Miami Dolphins Week 14 Game Ball

by Kevin Nogle on Dec 13, 2011 5:00 AM EST in 2011 Game Ball of the Week

Miami Dolphins linebacker Jason Taylor celebrates one of his two sacks during the Dolphins' 26-10 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

There's never an easy choice when it comes to award Miami Dolphins players a game ball. One week, there are tons of choices and we have to narrow it down to one. The next week, the Dolphins have lost badly and it's hard to get amped for a game ball post. Unfortunately, this week, it's the latter.

I kind of went back and forth on this pick. Reggie Bush or Jason Taylor. Jason Taylor or Reggie Bush. Let's start with the running back.

Bush carried the ball 14 times for 103 yards. That gave him a 7.4 yard per carry average. He also led the team with five receptions on six targets. He gained 27 yards on those catches. Bush also returned one punt for eight yards.

Meanwhile, outside linebacker Taylor showed he is still capable of generating pressure on the quarterback. Taylor sacked Eagles' quarterback Michael Vick twice, both times on third-and-thirteen plays. The two sacks brought Taylor up to six on the year, and moved him into sixth place all time in career sacks (138.5), passing Richard Dent and John Randle. He added another hit on Vick, and an additional pressure. On limited snaps (22 of 69 defensive snaps), Taylor made an impact on the game.

Personally, I'm leaning toward Taylor because the defense can at least say they had some impact on the game. The offense was woeful throughout the day, especially when left tackle Jake Long was lost for the game on just the Dolphins' seventh snap. But, this was also Bush's second straight 100-yard rushing day (the first tie in his career he's had back-to-back century days), the third of the season, and the fourth of his career.

So, like every time I can't quite decide, I will leave it up to you guys. Who deserves the game ball for this week? Vote below.

Poll

Which player most deserves the Dolphins' Week 14 game ball?

Reggie Bush

253 votes

Jason Taylor

270 votes

523 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Bush is playing lights out

but JT is moving up in the history books and it’s hard to find a less deserving guy.

by Maguss on Dec 13, 2011 5:15 AM EST reply actions

Err I meant more deserving. lol

by Maguss on Dec 13, 2011 5:16 AM EST up reply actions

Bush ran for 103 yds

Behind two of the worst offensive lineman I have ever seen

by Goon305Boy10 on Dec 13, 2011 5:33 AM EST via mobile reply actions

Another loss, no game ball.

Just one disappointed fan’s opinion. RB22 & JT99 are both deserving of recognition for their effort in another loss however.

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...

by CanT0o on Dec 13, 2011 6:10 AM EST reply actions

how about Wilson with the punt block?

The only reason we got the TD score was the blocked punt left us within good position. We couldn’t get good position the rest of the game it seems.

by Ski_Lo on Dec 13, 2011 6:34 AM EST via iPhone app reply actions

stephen ross

For finally firing sparano

Admiral of the RGIII "Robert Griffin"
Reggie Bush for 2012 pro bowl
New Orleans OC Carmichael for HC.
Grand Cardinal of the first holy church of brandstater (the phinsider), and founder of the second holy church of brandstater (turf show times).

by AnishB15 on Dec 13, 2011 7:34 AM EST via mobile reply actions

I don't suppose the game ball would go to Sparano?

- 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.

Contributing Writer to the The Phinsider

by Finhead83 on Dec 13, 2011 8:15 AM EST reply actions

can we give garner a -1 game ball? that'd prob be generous..

what a sh*t show at LT !! Long doesn’t get hurt it’s a completely different outcome.

by i'm ron burgundy?? on Dec 13, 2011 8:37 AM EST reply actions

Why not give an Offense Game Ball (Bush) and a Defense Game Ball (Taylor) and a special teams game ball (Wilson)

If I were forced to pick one, I would say Bush since he did more with less…

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ TE MP [RI] RF JJ NG _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _SE
FL_ _ _ _ _ SC - - - - - - - - - ->_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _FB
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _QB_ _ _ _ _

the Wildscat Formation (SC) with FB = DT/LH and SC = Bush/Slaton
TE= Fasano/Clay

by DolphDallas on Dec 13, 2011 9:34 AM EST reply actions

i say bush...

taylor is my boy and all, but one of those sacks was nothing more than vick diving towards the line of scrimmage.

a wise man once said..."My cats breath smells like cat food"
My love for THE MIAMI DOLPHINS is unconditional...period!
Win for pride, Win for us fans!

