylen Waddle looks like he will miss this game as he’s still in concussion protocol. Not sure which WR will replace Waddle if he can’t go, but Erik Ezukanma has been primarily used as a rusher in a somewhat similar role to WR Deebo Samuel. He’s not the type of guy that will be a downfield threat, and either is River Cracraft or Braxton Berrios. Jaylen Waddle makes it easier for the aforementioned Berrios and Cracraft to work underneath the coverage because Waddle requires attention and protection deep, so it will be interesting to see how we handle this if Waddle can’t go Sunday.
How about a huge high five and major props to LB Andrew Van Ginkel. This guy never quit, never gave up, and has carved himself a role on this defense. It’s clear Vic Fangio regards AVG very highly as he took tons of snaps in game 1 playing as the nickel LB and an inside LB, garnering a shocking 75% of snaps on defense. Jaelan Phillips did get in a limited practice yesterday, so he’s trending in the right direction as he deals with a back injury sustained in practice last Friday. More props coming, I feel like Raekwon Davis has been much more active and visible in the first 2 games. I do have concerns, although after 2 games, there’s not necessarily enough data to feel like this is a trend, but the 2 safeties, Jevon Holland and DeShon Elliott have the most tackles, 25 and 17 respectively, followed by 2 more DB’s, Xavien Howard and Kader Kohou. That’s not necessarily sustainable. Ok, let me get this out, I’m tired of seeing Eli Apple allowing receptions to anyone and everyone. If we’re going to draft a guy in the 2nd RD (CB Cam Smith), get the guy ready to play, because it’s so frustrating to watch. We jettisoned a former 2020 1st RD pick, Noah Igbinoghene and traded him for a former 2021 2nd RD pick (CB Kelvin Joseph), so please can we get either or both of those guys in there???
The 0-2 Denver Broncos make a late September visit to Hard Rock, and the heat could definitely be a factor in our favor. Sunday’s temperature should be about 85-88 degrees with a chance of thunderstorms (imagine that, a thunderstorm in FLA). While the Broncos are 0-2, they have lost both games by a total of 3 points, losing 17-16 to the Raiders and 35-33 against the Commanders, both at home. QB Russell Wilson has bounced back nicely from last year’s dreadful season. He has 5 TD’s to 1 INT, and has completed 68% of his passes in Sean Payton’s offense. RB Javonte Williams is back and Samaje Perrine is his backup. TE Greg Dulcich who was expected to have somewhat of a breakout season has been injured so TE Adam Trautman has taken his place while he’s out, but is not on the injury report this week, so he’ll be back. WR’s Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy are a talented WR duo. The Broncos defense struggled last week surrendering 35 points to the Washington Commanders. We all know Javonte Williams is hard running back, so we have to contain him, and Russell Wilson has been thriving early on, we have to take him down and make him uncomfortable. Rookie WR Marvin Mims has flashed and last year’s UDFA receiver Brandon Johnson has also made a splash.
At home, in September, this is a game the Dolphins should win. If the heat is a factor and the thunderstorms don’t quench the heat, we need to win this game, our first home game of the season. On the flip side, the Broncos come in a desperate team after losing 2 very close games to start the season. Waddle being out isn’t a good thing. Once again, that will be something to watch as to who replaces Waddle, and if he makes an impact. We may opt to run the ball more, and I’ve yet to mention FB Alec Ingold, who has been a feisty player and brings some nasty, some meanness to our offense, which definitely is welcomed. As I mentioned, De’Von Achane who is healthy may get more touches and I would like to see us continue to give Raheem Mostert a bunch of carries, at least 15-20. Achane can get touches both in the run game and passing game, and I hope he gets a few targets so he can find some room to run. He can be a HR threat with the ball in his hands anywhere on the field. Let’s hope this is Armstead’s debut, although Kendall Lamm has earned some trust for sure. Let’s also hope we do rest Waddle and have him healthy next week, it’s a long season. I also hope Jaelan Phillips is healthy enough to make a splash this week as well.
GO DOLPHINS!!!
Finsmob Unleashed 
Good news on Connor Williams returning, maybe he plays Sunday
That was yesterday’s report, so maybe it’s even more optimistic.
I hope Apple doesn’t start. Diggs will toast him.
If Phillips snaps are limited, it’s nice to know we have AVG and Ogbah to rotate
Yep depth is nice to have.🙂
I actually am enjoying seeing ogbah and AVG get playing time
They’re good players.
Their Long Snapper is on their injury list; he’s the bro of ours. Hope he can’t play.
