There are so many storylines coming out after this game, it obviously did not go as we all hoped it would. I mean there’s the “Any given Sunday” mentality that gives you hope for games like this, right? The problem is, the Ravens are a very well coached team, and in addition to that, they have a lot of talent on both sides of the ball. I had mentioned in my previous article that Lamar Jackson is simply the most talented and dangerous player on the field. He proved that yesterday, posting an absolute perfect passer rating of 158.3, finishing 18 of 21 for an easy 321 yards and 5 TD’s, 0 INT’s. He also picked up 35 yards rushing on 6 carries. Back to coaching. John Harbaugh is a really good coach, and his system is firmly entrenched now, he’s been the Head Coach of the Ravens since 2008, and he’s been breaking down the Dolphins all this time. Early in his coaching career taking down Chad Pennington in a playoff game in which he put into effect a defense in which Chad Pennington was stymied. They had defenders all within 20 yards from the line of scrimmage in order to dare Pennington, who due to many injuries simply couldn’t throw deep with any pace, try to beat them deep, and easily contest any short to medium passes. The Ravens won that game 27-9 and Pennington couldn’t operate effectively with the short to medium passing zones clogged and he threw 4 INT’s in the loss.
For those Dolphins fans with short memories, I’ll remind you that this past Sunday’s beatdown was not the worst at the hands of Harbaugh and the Ravens. September 8, 2019 the Ravens shellacked us 59-10. This was the worst beatdown. Or maybe the 40-0 shutout in 2017 was worse, despite the lesser disparity in points.Maybe it was the 38-6 loss in December 2016 when the Dolphins went into Baltimore as playoff contenders at 7-4. The point is, the Ravens have been kicking our ass for a long, long time. It’s why I hate them more than any other team in the NFL, including our division rivals Patriots, Jets and Bills. They seem to always be lurking when we’re feeling a little proud, looking like a contender, and the Ravens, the big bullies are always eager to put us right back in our place, and John Harbaugh is the man behind that.
As good a Head Coach as Mike McDaniel is, he simply hasn’t had a system in place for a long enough time. There’s a reason the Ravens are perennial playoff contenders, because they’ve had the same Head Coach and system in place for 15 or more years. The Dolphins have been churning and burning through Head Coaches since John Harbaugh started in Baltimore to the tune of Tony Sparano, Todd Bowles, Joe Phibin, Adam Gase, Brian Flores and then finally, Mike McDaniel. Perspective is necessary here, that’s 6 Head Coaches for us, 1 for them. Continuity is a wonderful thing, although sometimes things do get stale. Not so for John Harbaugh who owns a 160-98 record, an amazing .620 winning percentage. The Dolphins, with their 6 different Head Coaches managed a 127-131 record in that same time span good for a .492 winning percentage.
I know yesterday’s game has left you feeling down, and besides the loss in the game, the loss of 2 more defenders (Chubb) and (Howard), you feel let down again. Just keep in mind that our Head Coach is in his second season and is already 20-14, with 2 consecutive playoff berths. How about looking at the positives? We need to get better and especially younger at CB. Cam Smith has been a huge disappointment, making basically no impact this season as he’s battled injuries. Xavien Howard has also been fighting off groin injuries, knee injuries and other nagging injuries for the last few years, we need to find his replacement. The fact that we have been able to do so well on the O-line with a collection of 2nd and 3rd string linemen makes me think that CB may again be a priority next season.
I’m not going to touch too much on next week’s Sunday Night matchup against the Bills now, I’ll save that for the next article. Players like AVG, Melvin Ingram, Emmanuel Ogbah are veterans who have been through games like this before. The good thing is that Cameron Goode will be getting a lot of reps and hopefully he can understand his role better going into that big showdown in Miami. We only have one LB that could potentially be promoted from the Practice Squad, that’s LB Quinton Bell. Just some quick info on Quinton Bell who was a former college WR before switching to defense his last year at Prairie View A&M and getting drafted in RD 7 by the then Oakland Raiders in ’19. Bell 6’3 253 ran a 4.48 40 at 238 pounds and has rare athletic traits posting a 41.5″ vertical, very twitchy athlete with excellent closing speed. Who knows, maybe we catch lightning in a bottle with one of these kids? All we can do now is hope. hard Rock will be rocking, and let’s face it, the Bills are not the Big Bad Bills. This game is in OUR house for the division, I think we’ll be ready to win this game! LET’s GOOOOOO!
GO DOLPHINS!!!
Finsmob Unleashed 
first
herdfan says:
January 1, 2024 at 1:29 pm
I’m still annoyed over yesterday. It’s not that we lost. It’s that I think we are better than how we played. To try to get some perspective,I went back and found this. We’re not that far from what we all thought before the season started.
