Desiring a Miami Dolphin Victory on the road against a (winning 3 of the last 4 games) soaring Philadelphia Eagles team is easier said than done. From an execution point of view, Miami tried their hardest to satisfy the reasoning for some of their fans quitting on them. Fans that on numerous occasions have admittedly turned off their televisions upon calculating that a 16 - 3 first quarter deficit can only result in a 64 - 12 Dolphin loss. From within the hearts of those that wear the Aqua & Orange, due to the love of the game, loyalty to their fellow players, Dan Campbell, coaches, and franchise. The Miami Dolphins Team (of which the entire active roster got on the field in this game), simply refuse to quit!
On Miami's opening possession they scored with a field goal to take the lead. The Dolphins now at 4 - 5 have yet to lose a game that they've led at some point. Less than two minutes later they trailed by four points as the Eagles easily swooped down the field 58 yards for the go ahead touchdown.
Losing a ball out of the back of the end zone for a third consecutive games early safety against Miami had the Dolphins down by six points just five seconds later. The safety was the end result of one of those "execution point of view" mishaps as a fumbling, bumbling, indecisive kickoff return gave the visitors the ball at their own one yard line. Naturally, a first down drive hindering penalty (before the snap which has been par for the course) resulted in another half yard loss. On the first play ran, quarterback Ryan Tannehill was practically broke in half as he took a 20 MPH hit to the center of his spine from an untouched blindside blitz that forced the ball beyond the end-line. Miami started three of their series from within their own 3 yard line, and only five of their 14 possessions from beyond their own 20.
Philadelphia with what is now a 9 - 3 scoreboard advantage receive the (after a safety) free punt and drive to score a 16th point four minutes later as their slow as molasses 30 year old tight end has been grazing in a wide open pasture of nothing but grass for 90 yards on two possessions.
Hindering an answer to the onslaught, Miami follows with a five and out punt which gives the home team the ball with two first quarter minutes remaining. Four minutes later the home team has driven 57 yards but present Eagle (Caleb Sturgis) misses the 32 yard field goal attempt.
Inclined not to quit. The Dolphins defense and/or if not Ndamukong Suh by himself (two TFL's for minus 12 yards on the previous drive), and the forcing of a missed field goal has suddenly inspired the players to believe that hard work does indeed payoff. For those who refused to continue watching. A 16 - 3 first quarter deficit is never suggestive that the final score will be 64 - 12 as from here on out the Eagles scored just 3 points while Miami's defense accrued four sacks, forced four drive stopping fumbles (though they didn't recover them), blocked a punt, and had an end zone interception!!! Miami's offense too is suddenly motivated, and drives 74 yards for a 22 yard field goal to pull within ten points at 16 - 6 with little more than half the second quarter ticks to go.
Never say Never as The Miami Dolphins (rookie Zach Vigil) blocks the Eagles following possessions punt to take control at the home teams 12 yard line and pull within 16 - 13 two plays later with a Tannehill screen to Lamar Miller for the touchdown. Two Philadelphia punts surrounded by two Dolphin punts ends the first half.
So. Does a 16 - 13 halftime deficit automatically determine that the game will end with a 32 - 26 Dolphin loss? NOPE! The third quarter amounts to three Philadelphia punts surrounded by two Miami punts. The Dolphins third series of the third quarter goes for 87 yards on seven plays and ends five seconds into the fourth quarter with a Tannehill to Jarvis Landry four yard touchdown reception for Miami's 20th game winning points to Philadelphia's 16. The Eagles scored a 19th point on their next series, and drove to the Dolphins 9 yard line two possessions after that before a Rashad Jones end zone interception sealed the deal. A Dolphin punt and Eagles loss of possession on downs resulted in Miami closing the game in 20 - 19 VICTORY FORMATION!
ALL 46 ACTIVE MIAMI DOLPHIN PLAYERS GOT ON THE FIELD, CONTRIBUTED, and NEVER QUIT!
Thank You for an Open-Minded Read, and we look forward to your never quitting angle of view : )) !!
GO DOLPHINS!!!
Showing posts with label Chris McCain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chris McCain. Show all posts
Miami Dolphins Defensive Twenty-One of teams active Gameday 46
On every given NFL weekend (other than during bye weeks), 32 teams of 46 active players each equating to some 1,500 participants take to the gridiron. The overwhelming vast majority of those inclusions are NFL average No-Name Joe's, the backbones of the league of which without, Professional Football would not exist.
The Top 100 are the only one's that draw much notoriety. In a league of 32, if each team were fortunate enough to employ three of the Top 100 you'd have a total of 96 players. However. An extreme few if any teams at all have more than three of the Top 100 players on their roster, several teams dress three of the Top 100 on a weekly basis, many have two, some have one while others have none.
The National Football Leagues Players took a vote on who they think are The Overall Top 100 players for 2015. The final conclusion was that The Miami Dolphins Defense has three of the leagues Top 39 forces with Defensive Tackle Ndamukong Suh leading the way as the leagues 24th best player, followed by Corner-Back Brent Grimes at 38th with the tailgating Defensive End Cameron Wake 39th.
The Sky's The Limit.
