Dreadful first half dooms Dolphins as Fins fall to Texans
by Matty I on Dec 28, 2009 12:15 AM EST
in 2012 Miami Dolphins News
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PrintSo I was wrong. Last week I declared that this Dolphins team was going to the playoffs. Many called me crazy, saying that too much had to happen for the Fins to squeak in. On Sunday, everything that had to happen did happen. The only problem was that the Dolphins failed to do their own part. And now these players only have themselves to blame for missing the postseason. A single win against either the Bills, Titans, or Texans would have been enough for Miami to control their own destiny next week. Instead, the Dolphins will play the Steelers next Sunday and then head home for the offseason.
Quite frankly, I'm disgusted. I'm absolutely sick to my stomach. Yes, this team is headed in the right direction and that's a huge positive. But to come so close to a second consecutive postseason and then fall short in the fashion they have this season just makes me angry. Playoff experience would have been huge for some of Miami's key young players. But now we're just going to have to wait.
First half kills Dolphins
I've read a lot already about who everyone blames for Sunday's disaster. Some will say it's the coaching staff. Others want to blame the referees - which is totally bogus to me. Personally, I blame every single player who stepped on that football field today. Want to know who to blame? Tell any player in a Miami uniform to look into the mirror. The face they see staring back is who is at fault.
The defense in the first half was just pitiful. And no - their performance in the second half does not make up for their piss-poor display in the first. There's just no excuse for allowing a team to gain 306 yards of offense and 27 points in a single half. Matt Schaub had open receivers all over the field in the first half. Sean Smith got burnt. Vontae Davis got burnt. The safeties were never around to to help out these corners. At one point in the first, Schaub had connected on 10 of 11 passes for 201 yards and two touchdowns. In less than one half, people - less than one half. Twenty yards per completion? Really? That's how you play in a "do or die" late-season game? I'm not sure what's worse - that stat or the fact that one of the NFL's worst rushing teams gained 67 yards rushing on just 14 carries in the first half. That's a 4.8 yards-per-carry average that Miami gave up against a below-average rushing team. Inexcusable, in my opinion. And the number of missed tackles by this team all game long was just ridiculous.
The offense wasn't any better in the first half. The running game never got going. Ricky Williams ran for just 22 yards on 7 carries. And we can't forget yet another turnover by Williams - as he had a pass bounce right off his hands and into a defender's arm deep inside Miami territory. Chad Henne was wildly inaccurate and just looked totally uncomfortable out there in the first half, throwing for 82 yards on 11 of 23 passing. The offensive line got no push and didn't protect very well, either.
Point blank - it was just terrible. I don't recall seeing a worse half of football since 2007 than what I had to witness on Sunday. This team played like they didn't even care.
QUICK HITS
Just a few more thoughts about this dreadful performance:
- Let me just say that Ted Ginn gets some crappy blocking on his kick returns. I don't think any return man could put together consistently good returns with this kind of blocking.
- Speaking of Ginn, though, we have to give the man props. He played very well on Sunday. He looked like the receiver we saw flashes of over the past two seasons. It's an encouraging sign. But we need to see this more consistently. Maybe he can build on Sunday's performance, close out the year with another solid game, and take some positive momentum into the offseason.
- You have to wonder what exactly Tony Sparano said in that locker room on Sunday. We saw an entirely different team in the second half. But it was just too little too l late. Why did they have to wait so long before playing with some urgency?
- As poor as the defense played in the first half, the second half performance by that unit was pretty impressive. They held Schaub to just 6 of 13 passing for 39 yards and an interception. All told, Houston gained just 100 yards of offense on 29 offensive plays - an average of 3.4 yards per play. In the end, though, the hole was too big to dig out of.
- As inaccurate and uncomfortable as Chad Henne looked in the first half, he looked much better in the second half - completing 24 of 32 passes for 240 yards and a touchdown. He did miss on too many throws in this game, though. But if we can just get more consistency out of him (and better weapons around him), Henne really looks like he could be the long-term answer.
- I've been very disappointed in the play of the offensive line these past few weeks. I know Vernon Carey is battling an injury but the entire line has had issues at times the past two or three games.
- It seems like a lot of people are debating the decision by the Dolphins to punt the ball on that 4th & 5 play with 5:22 to play. While some will argue that it would have been a bad idea to go for it from their own 21 yard line, I still believe you have got to be aggressive and go for it. When you're down 10 points with 5 minutes left, you can't afford to punt it away. This offense is not an explosive offense and takes time to move the ball. And I just don't think you can ever play for the onside kick. That's what Tony Sparano did here by punting with 5 minutes left. It was a bad decision.
Some perspective
I'm as angry as any of you about Sunday's performance. But we need to keep things in perspective. This team is certainly on their way towards becoming a very good team for a long time. I'm fully confident in Tony Sparano as head coach. This team loves playing for him and despite a few hiccups this year, he has what it takes to be a very good head coach (I can't say the same about the coordinators, but I'll save that for another time). I'm getting more and more confident that we have our long-term answer at quarterback. I think the offensive line is pretty darn good and just needs to get - and stay - healthy. I really like the complimentary receivers this team has (but they need a number one receiver). Their defensive line is good, young, and deep (though they may need a nose tackle). And despite their struggles, I think Vontae Davis and Sean Smith will be a very good cornerback tandem in the near future.
Those are a ton of pieces to the puzzle that this franchise has in place. Now let's hope for a good effort next Sunday and prepare for a very entertaining offseason.
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You go for it....no doubt....
everyone is saying “oh but we got the ball right back”…yea we got it back with 2 less timeouts.