M13 11-6
🗿11-6
🐷 13-4
🥸🐟 17-0 (Until they lose one. Then 14-3)
🌴 11-6
🦬 12-5
Realist 9-8: (Losses : Bills2x, KC, split with pats and jets, ravens, eagles, chargers)
🇬🇧 10-7
🖐️ 11-6
Brian in NY 10-7
🗡️ 11-6
🌞 13-4 juggernaut
🇨🇦 14-3
🦍 10-7
🤠 15-6 🏆
Boulder 10-7
Reply
bailbondmike says:
January 1, 2024 at 1:38 pm
True. Though, if we finish 11-6, we will be #6 WC playing in Buffalo.
I hope our defense can bounce back without Chubb and X and we get Waddle/Mostert back.
Herd, Hoping for your prediction to be on the money.
Reply
How about Wyo’s prediction??? I’ll run with that one, thank you! 😛
That record would mean we go all the way and win the SB as a WC team or we win the division, make it to the SB and then lose.
In that case, I will take the first scenario.
MikeE., haven’t read yet. I’m hungover in more ways than one. But, thank you! I will read once my Whataburger settles. lol
Thanks for the perspective. I was looking for some myself. Just posted this on the last page. 😊
herdfan says:
January 1, 2024 at 1:29 pm (Edit)
I’m still annoyed over yesterday. It’s not that we lost. It’s that I think we are better than how we played. To try to get some perspective,I went back and found this. We’re not that far from what we all thought before the season started.
M13 11-6
🗿11-6
🐷 13-4
🥸🐟 17-0 (Until they lose one. Then 14-3)
🌴 11-6
🦬 12-5
Realist 9-8: (Losses : Bills2x, KC, split with pats and jets, ravens, eagles, chargers)
🇬🇧 10-7
🖐️ 11-6
Brian in NY 10-7
🗡️ 11-6
🌞 13-4 juggernaut
🇨🇦 14-3
🦍 10-7
🤠 15-6 🏆
Boulder 10-7
👍💯💥💪🐬
Josh Allen’s shoulder injury he got right before their game ended is to his left non-throwing shoulder. They said it was a stinger and he is fine.
Odd that both QB’s (Tua and Allen) were hurt on the last play, right?
Tua’s didn’t look as serious as Allen’s.
Oh, well that sucks!
It’s official- Chubb tore his ACL
Let’s hope he is ready in 8 months.
I just realized that if we lose Sunday night we go to Buffalo the next week. That would suck.
I read we go to KC
Yep, I was saying that since the Titans loss.
MikeE., thanks again for the article. I agree about Cam Smith and would have to throw LB what’s his name in there also. Too hungover to remember. lol
Thanks for the little bit of motivational speak at the end. Most of us need it right now (not including Tim, 😉 )
LOL Mike, my pleasure
Mike,
Thanks to you and Tim for always being the optimists! I want to focus on the other side of the coin, but I’ll just say that being in the playoffs his first two years as HC is a good start for McDaniel. I’d like to see him progress though just like Harbaugh. Harbaugh was 10-6 the year his team won the SB. It was a lot of good fortune, but he’s a great coach and they bite early.
Any time New Age. Admittedly, after watching the Ravens dismantle the Niners, my hopes were they would have a letdown against us or we’d just edge them out. Neither happened, more testament as to how prepared Harbaugh’s team is
Mike E. says:
January 1, 2024 at 2:02 pm
I read we go to KC
———–
MikeE, you are correct. I was thinking KC would be the #2 with the better conference record (if they win this weekend).
Not so because I forgot the Bills have the head to head win over KC so Bills would be #2 and we would be on the road in KC.
Thanks!
It will be Jags, Colts, Texans or Steelers at Buffalo.
IF, that happens.
I do have to say, of all the teams who have clinched a spot in the playoffs or still have a chance, not one of them has experienced the injuries we have encountered. Not even close.
You can’t say that is just an excuse. It’s just an unfortunate fact. You can’t and won’t find another team who has lost 3/5 of their starting OL (some games 4/5 of starting OL) and 2/4 of their starting LB (now 3/4 of starting LB). Not to mention skill players and secondary injuries.
If we win, there is a possibility we would have to play the Bills in back to back weeks in Miami.
And if we lose we will have to play them back to back in Miami then Buffalo
Either situation is not ideal
May
Mike E — I’m right with you. We’re 11-5 and have clinced the playoffs. When’s the last time the Phins could say the same with one game left?
And and Congrats on that Toba League Champ Ring….. wear it with pride.
Happy New Year folks!
Nice write, Mike! Not up to talking much football at the moment. Need to let yesterday’s loss and the loss of Chubb and X fade a bit. Not sure the severity of X’s injury but Chubb being done for the season really sucks.😩
X’s injury didn’t look great either. Wouldn’t be surprised if he’s done too.
Yeah we can’t keep losing all these key players. It’s crazy how many injuries we’ve had this season.😔
I’d much rather go to KC than Buffalo
Brian, I think MikeE is correct. Bills have the head to head over KC so we would go to KC not Buffalo.
I think it is more likely we would play Bills back to back in Miami as division champs than having to go on the road there.
Hell, there is still the scenario the Bills could get knocked out all together with a loss this weekend.
Right.
In order for the Bills to get eliminated.
