Our 8-3 AFC East Division leaders travel to Washington this week to take on the 4-8 Washington Commanders. Yeah, still hard not to think Redskins, but it is what it is. The Commanders defense is dead last in the NFL, 32 of 32 allowing 29.2 points per game. This bodes well for our team, which is scoring 30.8 points per game.The bright spot for the Commanders is they appear to have a QB, potentially a franchise QB. Although his play has been uneven, QB Sam Howell has thrown for 3339 yards, 18 TD’s and 13 INT’s. That’s 162 more yards passing than our own Tua Tagovailoa for Howell, in his rookie season no less. Howell is also completing 66.5% of his passes, just a shade less than Tua at 69.8%. This is an opportunity for our offense to get back on track, but also a chance for our defense to continue to show that this is one of the top units in the NFL as we get closer to the playoffs.
It was a crushing blow last week when OLB Jaelan Phillips season ended after a non contact achilles injury. He was playing at a very high level, equal to the amount of hype he received before the season. Now, the forgotten man in this defense, DE/LB Emmanuel Ogbah moves very much to the forefront. Of course AVG, Andrew Van Ginkel will probably see more snaps now at OLB, Ogbah will most certainly see a lot more snaps than he has all season. The good thing is, Ogbah has fresh legs, and is completely healthy, playing nearly a 1/3 of the snaps this season (21%) compared to the usual 65-77% of the snaps in other years. Besides the pass rush, one thing that directly affects the pass rush is the pass coverage. Right now, our defense couldn’t be any better, with a healthy CB Xavien Howard on the left side and the scalding hot CB Jalen Ramsey on the right. Safeties Jevon Holland and DeShon Elliot round out this excellent secondary. Holland, of course, had the amazing “Hell Mary” 99 yard TD interception return on the last play of the first half against the NY Jets.
It seems as if we may be getting some players back on the offensive side, as RG Robert Hunt looks like he may be ready to play, although he may be on a snap count. It seems as if the entire team logged a LIMITED practice session yesterday, and it’s impossible to tell if that’s just precautionary, like injury maintenance or if that’s the best those injured players could manage. RB De’Von Achane looks like he’s going to be QUESTIONABLE unless he manages to get in a FULL practice today. The same goes for Raheem Mostert, although we’ve seen Mostert with the QUESTIONABLE designation for weeks and he still manages 20 + touches on offense. C Connor Williams returned last week and should be good to go this week as well. RG Liam Eichenberg played very well against a tough NY defensive front and if Hunt can’t go, I won’t be too concerned since Eichenberg is handling the job sufficiently. Hunt, incidentally, did suit up for the Jets game but did not play.
The Dolphins are now a 1/2 game behind the Baltimore Ravens who are 9-3 but have their BYE week this week. We’re ties with both Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Kansas City Chiefs, but we are currently the #4 seed in the AFC. We must win this week to continue to stay near the top of the conference. Nothing will help this team more than to play as many playoff games in our house as possible, considering besides the Eagles and the Cowboys who are in the NFC, we’re the only undefeated AFC team at home. Home is where we play our best football. On offense, we’re not a physical team, although we can and have run the ball well. We’re actually #2 in the NFL in rushing behind the Ravens, this despite the fact that we have nearly 100 less rushing attempts, 390 rushes for 1903 yards (4.9 YPC) for the Ravens while we have 292 rushes for 1597 yards (5.5 YPC). The Ravens are just a more physical team, they run the ball more, and their QB is a huge reason. Yes, they have a big, imposing RB in RB Gus Edwards, who has 590 yards on 141 rushes for 4.2 yards per carry. He’s a grinder, but the Ravens second leading rusher is their QB Lamar Jackson. Jackson has 574 yards rushing this season, but the Ravens alos have a weapon very similar to our own De’Von Achane, RB Keaton Mitchell. Mitchell is also a TD waiting to happen, he’s averaging 9.3 yards per carry, 29 carries for 269 yards and 2 TD’s rushing. De’Von Achane, for comparison has 39 carries for 461 yards and 5 TD’s rushing and Achane also has 2 TD’s receiving. The big question is though, do we see a healthy and productive Achane again this season or does he get shut down? In addition, we play the Ravens New Year’s Eve day in Week 17, and I believe that game will tell us an awful lot about our team going forward into the playoffs.
