Leadership and resiliency of Dolphins to be put to the test
by Matty I on Oct 26, 2010 5:00 AM EDT
in 2012 Miami Dolphins News
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PrintIt became clear this past offseason that the Dolphins had an obvious leadership issue in 2009. The team's captains were injured or insubordinate (I'm looking at you, Joey Porter), leaving the players in that locker room with little leadership to turn to when the season stood on the brink. This was clearly a large part of the problem late in the season as the Dolphins collapsed and failed to reach the postseason when they essentially had destiny in their own hands.
The quick fix to this problem was to jettison the guys who were creating some of the issues while allowing new voices to take charge inside the locker room - whether it was a tenured Dolphin (Yeremiah Bell, for example) or a newcomer (Karlos Dansby). The long-term answer was to draft guys who were proven leaders on their college teams - as the Dolphins did in April when they put a premium on selecting players were captains.
It's time to find out if any of this makes a difference.
The Dolphins currently sit at a crossroads of their 2010 season. They are only six games into the season - but they now see themselves facing a defining moment.
Will this team prove that they are as tough and as resilient as we all think they are and use Sunday's gut-wrenching, stomach-turning, heart-breaking loss as a spring board to success? Will they come together and rally around each other to prove to everyone - and to themselves - that they are better than just a .500 team?
Or will they use Sunday's loss as a crutch and limp home with their tail between their legs?
Now that we've all had 24 hours to digest what we witnessed on Sunday, it's time to move on. Sure, it still hurts because the Dolphins should have caught that elusive lucky break - one they never seem to catch - and be 4-2 right now.
But that didn't happen. And the fact of the matter is the Dolphins were unable to capitalize on the opportunities they did have, which put themselves in a position where one bad call could - and did - cost this team the game.
Like Tony Sparano said after the game, that play "was a big play in the game. But it shouldn't have come down to that. We had plenty of opportunities to win the football game and we didn't."
During Monday's press conference, Sparano reiterated this sentiment:
"One of the things that we talk a lot about here is that we don't make excuses. There's some things that are in your control and some things that are not in your control. Right now this situation obviously was not in our control."
"We can't make excuses for those things. I won't settle for that."
This, of course, is where leadership comes in. Sparano can drill this idea into his players' heads over and over. But it's up to the leaders inside that locker room to get their teammates to truly buy into Sparano's rhetoric.
Do any of us know how this team is going to react? Of course not.
What we can expect, though, is to learn a lot about this football team over the next several weeks.
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Stronger & Tougher
As a unit we will come out stronger than ever. Hope isn’t lost. We still have 10 games to play and we are almost injury free. Keep the faith fellow fans. These are the growing pains we have to go through. Greatness is about to be unfolded…….
by PhinFanatic on Oct 26, 2010 6:31 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
You're right!
But I really wish you hadn’t mentioned the words “injury free”, lol
THIS ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Just think how stupid the average Jest fan is, and then realize that half of them are even stupider! ( a parody of a George Carlin line)
What i wondered about sunday is
why when the dolphins scored the touchdown why didn’t tony go for two to tie the game up if it wasn’t sucessful they still only would have been down by two
here kitty kitty kitty BANG!
Geez, how many times has this been posted?
You don’t go for two that early in the game. If you don’t make it (and I wouldn’t like our chances of making it — we’ve been struggling to get 3 yards on the ground all year, so that almost requires it to be a pass play) then we’re down 2, and that brings in all kinds of scenarios that hurt the Dolphins more than being down 1. Say Pitt scores a TD and kicks the extra point — we are now down by 9 instead of 8. If it’s later in the game (4th quarter) then you definitely go for 2, but not in the 2nd quarter!
All Time Favorite Dolphin's gotta be the Zonk! or Kiick! or Morris!
by rintintinsoldier on Oct 26, 2010 6:46 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Sorry,
but I really disagree. This is the ‘general’ theory about 2-pts conversions. Already I did not understand it, ‘all kind of scenarios’ can play both ways. You may find yourself in a worse or better situation, you just don’t know.
Besides, this game just proves the whole theory wrong. If the 2-pt conversion had missed, NOTHING would have changed, the score during the infamous fumble play would have been 21-20, thus: Pitt still needed a FG, Mia still needed only a FG after the ruling. If the 2pt conversion was successful, the score at the turning point would have been 23-20, with Pitt losing something substantial from that fumble ruling: that chance to take the lead. You bet Big Ben would have been less reckless with the ball = less of a chance for a TD.
Eventually, the Phins had already settled for 3 FGs, and had never reached Pitt 3 yd line. What a better chance to bag 2 more points? And, would you consider the morale boost of going into halftime with the score tied?
And, sorry, I might have missed it but: since when is it ok to play for being down in the score?
Just my 2 cents…
Gfran
by toscana jones on Oct 26, 2010 7:22 AM EDT up reply actions
i agree with you jones
if we fail to convert it on our last drive how does it help us more than if we fail on it during the 2nd quarter? i think in doing it in the second quarter you may catch them more off gaurd and be a little bit easier to convert. there would have been no way we would have been able to convert in the 4th quarter with that team smelling victory.
agreed as well
i posted in the postgame thread, i believe… its always been my philosophy in football that you go for it if you have the chance to tie. why let them keep the lead? the points don’t matter whether you score them in the 1st or 4th; they still count towards the same total. why WAIT til you HAVE to go for 2? i think that adds more pressure to the situation. i thought it at that moment (so not hindsight) and i always think it when i see that situation come up. i think most teams are competent enough offensively to be able to pick up 2 yards and i’m always surprised more don’t go for it in that scenario.
the thigh bone is not connected to the free throw bone.- Shaquille O'Neal
by BULLieving in Miami on Oct 26, 2010 11:00 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
So you still prefer to be down by 8?