For the first time in many years, The Miami Dolphins are ahead of the NFL's talent curve.
A couple weeks ago the suggestions of 22 active Offensive players and 3 Specialist were offered up toward the game-day roster of 46 which left a void for 21 active Defensive players. Of course the numbers relating to the Offensive and Defensive units are etched only in pencil and can potentially be reversed slightly, or perhaps even drastically. However. In attempting to create a well balanced roster at every position, the numbers came out as they did from this particular point of view with Two backups for every defensive position.
Miami's Dolphins opened their 50th training camp just yesterday July 30th, and all were in attendance while things went well according to reports. Here are the names and numbers of those trying to make the opening day cut on Defense.
Game Day Active Defensive Twenty-One.
Defensive Tackle (4)
93 Ndamukong Suh, 6-4, 305, Age 28, 5 years experience (2015 Free agent acquisition)
90 Earl Mitchell, 6-3, 310, 27, 5
94 C. J. Mosley, 6-2, 312, 31, 10 (2015 Free Agent acquisition)
97 Jordan Phillips,6-5, 329, 22, Rookie
Defensive End (4)
91 Cameron Wake, 6-3, 262, 33, 6
50 Olivier Vernon,6-2, 268, 24, 3
79 Derrick Shelby,6-2, 282, 26, 3
78 Terrence Fede, 6-4, 282, 23, 1
Cornerback (4)
21 Brent Grimes, 5-10, 190, 32, 8
22 Jamar Taylor, 5-10, 200, 24, 2
24 Brice McCain, 5-9, 187, 28, 6 (2015 free Agent acquisition)
29 Will Davis, 5-11, 190, 25, 2
Safety (4)
20 Reshad Jones, 6-1, 215, 27, 5
25 Louis Delmas, 5-11, 210, 28, 5
35 Walt Aikens, 6-1, 210, 24, 1
31 Michael Thomas,5-11,201, 25, 2
Linebacker (5)
53 Jelani Jenkins,6-0, 245, 23, 2
55 Koa Misi, 6-3, 252, 28, 5
58 Chris McCain, 6-5, 250, 23 1
57 Jordan Tripp, 6-3, 240, 24 1
52 Kelvin Sheppard,6-2,252, 27, 4
Conditional and/or Situational Game-Day Inactive/Occasionally Active Roster Spots 47 through 53.
Defensive Tackle
76 Anthony Johnson,6-2, 304, 22 1
96 A.J. Francis, 6-5, 330, 25, 1
Cornerback
36 Tony Lippett, 6-2, 192, 23, Rookie Corner Back/Emergency Receiver
30 Zack Bowman, 6-1, 196, 30, 7 (2015 Free Agent acquisition)
Safety
41 Cedrick Thompson, 6-0, 208, 22, Rookie
Linebacker
42 Spencer Paysinger,6-2, 236, 27, 4 (2015 Free Agent acquisition)
49 Zach Vigil, 6-2, 240, 24, Rookie
Hoping for One of Ten (total O & D) Developmental Squad Positions.
Defensive Tackle
73 Calvin Barnett, 6-2, 317, 23, 1
62 Deandre Coleman,6-3, 315, 24, 1
Defensive End
98 Emmanuel Dieke, 6-6, 257, 24, 1
47 Ray Drew, 6-5, 276, 22, Rookie
67 Kendall Montgomery,6-5, 262, 23, Rookie
Cornerback
28 Bobby McCain, 5-9, 195, 21, Rookie
37 Sammy Seamster,6-0, 205, 24, 1
Safety
38 Don Jones, 5-11, 205, 25, 2
44 Jordan Kovacs, 5-10, 210, 25, 2
32 Shamiel Gary, 6-0, 205, 25, 1
Linebacker
45 Mike Hull, 6-0, 232, 24, Rookie
46 Neville Hewitt, 6-2, 219, 22, Rookie
48 Jeff Luc, 6-1, 256, 23, Rookie
The final 20 mentioned hopefuls will get the majority of reps in a game day evaluation process of the rosters backbone wanna-be's in Pre-Season game one. That particular game takes place at the Chicago Bears in LESS THAN TWO WEEKS ON THURSDAY AUGUST 13th : )), We'll be lucky to see the starters through the first quarter, and The Dolphins aren't about to show much of their meaningful playing cards at this early juncture !!
THANK YOU for an Open-Minded Read, and we look forward to your angle of view : )) !!
GOFINS!!!
The Top 100 are the only one's that draw much notoriety. In a league of 32, if each team were fortunate enough to employ three of the Top 100 you'd have a total of 96 players. However. An extreme few if any teams at all have more than three of the Top 100 players on their roster, several teams dress three of the Top 100 on a weekly basis, many have two, some have one while others have none.
The National Football Leagues Players took a vote on who they think are The Overall Top 100 players for 2015. The final conclusion was that The Miami Dolphins Defense has three of the leagues Top 39 forces with Defensive Tackle Ndamukong Suh leading the way as the leagues 24th best player, followed by Corner-Back Brent Grimes at 38th with the tailgating Defensive End Cameron Wake 39th.
The Sky's The Limit.
