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 
We need to get 4.3 sacks on him or we wont win. 😆😁🐬
Nice catch!
Howie’s List
Week 3
🐴 @ 🐬
🦬 34-24 🐬
🎰 28-20 🐬
🐷 31 – 3 🐬
⚔️ 30-17🐬
🗿44-24🐬
🐠🐟🦈 35-6 🐬
🦍 31-17 🐬
🇬🇧 38-21 🐬
🌴24-17🐬
🇨🇦 38-13 🐬
Colorado was someone I had in mind, maybe Deoin will shut the fuck up now
steveccnv says:
September 23, 2023 at 8:11 am
Some pretty good games, some of these teams will be exposed after today with the soft schedule they’ve previously played
manitobafinfan says:
September 23, 2023 at 8:26 pm
Howie’s List
Week 3
🐴 @ 🐬
🦬 34-24 🐬
🎰 28-20 🐬
🐷 31 – 3 🐬
⚔️ 30-17🐬
🗿44-24🐬
🐠🐟🦈 35-6 🐬
🦍 31-17 🐬
🇬🇧 38-21 🐬
🌴24-17🐬
🇨🇦 38-13 🐬
🏈 34-20 🐬
https://www.si.com/nfl/2023/09/22/chad-henne-declined-new-york-jets-offer-stays-retired?fbclid=IwAR1F4fOMPoe6mbgv9dC7b5hGf0O8tteA0GPHnppfIxXsiCBzMFoVXIPLPdo_aem_ASxmtdC8keRFxy3fl89uEC5K2btqfKaDq_Z0fM_KHRbi6jhz0weRjpEkyFYV9D4fY-w&mibextid=Zxz2cZ
😢
Good for Henne!
No. Bad for us.
Give me Zach Wilson all day, man!!! 😀
Or if you’re looking for somebody else to take the reigns from Zach Wilson, give me Colin Kaepernick or Joe Flacco all day, man!!! 😀
Holy Defensive game in Happy Valley! Very few yards by either team, but PSU is up 10-0, baby!
naplesfan2010 says:
September 23, 2023 at 6:53 pm
only 1 presnap penalty so far … 46 last year, 3rd worst in league
When I played softball, if I didn’t wait on the ball I couldn’t get a hit, if I did I’d get a hit more times than not
I came up with a reminder, before every pitch I’d do the Joe Morgan chicken wing with my right arm, while saying to myself wait, wait, wait
Maybe our O is using some type of reminder to not forget the snap count
I like indications that McDaniel is finding ways to improve year to year.
Nice song! Heard it for the first time just now…
BBMike,
Here’s my dawg, Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas!!!
5 receptions, 110 yards, entering the 4th QTR.
Brian,
WE ARE!!!
Nice game!!!
Drew Allar is looking like a STUD!!!
4 TD passes with most of the 4th QTR still left!!!
And that there was a HUGE heartbreaker for Notre Dame. Sucks.
Jaelan Phillips describes Andrew Van Ginkel’s performance against New England: That boy snapped
Linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel played 65 snaps on Sunday night football.
By Jacob Mendel@JMendel94 Sep 23, 2023, 10:08pm EDT 3 Comments / 3 New
Linebacker Jaelan Phillips was held out last week’s win over the New England Patriots with a back injury, forcing Andrew Van Ginkel to play 61 snaps as an edge rusher.
The former Wisconsin Badgers’ linebacker disrupted New England’s offense with six tackles, three quarterback hits, and a sack in Miami’s 24-17 win. Van Ginkel earned four tackles as Miami’s nickel inside linebacker in Week 1 but was unleashed as a pass rusher against the Patriots.
“That boy snapped,” Phillips said on Wednesday. “I’ve known ‘Gink’ is a playmaker. He’s one of the sneakiest, most sneaky athletic people I’ve ever met. He’s very unassuming, but he’s really a playmaker all around the ball, flying around, making plays, rushing his ass off. He did a great job. A really good job.
The Dolphins sacked Mac Jones four times last weekend and will now face Russell Wilson and the Denver Broncos. The Washington Commanders had a field day against Wilson with 14 quarterback hits and seven sacks last weekend.
