Miami Dolphins at New York Giants: Dolphins Allergic to Second Half, Lose 20-17

by kmb8488 on Oct 31, 2011 5:00 AM EDT in Comcast Sponsored Posts

"I'll be dressing as a semi-competent Miami Dolphins quarterback for Halloween this year."

Whether you are a Dolphins fan aboard the Suck for Luck wagon, or someone who believes Tony Sparano can still be just as successful a head coach in Miami as Don Shula was (pause for laughter ... And ... we're good), you can all probably agree that today's 20-17 loss to the New York Giants was one of the more soul-stealing defeats the Dolphins have suffered in recent times. Seeing Miami's offense lay down the way it did yesterday during the second half, it's hard to believe we actually thought these guys had a chance to compete in the AFC East, and were just a quarterback away from putting it all together.

Turns out, these guys are nowhere near being a complete team. Surprise!

Dolphins' play is more trick and less treat

Schizo game plans--perhaps the biggest issue that has plagued the Dolphins throughout this season--were absolutely a deciding factor against the Giants yesterday, as Miami's aggressive play-calling in the first half gave way to a vanilla, tighty-whitey approach in the second half. Without placing all of the blame on the coaching staff (which most of us will end up doing anyway ... and rightfully so), Miami's decision to go conservative in the second half made zero sense, especially when the Dolphins' offense was 5-of-7 on third down and 2-for-2 in the red zone (both of those figures are very un-Dolphins like) during the first half.

Were the Giants simply caught looking ahead to their difficult November schedule? Probably, but when you're a winless squad that is up 14-3 on the road, you need to stay aggressive and keep your foot on the gas if you want to leave town with a win. It's not rocket science. Of course, the Dolphins came out of the half with their usual "play just well enough to not get blown away" game plan, and allowed Eli Manning (13/19 for 163 yards in the second half) to make just enough plays to secure the victory.

Rinse and repeat, Dolphins fans.

Why this coaching staff needs to go ... now!

What exactly are you playing for when you're 0-6? It's not like pride should be an issue at that point ... but it is with the Dolphins, and the ego of this regime seems to rear its ugly head at the worst of times (see: the fourth quarter). We know Reggie Bush can run between the tackles every so often, but do you have to run him nine times in the second half (especially when the Giants' defense had zero respect for Matt Moore's noodle arm)? We know it was a mistake to throw at a Revis-draped Brandon Marshall two weeks ago, but four receptions for 55 yards against a good, but not great, Giants secondary? Bush is a phenomenal weapon when used correctly, but he shouldn't be seeing more targets than our No.1 wideout. No, thanks.

The silver lining

The good news for any fan who took this loss especially hard is that it really can't get any worse this season. The Dolphins have officially bottomed out in 2011, and no beatings at the hands of Buffalo, New England, New York Jets or even the Kansas City Chiefs will make things in Miami any worse than what Dolphins fans went through in October. Of course, things are just peachy right now if you're crossing your fingers and hoping the Dolphins land Andrew Luck. Better yet, the Rams are no longer winless, and the Colts are bound to win a game one of these days ... right?

And now some random thoughts ...

-The Dolphins pass protection is absolute garbage right now (how many times must we endure seeing the stupid look Marc Colombo has on his face whenever he gets blown away by a pass rusher?), but I disagree with the idea that Jake Long has regressed. Jake's clearly injured right now, and the NFL lockout certainly did him no favors in terms of conditioning and rehabilitation (Long spending his training camp and preseason on the PUP List pretty much confirms this). Honestly, if Jake's going to have a down year, I'd prefer it be this season and not when he's protecting our next franchise quarterback.

-Props to Matt Moore for making plays galore during the first half. However, 13/22 for 138 yards passing isn't going to put fear in any NFL secondary. Rats ...

-Is it bad that I was more upset about Mike Pouncey's neck injury than the Dolphins second-half collapse?

-Awesome game (15 rushes, 103 yards) for Reggie Bush, who hit the holes yesterday with a vengeance, and looked plenty fast whenever he bounced runs to the outside. It was also depressing to see how upset he was at the end of the game. As someone so used to winning, Reggie looks like he hates life right now.

-This loss marks the second time in three weeks that the Dolphins have basically taken a dump in Metlife Stadium. Also, both of those defeats featured strong Dolphins performances in the first half, as well.

-That pass interference call against Brandon Marshall was indicative of the theorem bad teams = bad calls.

-I've spent a lot of time making fun of Dan Dierdorf, but I really appreciated the amount of sympathy he gave us yesterday. He knows we're terrible, and since he played for the St. Louis Cardinals, he knows what it's like to play on a truly godawful team or two.