Dolphins have to beat Bills
Jaguars have to beat Titans in Nashville
Colts vs Texans can’t tie on Saturday
Steelers have to beat Ravens in Baltimore on Saturday
If the Steelers win on Saturday, it will put a ton of pressure on the Bills.
If the Steelers lose, the Bills will automatically clinch, at least, the 7th seed before evening playing on Sunday and would more than likely be playing back to back weeks in Miami.
So, it looks like we will either be playing Bills back to back in Miami or on the road in KC.
Why am I trying to do all this figuring with a fucking headache!?! Making it worse. lol
Happy New Year, Mob!
I’m sick as a dog, YAY! It’s not COVID, but it’s that new virus out there called RSV. Don’t get it, especially if you have preexisting respiratory issues. I’m fine and on the mend, but the last two days were very difficult to breathe.
I made it to halftime in yesterday’s game and just shut it off and went back to bed… that’s how bad I felt.
Get well my friend!
Thanks, Brother! I appreciate ya!
Sad thing about Chubb is he is likely gone for next season
For an ACL? I would expect him back at some point
Expect about a 12 month recovery time. He is likely done for next season
https://www.hss.edu/article_acl-surgery-recovery.asp
herdfan says:
January 1, 2024 at 1:42 pm (Edit)
Thanks for the perspective. I was looking for some myself. Just posted this on the last page. 😊
herdfan says:
January 1, 2024 at 1:29 pm (Edit)
I’m still annoyed over yesterday. It’s not that we lost. It’s that I think we are better than how we played. To try to get some perspective,I went back and found this. We’re not that far from what we all thought before the season started.
——————-
Post of the Day
That’s why is reposted it first. lol
“I” not “is”
Beer to you 🍺
Dammit, wish I had saw this before trying to rack my sore brain.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/dolphins-playoff-outlook-clear-after-baltimore-loss/ar-AA1mi4Sm?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=8f6a5d092a95477b80d243d6d91ea5b4&ei=18
I keep trying to tell myself that “we are better than we played” after these types
Of games, but are we? Our record against playoff teams is not good over the last two seasons. I think it’s like 2-9
Yes, we are better without the injuries. Reality is, with these injuries, we have been reduced to being more equal to the 9-7 teams trying to secure a playoff spot.
That said, I feel we still can beat anyone in the AFC not named the Ravens with this current roster if this team plays their best with what they have.
So I went back and read every single comment from yesterday’s game, and I think this is the one that resonated with me most…
*********************
naplesfan2010 says:
December 31, 2023 at 2:51 pm
We’ve lost both starting guards and our starting Center.
We’ve lost 2 thousand-yard offensive players.
We’ve lost Phillips and Baker and Xavien.
*********************
And on top of that, we’d already missed Ramsey for the first half of the season, T-Stead has been in-and-out of the lineup all season, our DBs (Safeties and CBs) have collectively missed many games, plus Achane and J. Wilson have missed significant time.
Was it the Titans game when we were actually down NINE (9) starters?
And now with Bradley Chubb lost for the season, UGH…
The ONLY thing I was ever concerned about was injuries… and here we are.
Every team is dealing with injuries at this point in the season. Injuries are not why we lost this game. We lost this game because we failed to stop Jackson as pocket passer and because we missed opportunities with 2 dropped TD passes.
I fundamentally disagree. Our team is absolutely devastated with injury.
We still got the TD after the second dropped TD so we only missed out on 4 points with Tyreek’s drop. I have to agree with M. If we had at least Willams and Hunt on the OL with Mostert and Waddle in the lineup, we see a totally different offense along with how the Ravens would have to defend it. Also, if we had Phillips, Baker and X the whole game would also have made a difference.
The INT’s by Tua were far more a negative impact on the offense than the dropped TD’s. IMO
Ints certainly didn’t help. Again injuries not why we lost.
When you lose by 37 points…. thinking there are a bunch of reasons why. Particularly when you walked in with 11 wins.
And yet to my surprise, the ONE person who I feared would get injured the most has been healthy all season… TUA.
Ken says:
January 1, 2024 at 3:20 pm
Expect about a 12 month recovery time. He is likely done for next season
———–
That would really, really suck especially with his $26,891,489 cap hit next year.
Ken – I read your link, it said 8-12 months recovery. I’d expect him to see the best surgeon so I’d lean more towards 8 months.
Still puts into next season. Given that he has torn his other ACL twice I think it’s more likely he is done for the season
Yikes! Hulk all Doom and Gloom! I think AVG is going to miss the season as well because he played near Phillips and Chubb. LOL
🤣I am not all doom and gloom. I think this team has had an excellent season and is not done yet. I also expect AVG to keep playing I mean the guy broke his nose and didn’t even know it.
M – Feel better pal! Happy and healthy New year!
Thanks, pal! Happy New Year, Bro!
I definitely feel like we can beat the Bills next week, no doubt. It won’t be easy, we’ll likely need a healthy Waddle and Mostert, and our D is going to have to bring its ‘A’ game.
ALL of this can happen and we can be the #2 seed in the AFC. Just don’t know how far we’ll get in the playoffs due to our plethora of injuries.