Rather than trailing by 7 in that scenario? The 2 pt conversion should have been attempted, but we all know Henning would, in all likelihood, have run it against the #1 rush defense.
'Phins phor Liphe!
Driver of the Make David Lee OC Bandwagon
Driver of the Trade-Ronnie-Brown Bandwagon.
You simply don't
give points away against a team like the Steelers. rintintinsoldier said it right. Just look at that final play……. had Big Ben not fumbled and had a TD and we went for 2 points early (statistics say we wouldn’t have had a great chance of getting it) we would have been down 9 and needing 2 scores in 2 1/2 minutes instead of either a FG to win or a TD and 2Pt to tie.
Dear Agent
again, I ought to disagree. I think you math is not correct to the point.
Let me recap:
Phins go for 2, at the end of the half and fail.
Score at Pitt’s 3rd and goal is: Mia 21- Pitt 20.
Let’s suppose Big Ben scores a TD (or gulp the fumble is covered by Pitt in the endzone): score is 21-26 = Phins need 1TD to win.
Suppose they kick the pat and succeed:score 21-27 = Phins need 1 T to win
Suppose they attempt a 2pt conversion and succeed: score 21-28 = Phins need 1 TD to tie.
If, instead Phins go for 2 and succeed at halftime, scores are:
23-23 with Pitt Fg,
23-27 with Pitt Td + kick pat
23-28 with Pitt Td + run/pass pat.
Meaning that Pitt MUST go for the Td or leave Mia with the final drive to win the game.
I mean, there might be some wisdom in not attempting 2pt conversions unless in the final minutes, but this game was not a good example of this theory.
Gfr
by toscana jones on Oct 26, 2010 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions
Hindsight is not available in Q2
I’m not arguing any more on this - you can believe what you want and so can I.
My opinion still stands and 99% of the NFL experts would agree with my opinion. You don’t go for 2 in the 2nd quarter. You can’t look back and see how the game played out because the game changes as those decisions are made.
Go Fins.
All Time Favorite Dolphin's gotta be the Zonk! or Kiick! or Morris!
by rintintinsoldier on Oct 26, 2010 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions
its not about hindsight
PIT coulda scored 60 points in the second half for all we know. my point is you tie the game.
wouldn’t you say that as soon as any team in any sport gets the lead, they wanna keep it? if you’re up by 1 point at any time in a game, the scoring can break even the rest of the game and you win. its like the loss column: yo can both win the rest of your games for the season but if you’re behind that one loss in the standings, you’ll end up in 2nd place. so why concede that tie and allow the other team to maintain the lead?
the thigh bone is not connected to the free throw bone.- Shaquille O'Neal
by BULLieving in Miami on Oct 26, 2010 11:58 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
It is about hindsight
Because you are assuming that the 2 point conversion will succeed. I’d rather be down 1 point in the 2nd quarter than 2 points in the 2nd quarter - but you can have your opinion, you just might be right or wrong, and I might be right or wrong. Either way, you can’t say it would’ve worked because you don’t know if the 2 point conversion would have been successful.
All Time Favorite Dolphin's gotta be the Zonk! or Kiick! or Morris!
by rintintinsoldier on Oct 26, 2010 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions
its not giving away points to PIT
its missing out points you coulda had for yourself.
the thigh bone is not connected to the free throw bone.- Shaquille O'Neal
by BULLieving in Miami on Oct 26, 2010 11:01 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
So you are saying that by not going for 2,
you will still have to go for 2.
'Phins phor Liphe!
Driver of the Make David Lee OC Bandwagon
Driver of the Trade-Ronnie-Brown Bandwagon.
Ok, here is why you go for two by using math:
According to Wiki: various sources estimate the success rate of a two-point conversion to be between 40% and 55%. Let’s say that you have a 45% shot at getting a two point conversion attempt to be conservative. That means you have a 45% chance of getting a tie (good outcome) and a 55% chance of losing one point.
Now comes the next part, of that 55% chance, what are the odds that it does in fact come back to haunt you in the aforementioned way. In order for it to haunt you, the other team would need to score a very specific combo of points for that one point to matter. Say the odds of them scoring just enough that one point matters is really high, say 50%. Well, then that means that half of that original 55% of not getting the two points means that there is a 27.5% chance that you are hurt yourself and 27.5% chance that you didn’t hurt yourself at all. Compare all of that to a 45% chance of an extra point and a tie game. You go for two.
Also, consider the argument against going for two stated earlier:
“Say Pitt scores a TD and kicks the extra point — we are now down by 9 instead of 8. If it’s later in the game (4th quarter) then you definitely go for 2, but not in the 2nd quarter!”
This again makes zero sense, because in that case going for one would have just meant that you again had to go for two late in the game, so even in that case you have to make one extra point and one two point conversion, which is exactly the same scenario, just with when you go for two and kick the extra point switched around. Guys, going for two makes TOTAL sense if it is to tie the game.