Henne using that last timeout was the game ender…the clock is stopped….with that timeout and the 2 min warning still…u can kick away and get it back with a prayer at the final TD….hes done that a few timees…at that point…a delay of game penalty is the better option..or any penalty….that timeout is gold in that situation.
Next time Pat White enters the game…100% its the same play…but he keeps it and goes left…teams have watched tape and on that TD Lex got…Pat woulda walked in if he kept it.
We all want to see Wake play….but i saw a lot of JT on the sidelines on big 3rd downs in the first half….we need him on the field….he snuffs out screens and is great at telling other teammates whats coming.
Torbor and Akin had one hell of a combined crappy game…not 1, not 2, but 5 steps behind their men all game long.
As much as I love Sean Smith…he needs a lot of work still…and he hit a wall a few games ago…Vontae however is playing great….love his all out style…that almost INT was kinda a momentum changer….woke up the team it seemed.
All in all….great to see young guys step up this season….but injuries costs this team 2 wins IMO….I for one…look forward to good stuff next season and on.
Phinsider Hall of Fame Class of 09' / 2-Time 09' Matty Award Winner
Finally someone seeing the wisdom of not playing Wake all the time.
We like the potential Wake has, but he still needs to develop a sense of what’s going on around him. Not have that tunnel vision of going after the QB.
I’ve been saying the same thing about Sean Smith as well. He has some good potential, he just needs to become more physical. But you can’t really put too much blame on either of them due to the fact they’ve been forced to play man all season long, with little or no safety help. Now that both of them have adjusted to the speed of the game, they can install some zone coverages that will help them out tremendously.
True, plus it seems Sean Smith hit the rookie wall about 2 games ago...
When a ball gets completed on him he kind of looks around in a daze, he just needs to get more physical and simply learn to knock the ball down more instead of going for the interception. It seems like an odd concept, but by knocking balls down using your extreme vertical the pass is incomplete. The more incomplete passes there are means more 3 & outs which means more possessions for your Offense. Also it puts the other teams Offense in a behind position, throwing low percentage passes more often which can lead to INTERCEPTIONS. Look at the CHARGERS V TITANS game, when the TITANS were trying to come from behind, the Chargers were picking him off left and right.
by Phin-Phan-Phorever on Dec 28, 2009 1:00 PM EST up reply actions
I agree with a lot of your statements Rzayo
But I don’t think I agree with your assessment of Vontae Davis. He is getting targeted a lot by oppossing QB’s. Does he make some plays on the football, yes he does. But as a physical CB, he is not very good right now.
He is a classic tweener at the position IMO. He is not physical enough to keep guys from getting off the LOS. And he is not fast enough to make up ground after he gets beat off the LOS. All I know is that when I see a big play in the passing game (that doesn’t involve a TE) it seems to come against Davis.
Its trial by fire bro
List the WRs he has faced..it looks like a ALL PRO BOWL OF THE DECADE team….1 on 1….no help….with crappy GW helping out at safety….
its all about taking ur lumps now….the kid is a rookie and he has held his own. he isnt getting much help…and those big plays are not simply him getting beat…its guys like Schaub yesterday having 6 seconds to sit back there and wait….wait….wait….you cant cover an NFL WR for 5-8 seconds….not even Champ Bailey can.
If i could go back to the draft…Id take Nicks over Davis…but at least he is playing well enough where i think about it….
If Jason Allen played as well as Vontae….we wouldnt hate him so much…and he has had 3 years.
Phinsider Hall of Fame Class of 09' / 2-Time 09' Matty Award Winner
Well said
I think today solidified that we will draft and ILB or safety this off-season. I mean, come one, who the hell is Ryan Moats and why was he running well on us? I believe this game would’ve been vastly differently, at least against the run, had Crowder not left.
I didn't get to see
today’s game, but I’m shocked that despite the first half, we almost came back yet again. Ginn’s TD getting nullified and the missed field goal – this teams gotta have a let down next week.
We need a #1 receiver and a healthy Ronnie Brown next year too.
What an up and down season it's been,
I just hope for a strong finish against the Steelers, even if it’s not a win. They could at least redeem themselves a bit after that horrible first half. I couldn’t believe what I was watching. Anyways all in all I love where this team is headed and can’t wait to see what happens next year after getting some more key players that we desperately need.
So..
Are we statistically out of the playoff picture?
"It didn't take the wildcat to beat the patriots... Just a wolverine."
No
If Oakland can beat the Ravens, Cleveland can beat Jacksonville, and we beat the Steelers, we get in as the sixth seed.
We need Cincinnati and NE to win as well
Otherwise the Jets or Texans (respectively) get in as #6 instead.
by RoaTheEternal on Dec 28, 2009 1:43 AM EST up reply actions
wow
this sounds so much worse than last week’s situation.
Another season gone down the drain.. lol
Hopefully Sparano/Parcells realize that they need to get us a solid #1 and dump Wilson as soon as possible!
Overall I think the offense can come together with just a few more pieces, maybe a new NT and that missing WR.
On the D though.. damn with Taylor and Porter as old as they are.. we are going to be seriously missing some key players. This season proved that they are old and are not going to hold up for FULL ON SMASH MOUTH FOOTBALL much longer. So we are going to have to find replacements for them, someone of quality to replace Wilson. Bell isnt getting any younger either.. Im ok with our corners for the most part. ILB though.. as much as I was pullinf for Crowder to evolve into an ELITE player, he isnt that player. Yes he is solid.. but with so many holes around him (young corners and injuries to the front) we need an ELITE ILB to replace him as well.