-I didn't buy a word of Bill Cowher's "I love it here and no plans to return to coaching" speech on CBS' pregame show. If we have the No.1 pick in the 2012 Draft, I cannot fathom Bill Cowher turning down an opportunity to draft Andrew Luck and resurrect a franchise that he's repeatedly stated he has great respect for. Make this happen, Stephen Ross.

-Nice to see Tim Tebow's stock come back down to Earth after he destroyed a napping Dolphins defense last week. Looks like Detroit's defense naps before games, because they pounded the living daylights out of Tebow and the Broncos yesterday.

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Comments

The season just needs to end...

We’re a terrible team and I can’t wait for the madness to ensue during the offseason. So far gone.

by Altersreality on Oct 31, 2011 6:20 AM EDT reply actions

Send sporano packing

He is a idiot. No challenge 0n that catch at the end of 3rd quarter. Instead of 3rd and 16 its 3rd and 9 and they make it. The announcers even said they played it several times on big screen showing it was not a reception

by dolfan52 on Oct 31, 2011 6:59 AM EDT reply actions

Fire Ireland and Sparano!!!!!

Honestly, I think New York has a way in calling and not calling Pass Interference at the opportune time. The non call on Revis still sticks in my mind as a gamechanger and the phantom offensive Pass Interference against Marshall also changed the momentum in the 3rd qtr of yesterday’s game.

Damn the sheriff, Bring on MARSHALL LAW

by fin4three5yrs on Oct 31, 2011 7:32 AM EDT reply actions

i am at the "who cares" point

DOLPHIN FANS: Eating the shit sandwich since 1999!

by phatfinfan on Oct 31, 2011 7:34 AM EDT via mobile reply actions

You care because your still coming here to comment.

Please learn the difference between a fan post and a fan shot before posting.

by texascowpunk on Oct 31, 2011 8:12 AM EDT up reply actions

i'm not saying that I do not care about the team...

I just do not care about the season…I’m already looking toward 2012

DOLPHIN FANS: Eating the shit sandwich since 1999!

by phatfinfan on Oct 31, 2011 10:11 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

all the parts coexist to

make this combination 0-7.It is not one persons fault.Rebuild from scratch with young players such as to use an example Jimmy Johnson did with Dallas when he traded Hershel Walker for a collection of draft choices.Start making trades now and stockpile draft choices.If you can get Luck and 3 or 4 more great college players go for it.This team has to rebuild,otherwise it will run in place for the next couple of seasons anyway.

by broxtone on Oct 31, 2011 7:44 AM EDT reply actions

You can not make any trades until the season ends.

Please learn the difference between a fan post and a fan shot before posting.

by texascowpunk on Oct 31, 2011 8:13 AM EDT up reply actions

Rebuidling from scratch is a little hasty.

Just compare the two halves (which is the point of this artice). Same players but two different coaching philosophies in the halves. Half 1 “I don’t give a shit cram it down your throats go for it on fourth” to Half 2 “Oh shit, I hope to God we don’t lose it here”. Coaching, Coaching, Coaching…oh, yeah and a few more missing pieces, i.e. A QB!!!!!!!!!!!! We are not really that far away from playoff games.

by Doug Maxton on Oct 31, 2011 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions

we have bottomed out

All I can say is, it will have to be better next year.

Admiral of the RGIII "Robert Griffin," silver medal battleship of the luckfleet.
Trade Marshall NOW!!!
Daniel Thomas for 2012 pro bowl
Dear Reggie Bush, GTFO of miami
Vontae Davis and Sean Smith = Sam Madison and Patrick Surtain 2.0
All hail the mighty brandstater, the true qb god

by AnishB15 on Oct 31, 2011 7:54 AM EDT via mobile reply actions

indeed, we have totally hit rock bottom! :0(

Jimbo

by Dolphinator on Oct 31, 2011 8:01 AM EDT via mobile reply actions

Doggone; this was a last chance to beat sumone (team) that was compleatly desimated (injuries wize), well KC & the sun-shine band!

wopper "the king" computer
We often look rite past the positive's cuz the negative's-r-so hard they dominate! Have you touched & preened your beaver-pelt yet! Captain beem me abord the luckmobil!

by wild zion beaver on Oct 31, 2011 8:16 PM EDT up reply actions

with cowher and gruden out

How about tony dungy for HC? Thoughts?

by AnishB15 on Oct 31, 2011 8:02 AM EDT via mobile reply actions

He is not returning to coaching.