A couple weeks ago the suggestions of 22 active Offensive players and 3 Specialist were offered up toward the game-day roster of 46 which left a void for 21 active Defensive players. Of course the numbers relating to the Offensive and Defensive units are etched only in pencil and can potentially be reversed slightly, or perhaps even drastically. However. In attempting to create a well balanced roster at every position, the numbers came out as they did from this particular point of view with Two backups for every defensive position.
Miami's Dolphins opened their 50th training camp just yesterday July 30th, and all were in attendance while things went well according to reports. Here are the names and numbers of those trying to make the opening day cut on Defense.
Game Day Active Defensive Twenty-One.
Defensive Tackle (4)
93 Ndamukong Suh, 6-4, 305, Age 28, 5 years experience (2015 Free agent acquisition)
90 Earl Mitchell, 6-3, 310, 27, 5
94 C. J. Mosley, 6-2, 312, 31, 10 (2015 Free Agent acquisition)
97 Jordan Phillips,6-5, 329, 22, Rookie
Defensive End (4)
91 Cameron Wake, 6-3, 262, 33, 6
50 Olivier Vernon,6-2, 268, 24, 3
79 Derrick Shelby,6-2, 282, 26, 3
78 Terrence Fede, 6-4, 282, 23, 1
Cornerback (4)
21 Brent Grimes, 5-10, 190, 32, 8
22 Jamar Taylor, 5-10, 200, 24, 2
24 Brice McCain, 5-9, 187, 28, 6 (2015 free Agent acquisition)
29 Will Davis, 5-11, 190, 25, 2
Safety (4)
20 Reshad Jones, 6-1, 215, 27, 5
25 Louis Delmas, 5-11, 210, 28, 5
35 Walt Aikens, 6-1, 210, 24, 1
31 Michael Thomas,5-11,201, 25, 2
Linebacker (5)
53 Jelani Jenkins,6-0, 245, 23, 2
55 Koa Misi, 6-3, 252, 28, 5
58 Chris McCain, 6-5, 250, 23 1
57 Jordan Tripp, 6-3, 240, 24 1
52 Kelvin Sheppard,6-2,252, 27, 4
Conditional and/or Situational Game-Day Inactive/Occasionally Active Roster Spots 47 through 53.
Defensive Tackle
76 Anthony Johnson,6-2, 304, 22 1
96 A.J. Francis, 6-5, 330, 25, 1
Cornerback
36 Tony Lippett, 6-2, 192, 23, Rookie Corner Back/Emergency Receiver
30 Zack Bowman, 6-1, 196, 30, 7 (2015 Free Agent acquisition)
Safety
41 Cedrick Thompson, 6-0, 208, 22, Rookie
Linebacker
42 Spencer Paysinger,6-2, 236, 27, 4 (2015 Free Agent acquisition)
49 Zach Vigil, 6-2, 240, 24, Rookie
Hoping for One of Ten (total O & D) Developmental Squad Positions.
Defensive Tackle
73 Calvin Barnett, 6-2, 317, 23, 1
62 Deandre Coleman,6-3, 315, 24, 1
Defensive End
98 Emmanuel Dieke, 6-6, 257, 24, 1
47 Ray Drew, 6-5, 276, 22, Rookie
67 Kendall Montgomery,6-5, 262, 23, Rookie
Cornerback
28 Bobby McCain, 5-9, 195, 21, Rookie
37 Sammy Seamster,6-0, 205, 24, 1
Safety
38 Don Jones, 5-11, 205, 25, 2
44 Jordan Kovacs, 5-10, 210, 25, 2
32 Shamiel Gary, 6-0, 205, 25, 1
Linebacker
45 Mike Hull, 6-0, 232, 24, Rookie
46 Neville Hewitt, 6-2, 219, 22, Rookie
48 Jeff Luc, 6-1, 256, 23, Rookie
The final 20 mentioned hopefuls will get the majority of reps in a game day evaluation process of the rosters backbone wanna-be's in Pre-Season game one. That particular game takes place at the Chicago Bears in LESS THAN TWO WEEKS ON THURSDAY AUGUST 13th : )), We'll be lucky to see the starters through the first quarter, and The Dolphins aren't about to show much of their meaningful playing cards at this early juncture !!
THANK YOU for an Open-Minded Read, and we look forward to your angle of view : )) !!
GOFINS!!!
Miami Dolphins Line Backer Depth, and Early Round Draft Prospects.
Tick Tock, Tick Tock, The National Football Leagues April 30th 2015 Draft is just twenty six days away.
The Miami Dolphins nine man defensive line rotation is literally set in stone with the blockbuster acquisition of the leagues premiere interior force Ndamukong Suh. Those that will accompany the maker of lesser players are 2014 defensive tackle returnees in starter Earl Mitchell, backups AJ Francis (who spent 2014 on IR), and Anthony Johnson, as well as upgradable bubble probables Kamal Johnson along with Deandre Coleman who currently represent what would be slight overkill of a 10th & 11th defensive line roster spot. On the outside at the Defensive End position Miami has five highly qualified 2014 returnees with starters Cam Wake & Olivier Vernon as well as rotational prowess in Derrick Shelby, Dion Jordan, and Terrance Fede.
