Finsmob Unleashed

The Dolphins finally kick off the season at Hard Rock Stadium after 2 road games to start the season. 2 impressive ones, one in LA against the Chargers, a 36-34 shootout victory, and then a more methodical 24-17 against our division rival New England Patriots. Even after the 2 victories, I still feel like we haven’t seen the defense thrive like I expected it to. We were gashed for over 200 yards on the ground in LA against the Chargers as well as giving up 34 points. In Foxborough, we surrendered half the points, but the defense has not looked dominant in any way, shape or form. They have made plays to seal games, and I suppose that’s the important thing, and at 2-0, I’m not going to complain too much, but I’d love to see this defense become what I hoped it could be.

If I told you before the season that LT Terron Armstead was going to miss the first 2 games, and that the Dolphins offensive line would have only allowed 1 sack in those 2 games, would you believe me? This may be the biggest surprise so far. The offensive line has done their job, with the exception of the bad snap issues that have plagued center Connor Williams. The shame of it is Williams is an excellent blocker, but it’s only a matter of time where a bad snap hurts us. Our run game has been excellent, when we actually run the ball like we did against the Patriots. Mostert bulked up some 15 lbs and he looks great this season. Mostert has 158 yards on 28 carries for a very nice 5.6 YPC, and he already has 3 rushing TD’s. RB Salvon Ahmed has been serving as 2nd string, but he’s now dealing with a groin injury, so De’Von Achane will now be the 2nd string RB as he has recovered from his shoulder injury. I’m excited to Achane, although props to Ahmed for simply making it impossible to not see that he makes plays and although he’s not physically imposing like Chris Brooks or super fast like Mostert or Achane, he gets the job done and looks slippery and elusive so far.

At WR, it’s been a lot Tyreek, especially in game 1, but as I told you, and you probably already knew it anyway, Belichick was going to do everything he could muster to keep Tyreek Hill from beating them. Tyreek still caught a TD but was much quieter compared to his 215 yard explosion against the Chargers. WR Jaylen Waddle looks like he will miss this game as he’s still in concussion protocol. Not sure which WR will replace Waddle if he can’t go, but Erik Ezukanma has been primarily used as a rusher in a somewhat similar role to WR Deebo Samuel. He’s not the type of guy that will be a downfield threat, and either is River Cracraft or Braxton Berrios. Jaylen Waddle makes it easier for the aforementioned Berrios and Cracraft to work underneath the coverage because Waddle requires attention and protection deep, so it will be interesting to see how we handle this if Waddle can’t go Sunday.

How about a huge high five and major props to LB Andrew Van Ginkel. This guy never quit, never gave up, and has carved himself a role on this defense. It’s clear Vic Fangio regards AVG very highly as he took tons of snaps in game 1 playing as the nickel LB and an inside LB, garnering a shocking 75% of snaps on defense. Jaelan Phillips did get in a limited practice yesterday, so he’s trending in the right direction as he deals with a back injury sustained in practice last Friday. More props coming, I feel like Raekwon Davis has been much more active and visible in the first 2 games. I do have concerns, although after 2 games, there’s not necessarily enough data to feel like this is a trend, but the 2 safeties, Jevon Holland and DeShon Elliott have the most tackles, 25 and 17 respectively, followed by 2 more DB’s, Xavien Howard and Kader Kohou. That’s not necessarily sustainable. Ok, let me get this out, I’m tired of seeing Eli Apple allowing receptions to anyone and everyone. If we’re going to draft a guy in the 2nd RD (CB Cam Smith), get the guy ready to play, because it’s so frustrating to watch. We jettisoned a former 2020 1st RD pick, Noah Igbinoghene and traded him for a former 2021 2nd RD pick (CB Kelvin Joseph), so please can we get either or both of those guys in there???

The 0-2 Denver Broncos make a late September visit to Hard Rock, and the heat could definitely be a factor in our favor. Sunday’s temperature should be about 85-88 degrees with a chance of thunderstorms (imagine that, a thunderstorm in FLA). While the Broncos are 0-2, they have lost both games by a total of 3 points, losing 17-16 to the Raiders and 35-33 against the Commanders, both at home. QB Russell Wilson has bounced back nicely from last year’s dreadful season. He has 5 TD’s to 1 INT, and has completed 68% of his passes in Sean Payton’s offense. RB Javonte Williams is back and Samaje Perrine is his backup. TE Greg Dulcich who was expected to have somewhat of a breakout season has been injured so TE Adam Trautman has taken his place while he’s out, but is not on the injury report this week, so he’ll be back. WR’s Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy are a talented WR duo. The Broncos defense struggled last week surrendering 35 points to the Washington Commanders. We all know Javonte Williams is hard running back, so we have to contain him, and Russell Wilson has been thriving early on, we have to take him down and make him uncomfortable. Rookie WR Marvin Mims has flashed and last year’s UDFA receiver Brandon Johnson has also made a splash.

At home, in September, this is a game the Dolphins should win. If the heat is a factor and the thunderstorms don’t quench the heat, we need to win this game, our first home game of the season. On the flip side, the Broncos come in a desperate team after losing 2 very close games to start the season. Waddle being out isn’t a good thing. Once again, that will be something to watch as to who replaces Waddle, and if he makes an impact. We may opt to run the ball more, and I’ve yet to mention FB Alec Ingold, who has been a feisty player and brings some nasty, some meanness to our offense, which definitely is welcomed. As I mentioned, De’Von Achane who is healthy may get more touches and I would like to see us continue to give Raheem Mostert a bunch of carries, at least 15-20. Achane can get touches both in the run game and passing game, and I hope he gets a few targets so he can find some room to run. He can be a HR threat with the ball in his hands anywhere on the field. Let’s hope this is Armstead’s debut, although Kendall Lamm has earned some trust for sure. Let’s also hope we do rest Waddle and have him healthy next week, it’s a long season. I also hope Jaelan Phillips is healthy enough to make a splash this week as well.

GO DOLPHINS!!!