Dolphins Training Camp, Day 16: Team gets back to work after sloppy preseason opener
by Matty I on Aug 17, 2010 5:00 AM EDT
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The Dolphins got back on the practice fields (the newly configured practice fields, that is) for the first time since their disappointing yet victorious - as if that matters - preseason opener against the Bucs on Saturday night. Some fans were probably happy to know the Dolphins practiced in the rain for about 20 minutes on Monday. Unfortunately for Dan Henning's offense, though, the team seemed to pick up where they left off on Saturday.
Offense struggles during Monday's practice
There was a lot made by some after the first team offense failed to move the ball effectively at all during Saturday's game against Tampa. I wasn't one of them because I wasn't worried.
I'm still not too worried. But you have to at least wonder what's wrong right now with this offense. They struggled a week ago during the team scrimmage. They struggled in their first preseason game. And today in practice, the starting offense again sputtered against the starting defense.
The Miami Herald has the blow-by-blow of the team period of practice from Monday. Here's the bottom line. Chad Henne was 0 for 3. Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams combined for 10 yards on 5 carries. So that's 8 plays for 10 yards for the first-team offense against the starting defense. Ugh!
The highlight - or lowlight - of the day came after Brandon Marshall dropped a would-be touchdown from Henne during the team drills mentioned above - one of three drops by Marshall on the day. Brandon then picked up the ball and punted it over the fence and out of the practice area. Afterward, Marshall spent the rest of practice standing alone on the sidelines.
Frustration is setting in.
I'm sure Tony Sparano will be asked about this right away tomorrow in between their two practices. Marshall is scheduled to speak on Wednesday. It'll be interesting to see the fall-out from this. It's really not a big deal. But because of Brandon's history, it's going to create a mini firestorm for now. If you're like me, though, you aren't too worried. I know Brandon is going to be fine once the games actually count. He didn't suddenly forget how to catch. And enough already with this #19 curse. It's just a number, people - just a number.
As for the offensive problems as a whole, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't concerned at all. But I'm willing to give this team more time before I press that red panic button - which is available at Staples, by the way, right next to the "easy" button for those who just can't help but press it relentlessly from now until the regular season.
Camp Quick Hits
- It's nice to hear that Chad Henne is taking on the leadership role in the huddle that many were expecting him to. Tyler Thigpen details how Henne went up to Marshall in the huddle after his second drop on Saturday night and told him not to worry about it. Of course, you know Henne was probably thinking something a little different.
- The first-team offensive line remained the same on Monday, with Richie Incognito, Joe Berger, and John Jerry working along the interior positions from left to right. Is Tony Sparano settling in on a starting unit?
- Vontae Davis knocked away two passes from Marshall on Monday. Good news for Vontae. Not so good for Brandon.
- NFLPA records indicate that Ike Alama-Francis received a one-year contract extension. This probably means IAF is a lock for the 53 man roster. After all, he did replace Koa Misi with the first team defense during the second defensive series on Saturday night.
- Nolan Carroll worked again on Monday as the first-team nickel. If Will Allen can't go week one, it's looking more and more like Carroll, the rookie, will join second-year players Sean Smith, Vontae Davis, and Chris Clemons in the secondary as the nickelback. Talk about a young defense - a good thing but also a bad thing.
- Tony Sparano raved about Paul Soliai's performance from Saturday night. But he did point out that Paul needs to show consistency. That'll be one of the key story lines for Saturday's game against Jacksonville.
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What about Polite?
A reporter better ask Tony about him tomorrow or I’m going to staple cats to my face.
by StinkyMojo on Aug 17, 2010 5:24 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
I SECOND THAT!
They just need to settle down….. Lots of expectations.
by Rickslilpiece on Aug 17, 2010 7:19 AM EDT up reply actions
or what?
I don't mind being ogled, ridiculed, made to feel minuscule. If you consider the source, it's kinda pitiful.
-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 OP "original" poster - Fr8Train The "reply" Nazi -Aplha6
... or he'll yell some more?
Adjutant General, Matty Fan Club
64 "Phinsider Fued" Points..!!
"Official draft Koa Misi bus -- the A.J. Duhe of this decade!"
Marshall showing true colors?
He better quit thinking about the NBA and take his gloves off and catch the ball! We already have a punter so he doesn’t need to show off that he can punt! Maybe he just didn’t like that football? Grow up and catch the ball! You are a Pro Athlete for God sake!
Little harsh....