That's it! Einhorn is Finkle! Finkle is Einhorn!
Wrong
You’re referring to my earlier post. If we kick the extra point like we did, we trail by 1. If we had gone for 2 and failed, we trail by 2. IF Pitt scores a TD and kicks an extra point, we are then down by 9, which is TWO scores to overtake them. By kicking the extra point, we trail by only 1, so even if Pitt scores a TD and kicks the extra point, we only trail by 8 and we can still tie with 1 score and a successful 2 point conversion. It’s simple.
You’re not getting it, but I’m trying.
And — don’t believe everything you read on Wiki — their sources can be anything and usually are.
All Time Favorite Dolphin's gotta be the Zonk! or Kiick! or Morris!
by rintintinsoldier on Oct 26, 2010 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I still completely disagree.
Your philosophy still requires us trying a two point conversion, just later in the game. How is that better? Also, the chance that we wind up down by 9 isn’t all that good (them scoring exactly one TD and us not doing much else), and I’d much rather take a 45% shot at a tie (not to mention one extra point that may matter later in the game) with a 27.5% shot at getting burned and a 27.5% chance of it not mattering.
Also, Wikipedia has been proven to be more accurate than the Encyclopedia Brittanica (it can be updated with more frequency), but if you still don’t believe me, here is a link to a NY Times article entitled “In the End, Why It Makes Sense to Go For Two.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/21/sports/football/21score.html?_r=1
This article is a bit old (2007), but here is the relative info: “In each of the last two seasons, N.F.L. teams have made slightly more than half of their 2-point conversions.”
I think that one decision isn’t vastly better than another, but I have to argue that I would go for 2 because I think it makes way more sense.
That's it! Einhorn is Finkle! Finkle is Einhorn!
by Dakota Phan on Oct 26, 2010 11:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Here's my last shot
1. It’s better deferring the 2 point try until later in the game because the team may not even NEED to go for 2 at that point in the time depending on how the game plays out. Maybe Miami is ahead at that point — maybe Pitt kicks a field goal to lead by 4, and Miami comes back with a TD and extra point to lead then by 3 — are you getting it yet?
2. If you believe everything you read in the NY Times, then you have other issues.
3. Just because the NFL average is just over 50% on converting 2 point conversions, do you really think the Steelers defense would have just over 50% of 2 pt conversions allowed? Seriously doubt it — I’d put the odds of converting on that D at about 30%.
4. That’s one heck of a closing argument. Guess what, you didn’t convince me and you never will.
Keep rooting for our team up there in the Dakotas - I’ve got you covered here in Indiana.
All Time Favorite Dolphin's gotta be the Zonk! or Kiick! or Morris!
by rintintinsoldier on Oct 27, 2010 6:24 AM EDT up reply actions
Who gives a flying f*ck?
We lost.
MATTEAU!!!!! MATTEAU!!!!!!! MATTEAU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by stonecoldcory on Oct 26, 2010 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Okay, forget the botched call and concentrate on the missed opportunities
of 2 early turnovers. If Sparano doesn’t make excuses, why is he excusing the failure to convert at least one turnover or 5 fgs into 6 points?
Damn the sheriff, Bring on MARSHALL LAW
how is he "excusing the failure to convert"?
by Matty I on Oct 26, 2010 7:21 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
THIS ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Just think how stupid the average Jest fan is, and then realize that half of them are even stupider! ( a parody of a George Carlin line)
Just saying, failing to address a re-occuring issue every game is excusing the
obvious. We all talk about Henning, why can’t Sparano give a ultimatum?
Damn the sheriff, Bring on MARSHALL LAW
by fin4three5yrs on Oct 26, 2010 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions
No sir, your Logic is flawed.
While your argument may – seem – sound it is certainly – not – valid.
Re-occurring issue is inexcusable
Not addressing issue is inexcusable
Therfore coach sparano is inexcusable?
not valid sir on account of several fallacies on of them being:
Sparano addresses missed opportunities-
Sparano pointed to his offense’s inability to score touchdowns when in the red zone, the erratic play of the special teams coverage unit, the defense’s inability to get off the field on third downs, and the offense stalling on that critical drive in the final 2:19 as troublesome issues that contributed to Sunday’s loss.
Sparano must give ultimatum-
“We can’t make excuses for those things,” Sparano said. “I won’t settle for that.”
Therefore Sparano does not address the issue. False.
So why for 6 games, basically the same problems?
Damn the sheriff, Bring on MARSHALL LAW
by fin4three5yrs on Oct 26, 2010 7:50 PM EDT up reply actions
You sir are confusing addressing the issue with providing results.
Whether or not he has ‘addressed’ the ‘issues’ is not a valid argument.
now if he has produced results after said ‘issues’ have been brought to light is another matter entirely.
now if you would like to argue the point that there might be a failure to produce results then you may have a valid and sound argument. the questions then that must be asked are: what would entail failure of production? is it execution of plays during game time, inability to perform to optimal standards to due to athletic skill and/or coaching attirbutes, etc.
but all of these things have to due with Results of the games being played and a number of other issues, none of which entail or are contingent of Coach Sparano not ‘addressing the issue’ as the mere mentioning of any kind of problem automatically ‘addresses’ the particulate by self reference.
