It’s going to be really, really cold on Saturday, and our Dolphins now have to deal with subzero temperatures, as well as Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and the Chiefs. Not sure if either team has a real advantage in this weather, but no question the Dolphins don’t get the edge they could have had if they locked up their division, and took care of business! Alas, we are where we are, and now we have to hope that somehow we can make an improbable tour through some of the best AFC teams and knock them off one by one in their house. First up is KC, as two 11-6 teams clash. Oddly enough, both teams are disappointed to finish 11-6, although the Chiefs did win the AFC West division, where the next best team was 8-9. Not so, as we all well know in the AFC East. The Dolphins had everything laid out perfectly, a 3 game lead with 5 games to go, Dolphins 10-4, Bills 7-6. We didn’t wash out in December like many past seasons, we went 3-2, but the Bills got hot when it counts and went 4-0 after their BYE week.
Time to move on from the past, and start looking ahead. The team has no choice, and neither do we. The Chiefs have changed from the usual high flying offense to a middling offensive team. Their defense though has improved significantly and is the more dominant unit, the better unit by far. Regardless of this, we all know Kansas City is dangerous offensively because as long as #15 Patrick Mahomes is on the field, the Chiefs are an offense to be feared. Mahomes brings an 11-3 Playoff record to this Wild Card clash, so while Dolphins fans are hopeful because the Chiefs haven’t been the explosive offense they’ve been in the past, that changes when it counts. Speaking of changing when it counts, our team, and our QB included, have played tight, and the offense hasn’t been remotely as effective in big games. Now some fans have different definitions as to what big games are, but to simplify this, how about we just take the last 3 games of the season where the Buffalo Bills are on a tear, and we need to win every game to hold them off.
Week 14, The Dolphins have a 3 game lead over Buffalo. We host the Titans on Monday Night Football in the friendly confines of Hard Rock Stadium. Tua Tagovailoa throws for 240 yards, zero TD’s, zero INT’s. Not a horrible game, a respectable 90.3 QBR, but not exactly a game that leads the team to an important victory either. The next week we hosted the hapless NY Jets, and we handled the Jets rather easily in this one. Tua was 21-24 for 224 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT’s. Solid game, the defense was stifling, Sanders kicked 3 FG’s and Raheem Mostert rushed for a TD. Christmas Eve day we host the Cowboys, and we eek out a one point victory. Tua does lead the game winning FG drive, but aerial attack isn’t what it was earlier in the season as Tua managed to throw just 1 TD and it’s K Jason Sanders who boots 5 FG’s that carries the team. Then we travel to Baltimore for our every few years smackdown. Winning QB Lamar Jackson throws 5 TD’s, 0 INT’s. Tua Tagovailoa 2 TD’s, 2 INT’s. So that’s December for ya! 5 games, 4 TD’s, 2 INT’s. I’m not handpicking stats, they are what they are. I’m not even including the earlier season games against winning teams like the Bills, Chiefs and Eagles, if I did, it would be uglier, you can trust me. There’s no false narrative, Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins offense do not play well against better competition.
The good thing is, as long as he’s still playing, he can change that. He has a fantastic opportunity to turn all that around by playing a great game and leading his team to victory against the Chiefs in frigid conditions. Believe me, he needs this, the team needs this. Perhaps it’s a foregone conclusion that Tua is going to get paid $50M per year, but winning a playoff game or two would go a long way towards earning it. Our defense is a shocking, yes shocking mess right now. I’ve never seen a team more decimated and ravaged by injury. It’s not enough that 3 of four LB’s went down with season ending injuries, Jaelan Phillips (Achilles), Bradley Chubb (ACL tear), and Jerome Baker (Dislocated wrist, MCL) who managed to return for the Bills game and played his heart out. Then add in the 2nd string LB Andrew Van Ginkel and then 3rd string LB Cameron Goode (Ruptured patella) so the Dolphins are left with 2nd string ILB Duke Riley and OLB’s Melvin Ingram and Emmanuel Ogbah. The Dolphins have signed OLB’s Justin Houston and Bruce Irvin and they will absolutely see a fair amount of action, because neither Ogbah or Ingram are truly in playing shape, neither of them have been playing. At ILB, Calvin Munson and Channing Tindall will likely play next to Duke Riley, unless we activate ILB Malik Reed from the practice squad who was also recently signed. Let’s be honest, if you don’t think the Chiefs watched the Bills torch our LB’s last week and aren’t salivating at the prospects of TE Travis Kelce and RB Isiah Pacheco having record breaking days, well . . . .
