Ladies and Gentlemen. We bring you deep passages from the memoirs of Tony Nicoletti.
I noticed that there was some discussion after my last blog, (Fear Not Dolphin Fans. The Miami Dolphins Will Rise Again!) regarding all the quality players that Joe Philbin has let go of, during his first few years with the Miami Dolphins. While none of us necessarily agree with all the moves that were made, you do have to give him credit for being decisive and holding to a specific vision of what he is trying to accomplish in Miami.
Who's to to say that Joe Philbins, (previous GM, Jeff Ireland) or current GM Dennis Hickey's personnel decisions were bad moves. Especially, those that involved players who were a cancer to the team. Being the new head coach with the Dolphins, Joe Philbin inherited a bunch of leftovers from the, "Tony Sparano" era in 2012. The wholesale housecleaning was going to have to be done sooner or later. Fortunately, it happened sooner.
A change of scenery can be a wake up call for marginal players and some of them wisely, got their act together for their new ball clubs. Their new Coaches/GM's knew of what kind of baggage they were getting with these players. It was already determined that their skill set is needed and welcomed, despite some of their negative traits. However, specific ground rules and incentives are put in place to encourage these players to make the best of their new opportunity, thus taking some of the gamble out of recruiting them. And many of these players also came to realize that this is or may be their last chance and if they screw up they could very will be out of the NFL, altogether. That is why it is not uncommon for these players to prosper with their new team.
We all know that there will always be, "divas" and, "me first" type players in the game. It's part of their competitive nature. I believe the better coaches find ways to incorporate these talented yet, troublesome players into their game plan. They have the ability to determine if the gifts, talents and upside these players bring to the table are worth being patient and working around their eccentricities.
Trouble makers, questionable character on and off the field and all the things that undermine and detract from the goals that a coach is trying to establish with his team, can not be tolerated. And unfortunately, when a coach first takes over a franchise, these are things that he has to assess and weed out quickly. In many instances, he doesn't have the time to sit down with each and every player to make that determination. Especially during the off season when he is trying to familiarize himself with his new surroundings, assemble a coaching staff and get every one on the same page. And then there is the fact that they may have as many as 90+ players at some point, all trying out for the team.
An astute coach can ascertain whether divas are for real or just full of themselves. If they are being selfish in their demands to be a bigger part of the game plan or if there is a possibility they really can contribute more, (if given the chance). They can also tell if it is frustration that causes a player to complain and act out in ways that are unbecoming to a team, and when it is necessary to discipline them or just let them blow off some steam.
Case in point: Mike Wallace.
He is not so much the diva that many top wide receivers are. He tries to put on airs that he is a team player. He has a good work ethic and no, "off the field" issues. He hasn't been as spectacular catching the deep ball as he was with the Steelers. (Catching only about 25% of the long passes that were thrown his way last season). He is not known for being a receiver that will go up and fight for the ball. (Although in 2014, he has shown that he is willing to be aggressive and fight for extra yardage after the catch). It's not certain what really took place in that final game when he was benched in the second half because he supposedly, quit on the team.
To Wallace's credit, he's been successful in his new role and has contributed greatly to this offense. He has demonstrated a willingness to adapt and has proven that he is not just a one trick pony, only capable of using his speed to get down the field to catch balls. But is his performance worth all those millions? His production certainly cannot easily be replaced, on the cheap. And Miami does need to recoup some cap space to bring in some free agent help. (Which makes him a potential target, being the highest paid player on the Dolphin roster). Of course, all of this may be a moot issue if Joe Philbin decides to let him go because of his disenchantment with how he is being utilized and occasional complaints to that end.
If Philbin and Hickey decide not to keep him, a trade is not likely to happen since his contract will come at too high a price for even the most desperate of teams to pick up. Chances are, Miami would wind up having to eat a big chunk of change and dead cap money if they let him go. But one has to wonder if he, (and players like Jared Odrick, who has also let his feelings be known as well) will be on the roster this season.