Hopefully we get lucky and can find a top notch WR in FA (or steal someone away from another team) cus thinking we will find an ELITE receiver in the draft is a crap shoot at best.
I want an explosive offense.. I want a Colts/Saints kinda offense. Hell even the Jets look more explosive at times then this team on offense. Maybe as a younger Miami fan years ago I was spoiled with Marino and his way of never being out of a game. As much as I like the 2 comebacks the last 2 weeks I still want a team that gets up 21+ points then never looks back. Maybe we will see that team soon.
Henne is now our leader. Lets see what the guy can do !
As usual the R&R Xpres is non stop to its next destination !
Driver of the Camarillo, Hartline & Bess fan club bus.. hop on and enjoy the ride!
We need this pass D to STEP THE F UP and do what they get paid to do!
Cement
yup…this really cements in my mind in a monumentally piss-poor way our needs going into draft day and FA. As you allude to Matty, there will be changes at OC, with in-house shuffling in other areas.
This stinks, sucks, causes me great pain, but let’s rip open that wound and call it what it is. We have real big needs. I was not in favour of the true #1 WR under CP-10 but with cannon-arm dropping back on Sundays I now concede we do. I suspect Patrick Turner is not the answer. Clearly Wilson is gone. ILBs and OLBs need a lot of plaster work.
Holy crap. I have no answers. But I do know that we should not lose sight of all the positives. There are a TON of POSITIVES people.
Pogue Mahone Rex Ryan
In the teams defense...
I would argue that since week 12, this team has been playing playoff football. That’s too much pressure to put on such a young team at key positions. The pressure was bound to get to them eventually, but the resolve they show in fighting back is very reassuring.
We most likely will not make the playoffs, since our hopes rely on Cleveland and Oakland both winning, but these pressure games will give the young players the experience they need to play in big games in the future. And I do see those big games coming sooner, rather than later.
How about G. Wilson interception??
Oh wait! he dropped it!
I liked Vontae’s FF but it was called incomplete pass that cost us about 30 yards.
Right in his hands
Will Allen could have caught that.
For every woman masturbating right now, there is a guy masturbating while imagining that woman masturbate.
by Patssuck456 on Dec 28, 2009 10:11 AM EST up reply actions
My Momma could have caught that....
Real shame that Crowder has better hands than Gibril Wilson, you’d think your FS would have decent hands to make big plays but 16 games is enough to see it’s not happening. We need a big time guy that’s like Darren Sharper, a ball hawk who makes big plays and hits hard.
by Phin-Phan-Phorever on Dec 28, 2009 1:03 PM EST up reply actions
Crowder has better hands?
I know amputees with better hands than Crowder. 1 INT in 5 years!!!! I’m not saying Gibril’s got great hands, but 13 in six seasons isn’t that bad for a SS.
matty
it is possible to be ticked at the officiating AND the players at the same timet. blatantly botched (or worse) calls that kill comebacks are ridiculous; its not to say the team and players get off the hook. fair is fricken fair.
agree with you about the o-line. they are part of the titans houston collapse as well as the defense.
there’s obviously something we aren’t identifying that’s responsible for this week — it may be that houston saw enough weakness and tailored plays to exploit it, and they should get the credit. but something on our side too…past ‘the players.’ not good enough either.
thanks for running such a great site.
a TIMEOUT..... REALLY?
I could almost see the steam coming from Sparano’s ears when Henne called a timeout. I think everyone watching the game, or listening to the game knew it was a supremely dumb move except for Henne. I still don’t think that he understands how insanely dumb that was. That really worries me about him. But hopefully Sparano can get through to him about how dumb that was.
Did you actually watch the game that wasn't all if any of Henne's fault. He doesn't call the plays nor does he control the personell coming on and off the field.
Jake Grove comes running onto the field shuffling everyone around which caused the delay and forces Henne to call timeout instead of the penalty and loss of more yards. If anything I blame SPRANO and crew for punting the ball away or the defense for not stoping Houston on th ethere last drive before I blame Henne for calling a timeout. There’s to much to to be pissed at and to many people to blame. Either way there’s alot to be excited about this season and the future is bright here in Dolphin Country.
by D0lphins4Life on Dec 28, 2009 10:36 AM EST up reply actions
NO .... Thank you Jacksonville Jaguars ... ONCE AGAIN
I missed another game…. I wish they would give it up and move already…. No one here in Orlando likes them, practically no one in Jacksonville likes them…. If they were in Orlando it might be a different story, but …. oh well… I will watch it on NFL game rewind….. thanks.
by Jason Scott_90 on Dec 28, 2009 6:53 PM EST up reply actions
I did listen to the game though
I did listen to the game though on field pass…. I heard Joe Rose getting upset and blaming him so I thought it was Henne’s fault. I should have really waited to watch the game… With that said … that is enough in my mind to get rid of the Dan Henning…. I already think we need to dump Paul Pasqualoni… It was Pasqualoni’s fault at least to some degree that the defense didn’t know what they were doing in the first half(although some of that has to be due to dumb players). I am not sure that David Lee is the answer for a replacement though. I like the Wildcat, but sometimes it has gotten in the way this year. It seems we have been completely outmatched on both sides of the ball as far as schemes go all year.
by Jason Scott_90 on Dec 28, 2009 7:01 PM EST up reply actions
question...
i live in california..dont get much exposure to the games. Does anyone have a link to the Henne to Ginn TD that was negated? Or the fumble that was called incomplete. It would be much appreciated thatnk you!
go to NFL.com and check the highlights of the game
the called-back TD is part of the highlight package
BTW, Bess got number two in NFL'sWeek 16 top five catches
goo goo goojoob
by Tunaflipper on Dec 28, 2009 12:11 PM EST up reply actions
hes the man, he better be a phin for awhile
El Peezy... "the Calvin Johnson of rookies.. instant impact" -Prime Time
"el peezy ['the real deal'] strikes fear in opponent bloggers hearts" -finsx
"El Peezy is a man of the people...Don’t hate the player – hate the game." -KC
by el presidente 00 on Dec 28, 2009 3:02 PM EST up reply actions
wow matty, i've never seen u this mad
im more frustrated than mad. This team had the leagues hardest schedule, and we could finish 500. Not a terrible feat, when u also play without your star running back for half the season, and ur starting qb for the entire season.