Even will all of the injuries, I think we can beat the Chiefs. Of course we have numerous players QUESTIONABLE for tomorrow night, WR Jaylen Waddle, RB Raheem Mostert, S Jevon Holland, S DeShon Elliott, and unfortunately, CB Xavien Howard remains OUT. I would tend to think that all of our guys will play, as Apollo Creed says, “There is no tomorrow!” If it’s extremely windy, that will make passing more difficult, and we know which of the two QB’s is capable of overcoming the wind with a powerful arm. I’m sure we’ll be running as much as we can, and with our stable of RB’s, I think we have the advantage with Mostert, Achane, Wilson and Brooks compared to the Chiefs Pacheco, Edwards-Helaire and Perine. This will most likely be a trenches game, and we should have 3/5’s of our original line back, although you can say 4/5’s as Eichenberg has been starting at C for a while now. There’s a small chance of snow, which would make the game more interesting to watch for sure.
This is not where we want to be, but we’re in the playoffs, and we still have a chance to make some noise. It could be a great story if some of the guys we picked up make a big impact on the game. Imagine if Justin Houston and Bruce Irvin each get a couple of sacks and maybe force a turnover or two? Imagine if Malik Reed gets called up from the practice squad and intercepts a pass to TE Travis Kelce to seal a Dolphins victory? Anything can happen, and I’m happy we still have an opportunity even though we choked away the division crown. We can make the most of a poor situation. One game at a time, but have to win it to stay in it. Beat the Chiefs and then we’ll see who we have to play next. At least if we win tomorrow night, the team will have some newfound confidence going forward, and Hard Knocks will much more watchable for all of us.
GO DOLPHINS!!!
Finsmob Unleashed 
Fuck you, Apple.
Eli Apple has shown how to NOT get injured … just don’t try too hard.
^
CavalierKong says:
January 13, 2024 at 10:03 pm
This offense just isn’t very good. We cannot sustain drives
17.7 against winning teams. We’re on pace for around that or less again.
Once KC goes up 3 scores, we’ll get a cheap score or two.
Reply
Brian in NY says:
January 13, 2024 at 10:04 pm
We are good against shitty teams. When we play good teams we get out coached and out played
This is why I don’t give any credence to the idea that injuries are our problem the last few games. It’s not the injuries on defense that are causing us to lose. It’s this offense’s ineptitude. Take away the big play and our offense falls apart throughout the course of the game.
Agreed 100%. I’ve been right there with you on that.
I ABSOLUTELY hear ya on the Offense.
That play will be a microcosm of this game.
Duke Riley needs to be taken out of the game
Are you sure about that? 🙂
That was one helluva pass-rush by Riley right there!
He’s been missing tackles and coverage assignments all game. Rewind back to the Mahomes run- he watched him go by instead of laying him out.
This 13 point deficit seems like 30
I feel the same way, man.
Tua time? Lol
FGs vs TDs are great if our Offense can score … but … c’mon, let’s get some edge runs (instead of passes to the flat … cuz that ball is a rock). KC is tempting us to stay in this game!
Defense continues to keep us in the game
Yet another chance for the offense to show up, but even if we get a drive here, can we get two or three scoring drives to make it a game? I’ve come to terms with the answer to that question. I’m chill
What’s really disappointing is we are seeing Tua come up small again. Don’t give me any bull shit excuses about the weather- it’s barely affecting Mahomes. Hopefully he can turn it around, but I wouldn’t bet $2 on it.
KC now scored enough to win. I’ll sit through one more drive from the Miami Oneanddonephins. If we don’t score 7, which we won’t, it’s over.
KC is a much better tackling defense than we are.
OMG
Tia had Waddle on an intermediate route on 2nd down that would have been a first
Pacheko >>>> Achane
Tonight
If we’re going to run, we MUST go with BIGGER formations.
We’re trying to be too cute.
Pathetic offense
McDaniel has to shoulder some of the blame for our struggles against winning teams. He gets out-coached more often than not.