Miami's defensive line is good to go for the most part. Other than a potential minor tweak to the depth, or unless some unbelievable stud (DT Danny Shelton) were to fall in their laps at the 14th pick of the drafts first round. Perhaps one of the current rotational nine gets traded for a starter at another position of need, or a high draft pick? Otherwise, we are led to the next line of defense at Line Backer.
Gone are the penciled in 2014 starter Dannell Ellerbe (who spent 2014's entirety on IR), and was recently traded for the youthful, technically sound route running speedster receiver Kenny Stills. Also released was the overpaid under-achiever starting outside line backer Phillip Wheeler, and backups Jason Trusnik as well as Jonathan Freeney were both picked up in free agency to play elsewhere.
The Dolphins presently have seven line backers on the roster. Returning are Jelani Jenkins who stepped into the starting OLB spot vacated by the injured Ellerbe in 2014 and led the Miami defense in tackles for the year. Sophomore linebackers Chris McCain, and Jordan Tripp as well as Jake Knott are expected to battle for the outside line backer position opposite of Jenkins, and/or for the Middle Line Backer starting position.
Koa Misi is the returning 2014 starting MLB and he struggled through injuries in his first season at the middle line backer post behind a quickly fading and recently discarded Randy Starks. The current roster includes middle line backers Kelvin Shepherd an o14 returnee who started week 15 and had ten tackles. Meanwhile, just today the Dolphins signed Spencer Paysinger a versatile four year veteran New York Giant free agent line backer who started ten 2013 games in the middle of The G-Mens 4 - 3 defense.
Miami has plenty of young talented bodies (two deep) to man all three line backer positions, though none are yet studly while five of the current seven line backers have had minimal opportunities behind the now departed Wheeler, Trusnik, and Freeney. With Jelani Jenkins quickly becoming a household name among Miami fans the Dolphins appear extraordinarily deep (volume-wise) at the outside spots, especially if Misi were to return outside to his most productive position (thus-far), opposite of Jenkins.
If a healthy Misi is slated to be the starting middle line backer behind the new arrival of NdamuKONG Suh, then the OLB starter opposite of Jenkins becomes of most concern at line backer, and Miami has a plethora of outside line backer skill-sets to fill that particular void. The Middle Line Backer starting spot is the only real concern if Misi starts outside. A true Middle Line Backer is what the Dolphins most notably appear to lack on defense while an absolute stud MLB is highly instrumental to the success of a 4 - 3 defense. One way or another, (as of the present) one of Miami's unproven Sophomore's in Jordan Tripp, Chris McCain, or Kelvin Shepherd, Jake Knott, or Spencer Paysinger are currently penciled-in to start somewhere at linebacker for the 2015 Dolphins.
Otherwise. Here are a few first and second round potential line backer starters for the 2015 Miami Dolphins to consider.
Draft Grade Report Card According to NFL.com.
9.00-10 Once-in-lifetime player (Non-Existent in the 2015 draft)
8.00-8.99 Perennial All-Pro (None)
7.50-7.99 Future All-Pro (One Player DE Leonard Williams with a 7.6)
7.00-7.49 Pro Bowl-caliber player (Two Players)
6.50-6.99 Chance to become Pro Bowl-caliber player (Five Players)
6.00-6.49 Should become instant starter (Twenty Players)
5.50-5.99 Chance to become NFL starter ( Sixty Six Prospects)
5.20-5.49 NFL backup or special teams potential (145 Prospects)
5.01-5.19 Better-than-average chance to make NFL roster (49 Prospects)
Under-5.00 50-50 Chance to make NFL roster (The Rest)
The above chart is just a suggested starting point, and by no means is an exact science while each player coming into the league is graded according to vigilant expert analysis. With that said, one would think that a team would want to land a prospect in the first round with a grade of at the very least 6.00 who ""should become an instant starter"" . Though you and I as well as each and every team will grade each and every individual to their own curve of ability and need. Therefore, some may be held in higher or lower regards to a particular team than what NFL.coms ballpark measurements might suggest.
With the fact that even Defensive Ends Dion Jordan, and Derrick Shelby are able to platoon at the outside line backer position. At least to some extent it has been established that the Dolphins have more than enough options at OLB, and Middle Line Backer is where the need lies with Koa Misi being the current leader in the clubhouse without a legitimate challenger.
However.
The drafts top five line backer prospects are all of the outside pass-rusher characteristic, and an OLB isn't entirely out of the question (especially if the brass sticks to their guns with Misi at MLB)!
The Miami Dolphins presently own the drafts 14th pick of the first round.
The top outside linebacker prospects consist of.
7.0 Dante Fowler Jr is 6 - 3, 261 as the drafts top LB, and third overall prospect.
6.6 Vic Beasley who stands at 6 - 3, 246 is the second ranked LB and seventh overall best prospect as this individuals absolute favorite line backer.
Should one of the above two (doubtfully) fall to pick 14, they become no-brainer selections. Especially if targeted players at positions of more need have already been taken off the board.