By not emphasizing the issue. Not just the last game but the entire season. We can get
our money’s worth out of Dan$ Carpenter, but how many drives have stalled deep in opponent’s territory?
Damn the sheriff, Bring on MARSHALL LAW
by fin4three5yrs on Oct 26, 2010 9:51 AM EDT up reply actions
BTW, DC lead the team in scoring. Is that a good sign of proficiency?
Damn the sheriff, Bring on MARSHALL LAW
by fin4three5yrs on Oct 26, 2010 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions
kickers always lead the league in points scored.
2009 NY Phin PhansFantasy League Champion
2009 Best Regular Season Record in NYPPL.
2010 The Jim Mandich NewsFlash Award Winner.
""It only ends once. Everything that comes before is just progress"
by Patssuck456 on Oct 26, 2010 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions
True, but not outscore the entire team combined, I exaggerated a bit, but
our offense has put up 9 tds(54pts) to DC 13 fgs, 10exps(49 pts). We convert 3 of those fg,s in our losses to the Jets and Steelers, we win. We had no fgs against the pats, only 2 tds, so no chance with our ST play in that game.
Damn the sheriff, Bring on MARSHALL LAW
by fin4three5yrs on Oct 26, 2010 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions
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Sorry guys but willl you remove the hair ad of polomalu from this page. PLEASE
It all comes down
to the last drive. With 2 1/2 minutes to go, all we needed was 40 yards to give Carpenter a chance to go 6 for 6. We needed a clutch drive and they blew it. Instead of rushing to blow a second down play, they should have let the clock tick down to 2min, and plan a couple of good plays since we had no more timeouts. Playoff caliber teams make the plays at the end of a game to win, we are still toiling with mediocrity!
by ADRIELSDAD on Oct 26, 2010 7:41 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
AGREE
Henne couldn’t do it he looked scared and letargic and the play calling was horrible. We need a new OC. Henning is blowing balls with these calls, seriously how many games have we all gone " why this play call now? or are you kidding me with this wildcat now? and so many others". He flat out sucks! why didn’t we throw a jump up play to BMarsh when we were in the red zone? It’s just frustrating to watch!
It comes with teams knowing that B-Marsh will beat you...
Hartline and Bess will hurt you, not beat you…
Brown and Williams will beat you…
Steelers did what they had to do… we need to do better.
Driver of the "DRAFT RAS-I DOWLING IN 2011" bandwagon!!!
"The only difference between dissapointment and depression is your level of comittment."
Time to move on!!
It is over!! I hope this team can carry that same “Pitbull” attitude into Cincy and Baltimore!! I think we are the fourth best team in the AFC. I feel the playoffs are there for the taking. This game showed the grits that this team can put on the field!! Critical games ahead. 5-0 on the road… That would be amazing in itself!! I feel this team will get it done! Maybe not the way we all want to see it done but the way that they have been winning games over the years. Late and letting people hang around and some how coming out on top. 3-3 at this point isn’t bad. We’ve played 3 of the AFC’s best. Time to move on!!
I was at the Buc's game on sunday.
I did not get to see the game but saw replays. One thing I was wondering was according to the stat long we shutdown on of the best run games in the NFL. Is it true or did they just decide to throw the ball more?
we shut it down...
so they had to throw more often.
Driver of the "DRAFT RAS-I DOWLING IN 2011" bandwagon!!!
"The only difference between dissapointment and depression is your level of comittment."
The run D
was oustanding, I was impressed for the most part, on how well our D played against the run.
Agreed. Tomlin quoted that we whooped them at the line.. all day...
and I would bet my house we would do it again and again if given the opportunity..
by Phins4life2334 on Oct 26, 2010 10:18 AM EDT reply actions
Hmm, lessee...
The Bengals desperate to climb back up in the North
Then Baltimore well rested after a bye.
I’m on the side of true love…and a good running game.
Nobody can get the truth out of me because even I don't know what it is. I keep myself in a constant state of utter confusion. -- Col. Flagg
Sparano is taking the right approach
For the comments from Dansby and Bell this team is all in for getting pay back next sunday.
I got it wrong Tebow was a 1st rounder... Mau you won on this one... Damn!
Miami Dolphins and the number 13
i just wanted to put this information out there
(food for thought) for U dolphin fans.
Lets start with DAN MARINO:
1. ONE of the greatest QB in nfl history
wore the number 13.
2. CHAD HENNE QB number 13 behind DAN MARINO.
3. if Miami win 10 games in-a-row record 13-3….afc east champions.
4. if Miami win 10 games in-a-row + 2 playoff games + super bowl
= 13 games in-a-row.
5. Miami home losses, 5.1 NY JETS ……………………………play again DEC 12.
5.2 NE PATRIOTS……………………..play again JAN 2.
5.3 PITTSBURGH STEELERS………playoff game ???
6. Last Miami super bowl, JAN 20,1985….49er’s 38 – dolphins 16.
1985+26=2011 (26=13×2)
WTF? (LMAO)
How on earth did you come up with that? Kudos on finding this stuff out and sharing it, but did you just notice it? Read it somewhere? Or (my personal favorite) maybe has a bite or two from the ol’ magic brownie? I am not dogging you, btw. I am sincerely impressed and curious.
by LoveWingsHatePenguins on Oct 26, 2010 12:36 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Maybe have a bite, not maybe has a bite. Oops.
by LoveWingsHatePenguins on Oct 26, 2010 12:37 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
No offense
But that’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever read
MATTEAU!!!!! MATTEAU!!!!!!! MATTEAU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by stonecoldcory on Oct 26, 2010 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions
These numbers exercises are like the "Kevin Bacon" or "Danny Elfman" game
Anything can be connected to anything
Always late to the party
I am kind of tired of hearing the whole 5 FGs excuse as to why we did not win
With 2:30 left to go, we were up 22-20, so at that point, the FGs had not cost us anything; we were still ahead and if the right call is made on the fumble, it is our ball on the 20 with 2:30 to go and up 2 points.