Miami toppled New England in the trenches with eight quarterback hits, and it sounds like Phillips will return to the lineup for Sunday’s game. Kick-off between the Broncos and Dolphins is slated for 1:05 p.m. at Hard Rock Stadium.
“I feel great,” Phillips said when talking about his back injury.”Stuff happens. I just moved weird and my back kind of spasmed on me, so I spent the 48 hours after it happened doing everything I could to get right for the game.
“Frankly, I felt pretty good to go but obviously it’s a long season. Got to play everything smart. So I think ultimately it gave my back some rest and now I’m feeling great, feeling healthy, ready to go.”
mf13ss says:
September 23, 2023 at 10:16 pm
Brian,
WE ARE!!!
Nice game!!!
Reply
mf13ss says:
September 23, 2023 at 10:17 pm
Drew Allar is looking like a STUD!!!
Reply
Yes! The rain affected both team’s performances on O a bit at the beginning, but we got it going with almost 400 yards while holding a top 25 team to 76 total yards!!! The D was ferocious! I think the offense still looks a little rusty at times, but hopefully we’ll be firing on all cylinders when we travel to OSU in a few weeks. WE ARE!
TOP: 45-14
Game Day!!!!!
ITS GAME DAY BITCHES!!!
GO DOLPHINS!!!
Oh well Waddle is out next man up
Chosen’s time to shine
I am wearing my new “lucky” shirt. I spilled something on the dolphin shirt. I was wearing week one and took it off and put on this shirt I had just bought that day. Just a vintage motorcycles T-shirt nothing to do with the dolphins. Except I want it twice for the game and they have one twice. Coincidence? probably. Am I willing to take that chance? No I don’t think I am. I’m not gonna wash it as long as they keep winning as well. So you guys might need to give me some room, October if we keep winning lol. 😅
Confession:
I waited to see if Waddle was out to pick my score.
So with him out, I picked fewer points for us.
I picked them to score the most points of the Mob at 44.
Cracraft TD
Hill TD
Mostert TD
Achane TD
Kohou TD
Sanders 3FG
I’m down for that!
I want to um, you know, pick again? LOL
We need to throw “QB Hits” into the mix here. What’s better, a sack, a QB Hit, or a QB pressure. I know you guys just love your fucking pressures, so this is a silly question. I also love how you give me volumes too, for example, “I’d rather have 5 pressures than 1 sack”. How about comparing 1:1. You have to have the same amount of pressures as sacks, so if you get 1 sack, only 1 pressure. Oh, is a QB Hit a pressure, or a sack, or could it be both? LOL
Wait now, Mike E! hold on there.
Do you mean a half a hit or a full hit?
You know, they give .5 sacks right?
So to keep it proportional so it can be mathematically compared,
we’d need to record half-hits.
Like you hit the QB. but he doesn’t go down, it’s a .5H.
If he goes to the ground, then you get the full H.
Same with pressures.
If you get the QB off his spot, make him scramble,
but he completes the pass,
that’s a half a pressure.
So like Phillips this year has
8 .5Ps and 3 full pressures, 2.5 Hits, and a sack and a half.
pretty good stat line for an OLB.
Nice Naples!
Phillips only has 0.5 sacks at the moment, I hope he adds significantly to that total today and the rest of the season
I hope AVG gets at least 4 hits on the QB’s sack today. That would bode well for us.
Down goes Wilson!
Will he get 5 minutes to recover
Pressures, QB hits and sacks are all good. The debate was about pressures being an overrated stat, not that they’re better than sacks. Can we put an end to this silliness.🙄
You ever have one of those days where your mother-in-law has been visiting for the last week and you just wish she’d leave?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsmxEZIdqIQ
🤣
Ezukanma and Cam Smith not active today.🤔
I guess Chosen gets his chance this week, but Cam??? Fucking Apple again??? Ugh! If Cam Smith was a 7th RD pick or an UDFA, he’d be playing
I wonder if he’s still dealing with the shoulder injury he suffered in the 1st PS game. Has he missed a lot of reps?