Fin fans should he happy, we have a great team to look to in the future.
Self-proclaimed president of the Pat White and Brian Hartline fan club.
No hating on Jay Fiedler, please.
Official Back-Up Phinsider LOL'er.
The one and only "ho-nerd"
wow
i got 45 minutes of sleep tonight, i cant imagine how Tony is doing
"it is with books as with men, a few play a great part, and the rest are lost in the multitude."-Voltaire
"Give me Ernest or give me death"-me
"how about this story, from 1-15 to 11-5 and the best team in the afc east, from 15 games out a year ago to reigning champions, unbelievable" Jim Mandich
well i don't think we played like we didn't care
it was sloppy not lazy, anyone in that lockerroom is as crushed as I am, and if I know Tony right, then he is hurting even more so.
"it is with books as with men, a few play a great part, and the rest are lost in the multitude."-Voltaire
"Give me Ernest or give me death"-me
"how about this story, from 1-15 to 11-5 and the best team in the afc east, from 15 games out a year ago to reigning champions, unbelievable" Jim Mandich
So are we considered a bad team?
Because the bad teams beat Pittsburgh?
I’ve dropped so many F-bombs since yesterday. I’ve watched the replay, and the tackling was just poor. We looked like a freaking high school team yesterday.
"Welcome to The Doghouse"
Your best? Losers always whine about their best. Winners go home and fuck the prom queen! -Sean Connery
"The more people I meet the more I like my dog."
"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart."
Let's Take a Breath
This is a team built around “Rookies” and these are the things that happen to young teams. You must learn to be a winner, it doesn’t just happen. Painful lessons (like yesterday) are often the best teachers. P. Manning holds the record for most interseptions by a rookie quaterback (28). I saw the Patriots lose the same kind of games in almost the same way as they built their (hated) team. I think that we’re one more solid draft from being in the top tier of teams, and if things keep going in the right direction a serious chance to be a Superbowl team in 2011. Yes I’m disappointed with the way this season is ending,but I also haven’t been this excited about the Dophins since they drafted a quaterback from Pittsburgh( the sixth one drafted in that year).
well said
"Permanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragements, and impossibilities: It is this, that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak." Thomas Carlyle
"If he wants to, we can throw all day," Henne said. "I love it. Put it in my hands in pressure situations."
good call and attitude, i with ya there
El Peezy... "the Calvin Johnson of rookies.. instant impact" -Prime Time
"el peezy ['the real deal'] strikes fear in opponent bloggers hearts" -finsx
"El Peezy is a man of the people...Don’t hate the player – hate the game." -KC
by el presidente 00 on Dec 28, 2009 3:02 PM EST up reply actions
Can we please shitcan Gi-Garbage?
For every woman masturbating right now, there is a guy masturbating while imagining that woman masturbate.
We Must Remember...
We had a tough schedule this year, and we almost made the playoffs! We played Indy and the Saints (AFC #1 and NFC #1). We also played San Diego, Atlanta, Jets, Pats and Steelers. We swept the Jets, Beat the Pats once, hung with the Saints and Colts, and played every other team very tough! Once we get more young talent and develop what we do have, we will have a perrenial playoff team! Here’s to looking toward the draft and Free Agency though *!!!
Luck O' the Irish
THE Miami Dolphins
by JStarr23 on Dec 28, 2009 10:29 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Tryin to look at the positive
Davone Bess had yet another highlight reel catch, and seems to be doing that every single game, still not sure it makes up for some costly fumbles but still, he is a cery big little man to throw the ball to. Teddy Ginn Decided to show up for once with 5 catches on just 7 targets and NO DROPS, it was great to see. Finally to cap off the good, we got to see alitttle more of lex hilliard, not as much running but mostly through the air cuz we were down, i really hope they hand him the rock a few more times in the pittsburg game. im a percentages guy, ad i know this is slightly less validated cuz they were short trows but on 9 targets T-Lex caught all of them… 100% on the stat book always looks nice.
but now for the negative, and im just going to highlight ttwo things, i know there is alot to look at, with missed opportunities and costly penalties (i mean really? tripping???) but for me there were 2 things that really got under my skin. First, they didnt show up in the first half. can someone please explain to me for the second straight week in what is basically an elimination game for the playoffs, and we just decide to let them throw up a 27 spot on us in the first half, i dont care who you are you cant go down by that much and hope to come back. secondly, i hated the fact the shuab had time to throw the ball. im pretty sure we got to ihim once the entire game, and honestly if you are going to give a good qb time to find andre Johnson then of course they are gonna rip through your D… they stoppped scoring when they slowed the arial attack because they were happy to just cruise…
The Texans Game Is Just Another Example Of This Coaching Staff's Gameday Inadequacies!!