Then I heard someone say, well there is no way of knowing that we would have not given the ball back to the Steelers with time left to win the game.
While that is true, the Dolphins chances of winning were much higher if that had been the case, then having the Steelers attempt a chip shot FG to give them a 1-point lead like they go. Going from their own 30 with under 2 to play is much harder than a chip shot from the 1/2 yard line
But what is done is done, I am just tired of hearing this team get criticized when they did enough to win the game, but were screwed by a horrible call.
James T Paulson
by Jtpdolphins2009 on Oct 26, 2010 1:24 PM EDT reply actions
I agree. This ^
The coaching staff is not perfect, and we did not execute, but before we call for heads, let’s remember that had the refs called that pay right, our conservative play would have put us up two points with the ball on our 20 yard line and two minutes to play against a very good opponent. Guys, get off of the coaching change bandwagon. Calling for heads mid-season is going to hurt more than it helps. Get rid of Henning AFTER the season.
That's it! Einhorn is Finkle! Finkle is Einhorn!
I agree with ya on getting rid of Henning after the season
BUT who should we get to take his spot. I understand he has put out there some “mind blowing” calls at times during the game, and I’m not sticking up for the man in no means. I have to ask though who do (you Phin Phans) think should take his place at the end of the year?
by phinfansc1980 on Oct 26, 2010 8:55 PM EDT up reply actions
gotta win 2 of out the next 3
It’s that simple. Not gonna be easy though. Benguls better than their record, I personally think the ravens are better than the steelers (at least a bigger mismatch for us), and Titans have been playing some good ball. Time ot pick it up offense.
Gotta win the next game -- we need to quit saying we need to win 4 of the next 6, etc.
We just need to win the next game. Every game should be approached that way. Fans sometimes get too caught up in projecting records, wins, losses, etc. Just win the next one.
All Time Favorite Dolphin's gotta be the Zonk! or Kiick! or Morris!
by rintintinsoldier on Oct 26, 2010 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Just took a look at the remaining schedule...
…Unfortunately, the way the Dolphins are playing, looks like another 8-8 or 9-7 season….even 10-6 probably doesn’t make it into the post season due to how tough the AFC is and only two wild cards. Wish it wasn’t so.
Fins need to play execute much better than they have in these first six and go on an “upset” roll!
by NC Livin! MIA Born and Bred! on Oct 26, 2010 5:25 PM EDT reply actions
touchdowns
henning and this dolphins offense better get aggressive and real fast if the dolphins are to win any more games. time to score TOUCHDOWNS, no matter who we play. the defense has been stepping up and doing good, but this offense is sputtering and needs to get mean and dirty and start bullying teams!
regardless of how it all plays out in the end.. would like to see a few things
1. Start taking some SHOTS DOWN THE FIELD! Why oh why have we not been seeing (any?) deep passes to Marshall..or any receiver for that matter a few times a game!?
Whenever talk of Henne demotion and CP10 coming in comes up, the main reasoning for not doing it is “arm strength” and “stretching the field”…but we have Henne in there with his strong arm and we are practically NEVER throwing it deep or past 25 yards down the field! ..what is up with that
2. Some sort of Wild-Cat rebirth or change.. get it going again..in the right times though!..
3. More defensive turnovers.
4. Possibly one kick return of sorts taking it to the house.. it’s been a lonnnng time.. would be a nice bonus
but that’s special teams…so not holding my breathe
5. Overall running game improvement.. run more if we have to ..just attempt to get it back to the level we’ve had the last couple of seasons..whether thats with Ricky as the primary or not.. i dunno but something isn’t right with Brown this year..
6. Lastly, continues progression of Henne’s development. Last game was a good sign. Less stare downs and more progression of reads during passing plays..
If we end up getting enough wins to get into the post season.. great! if not, so be it.. it’s going to be real tough this year…but lets be competitive..in every game! win or lose.. and work on getting these things better and being in better position to really move up and on for next season
by dolphinsfan4life on Oct 26, 2010 8:00 PM EDT reply actions
1. Against the #1 D, you just don't DO anything unless
you can find a weakness in film study. I doubt with Troy patrolling the deep middle we would find that deep stuff open, otherwise he wouldn’t be one of the best FSs in the league for years.
2. New interior o-line. Plain and simple.
3. 2 TOs in the first minutes of the game. Not enough? We really can count on at least one a game, that should be good enough to win.
4. It’ll happen, Carroll is back there know.
5. New interior o-line.
6. Agreed, Henne is yuong and shows enough promise to get this sh!t done. that we need to be patient
"You want to revolutionize? Be specific and believe your eyes! Start a war in another backyard and we will destroy your house of cards! Give me a minute ad I'll change your mind, give me a bullet and I'll change your life!" - Corey Taylor in
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Driving the Evan Royster and Allen Bradford Rock 'N Roll Train!
