The Miami Dolphins return home from an unsuccessful trip to Buffalo, NY. You can look at this game from many different perspectives. You can say it was a tough task traveling to Buffalo for the 3rd road game in 4 games. You can say in general Orchard Park is a house of horrors for the Dolphins, which it is. You could also look at it from the viewpoint that if this team is really ready to compete for a division title and beyond, we need to be able to not only compete with teams like the Bills, but beat them. Well, this past Sunday we did neither, at least not past the beginning of the 2nd quarter, where the score stood at that time at 14-14. The Bills then ran away, scoring 17 unanswered points and eventually finished on top with a lopsided 48-20 victory.
One game however, does not mean that all is bad in Miami. Credit Bills HC Sean McDermott for finding a way to shut down the Dolphins offense, something the Patriots did as well up to a point. The bright side is, I have no concerns with our offense. We lost a couple of role players, WR’s River Cracraft and Erik Ezukanma, Cracraft more in a receiving role, while EZ was used in the rushing attack and seldom used as a receiver. Both players are on IR so they will both be out a minimum of 4 games. In the mean time, the Dolphins acquired former Steelers and Bears WR Chase Claypool for a 6th RD pick in 2024, the Dolphins receive Claypool and the Bears 7th RD pick in 2024. This offense is evolving constantly, and now LT Terron Armstead will spend some customary time OUT, he’s also now on IR with multiple injuries. We have seen the emergence of rookie RB De’Von Achane, and he’s been nothing less than electric. His stats are off the charts, but lest we not forget how well Raheem Mostert looks this season. I’m also impressed with big back Chris Brooks from BYU, and RB Jeff Wilson is set to return shortly from injury. RB Salvon Ahmed is also healing up, so that’s one very crowded backfield, and how the touches are divided are anyone’s guess. Achane has been used sparingly despite the outrageous returns on his limited touches, and to be fair, they might just keep it that way to keep him healthy. This may also benefit Raheem Mostert who is now 31, and although he’s bulked up and looks like a different back, he’s got quite the injury history, so splitting carries might be the recipe to keep both healthy and productive.
OK, finally, what about the defense? I loathe to talk about the defense, or lack of defense if you will. This defense scares no one. It’s toothless. We’ve been gashed on the ground, through the air, every which way. ST’s has allowed a blocked FG attempt and has allowed a return TD. The super hyped Jaelan Phillips wasn’t much when he played, and now he’s likely to miss his 3rd straight game. The defense has 10 sacks after 4 games, and if I told you after 4 games that Andrew Van Ginkel would be leading the team with 3 sacks, you’d have laughed at me. AVG is doing his best while Phillips is out and while Bradley Chubb is largely ineffective. The other 7 sacks are distributed with a sack each for Long, Ogbah, Chubb, Wilkins, Sieler, and Kohou, and hype-boy Phillips shares 1/2 sack with DB Justin Bethel. The Dolphins defense is allowing just a hair under 30 PPG, a far cry from what we all expected with the Vic Fangio hiring.
The Jonathan Taylor rumors went wild, this after the Dalvin Cook rumors went wild. OK, the problem on this team is not the run game, or the players in the run game. Now that Taylor is eligible to return, he’s eligible to come off the PUP list, and appears fully healthy from his January ankle surgery. We just traded for WR Chase Claypool, so how long before Taylor to Miami starts again, and it probably already has, although I’ve read the Packers really want him. I said we didn’t need him before, and I’m sticking to that position. We could potentially be better with Taylor, but I think we’re more than fine with what we currently have.
Back to the dreaded defense. Cam Smith, ZERO defensive snaps, has only played special teams. Our 1st pick in this year’s draft, #51 (2nd RD pick), can’t seem to crack the lineup ahead of Eli Apple for one. I love Kader Kohou, what Dolphins fan doesn’t? Kohou is a nickel back, and actually, good news is on the frontier, because Nik Needham can potentially be back as well as OG Robert Jones. Both have been designated to return in which the team has a 21 day window to be activated, much like the Colts Jonathan Taylor. It would be wonderful for Needham to get back, he’s a favorite of mine because he always seems to step up to the challenge before him. I don’t know whether Vic Fangio just feels that Cam Smith isn’t ready, doesn’t like rookies, I’m not sure, but to see Eli Apple lining up and playing like Eli Apple has, it’s disheartening to fans that Cam Smith hasn’t received a chance.