You guys won’t believe where I’m watching the game today
https://www.pigbeachnyc.com/
Maybe it’s lucky
Lots of pork
The way the world should be
I don’t mind them taking it slow with cam smith, even if it means Eli apple is playing
But with Waddle out I think EZ E had a great opportunity out
That’s a shame to see young talent inactive with injuries to waddle and Ramsey
This game is a great chance for them
When Waddle and Ramsey are healthy you better, they are gonna get used to being inactive
LETS GO DOLPHINS!!!
✌🏻❤️🐬🏈💥
🐬🐷🐬🐷🐬🐷🐬🐷🐬🐷
Game Time!
MIKE E : in my money league I am starting Phillips .. I was gonna do it against you , but I ain’t dropping TJ Watt to do it …
Bad investment! Hope I’m wrong 😳
😎
Let’s go Fins!!
Piggy – why is Pig Beach NYC showing the Dolphins game?
What is the aqua stripe outside the stadium?? It looks like a really short road ?
Woot woot take that Surtain
Oh yeahhhhhhhhhh!!!!@@@
How was he so open?
Safety Chosen wrong WR to cover
Wooohooo!!! Great start!!!
90 Seconds everyone
How’s that for a pressure Mike, I’ll take a Hill pressure any day over a sack😜
Let’s sit on Chosen and let Hill get behind us?????????????????????
Denver’s coaching staff: “shit forgot to cover Tyreek Hill”
Great start!
Kohou don’t fuck around!!
The PRESSURE made him throw it too close to sidelines 😊
Hell yeah
Nice job Kohou
Test
Fucking thing. Bout time.
Another score for us really puts the sack on Denver
🤣
There he is 👍👍😎
This game is feeling kind of fun
Achane!!!!
A-Chain!!!!
Mostert looking strong
Yes
He really is
Watching Hill get to the market so fast is like a
Woot woot
Great run by Achane
Achane wanted that TD!
Fuck yeah!!!!! This offense is incredible!!!
Who dat?
Achane is pretty good
We are putting on a clinic!
Wow. Look at the Rook fly
Love this fast start!
They were ready for this game
Isn’t it weird how good this offense is when you don’t fumble snaps
And Flags!
I didn’t think the injury to Ahmed was going to be bad for us
⛓💥🐬
🐖💨
On the TV next to me the jests patriots game is playing
3-0 with little offense
Can’t relate!
Mike
I haven’t rvrieee the stats but it feels to me like we haven’t had a lot of dumb penalties so far this season?
Usually you get a ton of false starts in the first few weeks
Did we get any false starts?
Probably the fewest since Shula was chairman of rules committee. 😁
If this shit still works in December and Jan this could get interesting
I’m sure you all realized TE Julian Hill is playing. Blocked well too!
Perfect example of pressure failing. I rest my case your honor!
Lol
Oooooooooooh, great pressure!!! LOL
Imagine getting paid to return k.o.s
Love Kevin Harlan
I wish the Oline would stay and let Tua have a free play!
We run that a lot better than when Gase was her
Damn
Damn! Love A-chain putting on the afterburner. Oh, another failed pressure. 😁
Tua aka Mahomes
Ala
Tua should fucking retire
We are fun to watch 😃
No look Tua
ACHANEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
No look TD
This is so great.
Go Dolphins!!!!
Putting our Golden down tomorrow, all of a sudden every second commercial has a fucking Golden in it .. WTF
Sorry to hear.
I don’t think Achane will ever be inactive again
KNOCK ON SOME FING WOOD
This offense is so fun🙂
He look so good on that TD that got called back for the phantom hold. The guy who threw the flag was in the shot, behind the defensive player and blocked by the player so he couldn’t see a hold if there was one! Anyway THAT run was beautiful
Just so you know, I’m going to download that Russell Wilson TD after the pressure and post it EVERY TIME YOU OR ANYONE ELSE TELLS ME HOW WONDERFUL PRESSURES ARE! 😝
A game looks amazing
Jets have negative 1 yard this half
Not kidding
That pressure was a PLUS
So pressured by Wilkins and hit buy Chub
Let’s go defense they can’t stop our offense.
man, I wish we’d get some fucking sacks instead of pressures
Or our secondary covers someone
Apparently Kohou is the only guy that can do that
Guess not🙄
AVG with a big tackle there
coach needs to bring his readers