The Dolphins are the biggest road team favorites in the NFL this week, a hearty 9.5 point favorite. I don’t mention this because I’m a betting man, I’m not, but this is a game we should win, and absolutely need to. We need to clean up the turnovers. Our opponents have fumbled 20 times against us, 9 forced fumbles. OLB Bradley Chubb has 4 of them.We have 38 QB sacks on defense and have allowed only 18. That’s remarkable. We have the 3rd most sacks, behind the Bills (41) and the Ravens (47). On offense and sacks allowed, the Chiefs (referees) (14 sacks allowed) and the Bills (Josh Allen) (15 sacks sacks allowed) are the only teams better. We have 11 INT’s, Tua (10), and Mike White (1). We have fumbled 20 times, lost 12. We have one of the worst turnover differentials in the league at -5, we have 9 interceptions and 5 fumble recoveries for 14 takeaways, while on offense we have 11 interceptions and 9 fumbles lost for 19 turnovers. Tua and Mostert have bosh lost 3 fumbles, and I suppose we’re a bit lucky, because Tua has 10 fumbles this season. Both of these guys need to be more aware of ball security. If De’Von Achane can’t go this week, RB Jeff Wilson will share the lesser amount of carries with RB Raheem Mostert, as long as Mostert plays as expected.
GO DOLPHINS!!!
Finsmob Unleashed 
Thank you, Mike E. Nice summary at this point of the season.
👍
Nice article Mike E. It will play out as it does, but we have now been 9.5 point favorites on the road two weeks in a row. When’s the last time that (or more) happened? And you know the bookies just want to even out the money bet. Seems we have a lot of respect.
True, the Jets were a different story, they couldn’t get into the end zone with their starting QB, it was a lot to ask their 3rd string QB to put points on the board. Howell can play, it’s the Commanders defense that’s the big issue
So last week it was the Jets bad O and this week it is the Skins bad D. Our O matches up real well against bad Ds.
Absolutely!
Nice write, Mike! Every game is any given Sunday but I feel this is a game we light it up.🙂
I feel pretty much the same. As long as we’re not sloppy with the football on offense, I think we handle them pretty well.
https://x.com/azzurri_fl/status/1730641718762955138?s=20
Ugh! I hate the link garbage!
De’Von Achane is playing Sunday as per Mike McDaniel
How can you not love Achane? Same time Jeff Wilson is solid as solid can be. Nice to have 3 starting level RBs, especially since yeah they tend to go down.
He probably could’ve played last week, but we didn’t need him
Stanger – I love Achane, I just hope he stays on the field healthy for the rest of the season. That’s a huge issue, his ability to stay healthy and to play.
“He was playing at a very high level, equal to the amount of hype he received before the season.”
WHAT!!???
I distinctly remember a certain owner of a certain helpful hand saying he had NOT lived up to the hype. It led to a silly circular discussion about pressures, hits and sacks. Of course I still have a penis, so I am obviously still wrong. ask any woman.
Nice wrap up of our position MikeE.
IMA not even going to point out your one typo…
Armstead Eichenberg Williams Hunt and Jackson will be the best line we’ve had in quite a while
I’m happy to see Eich and Jackson stepping up. Took a while but looks like we are getting returns from the high draft picks.
Good write per usual, Mike E!
There’s only one thing: Sam Howell is not a rookie, it’s his second season.
And something of note? Sam Howell leads the NFL in sacks taken this year with 55. It’s time for our Defense to FEAST again! 😀
Yes, good point M, I forgot he was drafted last year, although he only played in 1 game last year.
ALWAYS know, I’m not critiquing your writing… which I always enjoy because it really is good! 🙂
If you make a mistake, my intention in bringing up as much is for your benefit… certainly not for my benefit. You can always go back and fix an error, but if nobody pointed out an error to begin with, you will be left with the error.
I truthfully enjoy when somebody points out a mistake I make, granted it’s not in a cynical way or fashion to undermine me. I come from the heart, trying to do my part to make you the best YOU possible.
Believe that… for it would be far easier for me to say nothing and allow the masses who read your work (not just us here at the F-MU) to judge you for your error.
RESPECT to you, my Brother Mike E! 🙂
I’d forgotten Sam Howell came from North Carolina. So between Mitch Trubisky, Sam Howell, and the soon-to-be first-round draft pick Drake Maye… North Carolina has been churning out NFL QBs in recent years.
Rock – Phillips was getting better in the last few games, he was really making a difference. He had 6 sacks in the last 5 games. That’s what everyone expected him to do. Not sure which part of my statement confused you
It wasn’t confusing. He just likes arguing strawmen.
Guilty
Terron Armstead and Jevon Holland Both Uncertain for Dolphins in Week 13
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/miami-dolphins-week-13-injury-report-terron-armstead-and-jevon-holland-questionable-de-von-achane-ready-to-play/ar-AA1kRARz
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/door-not-closed-on-wynn-yet/ar-AA1kRkAX?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=38caeb2e12fe4b38a4c50fca15946a17&ei=9
Howell takes a lot of sacks and will turn the ball over.