It’s looking Connor Williams may miss another game with an injured groin muscle. Both Robert Jones and Nik Needham logged back to back limited practices, so they’re not on the radar for this week. C Connor Williams also has 2 limited practices, so we’ll see whether he suits up against the Jints, who by the way will be without 3 starters on their O-line, LT Andrew Thomas, LG Shane Lemieux and C Jon Michael Schmitz, while RB Saquon Barkley will be a gametime decision. Our beleaguered defense may actually have a favorable matchup, stay tuned. You have to figure we’ll rest Phillips in this one as he’s still bothered with that oblique injury. I expect our offense to get back to normal, not necessarily 70 points, but 30 or more points in this one. The NY Giants are league last scoring only 11.5 PPG, while allowing 30.5 PPG on defense, just behind our Dolphins defense. Hopefully the Dolphins get their mojo back and come back again next week to Hard Rock for the Fest at 4-1, still atop, either tied or maybe alone after a battle with the Jacksonville Jaguars who got back on track against the Atlanta Falcons to go to 2-2.
GO DOLPHINS!!
Finsmob Unleashed 
First?
Yes!!!!! I think it’s been years! Not sure why I’m so excited, but I am.
LOL! Congratulations!
LMAO, same here!!! I thought I had it for the first time in years, and not sure why I was so excited about it! 😆
Foist!
Brian beat me! LOL
🍻
Damn you Mike, I wasn’t in the mood to read. I’ll circle back later.😜
You sound like Jen Psaki!! lol
😂
Good write up Mike.
Honestly, after the emergence of Achane, I think the Taylor to Miami rumors are dead. I could see us moving Wilson jr before the deadline . There are way too many backs that deserve touches.
Thanks Bri!
Another great write, Mike E. I cannot disagree with a single thing you stated.
Excellent!
Thanks pal!
Oh, and to piggyback on Brian, I too believe the Jonathan Taylor to us Phins rumors are dead. We’re LOADED in our RB room.
And I cannot believe how crappy Dalvin Cook has been for the stej. Outstanding pass by GM Grief!
Their OL is not very good.
When RBs lose a step it’s so glaring.
Mike, any intel on Jonathan Taylor for FF?
I’ve been following closely, he’s practiced in FULL both Wednesday and Thursday, but no decision has been made as far as I know as to whether he plays Sunday or not. He’s totally healthy, so unless he’s getting traded, you’d think he’ll get some action, but i think it’s a risky play this week nonetheless.
Yeah I agree, we need to see a week of results.
If they put him on the 53 man roster, he’s going to play, but again, I think it’s risky because they will probably split carries with him and Moss, with Moss getting more opportunities. Don’t you think?
Cameron Wolfe
@CameronWolfe
Giants HC Brian Daboll told reporters RB Saquon Barkley may be game-time decision vs Dolphins
Giants gave up 11 sacks to SEA & ruled OUT LT Andrew Thomas + 2 more offensive linemen Sunday. Talked to🐬 defenders: They feel pressure to turn it around/get sacks. Great chance vs NYG
If we don’t have AT LEAST 5 sacks…
Do sacks even matter??? 😛
If we don’t, I want at least 12 pressures😉
not on first down
Is VJ short for vijayjay, or vertical jump? lol
😂
😆
Good read! Yes, Claypool can block, according to Durham Smythe, his teammate of two years at Notre Dame…
WOW!!!
The 49ers are going back to the Super Bowl… write it down.
Free agency regrets festival
Ryder shows a clip of Claypool blowing up a DB. He possibly could get called for a penalty on that block but close. Also close to taunting as Ryder points out.
Depending on which Chase Claypool we get, the potential for him in this offense greatly outweighs the risk. Of course, there is not much risk involved in this move.
Thanks Mike E. 😊
You’re welcome Herd 🙂
Claypool looks huge next to
Tua who looks really big next Achane.
He’s a big athletic dude that needs to get refocused.
Stephen A is DEAD RIGHT about Claypool.
https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=seagulls%20thunderestruck&mid=52FF8403F345F2BB00D052FF8403F345F2BB00D0&ajaxhist=0
Only way to post that music video.
