Miami Dolphins Week 9 Game Ball
by Kevin Nogle on Nov 8, 2011 5:00 AM EST
in 2011 Game Ball of the Week
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PrintIt's that time of week again when I award a game ball to the Miami Dolphins, and a bunch of you say the game ball should only be given if the Dolphins win. Wait. What's that? Oh, the DOLPHINS WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's right. It's time to let my exhuberence come through for a minute. Look at all those extra exclamation points. The Miami Dolphins won a game. It's sad that in week nine, that singular sentence is such an accomplishment - but you know what? For today, and for this week, I don't care.
And, as several of you commented, I finally got my wish. I have a game ball to give out to a team that won - and a team that won in a fashion that makes it difficult to present a game ball because that means I am leaving someone out.
Should I gave the game ball to quarterback Matt Moore? On the Facebook poll for the offensive player of the game, 55 people voted for Moore, with Anthony Fasano coming in second with 6 votes. Obviously, the majority of you all felt that Moore's 17-for-23, 244 yards, 3 touchdown performance, giving him a 147.5 passer rating, were worthy of the game ball.
Or, maybe I should give the ball to Fasano. The veteran tight end only caught two passes during the game, but both were touchdowns.
Perhaps Reggie Bush should get the game ball. He carried 13 times for 92 yards and a touchdown. That's a 7.1 yards per attempt average. Plus, he caught 3 passes for 50 yards.
There's wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who caught 8 passes for 106 yards. He also actually pulled one down in the end zone - actually holding on to a touchdown pass.
Possibly the game ball should go to Jake Long, who stonewalled the Chiefs' Tamba Hali all game. Or Mike Pouncey, who led the way through the defense for Bush on several carries.
There's Charles Clay. The rookie H-back made an impact, hauling in all three passes that went his direction, gaining 50 yards.
Then, there's the defense. Kevin Burnett had 12 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 3 tackles for a loss, and 2 hits on Kansas City quarterback Matt Cassel. Next to Burnett on the defense is Karlos Dansby, who racked up 11 tackles, including two for a loss, of his own.
Yeremiah Bell seemed to be everywhere, and, despite at least one questionable unnecessary roughness penalty, made plays for the Dolphins throughout the game.
Perhaps the ball should go to cornerback Sean Smith. While it's always possible to make a big play on Smith, his ability to blanket a wide out goes unnoticed most of the time.
There's always Brandon Fields, who, besides his normal punting prowess (5 kicks, a 44.2 yards per kick, 1 touchback, and 2 inside the 20 this week - with a long of 55 yards) added in a tackle of his own on Sunday.
Maybe all of them should get a game ball. Or, perhaps the fan base should get the game ball after this win.
But, I'm going to go to Tony Sparano. All season, Sparano has been under fire - from the media, from the fans, and even from the owner - and yet he has stood up in front of everyone and taken whatever anyone wanted to throw at him, and he never blinked. Sparano will be gone at the end of the year, but it's obvious, even in a ten game losing streak, Sparano hasn't lost the team. They are playing hard for him. The team is still trying to win. The team hasn't given up.
For this week, Tony Sparano was the right coach for the Miami Dolphins. And, for that, he gets the game ball.
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LOL
I heard that!
Studies have shown that 23% of all institutionalized mental patients
are capable of living normal lives in a productive society.
The other 77% are Jets fans.
NY Jets fan base: Bringing insanity and inbreeding to your community since 1960.
Back on the Hennewagon. Chuggin' along with no spare...
lol
"The first thing I do when I get out of bed and feel the jolt in my knees is think of Roy Winston. On the second step, my calcified Adam's apple starts bobbing, and I think of Carl Eller. A few more steps in the dark and it's Willie Lanier. By the time I get to the bathroom, I'm flashing back to Dick Butkus and Ray Nitschke. And when the light finally comes on, I just hope that somewhere in the darkness they're thinking of me, too" - Larry Csonka.