The third ranked OLB who was also given a 6.6 grade is the eighth overall prospect Randy Gregory who is falling fast due to a dirty drug test at the combine while the fourth rated OLB Bud Dupree grades at 6.1 and has an overall 25th ranking. The next four ranked outside line backers stand at ""a chance to become an NFL starter"" with grades of between 5.5 and 5.9 .
When it comes to the Middle Line Backer grades is when one has to wonder if the Dolphins will automatically hand out slightly higher ratings due to the apparent need of an MLB stud and reach for a (Bernardrick McKinney or Eric Kendricks). Or do they like Koa Misi to the point of being patient enough to wait and hope that an MLB like (Stephone Anthony or Denzel Perryman) falls in their lap with the second rounds 15th pick, and 47th overall selection.
The top Middle Line Backer prospect list includes the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 11th rated linebackers.
5.86 Paul Dawson who is 6 - 0, 235, ran a 4.75 Pro-Day forty yard dash, 30" vertical jump, with 21 reps of 225#s, and is the drafts 38th ranked overall prospect. Though suggested to be too small for the Middle Line Backer spot he has the instincts of an MLB, and excels in pass coverage. He does however have some red-flag character issues, and study habits that would likely eliminate him from the Miami Dolphins Draft Board.
5.85 Bernardrick McKinney stands 6 - 4, 246, 4.66, 40.5" vert, with 16 reps is the 39th top prospect, and a personal favorite though similarly to Perryman, may be somewhat of a concern in pass coverage.
5.83 Eric Kendricks at 6-0, 232, 4.61, 38" vert, with 19 reps is rated 40th overall. He is the second best coverage guy of this bunch while due to his stature he is projected to be at his best as an NFL Inside backer in a 3 - 4 scheme, though he's not much lighter than Perryman who translates to the NFL middle spot while being quite a bit stronger.
5.82 Stephone Anthony standing at 6 - 3, 243, 4.56, 37" vert, and 23 reps coincidentally ranks 41st among all positional prospects. Another personal favorite with a great size to speed to strength ratio as one of the combines most impressively athletic line backers, and he can cover too.
5.68 Denzel Perryman who is 5 - 11, 236, 4.78, 32" vert, with 27 reps of 225 pounds is listed as the drafts overall 61st top option, and he is a true Old-School run stuffing Middle Line Backer.
Quite frankly.
I'd personally doubt that any of these projected interior line backers could unseat a healthy Koa Misi as rookies, current Dolphin Jordan Tripp is that guy for me, (if anyone is).
MAYBE the Dolphins trade down from pick 14 to recoup a no longer existent third round pick, and don't have to reach quite so far for one of these interior linebackers? If a targeted receiver, defensive back, or offensive lineman aren't available at their initial pick!
All other remaining Middle and/or Inside Linebackers grade below 5.5 according to NFL.com which doesn't exclude them entirely, but one wouldn't want their first or second round pick to have the prescribed distinction of an ""NFL backup or special teams potential"".
Thank You for an Open Minded Read, and we look forward to your angle of view : )) !!
GOFINS!!!
STAY-TUNED for the Defensive Backs addition, the release of the 2015 schedule, and the Offensive Line & The True Number One Receiver rundown on draft week.
The Miami Dolphins nine man defensive line rotation is literally set in stone with the blockbuster acquisition of the leagues premiere interior force Ndamukong Suh. Those that will accompany the maker of lesser players are 2014 defensive tackle returnees in starter Earl Mitchell, backups AJ Francis (who spent 2014 on IR), and Anthony Johnson, as well as upgradable bubble probables Kamal Johnson along with Deandre Coleman who currently represent what would be slight overkill of a 10th & 11th defensive line roster spot. On the outside at the Defensive End position Miami has five highly qualified 2014 returnees with starters Cam Wake & Olivier Vernon as well as rotational prowess in Derrick Shelby, Dion Jordan, and Terrance Fede.
Miami's defensive line is good to go for the most part. Other than a potential minor tweak to the depth, or unless some unbelievable stud (DT Danny Shelton) were to fall in their laps at the 14th pick of the drafts first round. Perhaps one of the current rotational nine gets traded for a starter at another position of need, or a high draft pick? Otherwise, we are led to the next line of defense at Line Backer.
Gone are the penciled in 2014 starter Dannell Ellerbe (who spent 2014's entirety on IR), and was recently traded for the youthful, technically sound route running speedster receiver Kenny Stills. Also released was the overpaid under-achiever starting outside line backer Phillip Wheeler, and backups Jason Trusnik as well as Jonathan Freeney were both picked up in free agency to play elsewhere.
The Dolphins presently have seven line backers on the roster. Returning are Jelani Jenkins who stepped into the starting OLB spot vacated by the injured Ellerbe in 2014 and led the Miami defense in tackles for the year. Sophomore linebackers Chris McCain, and Jordan Tripp as well as Jake Knott are expected to battle for the outside line backer position opposite of Jenkins, and/or for the Middle Line Backer starting position.
Koa Misi is the returning 2014 starting MLB and he struggled through injuries in his first season at the middle line backer post behind a quickly fading and recently discarded Randy Starks. The current roster includes middle line backers Kelvin Shepherd an o14 returnee who started week 15 and had ten tackles. Meanwhile, just today the Dolphins signed Spencer Paysinger a versatile four year veteran New York Giant free agent line backer who started ten 2013 games in the middle of The G-Mens 4 - 3 defense.