First off, let me start out by saying this about the coaching staff. I think for the most part, the last two games (Titans and Texans) being an exception, that this coaching staff prepares the team well for gameday. Game plans are solid and the team executes those game plans pretty well. I also think that the coaching staff puts guys in position to succeed. While we all will agree that there are holes on the roster, the coaching staff minimizes them.
That being said, how many games have the Phins lost this year in which the coaching staff has totally screwed up the last two minutes of the game? A coaching staff just cannot make those mistakes and they have made them all year long. Most games in the NFL come down to one or two possessions at the end of the game and if you don’t manage them correctly, you lose.
Henne’s TO wasn’t his fault, it was the coaching staff’s. Either they didn’t get the play to him quick enough or they had the wrong personnel in there. That’s coaching! The same thing happened against Indy. And coaching at the end of the game doesn’t necessarily start at the end of the game. How many wasted TO’s have there been this year when one or two of those would have been useful at the end of the game? Good Teams With Good Gameday Coaching Staffs Don’t Make Those Mistakes!
I have said it all year, in end of game situations, this coaching staff has failed for the most part. Even with the holes in talent at certain positions, this team has enough talent to compete with the best in the league every week. They have shown that this year (Indy, NO, NE, SD). But this team will be stuck in mediocrity regardless of talent unless this coaching staff performs better at the end of games. So far, I am not hopeful because I haven’t seen them get better at it throughout the year. They are making the same mistakes in game 15 that were made in game 2 and that is unacceptable.
Point taken, however, this coaching staff has turned a 1-15 team to being able
to hang with the best in the league with the hardest schedule and finish 7-9 or 8-8. Remember when we had a coaching staff with bad players we barely won a game. We still don’t have star players and are playing for the playoffs in Dec. You are looking at a small microcosm of what the coaches are responsible for. Give the players, and the coaches time….. we are getting better every year. Some times we talk like we are a playoff team that doesn’t make mistakes when thats not where we are right now. 2nd year VP,GM, coaching staff>>> young team>>> starting QB, RB, CB, NT out>>> I like where we are considering those factors. I am not happy that every decision has not been right by the coaching staff, but they will learn and get better. Even bellicheat makes mistakes.
The difference is that the phins now have the talent to compete with any team in the league
The FO and the coaching staff get a lot of props for increasing the talent level on the team. The talent on the phins is on par with just about every other team in the league. If it wasn’t this team wouldn’t have been competitive with some of the best teams in the league like Indy, NO, NE, SD.
When equally talented teams meet, the difference is the coaching staff, specifically game day decision making. Why do so many really good coordinators fail as head coaches? They fail because they don’t make the correct game day decisions.
There are a ton of teams throughout the history of the NFL that have been talented enough to win SuperBowls. But some of those teams don’t, not because of the skill level of the players, but the ability of the coaching staff. In a one and done situation like the playoffs, a coach cannot make a bad decision with the game on the line. Right now, I am not confident that this coaching staff will make the right decision with a game on the line.
how bout vontae davis????!!!!!
this guy is a BEAST. we thought sean smith was gonna be the playmaker but DAMN!
vontae’s almost interception on the side line. the force fumble that was called an incomplete pass. hes made amazing plays all season. we may FINALLY have our playmaker in the secondary. combined with a solid free safety our secondary should be our strong point next year, unlike the beginning of the last 2 season when it was our weak point.
"You're gonna eat lightning, and you're gonna crap thunder!"
Rocky
by Davone_Is_BessT on Dec 28, 2009 11:02 AM EST reply actions
HELL YESSSS PLAYMAKER
i dont expect him to be giving up bombs next year like he did this year hes going to be a shutdown corner in this leauge he has all the tools you want… hes big ,has a 40 in vert ,and can run with anyone
by Deuce Black on Dec 28, 2009 11:21 AM EST up reply actions
what might have been
I will be thinking this offseason what might have been for this 2009-10 season. The Indy, NO, NE, ATL, SD, HOU, TEN, BUF games we had a chance to win all those games but we let it slip through our fingers. If only a couple bounces had gone Miami’s way this might have been a different season. What is up with that BTW. Miami never seems to get any lucky breaks. I’ve seen a lot of positives this season and I’m looking forward to next season!!! GO FINS!!!!!
Please Beat the Steelers
Pittsburgh needs to be humbled and who better than the Dolphins to do it. Plus, my Broncos need some help.
Brad James
by the new Bradfather on Dec 28, 2009 11:34 AM EST reply actions
i know its crazy, but im still rooting for a playoff game
hey ya never know and weirder things have happened
start clemons over gibril
sign ronnie to a long term deal
the lousaka monster should be a pro bowler
"We liked a couple of those receivers up there, but we didn't feel there was a guy that was going to come in and make more of a contribution than a linebacker." — Dave Wannstedt, on why he chose Eddie Moore over Anquan Boldin in the 2003 draft
by ronnie brown for president on Dec 28, 2009 11:59 AM EST reply actions
The one that we are eff'd on is Raiders over Ravens...
chaaaaa right
Phinsider Hall of Fame Class of 09' / 2-Time 09' Matty Award Winner
No way dude i'm actually expecting a Raiders win they are like upset central
The reason why I know we aren’t making it to the playoffs is because Browns Over Jags
unless they just run the wildcat on everyplay the Browns aren’t going to beat the Jags.
I'm not angry at all
I was disappointed at how the first half turned out. But while some teams like the Giants faced a similar situation and simply sank, the Dolphins came back to make a game of it and that made me feel proud of my team. “We” knew the Texans were a good team that matched up well against our weaknesses. Schaub has had a terrific year and it’s hardly surprising how he burned our rookies. We needed Henne to carry the team and he couldn’t quite do it. He’s a rookie, so it’s not a huge deal.