He played before my time but one of the toughest SOBs to ever play!
by Strange on Nov 8, 2011 7:47 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I was hoping you'd give it to Sparano
He’s a good guy and I wish him the best where he lands next year.
I'd give it to Tony as well
not because he has been under fire all season…because he is one of the main reasons for this fall out. Give him the game ball for not getting in the way of this team…finally a solid game plan…solid play calling…and not because it worked. I liked the situational football. The old dolphins crept back in…running 3 times in a row for 6 yards. But they were aggressive on the Chiefs side of the field…." they need to continue to take the offensive game plan of " what do we have to lose" Let moore target Marshall 10+ times….and wow lets use Reggie the correct way. Was the a bubble screen? Crazy…it almost resulted in 6. Oh and wow….we gave it to reggie off tackle? Didn’t that go for 6? Yup. Bout time….shame it took the 9th game to figure that out. Thats why this coaching staff won’t be here nxt year. Congrats Fin Fans…good win. I’m glad it was a blow out.. I don’t want to win 17-14…..21-20. I want blow outs…anything close doesn’t do any good and obviously pushes us away from u know who.
by Phins4life2334 on Nov 8, 2011 12:01 PM EST up reply actions
Totally agree. Daboll took this long to use Bush right. They still need to throw the ball to him more. He should be getting Matt Forte looks, I mean he still leads the league in receptions for a RB and is third in TD’s behind Westbrook and Darren Spoles who he’s only a couple behind. I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes for 150 yards against Washington.
Haters gon' hate...
good call...
I like Sporano. Nice to see him and the team happy for a week!
DOLPHIN FANS: Eating the shit sandwich since 1999!
by phatfinfan on Nov 8, 2011 5:53 AM EST via mobile reply actions
... just want to see them smile...
"Never miss an opportunity to make others happy,
even if you have to leave them alone in order to do it"
"The world is divided into two kinds of people: those who have tattoos, and those who are afraid of people with tattoos."
"Women desire six things: They want their husbands to be brave, wise, rich, generous, obedient to wife, and lively in bed."
let's hope this winning momentum
carries on for the next few weeks
"The more people I meet the more I like my dog."
Winner of The Davone Bess Little Guy Award, 2010
yeahhhhhh!!!!!!
winnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn! beat those redskins!
"My cats breath smells like cat food" a wise man once said...
My love for THE MIAMI DOLPHINS is unconditional...period!
I will never "Suck for Luck" !
Win for pride, Win for us fans!
by Phinphinatic on Nov 8, 2011 11:18 AM EST up reply actions
... and John Beck
Too soon?
"Never miss an opportunity to make others happy,
even if you have to leave them alone in order to do it"
"The world is divided into two kinds of people: those who have tattoos, and those who are afraid of people with tattoos."
"Women desire six things: They want their husbands to be brave, wise, rich, generous, obedient to wife, and lively in bed."
If you're giving them out to the fans,...I'll take one.
My legs are still a bit tender….
Marching to the beat of a different drummer since 1965...
How's your butt hole?
LOL!
"Never miss an opportunity to make others happy,
even if you have to leave them alone in order to do it"
"The world is divided into two kinds of people: those who have tattoos, and those who are afraid of people with tattoos."
"Women desire six things: They want their husbands to be brave, wise, rich, generous, obedient to wife, and lively in bed."
this^
"The first thing I do when I get out of bed and feel the jolt in my knees is think of Roy Winston. On the second step, my calcified Adam's apple starts bobbing, and I think of Carl Eller. A few more steps in the dark and it's Willie Lanier. By the time I get to the bathroom, I'm flashing back to Dick Butkus and Ray Nitschke. And when the light finally comes on, I just hope that somewhere in the darkness they're thinking of me, too" - Larry Csonka.
He played before my time but one of the toughest SOBs to ever play!
by Strange on Nov 8, 2011 7:47 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
cant agree more
sparano deserves it. i really feel sorry for the guy, wish him the best whether he somehow remains a coach for miami or for another team
Offensive Line
The line played their best game of the year by far. Without the great line play, most of the offensive plays don’t happen. But I also don’t have an issue with giving it to Sparano. He fist-pumped some TD’s on Sunday.