If the Waddle injury is weeks, and so is X’s, which I’m almost certain it will be, we have to have those guys replacing them getting tons of first team reps. If Kader is going to the outside and Needham in the slot, they have to all be ready. Same for either Ced Wilson or Claypool on the outside, they need to be ready to go and know where they’re supposed to be. It’s hard to get the chemistry down, and I totally saw Tua throwing to spots and receivers weren’t there. That’s definitely on the receiver, Tua knows this O like the back of his hand, the receivers need to learn and learn fast!
I agree with that, bud. 100%
I watched the game yesterday as most of you did, and I heard a lot about how the Ravens were playing without Kyle Hamilton and at some were down to 3rd string CB’s, but not a lot on how 3/5 of our O-line OUT, missing Mostert and Waddle, Phillips and Baker at LB, and then of course X when he went out.
Here’s something you won’t hear from the national media, rather only from me. Last time we faced the Bills earlier in the season, they had Jordan Phillips, Nyheim Hines, Tre’Davious White, and MATT MILANO.
All of these guys are on IR for the Bills… and all are former Dolphin killers.
As I said every team is dealing with injuries at this point in the season
But Hulkster… that’s only 4 players… compared to our like 24 injured players!!! LOL 😆
Matt Milano is the BIG one, though. If he were playing, I’d give us next to no chance.
Don’t forget Diggs. He hurt his mangina
Feel better M13. RSV can be nasty. My son was hospitalized with it when he was younger
Thank you, Hulkster! Yes, it’s NASTY.
My best wishes for you my friend. I don’t know much about it, but sounds harsh.
Thank you kindly, my friend Stanger. I appreciate ya!
Ravens crushed #1 in the NFC Niners and AFC #2 Phins on back to back weekends. Not talking won against or beat….. crushed.
Can there be any doubt which team is the favorite for the SB ring?
We’ll have to see what Taylor Swift has to say about that! LOL 😉
No doubt whatsoever, the Bills are not the Bills, the Chiefs have taken a few steps back, the Jaguars are up and down and Lawrence is hurting, and they just steamrolled the Dolphins. The Browns are probably the toughest out for the Ravens, who they’ve beaten this year.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/miami-dolphins-fans-angry-at-mike-mcdaniel-for-late-injuries-to-tua-tagovailoa-and-bradley-chubb/ar-AA1mhH6T?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=ee9771ab8e8c4e54ac5caad6eaf232e6&ei=15
Ken says:
January 1, 2024 at 3:52 pm
Don’t forget Diggs. He hurt his mangina
————
😆
Just a thought, anyone here think Fangio is partly responsible for leaving Chubb out there? He’s a veteran coach and should have realized that too in my opinion.
I think so.
I think that is more on MM but even then I am not going to kill MM for that. Guys want to play. It was a fluke non contact injury.
Agreed. I’m not going to kill him for it either, but that was a REALLY tough way for him to learn a lesson as a head coach.
I still can’t get over the ‘bobbled’ ‘Reek would-be TD reception. He had it. Secured. Both hands. Then he spazzed and the ball came loose. What on Earth was that???
Makes ya wonder if it was rigged…
Nah, I just think he wanted to go into celebration mode too quickly and didn’t maintain the ball security.
That’s a fair point, now that I think about it. NOT GOOD, either!
If it was rigged, I agreed with the call and so did Tyreek. He was going spastic about it as he ran out the back of the end zone.
Not going to post Ryder’s defensive breakdown from the game. Don’t even want to watch it.
Hope you feel better soon M13!
Bo Nix had another great game today, 28/35 for 363 with 5 TD’s and 0 INT’s.
That said, I don’t get the selection committee pitting up the #8 ranked team vs the #23 ranked team. Should have been against a team like #13 LSU or higher like PSU, Ole Miss, Missouri, Ohio State, etc. Don’t get it.
So, do I gag myself and root for Michigan today????
TBH, I think they win it all.
Happy(ish) New Year all..
It sucked getting bitch slapped as we were yesterday.. if Reek had caught that TD I think woulda been a different game , that and the other dropped TD , don’t remember who dropped it .. they certainly changed the game … the injuries will change the future, but here’s hoping next man up are prepared…
And congrats to Mike E for again winning the FMU fantasy championship….
I will prematurely say good write up , and go to read the article…
Again Happy New Year and Go Fins 🐬🐬🐬🐬
Thanks Toba! Happy New Year!
Michigan dodges a bullet there
“They beat the shit out of us in all three phases”
-Terron Armstead
I think he should have said, “WE fucked up in all three phases”
Adam Beasley
@AdamHBeasley
Barring setbacks, per McDaniel, the Dolphins are optimistic they’ll see Robert Hunt very soon. (As in, this week.)
Hope so. Be nice to hear the same about Mostert and Waddle.
Yeah- we need all the help we can get
Not political
Did MM give any injury updates in his presser today?
M13, feel better.
Cameron Wolfe
@CameronWolfe
Mike McDaniel said he’s not worried about QB Tua Tagovailoa being able to play and be productive through soreness in left shoulder. He should be good.