We’ll have a big year next year.
Thanks for pointing out the "TEAM" element.... again...
I think I just have to attribute it to human nature, ignorance, or maybe just immaturity. (Or all three??) But I find it frustrating to see so many people wanting to go on a headhunt and find a single person or entity to blame for a loss or poor performance.
As Matty pointed out, it’s a team game. This is not Ping Pong, or Chess. It may not even be the fault of the person that happened to be spotlighted in the game, media, or otherwise. I agree that it was a piss poor 1st half performance of the entire team including coaching. I’m sure most of the Dolphins would agree. There were a couple of questionable calls by the refs that stifled momentum. But there was no one thing, player or coach that lost the game. It was a team effort for 60 minutes that lost the game.
Headhunt less…analyze more. It’s never one individual’s fault. There’s always something the team could have done to prevent or help.
A Dolphin Fan in the Desert
Jets will make the PLAYOFFS
seeing the JETS, Dirty Sanchez, and their fans in the playoffs this year is just more salt in the wound. absolutely sickening.
Anybody knows what we are looking at regarding Draft position if we end up 7-9?
Should be looking good right? Around the 12-17?
12-18
lots can change next week…..so all you “we should just lose” people….this is ur time to shine i guess huh?
honestly….i almost agree with it at this point.
Phinsider Hall of Fame Class of 09' / 2-Time 09' Matty Award Winner
we might be looking as high as number 11 actually....
by Jason Scott_90 on Dec 28, 2009 7:05 PM EST up reply actions
The higher draft pick is the silver lining for me right now
ESPECIALLY in the second round, which is where I think the real gems (Jerry Hughes, Arrelious Benn, Damian Williams, Ricky Sapp, Etc.) will be waiting.
I am ready to wipe out our entire linebacker corps after yesterday. Anytime you see TEs running around the defense’s second level like it’s a McDonald’s playground, you know your LBs are getting abused.
Our defense will be much stronger next season.
Arrelious Benn in 2010!
geesh, really?
i hate that “lose for a higher pick” crap…but its hard to argue with if we lost sunday we get the 11th pick…but if we won…and still didnt make the playoffs…we get the say 18th. thats a big diffrence in player to me….and for a win thats meaningless.
but 100-0? never, lol…and im sure ur joking.
im torn…i could never root for a loss…but i will say if we lose…itll be a loss with positives…and thats rare as hell
Phinsider Hall of Fame Class of 09' / 2-Time 09' Matty Award Winner
Haha yeah absolutely. For example, some people
as of last week were saying they wish we lost in favor of draft position against the Texans, when we still had a very probable shot at the playoffs if we won. Of course I thought that was inexcusable and even kind of stupid for that matter. But right now, we have a 1% shot of getting to the playoffs at best. Now, like you say, the difference between picking at 11 from picking at 18 is huge. Not only in the first round, but in the second. (We’d have de 11 and 44th) There are a couple of players who won’t make it out of the Top 10 or Top 13. Imagine having a shot at someone like McClain or even someone like Taylor Mays if he dropped or start talking again about someone like Dez Bryant who could absolutely drop to 11. I think that would be huge for a team entering such a key part in its rebuilding process.
Now, there is a difference between winning and WINNING. If these guys come out flat like they did yesterday, playing without an ounce of emotion for the entire first 30 minutes and somehow manage to win 10-3 against an even worse team that day, hell I don’t want that win, I’d much rather have Parcells work his magic come Draft day. Now, if you are telling me this team comes out fired up trying to close their season in a respectable way knocking off the playoff race the current Super Bowl champions in a nail bitter, then hell I want the win.
I have to agree here Rzayo
I just cant see trying to get the higher draft pick. I have a problem paying those guys that kind of money that the top 10 get. Sure ya might get a big name like Dez Bryant or McClain or Williams. However, ya have to pay them the big bucks for probably an average year as a rookie. If people think that we can just bring in a rookie plug them in and “poof magic” then well …… I dont know what to tell them when they are let down. I think we can get a great player later in the round. I look at the draft that just happened and if we would not have taken White ( a waste of a draft pick in my book) we could have gotten Maulauga (spelling?) and that would have been a major upgrade at linebacker. However, we did not. I think we need to get a veteran wide receiver in FA. Not only because the transition will be quicker, but because he can teach the other receivers we have some things. Coaches can only teach so much. Some coaches have never seen the field. Could you imagine what that could do for our already young receivers? I mean Maybe Ted is not as bad as we all make him out to be. The weight of having to be a number 1 receiver with no real veteran to teach you the nuances of the league. I am not sure many of us here could really handle that kind of pressure. Maybe getting a veteran number one receiver could take some pressure off of him and he can just play ball instead of thinking too much about it.
We do need to sure up our linebackers. That is where i would start. however, i do not wish for us to lose on purpose for a higher draft pick to me that is just crap. Why do that? Other teams will probably not need the same position we are looking for around that area anyways so who knows how it will play out. We all know that Al Davis will screw up the draft and throw another HUGE monkey wrench in the way it all plays out anyways. Maybe Jerry Jones as well lol. Will have to see.
Rey rey
was taken 5 picks prior to White so………….
3 new 2010 starting LBers via 2010 draft
Confidence breeds success, self-doubt breeds failure
Doh you are right.
Sorry was looking at something different than the draft. However, there are plenty of other players that we could have taken instead. Brandon Williams for the cowboys would have been a nice pick up. Hell I believe Mike Wallace was still on the board at this time.
im sorry
but i fucking hate people like you…. nothing personally but to me i will take an 8-8 season before i EVER wish for the phins to lose to increase draft prospects…
Im a fan, not a fanatic.