Official member of "The Luck Fleet"
Nobody hurt a tackler like Zonk did.
by rintintinsoldier on Nov 8, 2011 8:23 AM EST reply actions
Well, that one blind sided me!
Nice call, Mosul.
I never got a prize for doing what was expected of me.
But IF fan(s) would get it,
it’d have to be OFF4L
I never got a prize for doing what was expected of me.
He got an ice pack for his butt hole....
"Never miss an opportunity to make others happy,
even if you have to leave them alone in order to do it"
"The world is divided into two kinds of people: those who have tattoos, and those who are afraid of people with tattoos."
"Women desire six things: They want their husbands to be brave, wise, rich, generous, obedient to wife, and lively in bed."
Good to see Sparano get a little love
We’re on our way to 9-7 and a wildcard berth!
Did my best, good luck Sparano, good luck Henne, looks like ch-ch-ch-changes.....
We're probably enroute to 7-9
and a second round QB again. Groundhog Day.
and a second round QB again. Groundhog Day
and a second round…….
Studies have shown that 23% of all institutionalized mental patients
are capable of living normal lives in a productive society.
The other 77% are Jets fans.
NY Jets fan base: Bringing insanity and inbreeding to your community since 1960.
Back on the Hennewagon. Chuggin' along with no spare...
lol.. too funny..
I pray your wrong!
Born in Miami, I bleed Aqua & Orange! I'm now stuck in CT, smack in between the "Jests" & "Patsies". I stand alone on PhinPhan Island, the lone sunny spot in an otherwise cold & dreary New England. (HELP, I'm surrounded by liberals!!) and it's cold..... too damn cold.....
Zman
I think think so...
we end with 3 or 4 wins maybe 5 after see the Eagles in MNF… but no more… and the new FO/HC will trade up if was necesary to take Jones, Barkley or Griffin
Game Ball to Tony
His encouragement and belief in his team is worth a game ball in my opinion.
Studies have shown that 23% of all institutionalized mental patients
are capable of living normal lives in a productive society.
The other 77% are Jets fans.
NY Jets fan base: Bringing insanity and inbreeding to your community since 1960.
Back on the Hennewagon. Chuggin' along with no spare...
HOOYA!, PHINS WIN!!!
Yes, I agree a great win and FINALLY I can aggree with the giving of a game ball. This week’s pick is good Mosul. Sparano is embattled but hanging tough. I still think he’s got the potential to be a great HC (if he can grow some bigger Balls) someday, just not in this tenure in Miami..
Props to the D which harrased Cassel all day long!!
Born in Miami, I bleed Aqua & Orange! I'm now stuck in CT, smack in between the "Jests" & "Patsies". I stand alone on PhinPhan Island, the lone sunny spot in an otherwise cold & dreary New England. (HELP, I'm surrounded by liberals!!) and it's cold..... too damn cold.....
Zman
Sparano? sorry but I have to disagree. I think every player that was on that field deserves a game ball. They all played a complete game as a team!
Jimbo
by Dolphinator on Nov 8, 2011 9:44 AM EST via mobile reply actions
That's what he was saying in the entire post....
Just that Sparano’s poise and ability to keep the respect of the players is absolutely a rare and commendable trait. Just look at Indy, they’re in a similar situation and that team has pretty obviously quit on their coach. You even have their star players blaming coaching for losses in recent weeks. You won’t see that with this team. Not this year…..
Good Point... I digress .....
Jimbo
by Dolphinator on Nov 8, 2011 2:11 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
9-7 AND IN THE PLAYOFFS !!
LOOK for this team to end the season at 9-7 and make the playoffs!
The reason for the turn-around has to do with the QB position,
MATT MOORE is a under-rated QB, MOORE will get this team to the
playoffs.
I have said this before,“this OFFENSE is loaded with talent” and
should be averaging 28 points a game or moore… LOL!!