Miami has plenty of young talented bodies (two deep) to man all three line backer positions, though none are yet studly while five of the current seven line backers have had minimal opportunities behind the now departed Wheeler, Trusnik, and Freeney. With Jelani Jenkins quickly becoming a household name among Miami fans the Dolphins appear extraordinarily deep (volume-wise) at the outside spots, especially if Misi were to return outside to his most productive position (thus-far), opposite of Jenkins.
If a healthy Misi is slated to be the starting middle line backer behind the new arrival of NdamuKONG Suh, then the OLB starter opposite of Jenkins becomes of most concern at line backer, and Miami has a plethora of outside line backer skill-sets to fill that particular void. The Middle Line Backer starting spot is the only real concern if Misi starts outside. A true Middle Line Backer is what the Dolphins most notably appear to lack on defense while an absolute stud MLB is highly instrumental to the success of a 4 - 3 defense. One way or another, (as of the present) one of Miami's unproven Sophomore's in Jordan Tripp, Chris McCain, or Kelvin Shepherd, Jake Knott, or Spencer Paysinger are currently penciled-in to start somewhere at linebacker for the 2015 Dolphins.
Otherwise. Here are a few first and second round potential line backer starters for the 2015 Miami Dolphins to consider.
Draft Grade Report Card According to NFL.com.
9.00-10 Once-in-lifetime player (Non-Existent in the 2015 draft)
8.00-8.99 Perennial All-Pro (None)
7.50-7.99 Future All-Pro (One Player DE Leonard Williams with a 7.6)
7.00-7.49 Pro Bowl-caliber player (Two Players)
6.50-6.99 Chance to become Pro Bowl-caliber player (Five Players)
6.00-6.49 Should become instant starter (Twenty Players)
5.50-5.99 Chance to become NFL starter ( Sixty Six Prospects)
5.20-5.49 NFL backup or special teams potential (145 Prospects)
5.01-5.19 Better-than-average chance to make NFL roster (49 Prospects)
Under-5.00 50-50 Chance to make NFL roster (The Rest)
The above chart is just a suggested starting point, and by no means is an exact science while each player coming into the league is graded according to vigilant expert analysis. With that said, one would think that a team would want to land a prospect in the first round with a grade of at the very least 6.00 who ""should become an instant starter"" . Though you and I as well as each and every team will grade each and every individual to their own curve of ability and need. Therefore, some may be held in higher or lower regards to a particular team than what NFL.coms ballpark measurements might suggest.
With the fact that even Defensive Ends Dion Jordan, and Derrick Shelby are able to platoon at the outside line backer position. At least to some extent it has been established that the Dolphins have more than enough options at OLB, and Middle Line Backer is where the need lies with Koa Misi being the current leader in the clubhouse without a legitimate challenger.
However.
The drafts top five line backer prospects are all of the outside pass-rusher characteristic, and an OLB isn't entirely out of the question (especially if the brass sticks to their guns with Misi at MLB)!
The Miami Dolphins presently own the drafts 14th pick of the first round.
The top outside linebacker prospects consist of.
7.0 Dante Fowler Jr is 6 - 3, 261 as the drafts top LB, and third overall prospect.
6.6 Vic Beasley who stands at 6 - 3, 246 is the second ranked LB and seventh overall best prospect as this individuals absolute favorite line backer.
Should one of the above two (doubtfully) fall to pick 14, they become no-brainer selections. Especially if targeted players at positions of more need have already been taken off the board.
The third ranked OLB who was also given a 6.6 grade is the eighth overall prospect Randy Gregory who is falling fast due to a dirty drug test at the combine while the fourth rated OLB Bud Dupree grades at 6.1 and has an overall 25th ranking. The next four ranked outside line backers stand at ""a chance to become an NFL starter"" with grades of between 5.5 and 5.9 .
When it comes to the Middle Line Backer grades is when one has to wonder if the Dolphins will automatically hand out slightly higher ratings due to the apparent need of an MLB stud and reach for a (Bernardrick McKinney or Eric Kendricks). Or do they like Koa Misi to the point of being patient enough to wait and hope that an MLB like (Stephone Anthony or Denzel Perryman) falls in their lap with the second rounds 15th pick, and 47th overall selection.
The top Middle Line Backer prospect list includes the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 11th rated linebackers.
5.86 Paul Dawson who is 6 - 0, 235, ran a 4.75 Pro-Day forty yard dash, 30" vertical jump, with 21 reps of 225#s, and is the drafts 38th ranked overall prospect. Though suggested to be too small for the Middle Line Backer spot he has the instincts of an MLB, and excels in pass coverage. He does however have some red-flag character issues, and study habits that would likely eliminate him from the Miami Dolphins Draft Board.
5.85 Bernardrick McKinney stands 6 - 4, 246, 4.66, 40.5" vert, with 16 reps is the 39th top prospect, and a personal favorite though similarly to Perryman, may be somewhat of a concern in pass coverage.