Please learn the difference between a fan post and a fan shot before posting.

by texascowpunk on Oct 31, 2011 8:14 AM EDT up reply actions

He wont leave NBC

I think Fischer is the one worth pursuing

Founder and creator of the "DT33" nickname
"Ima take my talents to South Beach"--LeBron James
Strapped on to Ryan "El Capitan" Lindley's bandwagon 2012
"I make onions cry"--Tom Brandstater

by AlejandroN on Oct 31, 2011 8:54 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I actually pick the Dolphins to win . . .

and was surprised when they competed. I think they will certainly get a win against the Chiefs, especially since Davis and Thomas will be back.

Year 2009 . . .
Me: They should have picked Clay Matthews
Cousin: Man Clay Matthews in going to be a bust

by ImBlue on Oct 31, 2011 8:18 AM EDT reply actions

The only upside I got...

… is that this team hasn’t quit yet. Look at some of the God-awful performances of the Dolts and Cowgirls. These last couple of games came down to the wire. Heartbreaking, yes, but at least we’re not simply getting blown away by teams.

I got a bad feeling about this...

by ShadyMDUK on Oct 31, 2011 8:24 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs

What humors me...

I know we all don’t want to lose. Its honestly hard even watching the games. But if beating the Giants came down to being the reason we lost the first pick, are we really going to be glad we beat the Giants? Its all meaningless, except for the hope of Luck. None of us want to lose, but we’ll be glad we did when we have a franchise quarterback finally. Had to be said. Nobody is going to care at season’s end if we beat the Giants.

by josh111 on Oct 31, 2011 9:06 AM EDT reply actions

Tony S is a TERRIBLE coach

This moron can’t play from behind, can’t play from ahead… dosent make ANY POSITIVE adjustments at the half…I actually feel sorry for him. EVERY team in the NFL knows that no matter the score – given time you will still beat Miami b/c they have a FLAWED GAME PLAN every week. I hope the owner loses so much money – b/c the FANS deserve to see tony fired ! RIGHT NOW (few weeks ago) How much more must we endure, watching his weekly debacle ? It’s only going to get worse when we have to take a beating from the Bills, Jets and Patsies….and their pompass fans and coaches… We FANS deserve better. tony can’t coach the OLINE, the offense, defense, special teams, and really can’t manage the timeout situation even…
sure the team played hard – and I think this loss is really ON TONT and his conservative game plan…
NOTE TO MORON:
To win you must PASS and defend the PASS – …………..!!!
(not run and defend the run)
running for over 100 yards means nothing any more… ITS A PASSING LEAGUE…. you idiot. BUSH deserves credit for playing real hard with very little help on offense. PROPS to him….POUNCY …gave up another sack people…he’s average no better.
ANDREW LUCK will make everyone better – b/c a QB who reacts quickly and delivers the ball makes it easy on everyone…..GREAT QB more important than coach… just ask ole Shanny down in WASH !

41 Year FIN FAN
Franchise QB... NOW !!! ...Draft Ryan Mallett ...Draft some Freakin speed for a change. WR & RB speed kills......

by 62Lou on Oct 31, 2011 9:14 AM EDT reply actions

At this point I’m not even going to get my hopes up for Andrew luck….Colts look awful too….. We may still get one or two wins if a team sleeps on us too much…

Kacy Rodgers! (Our D-Line Coach) Got to give him some credit.
Rusty Smith! (Titans future qb)
Play to win

by 54 on Oct 31, 2011 9:18 AM EDT via mobile reply actions

Going through the rest of the schedule, I honestly believe our best chance is this coming week at the Chiefs. NE, Buff twice, the Jests are all L’s in my book. Dallas will find a way to beat us as well.

"Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that." George Carlin

by DolphinNation on Oct 31, 2011 9:31 AM EDT up reply actions

Washington in two weeks as well.

2008 AFC EAST Champions.

by civwarbuff on Oct 31, 2011 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions

and Oakland are both games

are both games that if we play well enough we can walk out with wins.

2008 AFC EAST Champions.

by civwarbuff on Oct 31, 2011 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions

I’ll give you Washington, but Oak-town is still a loss (with Palmer being up to speed with the playbook at that point).

"Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that." George Carlin

by DolphinNation on Oct 31, 2011 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions

I also thought Dan Diedorfs announcing was classy.

I have come to like him alot more in the past few seasons despite his flaws as a commentator,and he was right, we played really hard yesterday against a great club and at times gave them some serious problems. In the end they made the critical plays.

2008 AFC EAST Champions.

by civwarbuff on Oct 31, 2011 9:32 AM EDT reply actions

all jokes aside

don’t be surprised if you guys beat the Eagles. I’m actually banking on it.