Herd, here is your home state guy. Sad this represents a lot of small towns across our country.
If we can get Claypool focused, I wonder if we use him in that F-TE position. Talent wise he can beat LBs and Safeties. He’s big enough to chip edge guys and blitzers even if blocking isn’t his thing. To me blocking is mostly about effort.
We need Tyreek to get on him.
I just read that Taylor is listed as questionable Sunday, so I guess that means he’s been activated, right?
Nope not activated yet still PUP listed
He has practiced all week and is eligible to be activated for Sunday
Correct, still have 21 (less however many) days to decide when and what to do
Claypool M(EH). 🇨🇦
Nothing to lose I spose … he’s been on my fantasy do not draft list for years 🤷♂️
Mike, I feel like we’re still in wait and see mode with Taylor. I’m not starting him.
I’m not either. I have Zack Moss too, I may have to start him if Amon Ra St. Brown is out
I have St. Brown too I don’t think he’s going to play. He hasn’t practiced at all this week.
I’ve had a spot of bad luck. I lost J.K. Dobbins, then I lost Mike Williams. My roster is a little tight now as I have a couple of players on BYE and 2 on the PUP, Taylor and Jameson Williams
C.J. Stroud is looking the part so far.
Tim Knight says:
October 6, 2023 at 5:46 pm
If we can get Claypool focused, I wonder if we use him in that F-TE position…
———–
He’s too elite to relegate him to such a diminutive role, man. He’s either going to be a solid WR for us, or TE1… and possibly the best TE in the NFL.
He is not a TE and not what MM wants in a TE
That’s an assumption on your part. You may be right, but we don’t know at this point.
Not an assumption. He is not nor can he be an in line TE. He has never played it and doesn’t have the strength to play it.
MF13 I would say it’s an educated observation, rather than assumption
I’m kinda hoping Taylor plays as my other options are Akers and CEH 😕
Some more good college games this weekend.
Tomorrow, October 7
Oklahoma Sooners 5-0-0 11:00 AM @ Texas Longhorns 5-0-0
Maryland Terrapins 5-0-0 11:00 AM @ Ohio State Buckeyes 4-0-0
Washington State Cougars 4-0-0 2:00 PM @ UCLA Bruins 3-1-0
Syracuse Orange 4-1-0 2:30 PM @ North Carolina Tar Heels 4-0-0
Alabama Crimson Tide 4-1-0 2:30 PM @ Texas A&M Aggies 4-1-0
Kentucky Wildcats 5-0-0 6:00 PM @ Georgia Bulldogs 5-0-0
Notre Dame Fighting Irish 5-1-0 6:30 PM @ Louisville Cardinals 5-0-0
Fresno State Bulldogs 5-0-0 7:00 PM @ Wyoming Cowboys 4-1-0
Just to name a few.
26 Graham Barton OT | Duke
57 Sedrick Van Pran OC/IOL | Georgia
163 Keith Randolph Jr. DL | Illinois
180 Troy Fautanu OT | Washington
203 Jestin Jacobs LB | Oregon
249 Deshawn Pace LB | Cincinnati
Anyone else think that Claypool maybe a replacement for EZ-E filling the hole they had him spotted to fill
Sort of a poor man’s Deebo Samuel doing a lot of different things and sometimes lining up behind the QB
He didn’t seem to want to block in Chicago
But again maybe motivation is everything
FYI Tim
I think you are on to something with that Hback/TE role
Except I don’t think there will be any formal conversion to another position
He will be a WR For is IMO
If he’s good enough to get on the field for us (which I think is a big hurdle to get over) I think he stays WR but fills a utility role
Sometimes he will be in the slot
Sometimes in the backfield
Sometimes outside
Right now at WR it’s Hill, Waddle and Berrios too 3
But McDaniel has shown a willingness to sub receivers in and out
IMO the injuries to Cracraft and EzE kind of limits this offense to MM ultimate vision
I think he wants ar least 1 physical receiver
In many ways though, imo, that fits what you are talking about
The F-TE position is more of a receiver than blocker. Think Shannon Sharpe, Dallas Clark or Aaron Hernandez etc.
