Finsmob Unleashed

Last week’s Dolphins performance makes me feel very confident going into this week’s Christmas Eve matchup at home at Hard Rock against the Dallas Cowboys. Coach McDaniel knows he and his team made a critical mistake allowing the Titans to steal that MNF game 2 weeks ago and now his team focused on the prize. There’s a sense that they should not only win out so the team is able to secure the #1 seed, but because they have the talent and ability to do so. The Cowboys are a good football team, they have talent on both sides of the ball and should present a difficult challenge. I do believe our team is ready for that challenge.

The Cowboys are a much better team playing at home than they are outside of AT&T Stadium in Arlington. At home in Texas, the Cowboys have score 37.7 points per game while allowing only 15 points per game to their opponents. Away from Texas, the Cowboys are scoring 19.8 points per game while allowing 24.3 points per game, and this includes the season opener in which the Cowboys shellacked the NY Giants 40-0. The Dolphins defense needs to continue it’s ferocity, particularly the pass rush which has been nothing short of fierce. Only one team has more sacks the Dolphins defense, that’s the Baltimore Ravens with 50 compared to our 48. I believe that by the time we face the Ravens, we’ll have more sacks than them.

The Dolphins also have a decent disparity between their home performances and their away performances, but not nearly as drastic as the Dallas Cowboys huge chasm of home and away scoring. The Dolphins are scoring a healthy 35.8 points per game at Hard Rock and 27.1 points per game away. That’s almost a 9 point differential which pales compared to the Cowboys 18 point differential. At home, the Dolphins have allowed 16.4 points per game, but have allowed 25.5 points per game away. Here, the difference in points scored and allowed for both teams is much closer, just about 8 points per game better at home for both teams. The Dolphins defense has also been significantly better in the last few weeks. On the whole, we’re scoring 31.5 points per game and allowing 21. In our last 7 games the defense has really clamped down, allowing only 15.2 points per game, and that includes 3 away games. 

I have to say, I’m thrilled we’re on Hard Knocks. I’m enjoying that like no else’s business! Not only do I get to see every Dolphins game, but now I get to see the players and coaches behind the scenes as well! I’m enjoying it ALL as I still firmly believe we’re witnessing a special season. I think this team is capable of representing the AFC in the Super Bowl. First order of business is to take care of the Cowboys in our house on Christmas Eve Day. The injury situation is still rough, I’m guessing that Tyreek Hill, Terron Armstead, Xavien Howard, Jevon Holland, Liam Eichenberg, and Andrew Van Ginkel will all suit up and play, and we’ll also see the return of RB Chris Brooks. Unfortunately on the negative side, it looks like RT Austin Jackson and RG Robert Hunt will miss another game, leaving OT Kendall Lamm to handle RT and either G Robert Jones or Lester Cotton to handle RG.

One very honorable mention, this needs to be said, make it two honorable mentions. actually. LB Duke Riley has played so well in the place of injured LB Jerome Baker. I know this will kill Hulk, but Liam Eichenberg toughing it out last week and suiting up and playing some good football deserves a big mention as well. I don’t know what kind of magic Offensive Line Coach Butch Barry is mixing up but my goodness, that guy deserves major props! I’m looking forward to spending time with family and watching the Dolphins game against the Cowboys Christmas Eve, what could be better? Tyreek Hill will be back, but what a nice game for Jaylen Waddle who really stepped up last game with Tyreek out. We need to see more of him, and not be so Tyreek Hill centric. Could we even see big Chris Brooks getting some carries to put the Cowboys away late in the game and give Raheem Mostert a breather? Stay tuned Dolphins fans! 

Merry Christmas !!

GO DOLPHINS!!!