5.83 Eric Kendricks at 6-0, 232, 4.61, 38" vert, with 19 reps is rated 40th overall. He is the second best coverage guy of this bunch while due to his stature he is projected to be at his best as an NFL Inside backer in a 3 - 4 scheme, though he's not much lighter than Perryman who translates to the NFL middle spot while being quite a bit stronger.
5.82 Stephone Anthony standing at 6 - 3, 243, 4.56, 37" vert, and 23 reps coincidentally ranks 41st among all positional prospects. Another personal favorite with a great size to speed to strength ratio as one of the combines most impressively athletic line backers, and he can cover too.
5.68 Denzel Perryman who is 5 - 11, 236, 4.78, 32" vert, with 27 reps of 225 pounds is listed as the drafts overall 61st top option, and he is a true Old-School run stuffing Middle Line Backer.
Quite frankly.
I'd personally doubt that any of these projected interior line backers could unseat a healthy Koa Misi as rookies, current Dolphin Jordan Tripp is that guy for me, (if anyone is).
MAYBE the Dolphins trade down from pick 14 to recoup a no longer existent third round pick, and don't have to reach quite so far for one of these interior linebackers? If a targeted receiver, defensive back, or offensive lineman aren't available at their initial pick!
All other remaining Middle and/or Inside Linebackers grade below 5.5 according to NFL.com which doesn't exclude them entirely, but one wouldn't want their first or second round pick to have the prescribed distinction of an ""NFL backup or special teams potential"".
Thank You for an Open Minded Read, and we look forward to your angle of view : )) !!
GOFINS!!!
STAY-TUNED for the Defensive Backs addition, the release of the 2015 schedule, and the Offensive Line & The True Number One Receiver rundown on draft week.
Dolphins Lose Lead To Packers On Final Play
With 59:54 ticked away, and a Dolphin lead of 24 to 20 achievements in the books. Ryan Tannehill's Miami Dolphins had outscored the Green Bay Packers and the NFL elite league leader in touchdowns thrown Aaron Rodgers.
The Miami quarterback led his team on two of eighty, and one of seventy nine yard touchdown drives while the Packers had three eighty yard touchdown possessions. Green Bay gathered another eighty yards on two Field Goals for six points.
On Miami's first touch of the ball Jarvis Landry had a 54 yard kick return to the Packer 49 yard line. The Dolphins gained 20 yards on five plays to kick a mid first quarter forty eight yard three pointer and pull within 3 - 7 after the Packers marched their opening possession for a touchdown.
Green Bay gained fifteen yards to their own 25 on the following six play series and Miami's (Jonathan Freeney) blocked the punt for a (Chris McCain) recovery at the Packers 16 yard line. After six plays the Dolphins had a fourth and goal from the one yard line decision to consider. Kick a three point field goal for a one point late first quarter deficit, or go for the touchdown and a three point lead? Miami chose the latter with a rush attempt and was stuffed. Unfortunately. The score remained the same at 3 - 7 Packers.
Following a Packer six and out Miami took possession at their own 27. A rush attempt for minus nine yards took place on first down. On third and twelve Tannehill threw a 20 yard pass that was intercepted and returned to the Miami 36 yard line. Green Bay covered 11 yards on six plays and kicked a 43 yard field goal for a 10 - 3 lead.
The Dolphins went 3 & out which was followed by a Packer 6 & out for eleven yards. From Miami's 32 yard line on their next possession, and on their second first and ten play of the series, Tannehill threw a second interception to the Packers thirty two yard line. Green Bay went six and out for twenty yards. Miami followed with a six and out for 37 yards and the Packers ran one play to end the first half with a 10 - 3 lead.
To open the third quarter Miami went eighty yards in five plays for a 10 - 10 tie, and first Ryan Tannehill to Jarvis Landry TOUCHDOWN! The touchdown was of eleven yards, forty yards and half of the drives eighty came from a single Ryan Tannehill sprint.
Green Bay returned the favor of eighty yards on 13 plays and seven points to retake a 17 - 10 lead.
With 3:44 remaining in the third quarter Miami again responded with another eighty yard, ten play, five minute touchdown drive to tie it at 17 - 17 early in the fourth quarter. In this series Tannehill completed passes of 25 yards to Mike Wallace, and 14 yards to newly re-acquired receiver Damian Williams while Lamar Miller ran for forty three yards on six carries including a five yard TOUCHDOWN!
After another Packer three and out it's the Dolphins ball at their own 21 with 12:34 remaining. This drive included first down pass plays of 25 yards to Wallace, and 21 yards to Jarvis Landry as well as a third and two 20 yard pass play to Lamar Miller. Six plays, and seventy nine yards later Ryan Tannehill throws a five yard TOUCHDOWN to Mike Wallace, and the Miami Dolphins lead the Green Bay Packers by a score of 24 - 17.
The Packers pulled within 24 - 20 after gaining 68 yards for a 30 yard field goal with four minutes and nine seconds remaining.
Miami ball at the Dolphin twenty. Second and ten, Tannehill to Landry for eleven yards and a first down. Second and eleven (illegal hands to the face) and "another Miami Dolphins first down" at the 36. A one yard run on first down, and a second down incompletion leads to a Dolphin third and nine yards for a first down.