McDaniel said he’s not making any predictions on Raheem Mostert after expecting him to play but being a surprise inactive v BAL.
— CB Xavien Howard is week-to-week with his foot injury. McDaniel says he’s “not planning” on Howard being able to play against Buffalo.
— LB Jerome Baker has been “doing well” and McDaniel says he’s optimistic that his practice window will open soon.
Thanks for the updates
🍻
We can get past a bad loss. But the Chubb injury has me really bummed out.😔
Same here and same feeling when we lost Phillips.
Yep
I think the main reason we lost is we didn’t pressure Lamar enough and their receivers were running wide open all day.
He had a lot of time to throw
Yes he did but how many times were receivers wide open down the sidelines. Nobody near them.
Piss poor coverage. I don’t remember seeing receivers running that wide open all game. Like ever.
Exactly!
Brian and Tim,
Thank you both for the well wishes, gentlemen. I appreciate y’all! I’m hoping to be 100% in a few more days.
What a dumb play call by Alabama
Low snap didn’t help
No, but they had the middle clogged up.
That was like the fifth poor snap by their center
Snap ruined timing as to perhaps getting a better read as to where to run
I don’t think Howard is back next year. Time to let him go.
https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/dolphins-not-planning-to-have-xavien-howard-in-week-18
We do have an out clause for 2024.
POST-6/1 RELEASE
2024 Dead Cap: $11,406,281
2025 Dead Cap: $15,699,000
2024 Cap Savings: $14,500,000
POST-6/1 TRADE
2024 Dead Cap: $7,406,281
2025 Dead Cap: $15,699,000
2024 Cap Savings: $18,500,000
I doubt they could find a trade partner with his base salary at 15mil, 13mil and 15mil over the next 3 years.
Two good games last night. Glad to see Alabama lose. Now just want to see Michigan lose.
Have to say I found the new Dr. Pepper commercial funny where they poke a little jab at college football with the “transfer portal”.
“What’s happening Sheriff?” “It’s a transfer portal, it’s out of control.”
lol
Speaking of cap space, what do you do about Ogbah now? He was as good as gone but now we don’t know if Chubb or Phillips will be ready for game 1 next year.
If he is not back we are either bringing in a DE in FA or drafting one high
Don’t think they bring him back at whet he makes with him not being a scheme fit.
Tim, they even said that 2 years ago when we beat them we played a lot of cover 0. Boyle blitzed a lot. They were saying Lamar has been doing better against the blitz but still. Fangio is not a blitz kinda guy. It seemed like we only send the guy that was spying Lamar that blitzed. he had way too much time to throw. Now that Chub is injured we have to blitz more to compensate.
Yeah but last year Lamar destroyed our Cover 0 and we needed that crazy 4th quarter comeback.
I’m not sure what’s going to happen to the defense now. We’re getting dangerously thin.
Buffalo 3 point favorite
Lot of bettors out there watched the Raven’s game. We are darlings no more.
Tickets for the Bills game have exploded — minimum of $300 for like where we were at the Fest. Getting into Lux box or field level has some seats at over a grand. Not sure if that is cause the season ticket holders want to be there or the City of Buffalo does.
After the Bills game the Phins will be seeded either #2 or #6 in the playoffs.
If #2 they will host either the Bills, Jags or Steelers.
If #6 they are headed to KC.
Shows you how competitive the AFC is this year. A win or a loss and everything flips.
Looking at the makeup of this team heading into next year taking the severe injuries and age into account, I can see what positions we’ll likely be targeting. I think most of it will be on defense; mainly on the front 7. I mean significant additions not that we won’t address the secondary and offense.
On offense MM stated that a play making TE is on the horizon as the next install. Other than that and some churning on the OL, I don’t see a big push for skill players.
RB room under contract for 2024 is the same as it is now with Mostert, Achane, Wilson and Brooks.
TE room is under contract in 2024 is Smythe and Hill.
WR room under contract for 2024 is a little thin with just Hill, Waddle and EZ.
It will be interesting to see how they fill that WR room.
3 point faves on the road is like 6 point favorite
Got blown out by the Ravens and earlier by the Bills. The confidence level for us is not very high. The status of our defense is very questionable. The loss of Chubb is a big blow and Howard regardless of what you think of him at this stage in his career he is a starter. We get Jones back, Holland and Baker go down. We lose Phillips for the season, Van Ginkel steps up and then we lose Chubb for the season. Holland comes back we lose X. WTF?!!!!
It just never seems to end. We still have to survive at least two more games too. I’ve been holding my breath fearing injury every single play for what seems like 4 or 5 games now.
More than that. Unless they’ve changed the metrics homefield is 3 point advantage versus a neutral field. So the Bill’s -3 should be -9 on Buffalo.
Might want to look at that math again, Stang, lol.
What did I get wrong, either in math or concept?
Home field is a 3 point adv for the home team.
So if the Bills are favored by 3, that is the same as being favored by 6.