But as coach Philbin's tenure moves forward and hopefully, draws closer to molding the team into what he feels will be a competitive ball club, an occasion may arise where he has to make a tough decision on a difficult player, again. To summarily dismiss good, talented players is a waste of resources. Especially with a seasoned coach. It's one thing to draw the line and set an example for the rest of the team as to what will be acceptable behavior. But over time, these problems should diminish as the front office, coaching staff and players become better aware of what type of personnel and atmosphere he is trying to cultivate. I would like to think a coach should evolve enough to learn from his past mistakes with the many players that have come and gone.
It's easy in hindsight, to say that Philbin never should have let go of this or that player because they are now model citizens with their new team and/or went on to become great players. We should actually be happy for these reformed players. I mean, isn't it better to know that the players that were given a chance on the Dolphin roster at any given time, did have the potential to eventually play for another franchise? What would it say about the Dolphin recruiting department if a majority of it's choices were found to be unsuitable and could not make it in the NFL at all?
Selecting football players is a crap shoot. Sometimes a team has to sift through some crap to find a jewel and this Miami Dolphin's front office and coaching staff have uncovered a number of gems over the years. Players that do not necessarily fit the typical physical tangibles that are usually associated with a given position. They may lack size or speed but their willingness to work hard, study and prepare, more than compensates for any deficiencies they may have. (Charles Clay comes to mind). He is not the big bodied Tight End target that all coaches covet, but still manages to win his match ups and when healthy, is a defensive coordinators nightmare.
The Dolphins are not opposed to beating the bushes to find players through unconventional means. Cameron Wake, whom we acquired from the CFL is one such example. We have several players from small, obscure colleges that have shown tremendous promise and upside. Like Walt Aikens and Terrence Fede. And let's not forget the injured players that came to the Dolphins whom have become important fixtures on this team. We took a chance on Brent Grimes who was recovering from a serious injury, and on an injury prone Brandon Albert. Both of them are excellent players. (Hopefully, Albert will be again, after his return from major knee surgery).
So you see, Coaches and General Managers are constantly taking chances and gambling with players. Forever searching for the right personnel to fit their schemes, attitude and team identity. Every franchise has allowed a fair share of talented players to slip through their grasp. It is futile for head coaches and general managers to lament and second guess their decisions when they let these players go. All they can do is learn form their experiences, forge ahead and continue their quest to build the best roster they can. It's the nature of the game and how dynasties are made.
As fans, we don't get to see what is actually going on behind closed doors. We only see players come and go. Some of whom, do well with other teams. (Which can be a little puzzling and disconcerting). Rest assured, there are reasons why teams lets go of what appear to be, "good players".
There are instances where some teams have no choice. Cap space limitations or positions that they are well stocked in, force them to release these surplus players so they can free up roster and cap space to pursue other players that they need. Perhaps a new coach or coaching staff has been brought in with a different system which may require them to cut players that do not fit or cannot adapt to these new systems and schemes. It doesn't always mean that these free agents are flawed in some way and unworthy of a roster spot with their previous team.. You need to make room to bring in and develop new players. Sometimes it means getting rid of decent players, as well.
As I write this blog today, I am relieved to see an article claiming that Mike Wallace has been able to sit down with Dennis Hickey to discuss his future with the team. I'm glad that they are trying to work out their differences. I also saw a story about Jared Odrick. The Dolphins have approached him to negotiate a new contract to avoid losing him to free agency.
Could it be that Joe Philbin has finally reached the point in his coaching career with the Dolphins, where he is able and willing to deal with outspoken, problematic players instead of arbitrarily sending them down the road? It's about time.This is definitely a step in the right direction. I'm hoping the Miami Dolphins are able free up the cap space to secure the free agent/draft picks they need to make a push for the playoffs in 2015.
Only then can the question be answered: To Keep, or Not to Keep. Lets hope Joe Philbin and company are keepers!
Go Dolphins!
Showing posts with label Terrance Fede. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Terrance Fede. Show all posts
Miami Dolphins Beat The Minnesota Vikings 37 - 35
For the 15th game of the 2014 NFL season, the Miami Dolphins with Head Coach Joe Philbin's job on the line hosted the Minnesota Vikings.