So when exactly is this high-powered offense going to show up against good teams? Obviously not this year but I think some criticism and caution is warranted extremely early next year. By Year 3, McDaniel should know how to beat good teams if he’s the guy. Honestly, Tua never will be.
Beer please
Definitely lol.
Alright, I’m calling it. I’m probably done for quite awhile. Dolphins season is over and we’ll go into the offseason with a bunch of political crap.
See ya’ll next season!
Nogtih all. The blueprint needs adjusting. In it’s current format it just doesn’t work. MM has a lot of adjustments to make in the off season.
This offense is weak. Nothing. No answer from McDaniel, Tua, or anyone else
I’m
Wondering how much more of this shit offense I’m going to watch
Yeo…lol
Yeo
Yep…lol
Even when we make a good play on first down, we fuck it up
I wouldn’t extend Tua. I would let him play out his 5th year .
Was he more mobile in college ??
Exactly. I’d honestly look in the draft pretty hard. This dude is not the answer. I hate to say Flores was right, but what can I say. He’s not a leader and not much of a passer either. Leader’s don’t need kid’s gloves.
Mahomes just owning us in every way, shape and form.
David Long looks hurt
Good, he’s back.
Like it matters
I wouldn’t extend Tua either. Why would you?
The only reason to extend Tua is if you thought your job was on the line if you didn’t. Since Ross still has his vision, Grier probably has more hope of saving his job if he doesn’t extend Tua.
I have a litany of excuses, but tonight isn’t the time. I’m frustrated with Tua right now as well.
I think the amount of blitzing we did was ridiculous. Ineffective always, yet we continue to do it
It’s the only prayer we have for a pass rush (not working)
Extend Malik Reed
He has lots of energy
BAHAHAHAHAHAHA! What a fucking joke.
Dumb play Wilkins
No reason to touch him
that was some of the worst officiating all season omg
Mahomes, Ma-auto, Ma-ref
no shit ^
that was holding on 79 for offsetting
No chance now
I just wonder how bad this is going to get
Still 11 min left so probably a little worse. Pick 6 maybe coming up.
I hear that fat lady. Heard her warming up earlier.
welp.
that’s the season.
fuck.
again.
I’d give McDaniel another season or two, and if he can’t prove that he can coach against the top coaches and teams then see ya.
^
See below…
I really hope Mike McDaniel hasn’t already reached his ceiling.
We just always find ways to fuck it up: stupid penalties , poor offensive play, poor defensive play, poor coaching, something. I really wonder if we will ever become a top tier team.
Seems the last 3-4 games it’s like we only have 12 plays in the offensive play book.
These are the situations where Tua throws a pick
They go 3 and out, the defense should just tell the offense they have to stay out there and play defense.
LMAO!!
That was totally inexcusable
How many penalties is that on third down?
somebody called it earlier … cheap points, too late, makes it look better than it was
I was actually looking for whom😊
Garbage time.
Hurry up offense?
That was hurry up , there was still 3 secs on the clock
you mean … hurry up, offense!
Yet another problem with this offense. IDK if it’s all the motion, but we’re incapable of running hurry up. Check out how much time is on the play clock every single snap
Sure. just throw it up and ‘hope’ something good happens. 😒
I guess that wasn’t a penalty …
Un fucking real
WTF was that?
Our planned bread and butter play for this week that has been a disaster waiting to happen
Tua’s blown up…crashed and burned
That was awful but doesn’t matter. This game is over. This season is over.
Can’t they just line up and go?
You could see it in his eyes
Woo hoo, we won a challenge
This offense isn’t fooling anyone. Lol
This play calling just sucks ass
^^^
JUST STOP THROWING THAT FUCKING PASS
Oh well that was disappointing
McDaniel, Tua EXPOSED!!!
just like against Buffalo, 4th down play that has NO chance for a first down.
It’s over
I don’t know if McDaniel has it to be a head coach. He gets out-coached repeatedly in big games.
I freaking hate the offseason. Hate it! And it’s starting 8 mins early
We look like a WC team that backed into the playoffs. Oh wait . . .
I was told we didn’t back in this year. Lol
Pyrite!
Some of the worst playcalling I’ve seen in a long time
Fuck Taylor Swift and any NFL camera that gives her any kind of attention.
She’s more entertaining that this sorry excuse for a playoff team.
I love Taylor Swift,
but McDaniel has to quit calling these little gimmick plays so often.