Sticking up for Marshall…. I’m quite sure he’s just pissed at himself for not making the catches… Hell, I’d do the same thing. He just knows he’s better than that…..
by Rickslilpiece on Aug 17, 2010 7:18 AM EDT up reply actions
this^
dont start ripping on marshall, he’ll get it together
he is having a rough patch of days, he’s only human (barely)
remember, this is the same brandon marshall that set an NFL record for 21 catches in one game
this is the same brandon marshall that has had three straight 100 reception seaons, which is tied for third in NFL history
this is the same brandon marshall that has had three straight 1,000 yard seasons and is only getting better
and this is the same brandon marshall that did all of these things with mediocre QBs
WE GOT BRANDON MARSHALL!!!!!
"Faster than a speeding walrus" -Me.
"Violence is not the answer, it's the question; the answer is YES!!!"
At least 99% of reciver's take there eye off the ball before it hit's there hands, so that it's possible "to see exzackly" were the defender is.
So to make an ajustment
wopper "the king" computer
by wild zion beaver on Aug 17, 2010 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions
Good sign
Much better then Ginn Jr. He was so accustomed to dropping balls that he would not have been so angered.
At least Marshall is frustrated because dropping balls is unfamiliar to him.
by guava_wrench on Aug 17, 2010 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions
so is the uniform on his back in compition!
wopper "the king" computer
by wild zion beaver on Aug 17, 2010 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions
dropping balls is very familiar to Marshall
Marshall always had issues with drops his first three years in Denver. Only when Kyle Orton became the QB did he stop dropping balls consistently. it’s something to watch out for.
by black_knight101 on Aug 17, 2010 6:29 PM EDT up reply actions
So what do we make of Nate Ness?
I really like what I saw from him the other night. More or less saved the game….. Thoughts?
Ness had some good plays BUT
Ness looked horible to me in coverage! If you watch the game over again and focus on Ness you’l see he didnt play to well in that game other then the key stops he had… In fact he was lucky he popped that ball loose cause that would probly been the end to his stay in Miami if that guy scored on him!
I love the underlying "Slaps" you give in your writings Matty...
I’m taking notes for when I have to write upper management here…. lol
Adjutant General, Matty Fan Club
64 "Phinsider Fued" Points..!!
"Official draft Koa Misi bus -- the A.J. Duhe of this decade!"
Henning MUST GO!!!!!!!!!!
While everybody seems concerned over the Dolphins ability to do “ANYTHING” on offense, I truly believe that the problem with this offense, starts right at the top!!! Dan Henning SUCKS as an offensive coordinator!! He’s been hanging on to Parcells coat tails for FAR TOO LONG!!! His play calling is terrible! He runs the wildcat WAY TOO OFTEN!! And most of all, his offense, never seems to be, ALL on the same page!! How many times did the offense have to call a timeout last year, simply because Henning couldn’t make up his mind which play to call? You could see it in Henne’s face last year many times as he was coming off of the field. The Dolphins will never make it to the SB with this IDIOT running the offense!! They brought in a great D Coordinator in Mike Nolan, now, cut bait with Henning, and find a way to bring in someone who can put these players in a position to succeed!! Dan Henning is the REAL REASON, why this offense continues to struggle. Do we really have to sit through another year of scoring less than 20 points per game?? If getting Parcells to leave is the only way to get rid of this ars-clown, than, so be it…I just cannot go through another season of watching this team’s offense struggle so mightily, when they have the talent level they have. Enough of this regime of “WANNABE’S!”
Paul F. Johns
We were within 3.5 ppg avg.
of the Colts,Giants,Ravens,Texans,Cardinals,Steelers,Falcons,Cowboys and we “struggled” given our “talent level”?
I love my Dolphins and all but I’d say when you compare those teams scoring and quick strike capabilities to ours then you have lost touch with reality.
Most of those teams not only had an experienced and proven vet under center,the others had very talented younger guys,but a bonafide #1 WR and great pass catching TEs as well whereas we had a very green QB with complimentary WRs,at best,and just ok play from the TE position and Tom Moore himself couldn’t have done any better with that crew and in fact think Henning did one hell of a job considering what he had to work with.
Indy averaged 3.5 ppg more than us..are you telling me that Henne was as good as Manning,our WRs were as good as Wade,Garcon,Collie and our TEs even come close to Clark?
by haildanhenningnow on Aug 17, 2010 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions
This ^^^
Henning won 2 superbowls as the offensive coordinator of the redskins. Then when he was carolinas o coordinator, he lead them to one superbowl an one NFC championship. Plus he’s really the perfect fit for Miami’s offensive personnel. We have two bruising backs, a monster for a fullback, and what should be a solid o line. Now we have Marshall, who I think should somewhat complete our offense. It would be entirely complete if we’d kept Ted ginn for the downfield bombs.
by BigPuma23 on Aug 17, 2010 3:15 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Dolphins better improve vs JAX
Look we played poorly against an average Tampa team. Its just one game – but it showed where we are right now – behind the Jets and Pats in my opinion. Defense needs to step it up against the run and get some pass rush going too. Starks didnt look good against the double team… at least big paulie look better than he ever has – he needs some 1st string reps at NT on running downs so we can judge him vs Starks.