The "pm striker king"- WZB The "reply" Nazi -Aplha6
Coaches Dont have confidence in there team...
and its gonna start to rub off on the team..Hell if great practices went into the win column..we would be 6-0.. 60 yd drive, 3 points (fist punch! )……15 yd punt return (fist punch!) 20 yrd kick of return from the goal line (fist punch! )….3 and out with a 60yd punt ( fist punch!) Whew! Great game team!….. Did we win?
I have a bad feeling about this week's game against Cinci
Ive noticed that whenever NFL teams lose heartbreakers in tough fought games like the Dolphins did, they follow it up the following week with a horrible performance.
The Broncos lost to the Jets in the final seconds of the game because of a 48 yard pass interference call and followed it up by giving up 59 points to the Raiders.
I really hope Im wrong but I have a bad bad feeling.
I have to agree that the leadership role place on certian players
has deffently change since last year where most of our team captains ended up hurt and/or being out for the rest of the year. This year draft picks was a little surprise at fist till learning the back grounds of the players that we did pick up. Leaders they were for their teams. May me feel better before the season started. Now the season i sgoing at full blast I have to say that I’m impress with the level of play that they are showing on the feild each game.
Now the game next week is a must win for us and we need to concentrate on it and try to fix the holes to the best to our abilaties. Yes we do have problems that need to fix (and some of them are not dealing with players eather), but they hopfully can wait till the end of the season to change em.
Time for the leaders to lead......
Thats why i have been saying that its very possible we could very well end up 6-10… and with no home wins yet this year.it has to be very discouraging..
.although this is a tough team. Its only a matter of time before this team begins to show frustration ( and its fans) I just dont believe they have good leadership….Hell.Even Bill Parcells doesn’t attend the games anymore. That must go a long way with the team..
No matter how much a coach attempts to rally its troops after a lose (or loses) …losing (often) tends to breed contempt and doubt and without good leadership this happens….
Winning develops confidence and self assurance…….You can only make them drink the kool -aide for so long….before the latter takes it toll..
Winners expect to win every game..I believe this team believes in this philosophy…But i dont think the coaching staff believes it with them ..They coach Not to loose..
Im not here crying dooms day by any means..Yes, there are 10 games left..Yes we have a good team of players..and yes, our season is by far means over….But.This team deserves alot more from its leaders…
Wow --- come down off the ledge
How many teams win the Super Bowl? 1.
How many teams get to the Super Bowl? 2.
How many teams win division titles? 8.
How many teams make the playoffs? 12.
How many teams are in the league? 32.
62.5% of the teams in the NFL don’t play more than 16 games. We are 3-3 right now. We need to play the next game and leave it all on the field. I enjoy Dolphins football no matter our record, no matter the opponent. I enjoy watching the guys play hard. I enjoy seeing great plays on both D and O. I enjoy getting pumped up when Wake makes an amazing sack of a QB.
“Losing tends to breed contempt” - we are 3-3, not 0-6.
“Winners expect to win every game” -- show me something that says we are entering the game already defeated from the coaching staff’s standpoint. You want to air it out constantly? Remember the Green and Yellow team we beat just a week ago? That’s an air-it-out team. Remember the Saints losing to the Browns last weekend? That’s an air-it-out team (the Browns had around 70 yards passing that game).
Despite what you say (I’m not here crying dooms day by any means) — you have lost complete perspective. Take a deep breath and it’ll be okay.
All Time Favorite Dolphin's gotta be the Zonk! or Kiick! or Morris!
by rintintinsoldier on Oct 27, 2010 6:33 AM EDT up reply actions
there is an inverse relationship between self-confidence and performance.
"You want to revolutionize? Be specific and believe your eyes! Start a war in another backyard and we will destroy your house of cards! Give me a minute ad I'll change your mind, give me a bullet and I'll change your life!" - Corey Taylor in
-Pulse of the Maggots- P.o.t.M. The "Font" Nazi - Alpha6
Driving the Evan Royster and Allen Bradford Rock 'N Roll Train!
The "pm striker king"- WZB The "reply" Nazi -Aplha6
Here is my evaluation of this years Dolphin squad.
Last year after that last game against Pittsburg we all know what we lacked. Big pass plays. Due to The Ginn Family and Fasano’s dismal year. So we acquire free agent Brandon Marshall to give us that big play potential. < ^These sentences will connect later, I got to jump ahead a little< Opponents that have faced us so far have made an emphasis on stopping our run game. Which makes sense since we have a great back field that can hurt you if you let the linemen have their way. So they are forcing us to go the air. The problem is, our coaching staff’s mind-set approaching these games is a well cultured running team outing. That opens the pass game with the run. Lets face it our O-line has not really been opening the # of holes it was last year due specifcally to the interior problems and Vernon’s average play. () However we are pass blocking better. So instead of running with 2:19 left, we should be passing. Use this improved pass game. We are among the best on 3rd down thanks to Bess and Polite and a little Hartline. Lets see Brandon get some big 3rd downs. Take some shots in the red zone. We are not showing alot of confidence in our red zone passing game. And I’m not talking about 3rd and goal because thats the hardest place to make a play. I’m talking about 2nd down on the 33rd. Pull the trigger. With the weapons we have we should be showing more confidence. Dan Henning take a Cialis and show some aggression. If you don’t like it Sparano, then change it and call yourself. You have the power to.
by Matt the Dolfan on Oct 27, 2010 2:17 PM EDT reply actions
Here is some stats I just felt like throwing out. This is before the Pitt game though.