Was wondering about his last name.
I hope he plays and the injury causes him to under perform in some way so it puts points on the board for us. 😎
Keys to the game:
Defense – pressure Allen and contain his running ability.
Offense – keep Tua clean.
Keys to the Game:
Defense – contain their WR’s & TE’s Limit their scoring
Offense – Run the ball successfully and sustain drives. NO 3 and outs!
Key to the game:
Offense – Score more than the other team
Defense – keep other team from scoring more points than your team
Hope special teams does the same…
🙄
I was serious about the first reply
OMG Tyreek ran the wrong route, but he was so wide open,
and Tua is so sharp, that they connected for a long TD anyway.
We’ve got the former starting NT for Southern Cal on our bench and Da’Shawn Hand as well who was almost unblockable at times when he was with Tua at Alabama.
We have a really good, deep roster.
Oh, and Twice, I don’t notice any difference.
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/xfl-and-usfl-announce-intent-to-merge-beginning-in-2024-season-unifying-spring-football-leagues/?fbclid=IwAR1rMI1iDhwP4vwDLE8ZKufwoj0MYVJ1KRG60iolZ9cA9NjOKgxybjIiRcA_aem_AYNbd6j7Uwt9_3eB8MiKK_qIzDiQWk3U_1c7Fxr4Pr5Jmx-l8TXwtLnADDx0oLvROck&mibextid=Zxz2cZ#ln3qqr32bxgoy5nsehe
is that arena league? I don’t like arena football
No XFL and USFL are merging. I watched a lot of both leagues last spring and they were highly entertaining
I just think it is odd how inconsistent the issues that I have logging in are. Most of my issue at the onset was just the change. Change is bad. (in mr. Mackey’s voice) but depending on which computer I log in with or which phone (Two Iphones and two Dell Laptops, home and work) I experience different issues, but not on the other identical device and not all the time. It’s like its an evil computer gremlin. he he he i’m gonna fuck with him this time.
Some times the avi with the gear wheel doesn’t appear in the text box to log in and I have to use the three little dots. Then it makes me go through the process again with the avi in the text box. Sometimes it refreshed the page and I lose everything I typed sometimes not. Some times the notifications pop ups (the little bell at the top right next to your avi) opens twice and blocks the entire screen so you cannot reach the “reply” button which doesn’t say “Post” anymore. To make the “double notifications” pop up to close I have to refresh the page…which deletes everything I typed and brings me back to having to click the avi in the text box to log in again.
Thank you for typing all of that and explaining it so cogently.
That is exactly what I am experiencing. Every bit of it.
It is both random in frequency and follows a pattern when it occurs.
And the worst is that double sidebar coming from my right as I view the screen that hides the reply button, so I cannot do anything but close the app and start over.
And why does the button say reply when I am typing out a new post?
oh and btw it happens on both my HP laptop and my Samsung Android phone.
Rock, I think the Dolphins and Bills are equal overall. The QB that has the best game wins. Not necessarily just stats, the best game.
Understood, 34-40 400 in a loss is worse than 23-30 280 in a win. Everything is so situational
Didn’t we beat Buffalo in Buffalo when Ajayi ran for 200 yards?
twice!
hmmm
That was at home it was a Fest game
Didn’t we beat them twice that year with Ajayi getting over 200 in both games and that cost HC Rex Ryan his job?
Herd, all the best 💪❤️👊
BBMike,
Prayers up for your sister to have a complete recovery, my Brother.
PFF has Tua as the highest rated QB in the NFL at 92.2
also Tyreek as the highest WR at 94.
and Jevon at 95.6 is the highest rated safety.
and Raheem is the highest rated RB at 89.4
Of all RBs with 10 or more carries, PFF has us with the top 3 overall RBS in the league.
#1 De’Von Achane: 94.4
#2 Chris Brooks: 91.2
#3 Raheem Mostert: 89.4
🧐
By the way, Salvon Ahmed is #9: 75.9
First time I can post from my iPad
Now you guys are in trouble
Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
🐖💨💨💨💨💨💨💨💨💨💨💨💨💨💨💨💨💨💨
Thanks to everyone who sent well wishes to my mom. Hopefully no significant damage to her heart. It’s really kind of crazy, like BBMs sister, she was lucky. She had suddenly gotten a fairly high fever, was shaky and less lucid than normal. My sister and I took her to the ER for that and that’s where she was when the heart issue started. Might have been a different outcome otherwise.