…but after reading your comment again, I think you are saying Buffalo would be favored by 9 in Buffalo, so that is correct. My bad.
I was thrown off because you said ‘more than that’. But Mike never said they were favored by 6 in Buffalo. He was saying being favored by 3 on the road is really the equivalent of being favored by 6 because of the 3 point handicap.
We’re on the same page. That mythical neutral field that no one ever plays on just gets confusing except in the Superbowl and maybe international games.
Barry Jackson Per: Typical recovery time for NFL player is 9 to 12 months for ACL injury. So Dolphins will need to make different plans for start of next season at OLB, with Phillips (Achilles) also facing long recovery. That could involve outbidding market for Van Ginkel and finding cheap veteran.
I just posted about those issues.
NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported on Tuesday that Cook and the Jets agreed to mutually part ways, per the running back’s agency.
Dalvin Cook
Weird timing. Maybe Cook thinks he can get picked up by a playoff team? I know he’s been unhappy with his playing opportunities.
He looked like a back that lost a step this year.
Yes, y’all… we’ve got a lot to address in the off-season in light of injuries incurred this season, namely at OLB with Phillips and Chubb.
And I get “HULK MAD” when I think of Steve Ross costing us a 1st rounder last Draft and a 3rd rounder this upcoming Draft. 😡
I’m sorry for bringing this fact up even as semi-often as I do, but that hurt us BIG TIME.
I don’t see any reason why we wouldn’t bring back AVG, even if he costs us BIG $$$. I think he’s a keeper.
I can’t see any reason why we would keep Ogbah at his current salary. Either cut, restructure, or make him take a pay cut. He’s not worth the current $$$… though I really like having him on our team.
Why is Phillips not gonna start? Rodgers had the same injury and he could have played at the of season this year.
Phillips had a different type of surgery. That is the reason I can think why.
Hey, Boulder! Happy New Year, bud!
JMO, but I think A-Rod was playing ‘hotdog’ with his claims that he could be back this season after the same injury.
I have a hard time believing he was actually going to play too. Practicing is one thing, but running around taking hits and avoiding an active pass rush would have been begging to reinjure himself.
As I posted many moons ago (late spring/early summer, ’23): Ogbah, Baker, and X are likely all gone in ’24… all about salary cap casualties.
Spotrac has a feature that I’m going to use right now, in order to get our ’24 salary cap in order. I’ve done this already (back in late spring/early summer), but we now know far more than what we did then. BBL
So, if Chubb doesn’t play until early November ’24 (which would give him roughly the same 10-11 month timeline as Von Miller with his ACL injury from last year), I know we still pay him, but does it change his cap hit on us at all, or no change?
Stellar question… to which I haven’t a definitive answer. I want to say his hit will stay the same, but I do not know that to be a fact.
No change unless he re-dos his contract or they cut him (which would be a huge cap hit)
That’s kinda what I thought. Thanks, guys.
Okay, so with these 7 moves, we get roughly $34M in cap space…
Restructured Tyreek Hill
(Saved: $12,303,333)
Restructured Jalen Ramsey
(Saved: $6,645,000)
Restructured Bradley Chubb
(Saved: $14,648,750)
Released Emmanuel Ogbah
(Saved: $13,800,000)
Released Jerome Baker
(Saved: $9,900,778)
Restructured Xavien Howard
(Saved: $9,460,000)
Restructured Terron Armstead
(Saved: $9,026,667)
Sorry, that puts us UNDER the cap space by roughly $34M… meaning, we’ve got $34M to spend.
Sorry for the semantic, y’all know what I mean, right!
Thanks for the reminder on Phillips, Boulder. For some reason I completely forgot Phillips had an achilles injury, and have been thinking it was an ACL. I’ve been pretty morose thinking we definitely lost both our edge players until middle of next season at best. Achilles has a wider recovery range, 6-12 months, so Phillips could be back by start of next season.
And if Phillips is ready for the start of next season, then we can still be in good shape with Van Ginkel and Phillips until Chubb is ready. Although one of them would have to move to the right side of the defense. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen either of them play snaps from that side.
I’m not sure if I’m ready to watch Hard Knocks tonight. Probably better to get it over tonight rather than start feeling better and then watch it later and start the process over again. Rip that band aid off, rub some dirt on it and move on?!?! 🤣
After the Titans collapse, I waited for the following week, so I could immediately watch a winning episode after the heartbreak episode. The problem with that strategy this week, is I’m not sure we’re going to win another game, lol. We’re going to have to beat a really good Bills team or win a playoff game with only half our dang team healthy.
If we cut X, we lose $$$. It’s best to either restructure him or trade him. We save $9.5M by restructuring him. Don’t know what kind of return we’d get on trading him.
Once we re-sign Tua this offseason, we could likely save a few million in ’24 by structuring his contract to our benefit. Just sayin…
You push it down the line and try to win while you have Hill etc. Don’t be surprised if we dip into the 2025 draft to get some prospects earlier that we think can help in 2024. They still have a 4 year run.