WHEN the OFFENSE is scoring TDs the DEFENSE begin to play
better!
Around mid-part of the season you will begin to see the
separation of the PRETENDERS from the CONTENDERS ??
MIAMI will be a CONTENDER!!
GO DOLPHINS!!!
Should we get a playoff push bandwagon?
"This is the standard we don't go back"
- Jimbo Fisher
by Seminolephinatic on Nov 8, 2011 12:49 PM EST up reply actions
Well received Dolfan77
Anything is possible now that we put one in the win column.
My question is:
If we did have a complete turn around and go 9-7 or 8-8 (and still miss the play-offs) this season does Sparano keep his job?
Can't see him retaining his job.
Sparano is such a nice guy, but right now his ceiling as a head coach is mediocrity. I think Ross knows this, and If Tony stays, ticket sales will not. As nice as he is … he is not a Superstar head coach.
9-7
He keeps his job..
"This is the standard we don't go back"
- Jimbo Fisher
by Seminolephinatic on Nov 8, 2011 12:49 PM EST up reply actions
I am beginning to think there's an outside chance he stays if the Dolphins finish 7-9.
7-9 would mean 6-2 over the last 8 games. That’s an amazing turn around. It might not be the most prpular decisions with the fans, but the fact that the players are playing so hard for him could be promising.
If that does happen, I think the coaching staff gets gutted and a new OC and DC are brought in – but Tony could save his job.
But, again, it’s an outside chance.
Sept. 26, 2010 - 2012/2013 Draft Kyle Padron Bandwagon
Ross was saying how he wants stability
with his head coach, if they finish 9-7 8-8 or eve 7-9 I can see Ross keeping TS for another year.
Don't know what the Dolphins will do
But here is my thinking/guess…
Certainly, he hasn’t lost the players, that is a good, if not great sign, for a coach being 0-7. But due to all the past stuff and bad signs, I think the only way Sparano keeps his job is 9-7, the Dolphins squeak into the playoffs and then make at least the AFC Championship game. I would LOVE that, but probably has a .000001% chance of realistically happening.
Short of that though, the bad with Sparano outweighs everyone loving him. He has made too many time management errors consistently; too often getting way too conservative with a lead and failing to keep putting up points that led to losses; failing to get this year’s team physically ready to play at the beginning of the season; and in his entire tenure with the Dolphins, he has had maybe 3-5 games where his game plan actually outsmarted the opposing coaching staff.
A 9-7 finish with a strong playoff run, he obviously has the chops to be an NFL coach now. Anything short of that, with the past short comings, and under performance of this talented team; then it should be back to a coordinator position for him for a while to learn some of the stuff that seems missing from his coaching talent sheet so far. The odds of him staying in Miami should be slim. He is more than likely auditioning for his next gig.
I forgot to mention
How a lot of the young, talented players aren’t getting that much better on his watch either, or flat out being misused. Specially in his supposed area of expertise, the O-line.
... a new OC? What's your thinkin there?
"Never miss an opportunity to make others happy,
even if you have to leave them alone in order to do it"
"The world is divided into two kinds of people: those who have tattoos, and those who are afraid of people with tattoos."
"Women desire six things: They want their husbands to be brave, wise, rich, generous, obedient to wife, and lively in bed."
Good Point Wade
With the strike, no contact with the coaching staff, player conditioning problems and having to learn a different OC system, it would take some time to get everyone on the same page this year. If Miami were to make such a comeback I could see Sparano sticking around. Next off season there won’t be anything holding them back. They will still need to address some positions in the draft though.
they already picked up Haynesworth
"Never miss an opportunity to make others happy,
even if you have to leave them alone in order to do it"
"The world is divided into two kinds of people: those who have tattoos, and those who are afraid of people with tattoos."
"Women desire six things: They want their husbands to be brave, wise, rich, generous, obedient to wife, and lively in bed."
Good call Mosul.
An Army Cpt with a heart… what-the-hell-just-happened?
