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 start kicking field goals. LOL
🗿😆
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 🐬
1 would do it 🤔
I think it’s safe to say you will be closest in predicting the Fins score
OK NOW WE NEED TO GET A SAFETY AND SIT ON IT. LOL
Mostert is a different RB this season with the weight room showing
Again Rock, I just said that to my Son. Did you bug my house?
And with an OL
This Tua guy sucks, who said it was OK to throw an incomplete pass
We should have traded for Watson!
lol, bench his ass
Cut his ass
Williams looks like he injured himself
We have Achane to score 40…
O-line smoking MF’s today!!!!!!!!!
Yes they are
Achane is an absolute steal
Big time
Achane with excellent vision and body control, reacting yo the blocks and new running lanes, slowing down, allowing the lanes to open. He looks very good
Achane is going to be so good, already is. 💥
The AFC should be terrified
Oinking right they should be
The map t
Of the addition of Butch Barry reminds me of when we added Hudson Houck
Didn’t realize
Does it matter
That happened in the Achane run
Heard them say he went down
I was wondering, thanx
Boom
Terrible call. Kick it to get to 38 then take knees
Lol…Or score 35 more
Indy up 16-14
CavalierKong says:
September 24, 2023 at 3:09 pm
I think it’s safe to say you will be closest in predicting the Fins score
Reply
I want the grand prize
It’s also nice Sanders doesn’t have any pressure to make kicks and he’s hit all his extra points. Let’s him get his head right in this game
Holland with his 2nd strip!
Jets are chewing ass today
Brian in NY says:
September 24, 2023 at 2:56 pm
The knock by some pundits and drafts “experts” was Achane is too small. But when you watched film he was actually a tough runner, who ran inside and out with physicality. He’s showing that today, and really making the potential for a Taylor trade completely unnecessary now.
……….. and the OL isn’t as bad as advertised and, and, and …….. it’s almost like coaching matters and the top brass know what they are doing?
LOL HOLLAND! THE SNOW MAN SAYS NO NO NO
Wilkens I having a very good day!
Jevon ‘Tillman’ Holland
😂
#3 for Holland!
Woot woot
What a play by Holland!!!!!
Think Holland has his doubts about Courtland Sutton’s ball security
Good pressure by Wilkins and another nice strip by Holland. D is starting to ball
Pressure had nothing to do with the fumble recovery
Play before when Wilkins pummeled Wilson
It might feel like this fangio defense is giving up to much
But all they gave to do is sit back and wait for turnovers if they score 30+
Ok screw it guys. Go for 64 points today.
UK,
Brian in NY says:
September 24, 2023 at 3:11 pm
Of the addition of Butch Barry reminds me of when we added Hudson
Houck
True dat
THIS IS SO FUN TO WATCH!
Fucking A-chane
In a good way
He’s awesome
I’ve seen at least 10 plays today where the Broncos have either got a 1st down or a positive play on a pressure. Can you fuckers relent on this one already? The biggest and clearest point is that a pressure may or may not result in a positive on any given play. I think every time you say “pressure” you look dumber than the last time you said it. Just saying
Herds going to kick your sack for me!
You are missing the point. Of course there can be positive plays and of course sacks are better but pressures do impact the game
In my other FF league, I can honestly day this is the first time as far as I can recall that my entire squad is playing at 1PM. It’s crazy!
That has never happened to me !
Achane was a homer FF pick for me. I have 3/5 RBs hurt (Chubb) so I was forced to start him today. Sometimes thing just work out…
I have Mostert and Achane, only played Mostert today
You are reaping the benefits – he’s killing it too
Omg what footwork by mostert
Welcome to Mo’s
Let’s fucking gooooo!!!!!
Wow
22/25
299
3 TDs
156.1
Who has Mostert in FF?
I do
Took him in the 10th round
OK lets set Mostert and see some Brooks
And Tua and Hill
There’s no place like home, there’s…
INT By Pressure
It doesn’t count because Wilson is proving Mike’s point
That’s over 500 yards for the Fins
Holy fuck. Pressure did that 🤣
This is epic!
Is this over the top
That prick is now in the minority in opinions on Tua
Schatz? 💩 sounds right
Total domination 🙂
50 burger coming up
In the 70s I went to a game against the cheats, we won 52-0 used to be my favorite score, now it changes with every win😜
Ken, honestly, that wasn’t a pressure, Hand got his hand up, he was about 5-7 yards from the QB
But that is pressure. That is what collapsing the pocket can cause
Ok, I’m specifically talking about the stat QB Pressure. That means a defensive player was close to the QB and caused him to alter his movement. I’m done, it’s getting silly and taking away from this epic game we’re witnessing
And I am not specifically talking I am just talking in general general and maybe be having a little fun. It’s all good. This is one for the ages.
Indy down 1 point, getting the ball back with 2:28 to play.
They just got pinned at the 1
Can we put this pressure/sack back and forth to bed and just enjoy this? 😊
It’s all in fun😎
Yes, I just said that to Ken. 😀
😂
Herds taking care of it! 😉
I’m gonna get banned by Twitter if we keep this up
Worth it
Let’s do it again
Wow. Just no one around him
Some crazy ass shit today.
Piggy – ask Schatz why we are getting 8yds a pop on the ground. Where are those Bronco safeties and why?
Most points EVER
I said 64 right?
I’m glad Payton fixed Wilson and let him cook again 😝
MaWHoms?
🐖💨💨💨💨💨💨💨💨💨💨
Me farting around the blog
This game suddenly got slow Mike
LOL, it sure did! Gives us more time to savor this truly amazing beat down
Sitting Tua with 15 mins left
Achane needs 1 more to match Mostert
LT cramping up
Man, it’s like nothing going right for the Broncos today
I feel a little bit bad
Just a little though
Tua has 3 incompletions
Which is less than his 4 TDs
Tua done!
He should be
What a day
Take a bow young man!
Mike, how many points does Mostert have? Achane has 40 for me
Mostert 45.10. Achane 39
Let’s see if White can F this up?
😂 was thinking the same thing
Chris Brooks getting action! Go CB!
I’d love for the second string to get a TD this quarter
Indy down 1 has the ball at their 38 1st and 10 with 1:50 to go
Brooks me
Achane averaging 8 yards per carry and TD and 10.03 per catch with two TD receiving
BREAK OUT GAME
BIG CHRIS BROOKS SIGHTING
Indy in fg range
Brooks busting!
Fucking punt
That’s where MM gets too cute. Just run a brooks up the middle.
Oh shit, I just realized the Ravens are up 3, so this is to tie
They got a safety
We got a punter?
He should be arrested n the inactive list of they okay like this eve try week
You need to lay of the Sow’s! 😉
Bri – I had JK Dobbins, he went out for the season. I drafted Bijan Robinson, Mostert, Achane and Jonathan Taylor. I picked up Zack Moss as a FA. I’m going to be playing at least 3 RB’S every week, my league has 2 flex spots
56 points and nearly the entire 4th quarter left
We could have got to 70!
80
Defense is killing it today too
Kind of under the radar
But look at them okay hard up by multiple scores
Defense was crazy good today
Nearly perfect day from Tua 155.77
The pundits will be licking the Fins sack this week! 🙂
It will be glorious
I can’t believe there is ten minutes left in this game
HA I was behind on the DVR LOL
Wow
60 burger
🍻
60 burgers
Okay 70 is still in play
Chosen TD
Damn special teams … now we need to score again
Bomb not necessarily the right thing to do there, but then again, fuck Sean Payton and his resting smug face
Fucking special teams