First of all, after the way these guys came out and played the first 30 minutes of the game yesterday, I don’t owe them anything. At best, they owe me a couple of hundred bucks for the seats I bought to see them play a “playoff” game. Too bad they thought it was a preseason game. This is a two way street, and there is a real difference between the way they lost the playoff game against Baltimore last season, with the heart on the line, than the way they played yesterday, including the half assed “comeback”.
When you look at the mid term future of this team, it takes a blind man not to see that what we do or what we don’t do in the Draft will determine if this team becomes a Dynasty for the next 10 years or if it doesn’t. This upcoming Draft is extremely important, not only because our last Draft wasn’t as successful as the first one, but because this is the draft where we go looking for the playmakers. Playmakers are found on the top. Jake Long was found on the top and Ronnie Brown was found on the top. This year, the difference between getting Rolando McClain and Damian Williams or Dez Bryant and Damian Williams or just some “very good guys” instead of the Elite, could come down to next Sunday’s game. I’d much rather win a Super Bowl against Pittsburgh in 3 years than beat them in this cheap excuse for a season finale on Sunday.
could be as early as 11
12 to 14 if we lose and we dont get the right teams winning
3 new 2010 starting LBers via 2010 draft
Confidence breeds success, self-doubt breeds failure
Disheartening
Watching the game yesterday was a pretty painful task in the first half. But what this game and last week’s game showed us is that we’re never out of a game. Sure, we can be down 27 points at the half, but Lousaka doesn’t get called for tripping or Henne throws 4 feet shorter to Camarillo and this is a W. It completely ruins my week to see the Dolphins lose a game in which they very well could have won, but I still can’t help but think that wow, this team is dangerous.
I think that it’ll the season after next in which we make a real, deep playoff run. Hell, it may even be next season depending on what we can uncover and obtain through the draft and free agency. Our team is full of youth and probably 75% of these guys haven’t played together for more than a season. Give us time, and I’m willing to bet we’ll see some great results. Henne’s our man – you give him a go-to guy and all of a sudden we’re in the playoffs.
Oh, and Gibril Wilson sucks. I say after the Pittsburgh game, win or lose, we go ahead and cut him then and there. Don’t even let him be on the roster during the offseason.
Book about the Dolphins
Advice to everyone: Read a book called This Could Be The Year.
It’s all about the Dolphins and how they have done this repeatedly through the years.
How they have tortured us.
It’s on Amazon.
Check it out.
That reminds me
I saw an online clip of a Miami newscast covering the Dolphins’ wild card game last year. They showed one guy leaving with his kid at halftime, and when he was asked why he was jetting so early, he looked at the camera (in near tears, no less) and said, “I can’t do this anymore. They draw you in and then break your heart.”
Let’s hope we break this trend soon.
Arrelious Benn in 2010!
IMO - Like many of you have stated on here. These last few weeks have been tough and stressful as hell,
but look at it this way. This year unlike last year we were hit by the injury bug. (hard as hell) A positive spin on all of this. We know Henne is our future and we don’t have to worry about going through growing pains like this next year. I hate to say this, but with Brown going down we were able to find out that Henne can sling the ball around and bring us back when were down if need be. We’ve found out what we have at cornerback postion which we don’t have to worry about next year. We’ve learnt as much of a Beast Wake is he’s still a little raw. We have a bunch of great #2 and #3 WR. (like to see Turner on the field this week) We have guys that can be plugged in and keep this team going. (Garner, Solai, Berger) This team has the coaching, talent and fortitiude to comeback when down in games. We unfortunately played every team on our schedule when they were playing there best ball and still had every chance to win every game this year except maybe Atlanta. We didn’t have the oppurtunity to play Tenn when Collins was in or Atlanta when Ryan and Turner out OR THE COLTS WHEN THEY WERE RESTING THERE PLAYERS. (F*%$ the JEST) or the SAINTS when ther game has been off. Could you imagine if we started the year over from say 3 weeks ago and had Brown,Cobbs, Fergeson, Grove and even Allen.This team would be scarey as hell.
I leave you with this COULDA, SHOULDA, WOULDA it’s all bull shit and you can’t change it so be excited about where this team is headed and where it’ll be in a couple years with a good draft and key pick ups in FA. Just make it happen TRI FECTA and we’ll be drinking the coo 0-laid and riding that train all the way to the play-offs in 2010.
I agree…. But I think we still have alot to be proud of….. I didn’t think we
had Superbowl potential without Ronnie Brown. We lost a ton in that one guy. I mean
when things were clicking, we felt like we could beat just about anyone. But let’s face
facts, without our star running back, Ricky couldn’t carry the load himself at running back.
When we lost the real wildcat, we lost confidence in ourselves !!!!!! So as Coach
Tony Sparano once said " Let’s pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and go back to work!"