BBM. I hope your sister continues to improve. I was like you , surprised how quickly they turn it around. Mom is still in the hospital, they can’t find what is causing the elevated temp and other issues so test after test after test. I honestly don’t see how she has any blood left, they have taken so much.
Thanks again everyone. It was nice to read your comments and made me feel better while I was waiting at the hospital. You all are really the BEST! ❤️
I will keep praying for her!
Missed what happened to BBM’s sister but best wishes to her and BBM
New avatar
👍
Son : I don’t think we have had a Bills Fest 🤔…. I May be wrong , I think it happened once before
We did. Ajayi ran wild and Tannehill hit a deep ball to Stills to ice the game. I think it was when Gase was HC
Thanks I thought so
We were at one of Ajayi’s big games
Alrighty then.
I can’t think of who we played last year …. I know we lost cause I was 0-3
Minnesota
Should have played Montgomery 😡
Glad I left Jones on a bench
According to PFF, Liam Eichenberg took 30 snaps at Center last week against Denver. He came away with an overall grade of 29.0 (dead last in the NFL for a Center).
We will be needing Connor Williams at the Bills.
Liam Eichenberg is #44 out of 44
Michael Deiter is #39 out of 44
Connor Williams is #3 out of 44
Grief has problems as it pertains to drafting O-Linemen. Good thing we signed Connor Williams as a FA.
He must have been terrible….we only ran for 350 yards and passed for another 350+ Imagine if he did a good job….😮😂😆
It’s crazy, man! He can pass-block from the Center position, but he can’t seem to run-block as a Center… again, according to PFF.
I wish Eich would just get his shit together and become who we drafted him to be.
Only reason he wasn’t a liability in the running game? We generally run OUTSIDE zone.
Not going to argue the point as it sounds logical, but Achane said in an interview that he was proud of his runs between the tackles, I am four drinks and a bowl in so I’m not going to swear to anything. I am watching “Dolphins Today” on Bally which is a cool show I stumbled upon.
They showed that no look shovel pass twice last week. They better not try this week. Even if it feels good. The LB’s were too close and now it’s been on tape.
Hey BB Mike – just saw the news about your sister. Hope she’s doing well and has a full recovery!
I don’t understand what’s up with Eich. He came from the OBS (Outside Blocking Scheme) while he was at Notre Dame, and as a stud Tackle… he seemed to be a near-perfect fit for what we’ve been doing for several years now (again, OBS, even before Coach McDaniel arrived).
He’s obviously lost his job as a starting Tackle for us, lost his job as a starting Guard for us, and now he’s relegated to playing backup Center for us. So very frustrating to me…
I can’t say for sure but maybe he “maxed out” in college and now can’t grow off that plateau because of his build (thin wrists / ankles) or maybe he just isn’t a hard worker, which I don’t believe because the coaches have said the opposite. It can’t be a mental thing or coaches wouldn’t be trying him out at center where you have to be the “smartest” olinemen. (aside, that’s why I never liked the Pouncy twins)
Rockphin and Mike E,
Have y’all watched ‘Ahsoka’ (Star Wars) yet? Thrawn has arrived… and he’s Coach McDaniel in the brain!
Nope, don’t have Disney
Good on you, man! It’s an addiction I have with Star Wars, and I cannot stand Disney. I feel guilty paying them monthly, to be perfectly honest with ya.
Methinks Walt Disney is rolling in his grave with everything Robert Iger has done to his name and company.
I really wish George Lucas never sold to Disney.
No Disney for me either
I can understand as much.
We swept Buff in 2016, and Ajayi got over 200 both times.
Just saying
a-train then… a-chain now?
I like this being out there in the Universe
too many white russians.
Nogtih all.
Nogtih, Rockphin!
Amon ra said Goff stopped them last Sunday mid-game to talk about Tua’s no look that was being shown on the jumbo tron
Imma put this out in the universe too
Back to back 700 yard games…..
Weeeeeeeeeeeee
Pack looked awful on offense first half
They did against the Saints Sunday too 🤔
We won 70-20 with Eichenberg playing 30 snaps at Center and PFF grades him as the worst.😂
Pff watching watching the game like
Regardless, I think we want Connor Williams to start on Sunday, no?
Of course but tired of PFF acting like they decide all things. They don’t.
Have you seen the DT monster we’re going up against on Sunday? I’d rather our starting Center go up against him, rather than our backup Center.
Things are getting interesting in Green Bay!