I got banned from Jests Blog for saying Chad Henne has better stats than Mark Sanchez. And they think they're the big brothers in this town? LMAO try again little sisters!

Let's Go Giants!!!!

by maculis on Oct 31, 2011 9:47 AM EDT reply actions

Send some of your bank my way...

I mean.. if you are just going to throw it away like that.

by Bill Moody on Oct 31, 2011 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, I really want no part of the Eagles right now

I think that “Wide Nine” alignment is going to eat our offensive line alive

Welcome to Sun Life(less) Stadium!

by kmb8488 on Oct 31, 2011 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions

LOL Yeah I am in no way looking forward to playing that bunch.

Please learn the difference between a fan post and a fan shot before posting.

by texascowpunk on Oct 31, 2011 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Mixed Feelings

I didn’t enjoy the loss yesterday. I also didn’t spaz out about it either, just like last weeks loss. I’ve officially entered the “Numb Zone”. I’m still upset and I’ll always wish for the W, but, now it doesn’t matter.
I actually spent some time monitoring other games and wishing for some victories: by Arizona, Minnesota and St Louis. The Colts were too far behind. LOL, I now root for the other bottom tier teams to win so that we have less competition for Luck….Any team with 2 wins now are out of the competition.
Yup, my Sundays are a mess…

by Simple Buddha on Oct 31, 2011 9:53 AM EDT reply actions

your post is a well written version of what I meant when I said I'm in "who cares" mode...I'm numb to this season's team

Win, lose…whatever! Nice post.

DOLPHIN FANS: Eating the shit sandwich since 1999!

by phatfinfan on Oct 31, 2011 2:32 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Dierdorf

actually played for the Cardinals in their heyday aka the Dan Coryell days. The Cards have had 4 double digit win seasons since 1950. One of which was 2009, the season after their Super Bowl trip. The other three were in the mid 70’s when Dierdorf was a Cardinal.

Back to the Dolphins. I predict them to win at least one game this season and they won’t draft #1. That’s really sticking my neck out I know. LOL.

by Bill Jempty on Oct 31, 2011 10:20 AM EDT reply actions

Dierdorf also played on the '77 and '78 St. Louis Cardinals teams that were pretty much horrible

And Coryell was there for the ’77 disaster (I think we beat the Cardinals 55-14 on Thanksgiving that year). The Cardinals season he talked about yesterday—the one with eight straight losses—was 1978 (Bud Wilkinson was coach that year).

Welcome to Sun Life(less) Stadium!

by kmb8488 on Oct 31, 2011 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions

And yes, thanks for putting yourself out there :-)

Should be interesting to see if they end up with the top pick.

Welcome to Sun Life(less) Stadium!

by kmb8488 on Oct 31, 2011 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Nice Post. But I completely DISAGREE with this point!

Seeing Miami’s offense lay down the way it did yesterday during the second half, it’s hard to believe we actually thought these guys had a chance to compete in the AFC East, and were just a quarterback away from putting it all together.

IMO, the Phins are a QB away from competing in the AFC. Look at the Bills. They were bad last year, really bad. They find a QB and now they are leading the division. Their defense and OL statistically sucks, yet they are winning their division. Look at the Bengals. They were bad last year, really bad. They draft a 2nd round, rookie QB who is playing really good football and play some decent defense / ST’s and they are leading their division.

The talent on the Bills and the Bengals isn’t better than the Phins, with the exception of the QB. If Dalton or Fitzpatrick were the QB of the Phins, they would be 3-4 or 4-3 right now and in the mix. That is why the QB is so important.

Next point, this coaching staff sucks. When is the last time this team had a good 2 minute drive? When is the last time this team got a single 1st down in a 2 minute drill? I can’t remember, it hasn’t been this year. That is coaching, plain and simple.

If for no other reason (and there are plenty of reasons to get rid of this coaching staff), Miami’s failure to mount any type of 2 minute offense this year, they should be fired. A lot of games are won / lost in the finall 2 minutes of a game. The fact that the Phins have lost 2 games this year (Cle and NYG) needing only a FG to win / tie a game and they couldn’t get a single 1st down, makes me sick to my stomach.

FIRE EVERYONE NOW!!

"It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing." MACBETH
"Walter, I love you, but sooner or later, you're going to have to face the fact you're a goddamn moron." THE DUDE (The Big Lebowski)

by ct1361 on Oct 31, 2011 10:34 AM EDT reply actions

Totally disagree with you

Our linebackers are getting turned into mincemeat every week, and our secondary needs a serious upgrade or two. We also need to find a quality LG and RT to keep our new quarterback upright and breathing.