We need to just line up and run it hard and throw crisp little sure passes and work the ball down the field.
And Tua has to stop throwing his receivers into big hits.
We need an Anquan Bolden type possession receiver that doesn’t get hurt every time he catches it in traffic.
Small
Repeat of last year. This year no back up QB excuse. Turns out that didn’t matter anyway.
We lost by 3 last year. You could actually be proud of the way we played last year. This is embarrassing
With a backup QB….
THIRD STRING!
So bad. I don’t care what his stats are, Tua is mid. He’s not a bad QB at all, he’s just nothing special. He has brought absolutely nothing to this game, and nothing to the last Bills game, and nothing to the Ravens game, and nothing to Chiefs1, and nothing to the Eagles game, and nothing to Bills1.
I know, it’s the injuries
and the weather
and the dog ate the playbook
and the sun was in their eyes
So disappointed, but not surprised. The same issues that have plagued us all year showed up here.
Contrary to what some tried to peddle, you don’t just suddenly start beating good teams. This is who we were early in the season, middle of the season, and end of the season.
Correct on all
Accounts.
I didn’t expect a win but I expected a better showing
I didn’t. Why? They have not shown any reason to.
It’s entertainment..not even close…lol
I still can’t believe that Al Michaels was relieved of his playoff duties just because he didn’t like the disruption Taylor Swift was bringing to NFL games.
Tua is a good QB- he’s nothing special
Someone said a rookie QB is not going to win you 11 games. Well, one just did along with winning his first ever playoff game against one of the top defensive teams in the NFL this year.
That is an exception not the rule. The #1 overall pick won 2 games
Congrats to the defense for keeping us in this game as long as they did. Considering the injuries on that side of the ball, and how we had to blitz all game long to try and make up for our lack of passrush, I think the defense played a relatively outstanding game.
This loss is entirely on McD, Tua, and the offense.
This offense was throwing the ball downfield in September through November
And they stopped doing it
And now they throw the ball to hill and achane 3 yards behind the LOS
And people were stopping those plays for weeks
And they just stopped in now
It doesn’t make sense
They just started tuning players that never worked and stubbornly kept doing it
This was not our offense early this season
It wasn’t our offense last season at our peak
All the sudden the playcalling turned into bill lazer instead of pussing the ball downfield
It’s also because defenses learned how to stop our offense, for the second year in a row. McDaniel needs to do better.
It might be based on that 3 safety deep stuff
But that should open up other holes
FRIENDLY REMINDER…
ALL OF THIS could have been avoided had we not shat the bed against the Titans.
😡
😡
😡
Avoided how though? We’d still lose no matter what happened .
We would have won the AFC East an avoided this ‘Ice Bowl’ game. We’d have had a home playoff game… even though the Bill swept us.
Tua has nothing on those throws. No zip.
I’m curious if we know where the first down marker is
Sorry Tim, it’s mock draft frenzy time.
Draft a QB
Tua will never be able to play late in the year. Need a bigger arm, bigger body to play in weather. His balls all look like change ups out there thrown in slow motion
^
The obvious adjust to playing your safeties to the middle of the field is for a QB to throw to the sideline
If his arm is weak, you can’t make that adjustment
We were a Tua up for grabs TD to Tyreek away from being shut out tonight.
Reply to ya above, my guy!
I won’t be surprised to Wilkins to want to test the market.
Yeah. He may want to go to a winner
to see
Aren’t they something like 40M over the cap already? Not much return on that investment. Lol
M13,
That’s my point. We would have lost anyway.
I disagree on that, bud. JMO
We’re (OBVIOUSLY!) not built to play in the cold. We’re built to play in the HEAT.
Id rather just suck all year if this is the new thing. Crumbling is much worse for me to take. Lol
Weather hasn’t made a difference, we faded at the end of season PERIOD..
BBL maybe. I have to drive over to our other office in the next county.
I like this Ethan Bonner guy.
Pull TUA! Why put him at risk at this point?
I don’t think Frank Smith will be that hot of a commodity
What does he even do?
Maybe McDaniel should give him more of a role on game day and pay attention to the Big Picture.
See I know it’s garbage time yards, but really notice how much better our offense is when we spread it around to Cracraft and others and just hit short sharp passes.
Good thing they pressured Mahomes so much