Receivers (NFL rank in parenthesis)
Percentage of balls caught
Davone Bess: 77.1% (8th)
Brandon Marshall: 64.9% (37th)
Brian Hartline: 53.6% (73rd)
Anthony Fasano: 68.8% (31st among tight ends)
Yards after catch per reception
Bess: 4.4 (37th)
Hartline: 4.0 (50th)
Marshall: 2.8 (77th)
Fasano: 7.5 (10th among tight ends)
Interceptions on passes intended for:
Marshall: 3 (5th)
Drops
Marshall: 5 (1st)
Hartline: 3 (17th)
Bess: 2 (34th)
Fasano: 0
Tackles broken/avoided
Bess: 6 (1st)
Marshall: 3 (14th)
Hartline: 0 (74th)
Fasano: 1 (19th among tight ends)
Third-down receptions
Bess: 13 (1st)
Marshall: 12 (4th)
by Matt the Dolfan on Oct 27, 2010 3:23 PM EDT reply actions
continued
Running Backs
Yards after contact per rushing attempt
Ricky Williams: 2.4 (30th)
Ronnie Brown: 2.3 (35th)
Tackles broken or avoided
Brown: 8 (18th)
Williams: 4 (34th)
Fumbles
Brown: 1 (8th)
Williams: 1 (8th)
Successful blocks
Brown: 8th
Williams: 37th
Lousaka Polite: 22nd among 25 fullbacks
Third-and-1 percentage
Polite: 80% (19th)
by Matt the Dolfan on Oct 27, 2010 3:24 PM EDT reply actions
continued
Offensive Linemen
Penalties committed
Jake Long: 1 (5th among tackles)
Vernon Carey: 1 (5th among tackles)
Joe Berger: 2 (17th among centers)
Richie Incognito: 3 (58th among guards)
Pat McQuistan: 3 (58th among guards)
Sacks allowed
Berger: 0 (1st among centers)
Long: 0 (1st among tackles)
Carey: 1 (9th among tackles)
McQuistan: 1 (34th among guards)
Incognito: 1 (34th among guards)
Quarterback pressures allowed
Long: 2 (1st among tackles)
Berger: 5 (20th among centers)
Carey: 10 (39th among tackles)
Incognito: 3 (12th among guards)
McQuistan: 6 (36th among guards)
by Matt the Dolfan on Oct 27, 2010 3:26 PM EDT reply actions
continued
3-4 Defensive Linemen (Randy Starks counts as a DE)
Sacks
Kendall Langford: 2 (3rd)
Randy Starks: 2 (3rd)
Paul Soliai: 0 (33rd among DT/NT)
QB Pressures
Langford: 6 (12th)
Starks: 5 (17th)
Soliai: 1 (57th among DT/NT)
Batted passes
Langford: 3 (1st)
Starks: 1 (5th)
Soliai: 0
Penalties
Langford: 2 (1st aka most in the NFL)
Starks: 2 (1st)
Soliai: 0 (28th among DT/NT)
Missed tackles:
Langford: 0 (1st)
Starks: 0 (1st)
Soliai: 2 (4th most among DT/NT)
by Matt the Dolfan on Oct 27, 2010 3:26 PM EDT reply actions
continued
3-4 Outside Linebackers
Sacks
Cameron Wake: 6 (3rd)
Koa Misi: 3 (8th)
QB Pressures
Wake: 9 (12th)
Misi: 9 (12th)
Batted Passes
Wake: 2 (2nd)
Misi: 0 (11th)
Penalties
Misi: 1 (11th)
Wake: 0 (22nd)
Missed Tackles
Wake: 3 (3rd)
Misi: 1 (18th)
by Matt the Dolfan on Oct 27, 2010 3:27 PM EDT reply actions
continued
3-4 Inside Linebackers
Sacks
Karlos Dansby: 1 (6th)
Channing Crowder: 0
Tim Dobbins: 0
Bobby Carpenter: 0
QB Pressures
Dansby: 3 (12th)
Dobbins: 3 (12th)
Crowder: 1 (26th)
Carpenter: 0
Penalties
Dansby: 0
Crowder: 0
Dobbins: 0
Carpenter: 0
Missed tackles
Dansby: 3 (15th)
Dobbins: 2 (24th)
Crowder: 1 (33rd)
Carpenter: 0
Percentage of passes completed against
Dansby: 52.6% (28th lowest)
Crowder: 66.7% (36th lowest)
Dobbins: 100% (76th)
Carpenter: 100% (76th)
Average yards per catch against
Crowder: 5.0 (27th)
Dansby: 8.9 (55th)
Carpenter: 9.4 (63rd)
Dobbins: 20.5 (88th, dead last)
Touchdowns allowed
Dansby: 1 (6th)
Carpenter: 1 (6th)
Dobbins: 0
Crowder: 0
by Matt the Dolfan on Oct 27, 2010 3:28 PM EDT reply actions
continued
Cornerbacks
Times targeted
Jason Allen: 25 (53rd)
Vontae Davis: 24 (57th)
Benny Sapp: 13 (92nd)
Percentage of passes caught
Allen: 56% (30th-lowest)
Davis: 66.7% (67th)
Sapp: 69.2% (72nd)
Average yards per completion
Davis: 12.5 (57th lowest)
Sapp: 13.2 (65th)
Allen: 16.5 (90th)
Touchdowns allowed
Davis: 1 (30th)
Allen: 1 (30th)
Sapp: 0
Missed tackles
Davis: 4 (10th most)
Allen: 2 (37th)
Sapp: 1 (57th)
Passes defensed
Allen: 3 (25th)
Davis: 2 (44th)
Sapp: 2 (44th)
QB Passer rating against
Allen: 61.0 (19th lowest)
Davis: 88.9 (52nd)
Sapp: 97.9 (65th)
Penalties
Sapp: 1 (39th most)
Allen: 1 (39th)
Davis: 0 (65th)
by Matt the Dolfan on Oct 27, 2010 3:28 PM EDT reply actions
Really? I thought VD would have been much better than JA in almost all categories except INTs.