The Bengals have an underrated defensive line (led by the very talented Carlos Dunlap), an excellent, rangy linebacker corps and a solid secondary (Leon Hall is flat-out good). Andy Dalton is a big reason for the Bengals turnaround, but their defense is playing just as well right now.

The Bills turned back to the 4-3 and built it the right way (inside out). They now have two STUD defensive tackles and a secondary that is as formidable as it gets right now (Wilson and Jairius Byrd are ridiculous ball-hawking safeties). Fitzpatrick is playing very well right now, but the Bills beat the Patriots because they were able to pick Tom Brady four times. Contrast either team with us; we have no presence in the middle of the trenches right now, and no one in our secondary is a ball hawk. How will Andrew Luck or Landry Jones fix that? We need big-time help at areas other than quarterback.

Welcome to Sun Life(less) Stadium!

by kmb8488 on Oct 31, 2011 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Also, Buffalo's defense is 26th in yards allowed per game, but leads the league in INTs (three of which they've returned for scores)

The Bills are tied with the Lions for most takeaways (18), and the Bengals have 11 takeaways. The Dolphins’ defense is tied for last in picks, and has four takeaways this year (good for 31st in the NFL). You’re one of the people always preaching about the Dolphins needing play-makers in the secondary, so I am surprised to read you’re so adamant about a quarterback being a fix-all for us. It’s the second step we need to take next offseason (finding a new head coach is obviously the first priority), but I don’t expect us to immediately come out with a new quarterback and crack heads. This roster needs to be majorly tweaked before we can become a force in the division and conference.

Welcome to Sun Life(less) Stadium!

by kmb8488 on Oct 31, 2011 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions

The Dolphins need more playmakers, everywhere, that is understood.

But besides a few players on the Bills and Bengals, who were their playmakers last year? Was Steve Johnson a playmaker with Trent Edwards at QB?

The Bengals and Bills didn’t replace their entire roster from last year to this year. They tweeked it and added a few key components, mostly QB’s that are playing really well.

What I am saying is that the roster is good enough right now to win games if the Phins just upgraded the QB position. Would they be good enough to win the division? Possibly. Who would have thought the Bills or the Bengals had enough talent to win their division this year?

The Colts with Peyton Manning have won 10+ games in 11 of 12 seasons. Without him, they are winless this year. Is that team significantly different, besides Manning, this year than last year when they won 10 games and the division?

by ct1361 on Oct 31, 2011 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions

Actually, Stevie Johnson was very much a play-maker last year (except for the end-zone drop he had against the Steelers)

I don’t think we disagree here nearly as much as you think we do. I very much believe a new quarterback will turn our franchise around, but after watching Dan Marino play his balls off for 17 seasons and walk away with nothing to show for it (Super-Bowl-wise, of course), I am not a huge fan of simply drafting a quarterback, putting him behind our sieve offensive line and saying, “Here’s the keys to the castle, kid. Go win the division for us.” Now, when we draft a QB next April (be it Luck, Jones, Barkley, Griffin III, etc.), it’s extremely important to turn around and get him an elite left guard or tight end, and then a play-making safety (Ray-Ray, Markelle Martin, Robert Lester, Tony Dye, etc.) to really beef up the middle of our porous secondary. In this scenario, we’ve put a new face on the franchise (QB) and revamped some of the areas that have slaughtered us in recent years. I like our odds much better in that situation.

Nevertheless, I totally agree that Dalton and Fitzpatrick are a huge reason why Buffalo and Cincinnati are competitors this year. Dalton, in particular, already looks like a seasoned pro. I seem to remember several people here (not you, though) saying he would suck. So much for that …

Welcome to Sun Life(less) Stadium!

by kmb8488 on Oct 31, 2011 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions

You are right that we aren't disagreeing that much.

If the Phins get that QB, the rest of the pieces fall into place. I equate it to the drafts after Marino. Richmond Webb and Keith Simms, pro bowl players on the OL, were selected to protect the teams main asset, Dan Marino. They tried to draft RB’s. They tried to get Safeties and CB’s and DE’s, they just drafted poorly.

But even with those poor drafts and all those holes on defense and at RB, those teams still had chances to get to the Super Bowl every single year because of the QB. And that was back then, the 80’s and 90’s, where QB play wasn’t as important as it is today. Today, having that QB is so much more important and the Phins haven’t had one for 10+ years.

by ct1361 on Oct 31, 2011 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions

You see Ct there is validity to what you are saying, no doubt about it.