The OLINE needs a good kick in the ass too – all that money and talent ? for 50 yards rushing ? really ? Nice work guys. This team has the talent to win at least 10 games – but they showed nothing so far. the second string guys looked the best. Ness, Nolan C., even Turner finally looked good. (still dont trust him)
question ? WHY DONT WE PRACTICE SOME DOWNFIELD THROWS IN THESE GAMES – not talking about giving up the playbook – but come on… we need to practice the timing and pass protection of these routes for Henne, OLINE, and WR’s… it jsut makes sense…it looked like we wanted to win the game ! that’s stupid We shoiuld also have let Pat White throw – give him and the WR’s some freak-n work !!! You really care about winning a 10-7 preseason STINKER ?
40 Year FIN FAN
DRAFT a #1 WR now.........
just a though.....
I remember the year Dallas went 0-4 in pre-season, came out in the regular season and stomped ass all the way through the super bowl. Better to get the rust off now. We normally have slow starts at the front end of the schedule, but Lord knows, we can’t do that this year. I was very “annoyed” about our play last weekend, but then my wife reminded me….. “Shut your damn mouth, if they weren’t the best, they wouldn’t be playing now would they?” She has a point…. (I don’t trust Turner either)
by Rickslilpiece on Aug 17, 2010 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions
There is such a thing as sycology being used by a coach or coaching staff.
Where for instance a coach may intentionally hold back an offense or defense just so the players don’t get too overconfident and to have something to yell about come next practice. I’m NOT saying that our coaching staff did that but maybe the Dolphins coaching staff is keeping on the training wheels for a little while, This in turn may make the players work extra hard and study that much more. Then you have the Jests who keep there starters in for 2 quarters and blitz every other down, Perhaps Rex wants to give the ellusion to his players and team that they are better than they are to build confidence which may turn out to be a false confidence. Just a thought….
Henning does suck...
I kind of agree with FIREGUY….Henning is very average and shows me NOTHING new ever for the offense…. that’s bad in todays NFL – you need to game plan and SCHEME against certian teams to move the ball. Its just not all “3 yards and a cloud of dust”… then pass on 3rd down( 5 yards into the slot or flats)
40 Year FIN FAN
DRAFT a #1 WR now.........
It's the preseason, guys..
Know what Jim Mora would say here? “Preseason? You’re talking about.. Preseason? Preseason?!”
Henning showed the ability to “feed the beast” with Steve Smith in Carolina. Why in the hell would he tip the plays that showcase our newest threat?
Besides, playing in the rain, what is the point in trying out a couple of deep passes? Passing in the rain period is tough, let alone passing 40+ yards down the field.
Gonna take a fortnight at least to get this herd down to St. Louis on Mississippi. This glen's gonna be tough to traverse, and that river's got to be 50, 60 meters wide. And God knows how many fathoms. To hell with parliamentary procedure. We've got to wrangle up some cattles!
by Dave.Phuller on Aug 17, 2010 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Wildcat was David Lee.
"michael, I did nothing,...... I did absolutely nothing,.... and it was everything I thought it could be" -Peter Gibbons-
◊◊◊ Marshall/Bess>Moss/Welker ◊◊◊ Unofficial "avatar creator"
former Goof Trooper and proud recipient of the Matty JLRBotY award 2010
BandWaken Got me this Matty BLB award 2010
by uncle finster on Aug 17, 2010 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Thats a fact Jack!
Be sure to visit Mosul's new blog at www.mosuldolfan.blogspot.com/
"Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that."-Steve Earle
"I'd rather be a dead Gram Parsons than a live Garth Brooks"-Kinky Friedman
by texascowpunk on Aug 17, 2010 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions
"Stripes"!
I was in basic training when this was out.
And we it at our DI……
Adjutant General, Matty Fan Club
64 "Phinsider Fued" Points..!!
"Official draft Koa Misi bus -- the A.J. Duhe of this decade!"
Nice!
Be sure to visit Mosul's new blog at www.mosuldolfan.blogspot.com/
"Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that."-Steve Earle
"I'd rather be a dead Gram Parsons than a live Garth Brooks"-Kinky Friedman
by texascowpunk on Aug 17, 2010 8:19 PM EDT up reply actions
except it was henning that regularly used the direct snap to RB
and unbalanced line in carolina. David Lee just made it more of a single wing with a pass option.