Yeah – I gotcha
I agree with you – I think his role is similar
But maybe more like Ezunama was supposed to be
I think, rather than classic Charles clay type, he’s more Deebo-like – if he gets on the field at all (which is a big if)
He won’t be anywhere as productive in this offense even if he gets in the field – bc its hard enough to get waddle, hill, Achane and monster enough touches
But clapypool might get us the versatility MM wants the same way an HBack does
Yeah that’s why I was wondering about a different type of role.
My guess is it will be a different type of role
But he will still be called a WR just like Deebo Samuel is even though Deebo has a different kind of role
I don’t expect him to be anywhere near the player Deebo is but I do think he has a chance to really give defenses trouble playing along side the rest of our talent
Yeah we’ll see how they use him but doubt it will be this Sunday.
Since it is college game day…
If we don’t draft a top OT in 2024, I will be pissed. This is one of the better OT classes in a couple years. I feel like there will be 6 selected in the 1st round, 4 LT and 2 RT. I could see about 12 OT’s taken between the 1st and 2nd rounds. The top 2 are LT’s and will be taken far out of our range in:
Olu Fashanu, Penn State, 6-6, 319-pounds. He allowed no sacks on 299 true pass-blocking snaps in 2022, with a pressure percentage of just 3.0%. His run blocking grade was not nearly as good as his pass blocking and 299 pass blocking snaps is not a huge sample size but I think he will be the first OT taken top 10 in the draft.
Joe Alt, Notre Dame, 6-7, 310 pounds. There is argument that Alt is the best OT in the draft. They compare him to former ND’er Mike McGlinchey. He allowed just a 2.5% pressure rate on 409 pass-blocking snaps in 2022 which was better than Fashanu. He also had an elite 91.4 run-blocking grade which is tied for highest among draft eligible OT’s
The next 2 LT’s could be in our range.
Graham Barton, Duke, 6-5, 311 pounds. He allowed just two sacks on 457 pass-blocking snaps. More impressive is he tied Joe Alt with the best run blocking grade at 91.4 among draft eligible OT’s. The only knock is his arm length. Though, he’s nowhere close to being a T-Rex like Eich. I think he could be a solid LT and even more an elite LG who could move out to LT in a snap.
Kingsley Suamataia, BYU, 6-6, 315-pounds. He allowed zero sacks on 337 pass-blocking snaps with a 3.3% pressure rate.
The top 2 RT’s are:
JC Latham, Alabama, 6-6 and 335 pounds. He didn’t allow a single sack across 426 true pass-blocking snaps. He plays with a mean streak. Probably goes in the mid 1st to into the early 20’s.
Amarius Mims, Georgia, 6-7, 330 pounds. Solid all round. Probably goes in the 20’s to late 20’s.
There are several other who probably go in the second round but could sneak into the 1st based on their play this year and the fact they are LT’s.
Forgot to mention, RT JC Latham at 6-6, 335 not only plays mean, he ran a 4.85.
Jonathan Taylor has signed a 3 year extension for $42M and $26.5M guaranteed with the Colts. He’s off the PUP and ready to go.🙂
nice!!!
Patrick Paul, Houston, 6-7, 310 Pounds. He is one who I think could sneak into the 1st round as a LT if he posts another great season like he did in 2022. He posted an elite 93.0 pass-blocking grade in 2022 (I believe was the best grade out of draft eligible OT’s), allowing just one sack on 595 pass-blocking snaps. He checks all the boxes.
Wow David Bakhtiari needs season ending knee surgery again. I wonder if he call it quits now.
Mike, you considering starting Taylor being that he got his contract, practiced all week and is activated? I get this feeling a happy Taylor could go off.
I will be happily. As I said my other options were Akers and Hilaire
I’m seriously thinking about it because of a gut feeling.🤔
Damn the torpedoes, go with the gut 🤷♂️👍
Yeah our committee backfield will likely match his production once he’s the bell cow again. We’ve got explosive backs.
Not sure how the draft is going to stack up at the center position, but the best is clearly Sedric Van Pran, 6-4, 310 from Georgia. He grades 85 in pass pro and 79 in run. In 1758 snaps playing center (all snaps not just pass pro), allowed 16 pressures and just 1 sack.
If we could land one of these OT’s in the late 1st and Van Pran in the 2nd, it will be a great draft.