Peyton Manning is the obvious example. His abilities are impossible to replicate and there isnt much doubt that in 2010, without Peyton Manning at the helm that team would not have been able to win the divisin. They simply were not quite good enough, and Peyton Manning, through his brilliance helped carry that squad into the postseason. However using the same example, Peyton Manning, think of the Colts from 2009 to 2010. That club went 14-2 in 2009 and went to the Superbowl. In 2010 they suffered injuries at critical positions, didnt have quite the talent and were not able to execute at nearly the level. It took everything the great Peyton Manning had to lead that team to 10 wins and a postseason birth.

As for the Bengals i love the way Andy Dalton is playing and there again isnt much doubt that he is an integral piece of their success this season on offense (along with the upgrades that have been made in the receiving corps and stability on the O-line which couldnt stay healthy last season) but on how about the Bengals defense. Last season the Bengals were riddled with injuries on defense, in the secondary, in the linebacker corps and on the D-line, absolutely scathed. This season the team has been able to remain healthy coupled with some key upgrades in the offseason and all of a sudden this defense is one of the best in the league again like it was only 3 seasons ago.

2008 AFC EAST Champions.

by civwarbuff on Oct 31, 2011 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions

#2009

2008 AFC EAST Champions.

by civwarbuff on Oct 31, 2011 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm not saying that any QB can win the Super Bowl by himself.

It is still a team game. But if you have a dominant QB, that keeps you in the conversation for the Super Bowl every year even when the other pieces of the team change. Because of the nature of the league with a salary cap and FA, about 25% of every teams roster changes every year.

You could argue that the right mix of that 25% of the roster puts teams in a position to go from making the playoffs to winning the Super Bowl. But even that 75% is short if the QB isn’t very good. Good QB play is the difference. Teams that have it win. Teams that don’t lose.

by ct1361 on Oct 31, 2011 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree with essentially everything you say

It is incredible how much reliance a team has on its Quarterback in the NFL and when a team has a Quarterback that is struggling the team will also struggle. I think we agree on that point. And that is why teams try to solidify this position first and build around him. However i am alos saying that there many different factors that go into this. Just because your squad is struggling doesnt mean you have the wrong Quarterback.

2008 AFC EAST Champions.

by civwarbuff on Oct 31, 2011 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Essentially what Im saying is

if a team doesnt have a Quarterback who is executing on a high level your team is severly limited in the NFL, no matter your talent. However if you have the right Quarterback, one who may ultimately lead you to grat places your team still may be struggling. For him to execute at a high level in this league he needs the pieces around him (despite the absolute top echelon of the league who can lead teams to winning records through their brilliance).

2008 AFC EAST Champions.

by civwarbuff on Oct 31, 2011 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions

#great

and change despite for except. Sorry

2008 AFC EAST Champions.

by civwarbuff on Oct 31, 2011 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Much of what you said however is very well said Ct.

and I would make that argument.

2008 AFC EAST Champions.

by civwarbuff on Oct 31, 2011 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions

yes...the linebackers are garbage...

Crowder’s value is obvious now…the next GM and HC better bring him back!

DOLPHIN FANS: Eating the shit sandwich since 1999!

by phatfinfan on Oct 31, 2011 2:35 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

They did better yesterday...

Strangely enough, Dansby and Burnett were even tasked to cover Victor Cruz at times. Out of all 9 passes (7 completed) thrown to Cruz yesterday, Burnett was the only defensive played to deflect one of the passes.

Unfortunately, 10 of 13 passes thrown towards Sean Smith were completed for 83 yards (he had 1 pass defensed), Jimmy Wilson allowed 4 of 6 passes thrown towards him to be completed and finished with 1 pass defensed and allowed a TD. 4 of 5 passes thrown to Will Allen were also completed and he surrendered a TD when he missed a tackle on Cruz.

Bradshaw was 3-3 against Smith with 16 yards and Jake Ballard was 2-3 against Will Allen and Yeremiah Bell, meaning it’s not only our LBs that struggle to cover RBs and TEs.

- Attempting to debate with a person who has abandoned reason is like giving medicine to the dead.
- Defeat isn't bitter if you don't swallow it.

by Finhead83 on Oct 31, 2011 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions

Are you...

Advocating we draft a rookie in the 2nd round? You bless the move by the Bengals, but you would’ve absolutely crucified Sparano if he drafted Dalton in the 2nd.

- Attempting to debate with a person who has abandoned reason is like giving medicine to the dead.
- Defeat isn't bitter if you don't swallow it.

by Finhead83 on Oct 31, 2011 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions

I wouldn't have crucified the Dolphins for drafting a 2nd round QB.