"Never miss an opportunity to make others happy,
even if you have to leave them alone in order to do it"
"The world is divided into two kinds of people: those who have tattoos, and those who are afraid of people with tattoos."
"Women desire six things: They want their husbands to be brave, wise, rich, generous, obedient to wife, and lively in bed."
I know, I know....
It’s a rarity. But, I try.
Sept. 26, 2010 - 2012/2013 Draft Kyle Padron Bandwagon
Its great having such optimism for the remainder of the season
And although The Win was a great thing guys, here’s the reality: We simply broke a ten game losing streak. Although it should not happen, losing to the ’Skins at home is a possibility. Lets see if we can win one at home against the Beckster before we start worrying about Tony keeping his job or clamoring for playoff tickets.
One game at a time..
Studies have shown that 23% of all institutionalized mental patients
are capable of living normal lives in a productive society.
The other 77% are Jets fans.
NY Jets fan base: Bringing insanity and inbreeding to your community since 1960.
Back on the Hennewagon. Chuggin' along with no spare...
wait, they can't play all the games at once?
"Never miss an opportunity to make others happy,
even if you have to leave them alone in order to do it"
"The world is divided into two kinds of people: those who have tattoos, and those who are afraid of people with tattoos."
"Women desire six things: They want their husbands to be brave, wise, rich, generous, obedient to wife, and lively in bed."
LOL
The most used cliche in football history and I hadda use it! Oh well, one game at a time…
Studies have shown that 23% of all institutionalized mental patients
are capable of living normal lives in a productive society.
The other 77% are Jets fans.
NY Jets fan base: Bringing insanity and inbreeding to your community since 1960.
Back on the Hennewagon. Chuggin' along with no spare...
game ball
I guess Sparano should get a game ball since, for once, he didn’t screw up the game. At least he didn’t blow a challenge call (like so many times in the past), or screw up a 2-minute drill (since they didn’t need one), and his players seem to finally be in game shape (at the half way point of the season). The players do seem to be playing hard and Mat Moore has shown considerable improvement, but I think it’s in spite of the coach-not because of him. Whatever happens the rest of the way Sparano need to be gone at the end of the season and PLEASE draft a first round QB.
“…in spite of the coach-not because of him.”
You don’t give Sparano any credit?
"Never miss an opportunity to make others happy,
even if you have to leave them alone in order to do it"
"The world is divided into two kinds of people: those who have tattoos, and those who are afraid of people with tattoos."
"Women desire six things: They want their husbands to be brave, wise, rich, generous, obedient to wife, and lively in bed."
I guess Sparano is still the head coach
I guess since Sparano is still the head coach and because you could give it to almost anyone out on the field. I’ll buy into that. The players are competitive and being so are playing for pride alone. No one likes to lose. Including me. Sporting Fins gear all week to gloat LOL! Yeah baby!
I like your enthusiasm Mosul
I expected Miami to win this one but not in such a dominating fashion. Seems they have been getting better and closer over the last few weeks. Why not give Sparano the game ball? Dansby did.
Despite all the pressures and misery Miami has faced this season, they can still play a game like this? That goes above and beyond what a good player’s coach should have to handle. Let’s not forget the Ross/Harbaugh fiasco, too.
Now that the Monkey is off the Dolphin’s back it wouldn’t surprise me if Miami not only beats the Redskins, but makes a decent showing the rest of the season. At least be a spoiler for the Jets or Buffalo. Maybe even beat New England, now that they can see they are beatable.
BTW Mosul. I think you have done a fine job taking the reins here from Matty. This is still the first place I come too for the latest on my favorite team. Keep up the good work.
Now that we have proven ourselves capable of handling the Chiefs, the Redskins shouldn’t pose too much a problem for us. Go Dolphins!!!
Washington is all washed up nothing to win for we should desamate this team single handdedly!
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 Nov 10, 2011 8:00 AM EST reply actions
Congrats to Sparano
for getting this ficticious award.
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.
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