-LCFF
DotJPBW
(under protest)
by LeftCoastFinFan on Aug 17, 2010 11:54 PM EDT up reply actions
he did it once in a carolina game i believe, because they couldn't
pass.
I don't mind being ogled, ridiculed, made to feel minuscule. If you consider the source, it's kinda pitiful.
-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 OP "original" poster - Fr8Train The "reply" Nazi -Aplha6
once?
-LCFF
DotJPBW
(under protest)
by LeftCoastFinFan on Aug 19, 2010 12:29 AM EDT up reply actions
THIS^^^^^^^^
I don't mind being ogled, ridiculed, made to feel minuscule. If you consider the source, it's kinda pitiful.
-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 OP "original" poster - Fr8Train The "reply" Nazi -Aplha6
I'd love to see Chad H.....
Get to a point where he calls his own plays….. Long time off, but would be nice.
by Rickslilpiece on Aug 17, 2010 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions
You guys wanna know why our offense sucked?
Its cuz we didnt get the ball to DAVONE BESS!
lol jk jk
but seriously we needa play like the CP10 days, always keep 2 extra guys to pass protect, Sit back and wait for someone to get open.
"My ego is not that big. . . . I just want to win." - Dwyane Wade
Check out Mosul Dolfan's blog: An Observation on Sports
by Davone_Is_BessT on Aug 17, 2010 12:22 PM EDT reply actions
If and when the O-Line is settled is when the offense will start clicking...
and of course when the receivers stop dropping passes.
You keep drives going, you get more rushing yards, more opportunities to “feed the beast” that is Brandon Marshall, the more big plays appear.
Sustaining drives…that is the key. It is going to take time to get the kinks out. That’s fine.
I am becoming more hopeful that if the offense struggles, the defense will be able to get off the field and give the offense some more chances, either by stops, sacks/pressure, or turnovers.
THAT’S A GOOD THING
Jared Odrick 6-5 304 DL & Tim Dobbins 6-1 246 ILB & Koa Misi 6-3 251 LOLB
Brandon Marshall 6-4 230 WR; John Jerry 6-5 328 LG; AJ Edds 6-3 247 LILB
Nolan Carroll 5-11 204 CB & Rashad Jones 6-1 214 S; Chris McCoy 6-3 244 ROLB; Austin Spitler RILB 6-2 243; Pet Cat:Chris "He's the REAL" McCoy 6-3 244
or perhaps I should say "becoming more confident" as opposed to "more hopeful"
Jared Odrick 6-5 304 DL & Tim Dobbins 6-1 246 ILB & Koa Misi 6-3 251 LOLB
Brandon Marshall 6-4 230 WR; John Jerry 6-5 328 LG; AJ Edds 6-3 247 LILB
Nolan Carroll 5-11 204 CB & Rashad Jones 6-1 214 S; Chris McCoy 6-3 244 ROLB; Austin Spitler RILB 6-2 243; Pet Cat:Chris "He's the REAL" McCoy 6-3 244
Hey Matty, send a letter to Dan Henning and crew...
to run that play that Denver always ran with Marshall, where they throw him the ball on the line of scrimmage right after they hike it. Let Marshall do what he does. To me it sounds like they need to start running a myriad of high percentage plays to boost the confidence and get the Offense into a rhythm. Then they can start focusing on the intricate stuff.
by Phin-Phan-Phorever on Aug 17, 2010 8:00 PM EDT reply actions
the heck with a letter
Matty! use the PhinPhone!
-LCFF
DotJPBW
(under protest)
by LeftCoastFinFan on Aug 17, 2010 11:56 PM EDT up reply actions
... it's the Aqua Phone...
Adjutant General, Matty Fan Club
64 "Phinsider Fued" Points..!!
"Official draft Koa Misi bus -- the A.J. Duhe of this decade!"
it was a play on the "bat phone"
how is “aqua phone” a proper parody?
-LCFF
DotJPBW
(under protest)
by LeftCoastFinFan on Aug 18, 2010 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Uh, the "Red Phone"?
Certainly you’ve heard of that…………
AND…………….
Adjutant General, Matty Fan Club
64 "Phinsider Fued" Points..!!
"Official draft Koa Misi bus -- the A.J. Duhe of this decade!"
now how does "red phone" go with PhinPhone?
-LCFF
DotJPBW
(under protest)
by LeftCoastFinFan on Aug 18, 2010 9:22 PM EDT up reply actions
... no, Aqua Phone...
lol
Adjutant General, Matty Fan Club
64 "Phinsider Fued" Points..!!
"Official draft Koa Misi bus -- the A.J. Duhe of this decade!"
good stuff
2009 NY Phin PhansFantasy League Champion
2009 Best Regular Season Record in NYPPL.
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""It only ends once. Everything that comes before is just progress"
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