If the pick works out, it is a very good pick. But history suggests that is fails much more than it succeeds.

I wanted Henne to succeed. I wanted Pat White (a pick I liked) to succeed. I don’t care where the Phins find a franchise QB, I just want them to find one. They have tried: 2nd round picks, FA’s, Trades, etc for the past 28 years with no success. The only success they have had is drafting a QB in the 1st round, Marino, and they haven’t tried since then.

by ct1361 on Oct 31, 2011 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Actually, the last two first-round QBs selected by the Dolphins were ... wait for it ...

Dan Marino (27th in 1983) and Bob Griese (4th in 1967). You’d think our G.M.‘s would’ve picked up on this trend, right? Unbelievable …

Welcome to Sun Life(less) Stadium!

by kmb8488 on Oct 31, 2011 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Unbelievable is right. Even if the 1st round pick at QB fails miserably (becomes Ryan Leaf), I will still give the new FO props for at least trying.

I will rip on them for picking the wrong guy, but I would never rip them for trying. It is one thing to try and fail. It is a completely other thing for failing without even trying.

by ct1361 on Oct 31, 2011 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions

That is some what of a contradiction because this management did take Chad Henne

in the second round and he was to be this teams franchise quarterback. Obviously Chad had an up and down tenure in Miami. He brought some great aspects to this team and he had struggles that he was never entirely able to overcome but this management did try.

2008 AFC EAST Champions.

by civwarbuff on Oct 31, 2011 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions

I should have said "tried everything but drafting a QB in the 1st round"

Not addressing the most important position in football, a position of need, with the top picks in the draft is not trying. Instead those picks went to a LT, CB, DE, and C. Those position are way down the list of importance in today’s NFL.

by ct1361 on Oct 31, 2011 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions

If someone was to ask me what are the most vital positions in todays NFL

I would answer Quarterback first and foremost followed by (in no particular order) C, CB, LT, NT/DT and outside pass rushers (whether thats DE’s in the 4-3 or OLB’s in the 3-4)

This team took Chad Henne to be the longterm solution at the Quarterback position. obviously that didnt work our, for a plethora of reasons,some of which were no doubt consistant limitations that Chad was never fully able to overcome (despite improvement). This management then tried to build around him. Do I agree with all the moves of this FO? No i dont and Im not saying that. Do I believe Jeff Ireland and Sparano should lose their jobs. Yes I do. However to say they didnt try isnt fair Ct, especially for Sparano.

2008 AFC EAST Champions.

by civwarbuff on Oct 31, 2011 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions

What happens if we get the #1 pick, and Luck skips on the draft for his senior year of college?

Sounds crazy but he did it last year too.

by t.shug on Oct 31, 2011 10:40 AM EDT reply actions

He did it last year to complete his degree, which he will do this year.

- Attempting to debate with a person who has abandoned reason is like giving medicine to the dead.
- Defeat isn't bitter if you don't swallow it.

by Finhead83 on Oct 31, 2011 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions

He has stated that he will come out next draft.

Please learn the difference between a fan post and a fan shot before posting.

by texascowpunk on Oct 31, 2011 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions

can we please fast forward to April?

2010 The Jim Mandich NewsFlash Award Winner.

Miss the misery.
Need a reason for a change.
Need a reason to explain.
So turn it on again.
Don't change your mind.
You're wasting light.

by Patssuck456 on Oct 31, 2011 10:45 AM EDT reply actions

Sure I can go for that

Miami drafts #2 or #3, Time for another Masters Tournament, and the Florida Panthers make the post season for the first time in 11 years!

by Bill Jempty on Oct 31, 2011 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions

That would be nice

Go cats? Go cats!

Welcome to Sun Life(less) Stadium!

by kmb8488 on Oct 31, 2011 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions

sucking for luck

I still don’t understand how Sparano still has a job. TBH the Colts will probably get Luck, and realistically they need him more. What we need more than a QB are coaches who aren’t retarded.

by AssBall on Oct 31, 2011 10:59 AM EDT reply actions

I'm not a S4L'er and I want Ireland, Sparano, and half (if not more) of the coaches gone.

I had to “watch” the game on espn’s app on my phone.
Marshall got what 55 yards?
I had to work during the game.
Nothing to drink (coffee does not count), either.

I feel like a Dolphin.