The Dolphins spotted the Vikings seven first quarter points to go along with another second quarter touchdown and trailed 0 - 14 three and a half minutes into the second quarter. Minnesota had seven rush attempts for 27 of 54 total yards, and walked into the end zone on their first possession. They went five and out on the next series, and on the Vikings third possession they scored their second touchdown on a short field of 23 yards with a twenty one yard Teddy Bridgewater to Greg Jennings touchdown pass. The short field was the result of a Tannehill pass that was intercepted upon being released from his fingertips, on the Dolphins third play of their third touch of the ball.
Miami's first 12 play 42 yard series field goal attempt fell short of the required 56 yards while their second possession stalled on 7 plays for 37 yards at the Vikings forty four yard line. With their fourth possession, Miami quarterback Ryan Tannehill went five of five for 56 yards as the Dolphins managed their lone first half seven points on a 92 yard drive in 12 plays that took 6:41 off the clock. The drive concluded on a Ryan Tannehill fourteen yard TOUCHDOWN PASS to tight end Dion Sims to draw within 7 - 14.
Cam Wake got the first sack of Bridgewater on the Vikings fourth series that went three and out. Miami's fifth touch of the ball went forty five yards on six plays, and concluded with a punt from the visitors forty six yard line. The Vikings drove 86 yards in ten plays on their fifth possession to kick a field goal, and increase the Minnesota lead to 7 - 17 as the first half ended.
Minnesota rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was 7 of 11 for 113 yards with a touchdown pass and sack. The Vikings running game produced 67 rushing yards with a touchdown on 18 attempts. Ryan Tannehill completed 16 of 24 for 160 yards with a touchdown, interception, and sack. Miami's ground game accrued 63 yards on 11 carries.
The visitors opened the third quarter with a three and out of 9 yards. Miami followed with their quarterback completing 3 of 3 passes for 53 yards on a six play 80 yard drive. The Dolphin drive concluded with a Mike Wallace extraordinary reception, and effort to dive into the end zone for Ryan Tannehill's second TOUCHDOWN PASS of the day to pull within 14 - 17.
Bridgewater suffered his second Dolphin sack of the day via Dion Jordan on the Vikings initial play. Minnesota gathered three first downs on the 46 yard drive to the Miami thirty four. Upon the third first down play Dolphin line backer Derrick Shelby snatched an offensively deflected pass at the line of scrimmage for an interception and two yard return to that Miami 36 yard line.
With 3:36 remaining in the third quarter, Lamar Miller ran for fourteen to the fifty yard line. Tannehill followed that with a 17 yard completion to Dion Sims. After a 15 yard defensive penalty, a couple rushes for a yard each that surrounded a Charles Clay reception of eleven yards at the visitors one yard line, the third quarter ended.
Let the Fireworks begin!
The games fourth quarter included Five Touchdowns (three for Miami), a Vikings field goal, four extra points, a Minnesota two point conversion, and a Dolphins Special Teams blocked punt for a two point safety! With the fourth quarters first play from the Vikings one. On third down Lamar Miller walked the ball in for the TOUCHDOWN to give Miami it's first lead of the day at 21 - 17.
Upon gathering 64 yards in nine plays that included a Randy Starks sack (Miami's third of the day), the visitors kick a 33 yard field goal for a 21 - 20 deficit.
The home team marches eighty yards in eight plays as Tannehill (with one being of forty yards to Brandon Gibson) goes 3 of 5 for 57 yards passing. Running backs Miller (6), and Damien Williams (12, 5) gather 23 yards on three attempts. The 80 yard drive finishes with Ryan Tannehills third TOUCHDOWN PASS of the day and second (14 & 7) to Mike Wallace to give the Miami Dolphins an eight point advantage at 28 - 20.