He can move their offense though and he is mobile. Just going to depend on how many mistakes he makes.
Yes but I think we match up well with them on both sides of the ball.
Tim — am hopeful about the D, but think our O is gonna have a “Sunshine Day.”
😂@Stanger. Same here. I can see something like 38-13.
Is that your final answer?
Howie’s List
Week 13
🐬@ 👨🏻✈️
🦬 35-13 🐬
🌴 45-10 🐬
🐷 56 – 17 🐬
Yes
I am really having fun with this madden 24. I just crossed the Indianapolis Colts 56 to 10 in the AFC championship game to move onto the Super Bowl baby.! Lol
The Dolphins are so good
Tour Tao had 343 yards and four touchdowns with a 92.3% completion
Our running game is insane even with the subpar blocking
And our defense is incredible no one can run on us and if they throw the ball it’s a 50-50 shot every time lol
What is best in life Rockphin ?
To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentations of their women
Howie’s List
Week 13
🐬@ 👨🏻✈️
🦬 35-13 🐬
🌴 45-10 🐬
🐷 56 – 17 🐬
🗿42-20 🐬
⚔️38-13
Phins🙂
That’s all you’re getting and you better be happy about it. Lol. I had to find my glasses to do that.
Because this is an out of the conference game, I want us to maximize our points four and points against in this game. Those are tiebreakers as well. Just go ahead and check every box fuckers! Roll up 70 on them and don’t let them score.
I am not worried about artificial intelligence, taking over the world at all. It can’t even write a fucking sentence when I speak it out for it.
It definitely helps. At the end the day get a win however.🙂
We suck on third down and we turn the ball over a lot. This game is on the road against Heckle and Jeckle if we come out of there at 17-14 I’ll be happy. This game scares me but I think Achane might be the difference if he can play like he did when he did. He’s to our offense what Ramsey is to our defense. Different.
I can see us making this easy but not if we turn the ball over and play like crap on third down. I’d like to get on them and make them have to throw it all the time.
^^
We had a long week to get ready for this game so let’s hope we worked on cleaning some things up.
42% conversion rate on 3rd down. #12 in 3rd conversions. I would hardly call that sucking
The last 2 games mainly so it’s recently and disturbing. Gives me anxiety. 3 weeks ago we were probably at 55%
The stat is more specific as in third and short. We convert third and long, and a much better rate.
We were 11-16 in 3rd conversions vs Jets. That is exceptional
Take the ball and throw that fucker as far as you can to Hill on first down and let’s roll.
I see us establishing the run game and striking down the field multiple times. I do like how we attack both horizontally and vertically. Make defenders run a lot early and often.
Flacco to start vs Rams
Chris Brooks is designated for return from IR
Who will be inactive? Achane is back so he is active. Mostert is active. Wilson or Brooks? I keep Wilson active
He doesn’t have to be active this game
It was actually 2 days ago, we have 21 days from Wednesday to activate him
Oh they have opened the window not that he has been activated. I got you
I feel like we’re headed for another 9 yards vs. 1 yard debate.
Ken, wow I didn’t know that 11-16 that is really good so the five they missed is what I’m talking about lol
It felt like we struggled obviously it was fine
The most notable was the first drive where we turned it over on downs inside the 5. But after that we were great on 3rd down. After that we were great on 3rd down
NCC, NR, NK.
https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nfl/miami-dolphins/article282412183.html
Free-agent TE Zach Ertz cleared waivers, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported, per sources.
CB Emmanuel Forbes Jr. (elbow) is expected to return sometime this season, per head coach Ron Rivera. Forbes has been ruled out for Sunday’s game.
Can he block ?
??
He was one M13 and I wanted in the draft over Cam Smith. Was just wanting to get a look at him vs our WR’s but not going to happen.
Meant Zach Ertz
I’m not sure how much of a blocker Ertz is. He was mostly a pass catcher from what I remember. He is a vet with SB experience. IMO, he would be an upgrade over Kroft and who knows what he could contribute once he would learn the O. We do have Claypool, so there’s that. We don’t need a red zone TE with Claypool on the roster.
I wonder what OL will be active for the game with 4 of them questionable.
Thought Oregon was going to pull off the upset last night.
Hope Alabama loses today.
That didn’t take long for Texas.
Quinn Ewers is on fire today.
11 for 11, 167 yards, 3 TD’s, 0 INT’s in 1st quarter.
I read somewhere yesterday that he wants to come back to Texas
https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/39025620/quinn-ewers-return-texas-becoming-more-likely
Kroft is a good blocker
And we definitely prioritize blocking from the TE position.