Hopefully we will be selecting 31 or 32 in the 1st and take LT Graham Barton or Patrick Paul and get Van Pran in the 2nd.
Yes, bonds are slow and I am bored. LOL
Unfortunately, the 2024 draft does not look very strong at LB.
BBM,
I’d Fashanu came out
In 2023, he likely would have been the first OL drafter then too. He’s really young. And wanted to stay one more year to help PSU and to further his development.
If
Toba, I hate when I go with analytics over gut and get burned.
I hate the other ways as well LOL abut what’s a fella to do 😎🤷♂️
I was just posting on the wrong blog bc I’m a silly pig
Go FSU
What do you mean wrong blog? How is that possible? How can you accidentally post on……YOU GO TO OTHER BLOGS!!!????
CHEATER!!!!
#PIGSLUT
I am VERY excreted to see see Achane extend his record pacing start
https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AchaDe00.htm
Excreted ?? EWWWWW
God Damn auto Incorrect / speech text!
It’s very strange what is happening on Defense. We had a down year last year, but are having a seemingly worse year this year.
So, would that make last year not a down year? Yuk
Out Defense really needs to catch up, hell, not even all the way up, just like a lap down, LOL. Our O can score / out score anyone. We NEED the D and our atrocious special teams to step up.
100% If they could just get 50% stops, we would be all right.
Brian, Fashanu is the #1 OT on just about every mockster’s board. He is considered a rare can’t miss prospect. I believe Alt is a close #2 then a drop off. Not just because I am a ND homer either. lol
WR Stefon Diggs was fined $13,659 for unsportsmanlike conduct Sunday against the Dolphins, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported.
Nate Atkins
@NateAtkins_
On a call with reporters, Jim Irsay said that Edgerrin James was a mediator in repairing the Colts’ relationship with Jonathan Taylor.
I didn’t know this.
Tyreek Hill was fined 7K by the NFL for not wearing socks in the Denver game.
🙄
Ryan Dunleavy
@rydunleavy
·
Follow
#Giants DC Wink Martindale quip on facing #Finsup after they scored 70: ‘I’m sleeping like a baby. Every 2 hours I wake up, cry and go to the bathroom.’
———–
lol
Ty Hill
@cheetah
Chase Claypool I like it 🥹
Wink likes to blitz a lot. Tua and Co. make them pay.🙂
Should be no excuses for the D.
Gotta get this off my chest…
I’m absolutely fucking UPSET, ANGERED, SADDENED, and SEETHING over what happened to Israel today. This type of thing should NEVER happen to any people or nation, EVER. 😥
I’m not even Jewish, but I want these Nazis (yes, they ARE Nazis) DEAD. Iran is responsible for this HAMAS terror attack, as their lawmakers chanted “Death to Israel, Death to America!” today in their version of our Capital Building. Even Barack Obama gaslighted everybody today by giving praise on Twitter/X to an Iranian for winning a Nobel Prize… too early? 😡
Gaza is going to be turned into a glass parking lot… after which, the lying liberal global media is going to call Israel the aggressor. Then, there will be an all-out attack by Muslim nations on Israel. Even Al-Qaeda has reached out to Iran for safe passage in order to join the attack on Israel with their $80B worth of weapons and artillery that Biden gave up in his clumsy/intentional evac of Afghanistan.
Welcome to the final phase of WWIII, where there is actual global warfare… with NUKES! Should be a real hoot!
But fuck it, ‘Orange man bad. He bad person. He start WWIII. He destroy economy. Orange man is con.’
SMMFH
Apologies, not Al-Quada, but the Taliban.
I truly love this site, but can do without the politics.
^
Her guy was a great help
Oh my…..he was the cuckold…lol
bailbondmike says:
October 7, 2023 at 6:46 pm
I didn’t know this.
Tyreek Hill was fined 7K by the NFL for not wearing socks in the Denver game.
‐‐————————-
‘What BBM said’
I’m sure there’s a prediction list somewhere but ……..
🇬🇧 35-10 🐬 over 💩
Few thoughts on our team/D. I still can’t make my mind up whether we’re still getting to grips with Fangio’s scheme or we just have a ton of potential that will never be realised. Potential is a euphemism for projection and it’s what evaluators and fans do all the time, but as we all know, player development is not linear, it can hit a glass ceiling or even go into reverse and the wheels can come off. I suspect we have a mix of unfulfilled potential (as yet) and a new scheme colliding resulting in a massive disappointment on that side of the ball.