"You want to revolutionize? Be specific and believe your eyes! Start a war in another backyard and we will destroy your house of cards! Give me a minute ad I'll change your mind, give me a bullet and I'll change your life!" - Corey Taylor in
-Pulse of the Maggots- P.o.t.M. The "Font" Nazi - Alpha6
Driving the Evan Royster and Allen Bradford Rock 'N Roll Train!
The "pm striker king"- WZB The "reply" Nazi -Aplha6
continued
Safeties
Tackles
Yeremiah Bell: 34 (5th)
Chris Clemons: 15 (52nd)
Times targeted
Bell: 18 (8th)
Clemons: 5 (70th)
Percentage of passes completed
Chris Clemons: 60% (32nd lowest)
Yeremiah Bell: 72.2% (61st)
Missed tackles
Bell: 7 (most in NFL)
Clemons: 3 (21st)
Passes defensed
Bell: 1 (18th)
Clemons: 0
QB Passer rating against
Clemons: 65.4 (21st)
Bell: 109.5 (61st)
Penalties
Clemons: 1 (11th)
Bell: 0
by Matt the Dolfan on Oct 27, 2010 3:29 PM EDT reply actions
Clemons is doing very well.
"You want to revolutionize? Be specific and believe your eyes! Start a war in another backyard and we will destroy your house of cards! Give me a minute ad I'll change your mind, give me a bullet and I'll change your life!" - Corey Taylor in
-Pulse of the Maggots- P.o.t.M. The "Font" Nazi - Alpha6
Driving the Evan Royster and Allen Bradford Rock 'N Roll Train!
The "pm striker king"- WZB The "reply" Nazi -Aplha6
continued
Special Teams
Average kickoff distance
Dan Carpenter: 67.1 yards (16th best)
Touchbacks
Carpenter: 3 (18th)
Average start for opposing offense
Carpenter: 31.6 yard line (35th-best)
Field goal percentage
Carpenter: 80% (15th)
Punting average
Brandon Fields: 41.0 (30th)
Percentage of punts returned
Fields: 47.6 (17th-fewest)
Punts blocked
Field: 2 (2nd)
Touchbacks
Fields: 1 (5th fewest)
Punts downed
Fields: 6 (3rd)
Return yards allowed
Fields: 59 (8th fewest)
Inside the 20
Fields: 12 (9th most)
Net yards punting
Fields: 37.5 (23rd most)
Long punt
Fields: 68 (2nd)
Kickoff return average
Nolan Carroll: 26.3 (16th)
Patrick Cobbs: 21.9 (41st)
Punt return average
Bess: 12.8 (10th)
Fair catches
Bess: 4 (15th)
by Matt the Dolfan on Oct 27, 2010 3:29 PM EDT reply actions
continued
TEAM RANKINGS (out of 32)
Offense
Yards per play: 5.2 (15th)
Third down efficiency: 49.3% (2nd)
Fourth down efficiency: 0 for 3 (28th)
Gross punting average: 37.5 (32nd)
Points per game: 17.8 (24th)
Defense
Yards per play: 5.2 (15th)
Sacks per pass play: 5th-best
Third down efficiency: 34.9% (8th-lowest)
Fourth down efficiency: 5 for 10 (15th)
Kickoff return average: 30.5 (31st)
Points per game: 22.4 (23rd)
Points per game differential: minus-23 (24th)
by Matt the Dolfan on Oct 27, 2010 3:30 PM EDT reply actions
Wow, we really didn't improve on scoring D.
"You want to revolutionize? Be specific and believe your eyes! Start a war in another backyard and we will destroy your house of cards! Give me a minute ad I'll change your mind, give me a bullet and I'll change your life!" - Corey Taylor in
-Pulse of the Maggots- P.o.t.M. The "Font" Nazi - Alpha6
Driving the Evan Royster and Allen Bradford Rock 'N Roll Train!
The "pm striker king"- WZB The "reply" Nazi -Aplha6
yeah thought our defense, was gonna turn on like a fausett.
The get go of the year, we were described as a attack & scorring defense! sumthin happened from then till know.
wopper "the king" computer
by wild zion beaver on Oct 30, 2010 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions
PS. has coaches voiced changed, sence he lost all that weight?
wopper "the king" computer
by wild zion beaver on Oct 30, 2010 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions
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