So my question would be this… will $34M under the cap be able to re-sign Christian Wilkins, AVG, Robert Hunt, Deshon Elliott, and perhaps a new stud… plus a bevy of important role players like River Cracraft, Robert Jones, Isaiah Wynn, Nik Needham, and Kendall Lamm?
If so, we’re going to be alright.
We also have to decide a few things like what to do at center.
Eich has filled in admirably at center, but he hasn’t been really good or anything (at least per pff).
Do we draft a center or sign someone in FA?
Do we re-sign Williams even while injured, and maybe get a discount due to that injury? Then Eich could hold down the center spot until Williams is back.
Do we stay with Eich and maybe he continues to develop?
All great questions. As for me, I’d answer those questions via the Draft, my guy. 😉
I like Eich as our utility lineman, and I’m not sure he’s ever going to be ‘good’ at any spot as opposed to serviceable. I think his value is going to be versatility.
I’d rather draft a center too. Some of these spots we’re going to need to start filling with draft picks so we don’t have to pay top $$$ at every position.
Absolutely, Cav Kong. We completely agree.
Cheers!
So I’d be looking to draft a MLB, a C, another CB (X isn’t forever and he’s losing to Father Time), and a T (Terron Armstead is becoming a liability with his unavailability)… in no particular order.
BPA at a position of need, according to the importance of the position.
Note: the importance of the position is different from team to team, coach to coach, and system to system.
I don’t think Rodgers was ever going to play this year. He was playing Superman. He loves attention as much as he acts like he doesn’t. He goes into a cave for a few weeks than spends months talking about it leading up to the season.🤔🤣
Bingo^
100%
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZPRcaEACG/
M13, I posted this earlier on X. We save more with a post June 1 release or trade.
bailbondmike says:
January 2, 2024 at 10:17 am
We do have an out clause for 2024.
POST-6/1 RELEASE
2024 Dead Cap: $11,406,281
2025 Dead Cap: $15,699,000
2024 Cap Savings: $14,500,000
POST-6/1 TRADE
2024 Dead Cap: $7,406,281
2025 Dead Cap: $15,699,000
2024 Cap Savings: $18,500,000
What is your handle on X/Twitter?!!
JK/LOL… I know what ya meant! 🙂
Good stuff and 100% relevant. Thank you, Bro!
The post-6/1 trade seems to be the best option, but I wonder what we could fetch in such a trade. It certainly won’t benefit our ’24 Draft, either.
Tim Knight says:
January 2, 2024 at 8:13 pm
You push it down the line and try to win while you have Hill etc. Don’t be surprised if we dip into the 2025 draft to get some prospects earlier that we think can help in 2024. They still have a 4 year run.
———-
I fervently agree with this, Tim. We made an ACTIVE CHOICE to go all-in, and now is not the time to back out… no time to ‘half-step’.
Our window is wide open for a time, but time is of the essence before it closes.
Good post!
Carolina owner David Tepper fined $300k for throwing water on an opposing fan. I get he’s an owner, but that’s an indecent of money for that.
People who don’t like wealthy people love outrageous litigation. Fair is not always for the pauper.
A guy or gal works for and pays for 12 vintage guitars over a few decades. Some youngin comes in and says but I only have a beat up Willie Nelson type guitar. That’s not fair. Really? Why?
Tim, BB Mike, PhinDog, and others who are into music on this great blog,
Alright, y’all dig music and music is in your roots. I’ve referenced Scarface (the rapper, not the movie) many times on this blog in the past. Not only has he had a major influence on me since I began my music career, but he’s reaching legendary status, PERIOD, based on the past.
Here is his ‘Tiny Desk Concert’ (live instruments playing ONLY). I had NO idea that Face played a major part in his own music before this… and that his right-hand man and collaborator is and always has been a white man named Mike Dean! I LOVE THIS FACT!!! I LOVE UNITY BETWEEN BLACK AND WHITE, and WHITE AND BLACK!!!
I LOVE MUSIC!!! And I love the voice of Scarface. *AHEM*… he and I are almost at the same vocal register.
Elephant Rider!!! I almost forgot to mention you, sir! It was good to see ya on the blog recently!!!
And I think CavKong is young enough to appreciate this as well!
I don’t dig the first song, so just blast past it and go to Mary Jane at about 4:30 in the vid… and continue on.
Hard Knocks link… NOW!
Asante Samuel has an opinion. He also has an asshole. They both stink.
https://dolphinstalk.com/2024/01/asante-samuel-names-tua-tagovailoa-mr-123/
https://www.sbnation.com/platform/amp/nfl/2024/1/3/24023591/aaron-rodgers-jimmy-kimmel-epstein-pat-mcafee-espn
I think he’s gone too far this time.
Yeah, he can come out and say he was just joking. Rodgers is an ass.
That said, don’t give a crap about Jimmy Kimmel either. He’s a sellout, sold his soul.
MF, happy new year to you as well brother!
YAY!
QB Josh Allen is still dealing with a sore neck but is anticipated to play Sunday against the Dolphins, per head coach Sean McDermott.
Nothing on the Dolphins yet today.