Then there’s the offense. An unstoppable force (at least until we played divisional rivals – so not unstoppable at all then). The greatest show on turf captured a genie in a bottle. We might do that too by season’s end, but I remain to be convinced.
A win vs Eagles or Cheifs might tip me over the edge but I predicted 10-7 precisely because I wasn’t taking the cheese on this team. We can’t fecking tackle. Until we learn to do that we are dead in the water. If everything does come together though, we have a lot of potential and this season is the first one to get excited over in way too long. I hope we do become the greatest show on surf, but I’m not ready to anoint us yet. The best name I’ve seen for our O so far us motion by the ocean. Looking forward to hopefully see the 💩 get seasick later.
Fins up
Chiefs
Oh no!
IT IS GAMEDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Saquon out today.
IT’S GAME DAY BITCHES!!!
GO DOLPHINS!!!
Been raining all night up here (50 miles north of stadium) I hope it was the same down there because it is humid as fuck this morning woof
Howie’s List
Week 5
🐬 vs 💩
🦬 35 – 17🐬
🐷 42 – 6 🐬
🇬🇧 35-10 🐬
Thx Herd
Howie’s List
Week 5
🐬 vs 💩
🦬 35 – 17🐬
🐷 42 – 6 🐬
🇬🇧 35-10 🐬
🗿27-13🐬
We should destroy the Giants today by at least 17, with us putting up 40+
Milano carted off the sideline with a knee injury
Air cast on his leg from shin to thigh
Jags up 8-0 and driving
Karma
Jags taking it to them right now. Hopefully they can keep it up.
38-17 Miami
Okay I’ll play.
45-17 Phins
Jags just can’t take a sack and turn it over in that situation
That happened really fast though. Big time play by Epenesa.
I turned tv on at 11-0 , though I should turn this off and go back to sleep
Howie’s List
Week 5
🐬 vs 💩
🦬 35 – 17🐬
🐷 42 – 6 🐬
🇬🇧 35-10 🐬
🗿27-13🐬
🌴 38-17 🐬
⚔️ 45-17 🐬
🇨🇦 41-3 🐬
I don’t usually cheer for injuries but Milano being carted off is 🎵
Phillips is inactive today
That’s the right move. I wouldn’t honestly rest him the next two weeks and bring him back against Philly.
Would
So much for the breakout season
Plenty of the season left. Nothing you can do about injuries.
Totally agree. Let him rest another week, if not two. If we’re the team we think we are, we shouldn’t need him today.
FIFA must be really excited about this score
Joe Schad
@schadjoe
Cam Smith is active for Miami Dolphins
Dolphins should get him involved in my opinion
Connor Williams is active
That’s good news
Fingers crossed he doesn’t aggravate it.
Good news. Hopefully he’s able to play. The only way I see us losing today is if Tua is under heavy pressure.
Jaguars need to score. They are letting Buffalo hang around.
This could be the dagger drive.
🙏🏻
Go Jags!
That is BS!!!
That’s a bull shit roughing the passer penalty
It’s the rule, but I hate that call smh
How does he avoid that though? He hit him with his face mask.
He clearly hit him helmet to helmet. The rule is the rule. It’s just a shitty rule.
Staratore thinks he was runner, so he agrees with you
Fucking refs just giving them life
Jags offense is going to need to finish this off
Anyone else anxiously waiting a Josh Allen turnover
That’s a great tackle
Come on Jags, eat some clock!
Nice throw and catch!
What a throw by Lawrence
what a balsy throw
1 more 1st down
Even better
How about a 35 yard rushing TD?
Or more…
That’s game! Now let’s go take first place back boys!!!!!!!!!
Now during our game I’m gonna post “1 more 1st down” every time we have the ball
Dolphins back in 1st place AFC East
Jags doing what we couldn’t do. Finishing a game against the Bills. Also, playing defense against the Bills.
Finish?
We didn’t even get started !
We were on the game until the 2nd quarter, were tied 14-14
Spoke to soon?
Wtf are the Jags doing?!!!!
I mean if there was ever a time for prevent defense?
unreal
Should I say it…
“Just none more 1st down”