Go Dolphins and beat those Bills!

by Phinphinatic on Dec 13, 2011 10:36 AM EST reply actions

I actually would like to know how I can get a job writing for you guys? It’s obviously in need of a better editor because constantly articles are filled with several grammatical errors. I sound like an ass but it’s mistakes 6th graders would not even make. I am a fan but I am not an idiot and I don’t think you or your staff are either. Oh and yes. Jason Taylor gets the ball. He is a MACHINE!!

by Mark E Mallett on Dec 13, 2011 12:24 PM EST reply actions

I thnk Mosul jas done the best job of managing a site next to Matty. Considering he writes about 5 stories a game and takes time out of his life to bring us news about the team we all love, you should atleast be thankful of the job he has done.

"you owe it to yourself to be the best in baseball and in life" Pete rose.
F the jets, bills, patriots and cryboys...and sooners, but go phins, longhorns, dodgers and stanford!
Aaron Murray..Future Dolphins qb.
Tom Brandstater > Chuck Norris

by dolger14 on Dec 13, 2011 12:41 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions

and spelling and grammer are the least of our problems ! kudo's to mosul for all he does for this site.

founding member of the dolphins really old bastards fan club GO PHINS... TO THE GRAVE BABY!

by daytonadolfan on Dec 13, 2011 1:07 PM EST up reply actions

I sound like an ass but it’s mistakes 6th graders

You hit the ass part on the nail. There’s a better way to communicate that buddy. I noticed that Mosul has a lot of grammatical errors too but when I made a comment on it, the only one I made, I said that he should start spell checking it through word first.

Now, as far as sixth graders go, you too are in that class because only 6th graders don’t know how to speak the truth without “sounding like an ass”. If you’re going to come here as a fan of the site whose is being constructive, then be a classy about it. Otherwise don’t say anything at all.

Haters gon' hate...

by TAYDIGGA on Dec 13, 2011 1:54 PM EST up reply actions

I agree I need to use word more often.

I get typing fast, trying to do it at work, and actually do work too, and it bites me in the butt usually.

Unfortunately, I can’t edit my own work, because I usually see what I meant to type, not what I actually did type. I know it probably drives TCP nuts, because he is constantly having to go back and fix what I write.

The Phinsider

Sept. 26, 2010 - 2013 Draft Kyle Padron Bandwagon

by Kevin Nogle on Dec 13, 2011 2:48 PM EST up reply actions

Dude it aint that serious. I appreciate the humility. Still think the dude was outta line about it.

Haters gon' hate...

by TAYDIGGA on Dec 13, 2011 6:08 PM EST up reply actions

Thanks for bringing it up in such a professional manner.

That should land you a job on the staff in a heartbeat.

The Phinsider

Sept. 26, 2010 - 2013 Draft Kyle Padron Bandwagon

by Kevin Nogle on Dec 13, 2011 2:48 PM EST up reply actions

Right? You’d think the dude, if he’s gonna try to make you feel like an idiot would at least have no error in what he said. I can’t stand people that act like that.

Haters gon' hate...

by TAYDIGGA on Dec 13, 2011 6:12 PM EST up reply actions

I[,] actually[,]would like to know how I can get a job writing for you guys. [This site is] obviously in need of a better editor because [articles are constantly] filled with several grammatical errors. I sound like an ass[,] but [they are] mistakes [that not even 6th graders would make]. I am a fan[,] but I am not an idiot[,] and I don’t think you or your staff are either.

More of Moore in 2012!

'Phins phor Liphe!

by joel311 on Dec 13, 2011 5:09 PM EST up reply actions

lol!

by AnishB15 on Dec 13, 2011 6:26 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

umm...wow?

How bout some examples? Maybe some constructive criticism? How he could improve? Its not like mosul gets payed for this (does he? I don’t know actually lol). He actually takes time out of his busy life to write for us and to keep this site running. And remember, mosul is a war veteran, have some respect. Your comment sounds like it came from a 6th grader, and this is coming from a 10th grader.

by AnishB15 on Dec 13, 2011 6:29 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

btw

Sorry if I sounded like an ass, but the average 6th grader can communicate in a better way than you.

by AnishB15 on Dec 13, 2011 6:31 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

I give it to Bush

because of attitude purely. He looked focused and mean in a game where his team was down by quite a bit and not playing for anything but pride. He’s never really been considered a leader in his pro career before, but I think that’s what he’s become. I think the change of scenery and new chance has done wonders for him and I can’t wait to see him shred the terrible NE and Bills defense (and the over-hyped defense of the Jets).

Football is back!

by Dakota Phan on Dec 13, 2011 6:12 PM EST reply actions

That’s why I love him man, I been wanting him to leave NO for a second. Sean Payton will suffocate a star RB’s career—period. Reggie mentioned it himself, he’d get the ball but knew he might not get too many touches and so tried too hard and sometimes made mistakes. Look at the last game there was a series there where they kept running him in the same area like 3 times in a row and he got like 7-10 yards each time. THAT NEVER HAPPENED IN NEW ORLEANS WITH REGGIE! That’s why when people hate on him for not “living up” to the hype, I just roll my eyes because they are just repeating the same tired rhetoric they hear on t.v. and blogs. It was never a matter of Bush being weak and/or soft. It was a matter of utility. Payton used him well but didn’t use him often enough and didn’t run him well. Payton ran Bush up the gut too many times. That wasn’t a great use of his skills. Now he gets those misdirections and etc., and so he kills it.