Post Getting Our Ass Kicked Mock Draft
Did what TIM mentioned and traded some of next years capital. Traded 2025 2nd and 6th for an early 2024 3rd (second pick in 3rd round) from the Cardinals.
29. Jordan Morgan OT Arizona
62. Byron Murphy II DT Texas
66. Xavier Worthy WR Texas (runs about a 4.32)
157. Dallin Holker TE Colorado State
169. Curtis Jacobs, LB Penn State
190. Beaux Limmer OC Arkansas
221. Woodi Washington CB Oklahoma
Not good…
That sucks. That ain’t a grease fire. Looks like the whole place might be non-livable for a while.
That’s awful.
Seiler hurt his shoulder or arm last game. Remember seeing him come off the field not moving his arm and hanging it straight down.
Sieler is listed as an Illness not an injury
Thanks, just remember him holding his arm that way after one play. Must have been a stinger.
Tyreek’s place:
“The 9,300-square-foot residence includes seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a home theater, a full-sized basketball court, a pool, and two guest houses.”
Last day we were in Hollywood after the fest game we were checking out places to stay by the Broadwalk.. walked past a girl talking to a guy about houses .. she asked him if he still had his house in ( don’t recall) he said no I sold that to Tyreek Hill.. we weren’t even wearing Fins gear so it wasn’t for our benefit…. Thought it was kinda cool
That’s more than cool. Feel bad for Tyreek and his fam right now. Maybe they are holed up in the guest houses.
https://dolphinswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/53/2024/01/GC8k3riWIAAG_aY.jpg?resize=1024,912
I believe that works out to 1/3 of the roster showing up on the report!
Not to mention those already on IR.
Yeah, every team has injuries. Give me a break. No other team in the NFL can come close to all the injuries we have endured/enduring.
EXACTLY
And I don’t want to sound overly negative on our injury-riddled season, but we’ve got at least 2 more games to play… 😦
Meaning, we’ve got at least 2 more games to get guys fucked up well into next season. 😦
Glad to hear the actual fire was relatively limited. The firefighters punching holes in the roof made it look like could be much worse.
BTW — if I ever become a NFL superstar at 58…… Drew Rosenhaus will be my agent.
Hey M!
Always enjoy your music selections!
As for Tyreek, he’s going to be just fine. He’s got plenty of 💰
Thanks, Bro!
And I’m right there with ya on ‘Reek. That house is insured and he’ll be alright.
We’ve been missing you for some time, ER! GRAND to see ya back, man!
Cameron Wolfe
@CameronWolfe
Dolphins get 6 Pro Bowlers:
QB Tua Tagovailoa, 1st time, Starter
WR Tyreek Hill, 8th time, Starter
RB Raheem Mostert, 1st time, Starter
FB Alec Ingold, 1st time, Starter
CB Jalen Ramsey, 7th time
LT Terron Armstead, 5th time
Pro Bowl doesn’t mean much, nit as much as All -Pro. Regardless, surprised Tua made it, don’t fans vote these things? Armstead missed too much time as well
I think it 1/3 fans, 1/3 coaches, 1/3 players
BBM, Sieler did come out holding his arm and I was like you have to be kidding me. But he came back into the game.
Yeah, we finally have a really good season and we are ravaged by key injuries
I hear ya, it’s so bizarre. Like WTF?!!!🙄
I feel like we are cursed
Just finished Hard Knocks covering the loss to Ravens. Hopefully, the last scene showing a crippled, beat–up team getting on a bus after a loss in more ways than one can find what it takes to win the AFCE Division this Sunday. It’s been 15 years.
I’ve been wallowing in sorrow and embarrassment for 3 days after the beat down in Baltimore. We ARE a top five team in NFL, but we need to be able to win ON THE ROAD to truly get to that final top rung.
At home, we have been an elite team. Interestingly, Buffalo is very similar to Miami in this regard this year. They have been terrible on the road.
We still have a slight advantage to win the division AT HOME (but prime time game makes me nervous lol).
Bills lost 3 of their best defensive players for the season (DL, LB, DB) as we all know. We have lost 2. If Howard is out this final game that will be 3. LB is our unit that is really vulnerable right now. The rest of the units have decent depth to play well at home!!
So this game comes down to which offense can dominate. This team has shown that it can bounce back after being humiliated.
Plus, this team has a chance to win the division AND potentially bounce a rival OUT of the playoffs.
If we can’t win games like this, then, honestly, we don’t deserve. The NFL is hard as f*#k … and Division Titles are not handed out, they have to be earned. This is the spot we all dreamed of over the summer.
We win, we can potentially get to play TWO home playoff games … its still a good spot. A fully healthy team and Fins were getting to be a very dangerous team, but there are a lot of teams that can say that (Cincinnati at the top of that list). At least we still have an opportunity to win this division.
Best players is debatable, but the Dolphins lost Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb, Jerome Baker, and for this game at least (maybe more), Xavien Howard, in addition to losing Jalen Ramsey for half the season.
Of course this doesn’t include 3/5 of our offensive line either.