The clock has 6:39 fourth quarter clicks to go as Sturgis (who for some terribly odd reasoning is terrified to kick the ball through the end zone) kicks the ball on the ground to a short man at the 30 whom easily returns it to the Vikings forty. Five plays later Teddy Bridgewater tosses an eight yard 6 point touchdown for a 28 - 26 deficit. Minnesota decides to tie it with a two point conversion that Miami stops twice, but committed penalties upon to give the Vikings a third opportunity from the one inch line. The visitors convert the two point play to tie the game at 28 - 28.
On the two point conversion Miami commits it's third successive penalty, this one of the personal foul variety via Olivier Vernon (his second penalty of the three), and the Vikings kickoff from the fifty yard line. They kick a pop fly that allows the coverage to swarm as Jarvis Landry slips, falls, and fumbles the ball away to the opponents at the Dolphins five yard line. The next official offensive play is a Minnesota five yard run and touchdown as the Vikings have gone from eight points down to seven points up in eleven seconds for a scoreboard Dolphin disadvantage of 28 - 35.
4:35 ticks to go, and the Miami Dolphins take 3:24 to go eighty three yards in eleven plays. Ryan Tannehill completes nine of ten passes for the entire 83 yards, the connections of ten plus yards include the first pass of 22 yards to Clay, the next play of 11 to Landry with later well executed passes to Wallace of 11 and 14 yards. Tannehill finished the 83 yard drive with his fourth TOUCHDOWN PASS of the day, a three yard dart to running back Damien Williams to tie the score at 35 - 35.
The Minnesota Vikings take possession at their own 13 yard line with 71 game seconds to go. On third down Cam Wake notches his second sack, and Miami's fourth of the day to force a visiting team punt from their own eleven yard line. Rookie defensive lineman Terrance Fede swats the punt attempt into the front row of fans for a home team Special Teams safety of two points, and MIAMI DOLPHINS VICTORY of 37 - 35.
Minnesota accrued 20 first downs with 357 total yards (238 on 26 passes, and 119 on 28 rush attempts). Miami defensive lineman Derrick Shelby had an interception while Randy Starks & Dion Jordan accrued single sacks each to go along with Cam Wake's two for his season total of 11.5, and team 38th.
The Miami Dolphins totaled 36 first downs with 493 yards (377 through the air on 47 attempts, and 116 via the ground attack on 28 carries). Miami held a six plus minute time of possession advantage, and lost the turnover battle (2 - 1).
Lamar Miller romped for 92 yards on nineteen attempts with a touchdown, and had five receptions for 58 yards. Miller is 79 yards shy of 1000 for the year while scoring eight touchdowns.
Charles Clay caught six balls for 114 with a long of 41 yards.
Running back Damien Williams had six receptions for 50 yards and a touchdown.
Brandon Gibson grabbed two for 50 yards with a long of 40.
Mike Wallace snatched five balls for 58 yards with two touchdowns, his 9th and 10th of the season equaling his career high!
Ryan Tannehill whom was sacked twice connected on 35 passes, a career high, and in another best effort, he threw FOUR TOUCHDOWN PASSES! He has twenty six touchdowns to twelve interceptions for the year!
Upon the excitement of victory, Miami Dolphin Owner Stephen Ross announced that Joe Philbin will return in 2015!
A Pittsburgh Steeler win prior to the Dolphins Victory eliminated 8 - 7 Miami from the playoffs. Your Favorite Football Team closes the season at home versus the New York Jets.
Thank-You for an Open-Minded Read, and we look forward to your angle of view!! : ))
Merry Christmas and/or Happy Holidays to All!!
GOFINS!!!
The Dolphins spotted the Vikings seven first quarter points to go along with another second quarter touchdown and trailed 0 - 14 three and a half minutes into the second quarter. Minnesota had seven rush attempts for 27 of 54 total yards, and walked into the end zone on their first possession. They went five and out on the next series, and on the Vikings third possession they scored their second touchdown on a short field of 23 yards with a twenty one yard Teddy Bridgewater to Greg Jennings touchdown pass. The short field was the result of a Tannehill pass that was intercepted upon being released from his fingertips, on the Dolphins third play of their third touch of the ball.