Haters gon' hate...

by TAYDIGGA on Dec 13, 2011 6:22 PM EST up reply actions

Payton used him well

No….he didn’t.

It’s one of the biggest myths out there about Reggie’s time with the Saints. Payton NEVER utilized Reggie the right way. Yeah sure, he would give him a play here and there that the kid could shine but that was so rare (especially during his last three seasons), that any plays Reggie did make was a direct result of his talent and desire to make a play.

He wasn’t leaping over people like that because it was by design. It was Reggie’s will to score. Why didn’t the offensive genius put in more goal-to-go plays to the outside for a guy who was basically UNSTOPPABLE at the goal line because no one could beat him to the corner or out leap him for the end zone?

You said it yourself, TAY……Payton “didn’t use often him enough”, “didn’t run him well”, “ran Bush up the gut too many times” and that just “wasn’t a great use of his skills”.

Payton didn’t use Reggie well at all and his reputation as football player suffered for it. The same thing is happening to another Heisman Trophy winner who doesn’t get the ball enough and who has been injured this season. If this keeps up with Ingram, how long before people label him a bust too?

~Anything by Yogi Berra~

by BewareofDog on Dec 13, 2011 7:24 PM EST up reply actions

I think you misunderstood what I meant, I just meant more so in the passing game, (when he used him). I totally agree that it is a big misconception.

Haters gon' hate...

by TAYDIGGA on Dec 14, 2011 5:32 PM EST up reply actions

We are in unison my friend. I totally thing Payton ruined Reggie Bushes career. To me, the way the analyst, bloggers, reporters and media in general treated Bush is a testament to the fact that mass deception is a live and well in the media. I’d watch Bush get 60 yards off 5 carries, then never get the ball again and the analyst would still label him as soft, or a guy that’s a scatback. But he never had a real opportunity to shine in NO. Yup, Ingram will fall victim to the same fate. Watch.

Haters gon' hate...

by TAYDIGGA on Dec 14, 2011 5:37 PM EST up reply actions

I’m sorry if my big ole “No…he didn’t” in response to your “Payton used him well” made it seem as if I misunderstood you. That was directed squarely at Sean Payton, not your comment itself.

It’s just that, my feelings toward Payton and how he handled Reggie Bush for his six seasons in N.O. is bordering on (I won’t say it). SIX YEARS!!! What a waste!! Those are a running backs very best years.

Because of that B.S., the fans here in Miami had NO IDEA what kind of player they were getting.

One thing I must say about how Payton used Reggie in the passing game. You remember Reggie’s 88 yard touchdown against the Bears in the 2006 playoffs, right? Reggie caught that ball 20 yards downfield, in stride, and took it the remaining 68 yards to the house.

Question: How many times did Sean Payton get Reggie the ball DOWN THE FIELD as opposed to those tired ass checkdowns and dumpoffs (behind the line of scrimmage) with no blockers in front, over the next five seasons? Hint: You won’t need all your fingers to count it.

I’m sure you will remember, that Reggie wasn’t even getting screen passes anymore during his last three seasons!! Those mostly went to Pierre Thomas, a tight end/wide receiver, or some damn replacement back like Julius Jones for christ’s sake!

If you look at the plays that Reggie had called for him during his rookie season (remember that 61 yard touchdown on a screen pass against Cowboys?) , you will see that he was completely cut out of the offense on those very same plays during his last three seasons.

It was disgusting!!

(Okay, I’ll stop now)

~Anything by Yogi Berra~

by BewareofDog on Dec 14, 2011 7:10 PM EST up reply actions

I finally found someone who views this issue the way I do! I was watching every game thinking, “call a pass play to Bush” I saw a couple 10 yarders that Bush caught over defenders from time to time but you’re right. He started using Pierre Thomas on those screens instead of Bush. In that 09 season, he was hitting holes well and doing well in games and still wouldn’t get the touches PT or whoever the third back to that committee was there. I’m with you. And I would see Saints fans that hated him. He was bust, he wasn’t worth the money and etc., and I couldn’t get them to see it from another angle.

At least he doesn’t have the mileage most backs do. Hopefully he can take the next 3 or 4 years and kill it. Maybe that will salvage what was lost.

Haters gon' hate...

by TAYDIGGA on Dec 14, 2011 9:29 PM EST up reply actions