I never got a prize for doing what was expected of me.

by Tunaflipper on Oct 31, 2011 11:09 AM EDT reply actions

I wouldn't say Matt Moore has a noodle arm

He’s got a strong arm

Miami's Superstars: Reggie Bush, Brandon Marshall, Jake Long, Karlos Dansby, Cameron Wake, Vontae Davis and Sean Smith (just wait), Lebron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Mike Stanton, Gaby Sanchez, and Hanley Ramirez. :)

by finzrule on Oct 31, 2011 11:31 AM EDT reply actions

Really? I didn't think he had the arm strength to drive the ball downfield in the New Jersey wind

Just my opinion, of course.

Welcome to Sun Life(less) Stadium!

by kmb8488 on Oct 31, 2011 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions

SENDING A SOS OUT TO COACH...JIMMY JOHNSON!

Coach Jimmy Johnson " we need you back in Miami,and this time stay and

get the job done! "

BRIAN DABOLL…

the offense played great the first-half, the second-half this offense

did nothing?? Dan Henning did a better job than you are doing, IMHO.

MIKE NOLAN…

Your defensive schemes are not working anymore,especially against

the PASS??? This is the worst PASS defense in the nfl!

Those players you have on the field cannot cover my GREAT GRANDMOTHER!

maybe 9-7 and in the playoffs…

by Dolfan77 on Oct 31, 2011 11:56 AM EDT reply actions

I got a GIF for that!

by Fester McDougal on Oct 31, 2011 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions

bring the pressure. Start Jimmy Wilson!

wopper "the king" computer
We often look rite past the positive's cuz the negative's-r-so hard they dominate! Have you touched & preened your beaver-pelt yet! Captain beem me abord the luckmobil!

by wild zion beaver on Oct 31, 2011 8:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Probably, but when you’re a winless squad that is up 14-3 on the road, you need to stay aggressive and keep your foot on the gas if you want to leave town with a win

Take the quote give it the coaching staff and pop in the highlight reel of Saints/Rams this week, and Clockwork Orange style torture until they get it right.

And the home of the .... JETS!!!
Now lets get a G-D snack!!!
"You might not like that. You might be very cynical about that. Well, f**k it, I don't care what you think."-Roy McDonald

by Noble_Lance on Oct 31, 2011 2:52 PM EDT reply actions

lol. Probably the best and most horrible thing I've read in a while

Welcome to Sun Life(less) Stadium!

by kmb8488 on Oct 31, 2011 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions

but what if it is the effin truth!

wopper "the king" computer
We often look rite past the positive's cuz the negative's-r-so hard they dominate! Have you touched & preened your beaver-pelt yet! Captain beem me abord the luckmobil!

by wild zion beaver on Oct 31, 2011 8:04 PM EDT up reply actions

I am going to get a lot of flak for this

But our protection of the QB problem is not RT and RG, first let me explain.

With Long being hurt for the past two years, and yet still being forced to play, perhaps it is time to move him to the right side. Yes he is our best Olinemen, but that should be a testament to how everyone is underperforming and been ran to the ground.

This was a move we had to do with Carey, and it worked for a good bit of time. However, this means he would have to renegotiate his contract. Say to the 5-7 million range. Which still sounds like a lot for a RT, but it also saves us 4-5 mil in cap space.

Second, it would mean that we would most likely have to find a way to draft Costanzo in the first round. We get the second pick, this should be our guy. Yes yes i know,bit we need a first round QB. Well, we will still get one by trading up from the second round and drafting RG3. This takes care of two important factors. LT and QB. Also, it is wise to mention that this strategy worked for Atlanta in reverse when they drafted Matt Ryan.

Truth is, i fear that asking Long to play while hurt these past two seasons, coupled with the shortened offseason may have done more harm than good. That as well as covering for the lack of skill portrayed by Incognito may just be too much for our Pro Bowl Left Tackle.

Adding to this, i would seriously consider bringing back Smiley, and moving Incognito to RG, where his skill set is better fit.

by dolphinfan4lyfe on Oct 31, 2011 7:21 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

I don't think you should get flak; you bring up some great points

Plus, I don’t know if people realize this, but next year is the last on Long’s rookie contract, so his health is going to be a major discussion point this offseason. I think he’ll be fine, and hope that this is just LCS (Lockout Casualty Syndrome) at work, but in the meantime, it’d be nice to see our next regime waste no time in finding a franchise-caliber LG to pair with Long (if so, I’d equate the left side of our offensive line—Long, John Doe and Pouncey—with what Minnesota worked with for much of the last decade—McKinnie, Hutchinson and Birk).

Welcome to Sun Life(less) Stadium!

by kmb8488 on Oct 31, 2011 8:03 PM EDT up reply actions