Miami's first 12 play 42 yard series field goal attempt fell short of the required 56 yards while their second possession stalled on 7 plays for 37 yards at the Vikings forty four yard line. With their fourth possession, Miami quarterback Ryan Tannehill went five of five for 56 yards as the Dolphins managed their lone first half seven points on a 92 yard drive in 12 plays that took 6:41 off the clock. The drive concluded on a Ryan Tannehill fourteen yard TOUCHDOWN PASS to tight end Dion Sims to draw within 7 - 14.
Cam Wake got the first sack of Bridgewater on the Vikings fourth series that went three and out. Miami's fifth touch of the ball went forty five yards on six plays, and concluded with a punt from the visitors forty six yard line. The Vikings drove 86 yards in ten plays on their fifth possession to kick a field goal, and increase the Minnesota lead to 7 - 17 as the first half ended.
Minnesota rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was 7 of 11 for 113 yards with a touchdown pass and sack. The Vikings running game produced 67 rushing yards with a touchdown on 18 attempts. Ryan Tannehill completed 16 of 24 for 160 yards with a touchdown, interception, and sack. Miami's ground game accrued 63 yards on 11 carries.
The visitors opened the third quarter with a three and out of 9 yards. Miami followed with their quarterback completing 3 of 3 passes for 53 yards on a six play 80 yard drive. The Dolphin drive concluded with a Mike Wallace extraordinary reception, and effort to dive into the end zone for Ryan Tannehill's second TOUCHDOWN PASS of the day to pull within 14 - 17.
Bridgewater suffered his second Dolphin sack of the day via Dion Jordan on the Vikings initial play. Minnesota gathered three first downs on the 46 yard drive to the Miami thirty four. Upon the third first down play Dolphin line backer Derrick Shelby snatched an offensively deflected pass at the line of scrimmage for an interception and two yard return to that Miami 36 yard line.
With 3:36 remaining in the third quarter, Lamar Miller ran for fourteen to the fifty yard line. Tannehill followed that with a 17 yard completion to Dion Sims. After a 15 yard defensive penalty, a couple rushes for a yard each that surrounded a Charles Clay reception of eleven yards at the visitors one yard line, the third quarter ended.
The games fourth quarter included Five Touchdowns (three for Miami), a Vikings field goal, four extra points, a Minnesota two point conversion, and a Dolphins Special Teams blocked punt for a two point safety! With the fourth quarters first play from the Vikings one. On third down Lamar Miller walked the ball in for the TOUCHDOWN to give Miami it's first lead of the day at 21 - 17.
Upon gathering 64 yards in nine plays that included a Randy Starks sack (Miami's third of the day), the visitors kick a 33 yard field goal for a 21 - 20 deficit.
The home team marches eighty yards in eight plays as Tannehill (with one being of forty yards to Brandon Gibson) goes 3 of 5 for 57 yards passing. Running backs Miller (6), and Damien Williams (12, 5) gather 23 yards on three attempts. The 80 yard drive finishes with Ryan Tannehills third TOUCHDOWN PASS of the day and second (14 & 7) to Mike Wallace to give the Miami Dolphins an eight point advantage at 28 - 20.
The clock has 6:39 fourth quarter clicks to go as Sturgis (who for some terribly odd reasoning is terrified to kick the ball through the end zone) kicks the ball on the ground to a short man at the 30 whom easily returns it to the Vikings forty. Five plays later Teddy Bridgewater tosses an eight yard 6 point touchdown for a 28 - 26 deficit. Minnesota decides to tie it with a two point conversion that Miami stops twice, but committed penalties upon to give the Vikings a third opportunity from the one inch line. The visitors convert the two point play to tie the game at 28 - 28.