Thanks again for the well wishes. She is doing fine but they are going to keep her another couple days as they adjust her meds. I am flying back to Florida tomorrow My other sister is here with her they live together in Portland. Thanks again!
Tim Knight says:
September 28, 2023 at 10:42 pm
Of course but tired of PFF acting like they decide all things. They don’t.
———–
I don’t believe any SERIOUS football fan thinks that PFF decides all things. Their metrics are just another tool in the overall toolbox.
M13, you’re more worried than me. Centers are not always blocking NTs, they usually get to the next level. Combination blocks.🙂
Bro, Eich can’t RUN-BLOCK for shit! That’s why he’s lost his job as a starting Tackle and Guard.
Okay
Just sayin’, man! 🙂
I to hope Williams starts at center. Ed Oliver was out one of games against us and still dinged up the second game I believe or maybe just dinged up both. Can’t remember exactly but he is on fire right now.
^EXACTLY!^
Buh-bye, Packers!
https://www.si.com/.amp/nfl/2023/09/27/dolphins-tua-tagovailoa-tyreek-hill-planning-td-celebration-video
M13, not saying Eichenberg is the answer anywhere. But we’re the #1 offense in the league with Grief and Ross’ OL. It sounds to me like you’re both waiting for us to struggle just so you can both be right. That’s not how I watch the games.🙂
If Eich sucked that bad, I don’t think he would be active or on the 53. The.coaches must see something the stat makers don’t
You would think. 🙂
Meaning you and OD. Geez… we shall see. Why worry about everything when we’re doing pretty well? It’s such a negative way to go about it.
Herd/BBM – Best wishes.
Waddle has cleared concussion protocol. 🙂
We’re getting popular.
https://x.com/flasportsbuzz/status/1707503392736547036?s=20
NFL Week 4 Best Bets: Bills quiet Dolphins hype, Panthers cover vs. Vikings, Buccaneers beat down Saints
Breaking down Will Brinson’s best bets from Week 4 of the 2023 NFL season
By Will Brinson
10 hrs ago
•
Bills (-2.5) vs Dolphins
Everyone and their brother is dying to bet Miami, and they can’t understand why the Dolphins aren’t favored after dropping 70 on the Broncos last week. It’s a fair question, but it clearly ignores how good Buffalo remains. The Bills are good. Josh Allen is good. The Dolphins are really, really good and Mike McDaniel might be the best coach in the NFL *right now.* Having said all that, Sean McDermott is in his bag defensively at the moment and Allen took the Week 1 Jets lesson to heart. If Vic Fangio flips him for real, then you tip your cap. But everyone is going to back the Dolphins here and be shocked when the Bills are the better team. Well, not everyone.
yeah, I read that Snarky asshat I want us to dominate so I can feel good about this tool feeling bad. But even though it matches his opinion he doesn’t set the lines so he could argue that “not everyone” didn’t include him, but instead the odds makers in Vegas.
They will be shocked. The world should be shocked because the Bills are NOT the better team.
I think you’re right, but it’s SHOW ME time!
“I don’t really practice throwing with my right hand,” he [Tua] said. “I never thought if it as throwing with my right hand for a touchdown pass for those two shovels. But it’s what it was, so that was cool. Two left and two right. Has it ever been done in the NFL?”
Lol…he’s too short and his arm is too weak so he has to throw shovel TDs
With his other hand…lmfao
https://www.google.com/search?q=i+too+am+not+left+handed&client=safari&sca_esv=569467049&channel=iphone_bm&sxsrf=AM9HkKmuZt47NKC_04rMRUV9F-TgUMQhdg%3A1695995198331&source=hp&ei=PtUWZc6UEZTrptQPkda9gAU&oq=i+too+am+not+left&gs_lp=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&sclient=mobile-gws-wiz-hp#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:e31d8fab,vid:mdEyYK1sJWU,st:0
A
It is crazy how much of a copy cat league this is. In game one MM unveiled his newest tweek on motion with 1/2 side motion and the following week 2-3 teams copied it. Last week 4-5 more used it.
Dan Campbell and the Lions seem like the read deal this year huh?
Yes, congratulations to him.
Bold prediction: The Bills have not allowed 500 yards of offense in a regular-season game since Sept. 20, 2015, but that streak will end Sunday as the Dolphins — who are averaging 550.3 yards per game — continue to surge. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Stat to know: Bills QB Josh Allen is 9-2 in his career against the Dolphins (including playoffs), his most wins against any team. He is a perfect 6-0 at home vs. Miami. – This streak needs to end — Rockphin
NEW BLOG UP!!!