Yes he is a stout blocker but, like Sheehan was, he is slower to get to his assignment when pulling. I am sure that is why the rookie Julian Hill beat him out as the #2 TE. Ertz still plays with quickness. That is the only reason I thought he would be an upgrade over Kroft. Though, I just don’t know how well Ertz is as an inline blocker.
Actually, it’s been a long time, but I think I remember Ertz being touted for his blocking and receiving in college.
Damn, gonna have to stream the game tomorrow. Got Broncos/Texans and Lions/Saints in my area.
https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-coverage-map-week-13-info-2023/
We brought Tanner Conner up from PS but that’s his 3rd, so we have to keep him on the 53, or he can’t come back up.
I think that’s the rule.
Wondering if this is in any way related to Ertz since it’s unlikely he could sign today and play tomorrow.
He’s exposed, free agency before we can stash him back squad
Blog is slow. I guess you all were waiting on this. 🙂
A little trade down action:
34. Sedrick Van Pran OC Georgia
59. Graham Barton OT Duke
71. Patrick Paul OT Houston
155. Curtis Jacobs LB Penn State
165. DeWayne Carter DT Duke
186. Ainias Smith WR Texas A&M
201. Jaylen Wright RB Tennessee
217. Xavier Watts S Notre Dame
Are we churning our TEs?
we are churning a lot of players this next offseason
I meant right now.
It’s one of the few positions on the team without a real star. So getting one would elevate the position and thus improve the team.
We’ve depended on Smythe so much that he’s getting beat up.
What if we go into the playoffs without Smythe?
Dammit
College playoff selection will be interesting.
GA, Ala, Mich and OSU and the U75s will lose their mind
Anyone else tired of watching Stifler’s mother in commercials?
The one for me (and I think Rock) is the damn Jardiance commercial.
Aahhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!! oh, my God I hate that commercial. I hate it so much that if that medicine was the only medicine in the world that would save my life, I would happily die.
GA up 7-0 backed up in their own end on 3rd and long Bowers drew a PI, that wasn’t called, changed the game
Ga’s run D sucks and why they lost
Agree
steveccnv says:
December 2, 2023 at 7:31 pm
GA, Ala, Mich and OSU and the U75s will lose their mind
———
They can’t leave out 13-0 #3 Washington. But yeah, no matter what people will be losing their minds.
Can’t wait until they do away with the conference championships and expand the college playoffs to 12 teams next year.
Then there is Texas.
and FSU
Could still have 3 undefeated after tonight. Then it’s who between Georgia, OSU, Alabama and Texas.
Alabama was the lowest ranking team heading into this weekend and their only loss was to Texas.
I don’t think the conference championship games are going away
Probably right but heard they were exploring it. They will probably revisit after they see how the 12 team playoff works out. As it stands now the 6 highest ranked conference champs get automatic bids then the other 6 spots are filled by the next 6 highest ranked teams.
FSU game a snoozer. They need Trey Benson to break one.
Mike – count me in as a violent hater of the Jardiance commercial. You can ask my wife, I fucking hate that one!
😂 I raw laughing every time.
Howie’s List
Week 13
🐬@ 👨🏻✈️
🦬 35-13 🐬
🌴 45-10 🐬
🐷 56 – 17 🐬
🗿42-20 🐬
⚔️38-13 🐬
🏈 44-10 🐬
By the way, last week I predicted a final score of 37-13 against the stej. SO CLOSE with a final score of 34-13!!!
bailbondmike says:
December 2, 2023 at 10:35 am
CB Emmanuel Forbes Jr. (elbow) is expected to return sometime this season, per head coach Ron Rivera. Forbes has been ruled out for Sunday’s game.
———-
Forbes has had an absolutely horrific rookie season in the antiquated Del Rio Defense and that’s a shame. Now that Del Rio is gone, we’ll see how he responds next season. I still have a lot of faith in Forbes, just hope he can shake off the poor rookie experience.
I can say with utmost certainty that Forbes was drafted into the WRONG Defensive system… he gets a mulligan. And I think Riverboat Rivera is lucky he hasn’t been fired already.
Nice write Mike. It’s so exciting to be Divion leader and have a chance at home field.
Fins -9
When was the last time we had those road odds?