With zero Packer timeouts remaining. The Dolphins elected to conservatively run the ball from their own 36 on a third and nine at the three minute mark of the fourth quarter. The rush attempt went for one yard and Miami punted possession of the ball away to Aaron Rodgers from his own forty yard line with two minutes and four seconds remaining. Need more be said? Though several Miami Dolphin defensive drive halting, and/or the running out of the clock opportunities were there for the taking. The Green Bay Packers Aaron Rodgers attained victory over Ryan Tannehill and the Miami Dolphins with three seconds remaining by a score of 27 - 24.
Green Bay won the turnover battle (3-0), had a 14 plus minute time of possession advantage, ran 24 more plays, and accrued a total of just 20 more yards (split via the run/pass) than Miami's total of 349 offensive yards gained (112 rush and 237 pass).
Thank You for an Open Minded read, and we look forward to your angle of view!
Beat Da'Bears, GOFINS!!!
The Miami quarterback led his team on two of eighty, and one of seventy nine yard touchdown drives while the Packers had three eighty yard touchdown possessions. Green Bay gathered another eighty yards on two Field Goals for six points.
On Miami's first touch of the ball Jarvis Landry had a 54 yard kick return to the Packer 49 yard line. The Dolphins gained 20 yards on five plays to kick a mid first quarter forty eight yard three pointer and pull within 3 - 7 after the Packers marched their opening possession for a touchdown.
Green Bay gained fifteen yards to their own 25 on the following six play series and Miami's (Jonathan Freeney) blocked the punt for a (Chris McCain) recovery at the Packers 16 yard line. After six plays the Dolphins had a fourth and goal from the one yard line decision to consider. Kick a three point field goal for a one point late first quarter deficit, or go for the touchdown and a three point lead? Miami chose the latter with a rush attempt and was stuffed. Unfortunately. The score remained the same at 3 - 7 Packers.
Following a Packer six and out Miami took possession at their own 27. A rush attempt for minus nine yards took place on first down. On third and twelve Tannehill threw a 20 yard pass that was intercepted and returned to the Miami 36 yard line. Green Bay covered 11 yards on six plays and kicked a 43 yard field goal for a 10 - 3 lead.
The Dolphins went 3 & out which was followed by a Packer 6 & out for eleven yards. From Miami's 32 yard line on their next possession, and on their second first and ten play of the series, Tannehill threw a second interception to the Packers thirty two yard line. Green Bay went six and out for twenty yards. Miami followed with a six and out for 37 yards and the Packers ran one play to end the first half with a 10 - 3 lead.
To open the third quarter Miami went eighty yards in five plays for a 10 - 10 tie, and first Ryan Tannehill to Jarvis Landry TOUCHDOWN! The touchdown was of eleven yards, forty yards and half of the drives eighty came from a single Ryan Tannehill sprint.
Green Bay returned the favor of eighty yards on 13 plays and seven points to retake a 17 - 10 lead.
With 3:44 remaining in the third quarter Miami again responded with another eighty yard, ten play, five minute touchdown drive to tie it at 17 - 17 early in the fourth quarter. In this series Tannehill completed passes of 25 yards to Mike Wallace, and 14 yards to newly re-acquired receiver Damian Williams while Lamar Miller ran for forty three yards on six carries including a five yard TOUCHDOWN!
After another Packer three and out it's the Dolphins ball at their own 21 with 12:34 remaining. This drive included first down pass plays of 25 yards to Wallace, and 21 yards to Jarvis Landry as well as a third and two 20 yard pass play to Lamar Miller. Six plays, and seventy nine yards later Ryan Tannehill throws a five yard TOUCHDOWN to Mike Wallace, and the Miami Dolphins lead the Green Bay Packers by a score of 24 - 17.
The Packers pulled within 24 - 20 after gaining 68 yards for a 30 yard field goal with four minutes and nine seconds remaining.
Miami ball at the Dolphin twenty. Second and ten, Tannehill to Landry for eleven yards and a first down. Second and eleven (illegal hands to the face) and "another Miami Dolphins first down" at the 36. A one yard run on first down, and a second down incompletion leads to a Dolphin third and nine yards for a first down.
With zero Packer timeouts remaining. The Dolphins elected to conservatively run the ball from their own 36 on a third and nine at the three minute mark of the fourth quarter. The rush attempt went for one yard and Miami punted possession of the ball away to Aaron Rodgers from his own forty yard line with two minutes and four seconds remaining. Need more be said? Though several Miami Dolphin defensive drive halting, and/or the running out of the clock opportunities were there for the taking. The Green Bay Packers Aaron Rodgers attained victory over Ryan Tannehill and the Miami Dolphins with three seconds remaining by a score of 27 - 24.
Green Bay won the turnover battle (3-0), had a 14 plus minute time of possession advantage, ran 24 more plays, and accrued a total of just 20 more yards (split via the run/pass) than Miami's total of 349 offensive yards gained (112 rush and 237 pass).
Thank You for an Open Minded read, and we look forward to your angle of view!
Beat Da'Bears, GOFINS!!!
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