Jimbo
No, I don't want to see the same clowns who jumped out to the field yesterday
wearing Dolphins uniforms shame and disgrace this organization and its fans on national television during a playoff game. I have no problem with the team losing, any true fan should know that losing is a possibility and any true fan stands by his or her team specially on tough situations like this. But this is not a one way street. Win or loose I expect every member of this team to go absolutely 100% all out on every game, specially “playoff” like games like yesterday’s. And they didn’t. Their attitude on the sideline was disgraceful, their body language was worse. Henne, who is supposed to be a leader, not once during the first half (i was at the game) went over to his receivers or offensive linemen to motivate them or show any signs of life whatsoever. All the dropped passes, missed short throws, lousy blocking, lousy route running, miscommunications, conservative play calling, etc. Yesterday this team deserved nothing more than the booing they got from the fans. I don’t care if you loose. Its the way you loose that either makes you a contender or a pretender in this league. Yesterday, and thus today, we were nothing more than a bunch of pretenders. A coaching staff that pretends to be tough and have their players ready to go every game, but that for a second game in a row couldn’t get their team to come out and play a “playoff” game for the entire first half of the game. A quarterback that pretends to be made of ice and be a leader of this offense, that couldn’t complete a freaking 3 yard screen pass on target and that couldn’t once give a few motivational words to his teammates on offense, much less on defense. A head coach that pretends to be hard nosed and go all out on every play, that didn’t have the balls to go for it on 4th and 4 with 5 minutes to go and 10 points behind. A starting linebacker, Joey Porter, that every time he goes out of the tunnel before every game pretends to be a leader and a bad ass, but during the actual game, completely disappeared and buried his head on the bench without showing any support or motivation for his teammates. Guys like Walden or Jason Allen fooling around like kids on the bench while the fans saw their team fail to get to the playoffs yet once again. This bunch of players was a sorry excuse for a team not only yesterday, but during a whole lot of games during this season. Now I can comprehend why last season was so special. Today we have the playmaking ability and speed at corner, the new running back and of course the “big arm”. But last year a team full of no names and guys looking for a second chance had balls like probably no other Dolphins team in the last decade, and for what I saw yesterday, for the next decade too.
by MauMontaV5 on Dec 28, 2009 3:32 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Well Said Mau!
What I find amazing about the last two weeks (Titans and Texans) is how unprepared this team was. And that points to coaching IMO. What this year has illustrated for me more than anything else is this: There is enough talent on this team to win right now. I am not sure that the coaching staff can maximize that talent.
Rec’d.
right on brutha
I wish our players had heart like Ray Lewis because he plays with emotion,
Draft Taylor Mays in 2010......................
by B1G SaMoAn TuNa on Dec 28, 2009 6:05 PM EST up reply actions
KILL the STEELERS
I know many of our hopes and dreams were crushed yesterday but now lets move the hell on to the STEELERS. If we can stop the dumb Steelers thatll make my season. I hate the steelers because there are so many damn steeler bandwagon hoppers. If Troy Polamalu plays I hope they do a handoff to ricky Williams with Polite clearing up Troys ass for a Ricky Williams touchdown. My brother in laws are Troy fans and Im a dolphins fans so all I want to do is shut up my inlaws all next year. If the RAIDERS, BROWNS, CHIEFS, can do it ANYONE CAN.
And Vontae Davis dont give up anymore touchdowns, if anything smash Wards face in, And for Paul Soliai, Merling, Starks, Mcdaniel tear up that offensive line
C’mon Channing we need you back in for the middle this week
Go Dolphins
Draft Taylor Mays in 2010......................
by B1G SaMoAn TuNa on Dec 28, 2009 6:00 PM EST reply actions
tuff to say headed in right direction....
when they were 11-5 last year and 7-8(so far) this year…..they let everyone down this year…some heads are gonna roll for sure….
www.zerothirteen.com
hey guys
can i root for miami sun against pitt
okay i have cereal palsy arhrtis and chronic fatiue as well i have a grea life loveing folks some days are better that other days i got a make a wish in 2001 saw my favorive team the broncos was the trip of the lifetime i wish everyone couild gotten to enjoy that with me i know some of u hate the broncos and that ok but i bleed organ and bule reseident broncos fan for ap lol
offseason adjustments
Glad to see a lot more people are realizing the D is where we really need help. In all of those games people were so pissed at Ginn for his drops (myself included), but usually it was just a few plays earlier that the secondary (usually the safeties) blew coverage on a 50-80 yd. touchdown – the reason we needed to come back in the first place. A big time WR would be great, but I think the offense will be significantly better next year, even without any additions. Young QB, young WRs… they should only get better. Bess should have been starting all year and I really think Hartline is our second best receiver… Camarillo in a close third. When I see Ginn get 5 yards of separation on that bomb Sunday, I still hold out hope for him… but I wouldn’t be too heartbroken if we traded him either. We should have Ronnie, Ricky, Cobbs, Hilliard, and Polite next year. I think Hilliard has a huge upside. I’ve liked him ever since I saw him the preseason.
With Crowder out against Pitt, and Ricky banged up, I think we should start Pat White on Sunday to get him some passing reps for the WildPat next year. No doubt that Henne is the starter for many years to come, but if we are really going to use the WildPat the formation needs to be a passing threat.
let me just say
although the offensive line did play poorly, they are super banged up, we have our 2nd string center in, and our right tackle is battling injury, not to mention a couple others who have been recently injured who may be still “tender”
how come nobody is questioning the officials in the texans/dolphins game
when Houston had the ball and there QB threw it to somebody, and one of Miami’s players ran into him causing him to fumble the ball, but the officials said it was incomplete. That ball was clearly catched and that receiver clearly had control of that ball until Miami forced the fumble.
referees
“Others want to blame the referees – which is totally bogus to me”
bogus? a game changing touchdown called back for “tripping” that didnt even affect the play cause henne had already thrown the ball? yeah thats a bogus call, not a bogus excuse. And the clear catch and fumble called an “incomplete” and they cant admit a mistake and just reverse anyways even if its a rule not to review incomplete passes, we all know that wasnt incomplete
by mattrothisthefuture on Dec 29, 2009 11:57 PM EST reply actions
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