Oh last week -9.5 jets😜
3 unbeatens and Bama
Howie’s List
Week 13
🐬@ 👨🏻✈️
🦬 35-13 🐬
🌴 45-10 🐬
🐷 56 – 17 🐬
🗿42-20 🐬
⚔️38-13 🐬
🏈 44-10 🐬
🎰 50-10🐬
50 burger puts us 1 pt ahead of Cowboys
Howie’s List
Week 13
🐬@ 👨🏻✈️
🦬 35-13 🐬
🌴 45-10 🐬
🐷 56 – 17 🐬
🗿42-20 🐬
⚔️38-13 🐬
🏈 44-10 🐬
🎰 50-10🐬
🇬🇧 34-16 🐬
IT’S GAME DAY BITCHES!!!
GO DOLPHINS!!
Let’s go!!!!!! I’m going to the game today- 45 yard line, 26 rows up behind the Washington bench. Aqua and orange vest !
My son will be in an aqua throwback Tua jersey
Bring the Dub home Bri
Miami Dolphins
2023 · 8-3-0
INJURIES
RB Chris Brooks (knee) was downgraded to out for Sunday’s game versus the Commanders.
GAME-DAY ELEVATIONS
TE Tanner Conner
That was from yesterday
Looks like the rain has moved out of the DC area but field conditions will be wet. Will need to have good ball security Mostert. He has had quite a few fumbles this year. Not all lost though.
Yes- Fed Ex field is usually shitty too
Chiefs at Packers might be a game in the snow tonight if it lasts that long.
Go Pack!
https://x.com/miamidolphins/status/1731350358427942917?s=12&t=iJM4Q1l5mMck0UQRm2xJ-w
There is a decent amount of Dolphins fans in the parking lot
Have fun today
Howie’s List
Week 13
🐬@ 👨🏻✈️
🦬 35-13 🐬
🌴 45-10 🐬
🐷 56 – 17 🐬
🗿42-20 🐬
⚔️38-13 🐬
🏈 44-10 🐬
🎰 50-10🐬
🇬🇧 34-16 🐬
🇨🇦 41-13 🐬
Have Fun Brian 👍👍🐬🐬
Thanks guys
Seems like a ton of dolphins fans
Which one are you?
What am I doing wrong posting links?
I want it to show the actual post, not the URL. 🤬
Rock – from the last blog – how can you not have heard this poetry?
You’re a bum
You’re a punk
You’re an old slut on junk
Lying there almost dead on a drip in that bed
You scumbag, you maggot
You cheap lousy faggot
Happy Christmas your arse
I pray God it’s our last
Have you been hiding under your namesake?
Experiment on behalf of Herd
Above from mobi – this from laptop
Depends on what kind of link it is. YouTube, X, gifs and jpegs will show up as the post. Articles won’t.
Huh…That was X. The limits of my WordPress have been reached.
When I post I always hit “carriage return” (showing my age there) also. It sometimes makes a difference?
If ya have a minute check yer team , I couldn’t do much without butchering yer roster. If not cest la vie
Lamm at LT
During warm ups
Herd, when you post a twitter link, try adding some text to your comment and see if that does it.
Have fun at the game and get us a win, Brian!
Is that fog ??
Yes Toba. But I’m watching from West Palm Beach 😉 so not speaking from personal experience
Tanks .. you are watching a west Palm feed ? Or you are physically in WPB ?
I can be in any locality in US for both CBS and Fox. Streaming only
Gotcha 😎👍
He’s so out of bounds
That is what I see
Even if upheld was it really worth it?
Another wasted challenge. His genius truly borders on madness
Missed the ? off
BS he was out by about 1 yard
The ambiguity of what a catch is in the NFL continues to plague the game
Couldn’t agree more. One thing you can bet your house on though us they’ll never overturn a challenge unless it’s absolutely blatant or the ref has a bet on the outcome
Pressure did that 😉
Pressure also allowed the first 3rd conversion too, if you call that bullshit catch a catch 😂
Wow. Let’s go Dolphins v loud
The broadcast team showed it one time and told us all it was tough to overturn….lol
Woot woot
Goodbye
YESSSSSSSS!!
Tua’s a fucking assassin on 3rd down
That was nice
See I told you about third down lol
🤣
Hill is a m a z I n g
Boom 💥
I missed the start of the game. Jones is playing for Holland who is OUT?
Yes Holland is out
Yes Holland inactive
Not your AVG guy 👍👍
Eat him up!!!!
Pressure created the sack 😉
The tackle looked like a deer in headlights after that spin move
AVG
Couldn’t ask for a better start.
Yikes, Waddle could have been blown up
What a beautiful pass
Can they move that annoying lady’s seat so she isn’t next to the microphone
That is not a lady – that is a wailing banshee. Brian – if you are reading us, name your price to take her out. Hopefully her voice goes very soon. But I get the feeling she makes that horrendous noise often
Is Sanders back?
Thanks 🐷, 🌞