On the two point conversion Miami commits it's third successive penalty, this one of the personal foul variety via Olivier Vernon (his second penalty of the three), and the Vikings kickoff from the fifty yard line. They kick a pop fly that allows the coverage to swarm as Jarvis Landry slips, falls, and fumbles the ball away to the opponents at the Dolphins five yard line. The next official offensive play is a Minnesota five yard run and touchdown as the Vikings have gone from eight points down to seven points up in eleven seconds for a scoreboard Dolphin disadvantage of 28 - 35.
4:35 ticks to go, and the Miami Dolphins take 3:24 to go eighty three yards in eleven plays. Ryan Tannehill completes nine of ten passes for the entire 83 yards, the connections of ten plus yards include the first pass of 22 yards to Clay, the next play of 11 to Landry with later well executed passes to Wallace of 11 and 14 yards. Tannehill finished the 83 yard drive with his fourth TOUCHDOWN PASS of the day, a three yard dart to running back Damien Williams to tie the score at 35 - 35.
Minnesota accrued 20 first downs with 357 total yards (238 on 26 passes, and 119 on 28 rush attempts). Miami defensive lineman Derrick Shelby had an interception while Randy Starks & Dion Jordan accrued single sacks each to go along with Cam Wake's two for his season total of 11.5, and team 38th.
The Miami Dolphins totaled 36 first downs with 493 yards (377 through the air on 47 attempts, and 116 via the ground attack on 28 carries). Miami held a six plus minute time of possession advantage, and lost the turnover battle (2 - 1).
Lamar Miller romped for 92 yards on nineteen attempts with a touchdown, and had five receptions for 58 yards. Miller is 79 yards shy of 1000 for the year while scoring eight touchdowns.
Charles Clay caught six balls for 114 with a long of 41 yards.
Running back Damien Williams had six receptions for 50 yards and a touchdown.
Brandon Gibson grabbed two for 50 yards with a long of 40.
Mike Wallace snatched five balls for 58 yards with two touchdowns, his 9th and 10th of the season equaling his career high!
Ryan Tannehill whom was sacked twice connected on 35 passes, a career high, and in another best effort, he threw FOUR TOUCHDOWN PASSES! He has twenty six touchdowns to twelve interceptions for the year!
Upon the excitement of victory, Miami Dolphin Owner Stephen Ross announced that Joe Philbin will return in 2015!
A Pittsburgh Steeler win prior to the Dolphins Victory eliminated 8 - 7 Miami from the playoffs. Your Favorite Football Team closes the season at home versus the New York Jets.
Thank-You for an Open-Minded Read, and we look forward to your angle of view!! : ))
Merry Christmas and/or Happy Holidays to All!!
GOFINS!!!
Dolphins Defense Take Jaguars To The House
The 1 - 6 with nothing to lose Jacksonville Jaguars played territorial Tom-Cat while hosting the 3 - 3 Miami Dolphins on week eight of the 2014 season. Jacksonville's NFL number two ranked in defensive sacks Jaguars put the Dolphin quarterback upon his buttocks once in each of his two first quarter possessions that went three and out. Miami's third touch of the ball was also a three and out, but at least quarterback Ryan Tannehill wasn't sacked due to an Offensive Lineman getting schooled.
Jacksonville opened the game with 45 yards rushing on the first two plays from their own 20. They accrued fifty yards in all on five plays in two and a half minutes as Miami's defense forced a fourth and five field goal attempt from the Dolphins thirty yard line. The attempt was then blocked by rising star Olivier Vernon, gathered in at Miami's twenty five by defensive back Mike Thomas who returned it to the Dolphins forty three, and just missed by the width of his foot from taking it to the end zone.
Following Miami's initial possession. Jacksonville took five minutes in covering forty six yards on eleven plays to Miami's twenty eight. On fourth and four the Jags made a forty six yard field goal that was nullified by an offensive holding penalty, and was inclined to punt on fourth and fourteen.
The Dolphins were badly losing the game of field position after a second sack induced hot-potato like possession of three and out, this time from their own nine yard line. Jacksonville took possession one yard south into Miami territory, gathered a first down on four running plays for ten yards, and covered another sixteen yards on two eight yard passes to the Dolphins twenty three for another Jaguars first down to end the first quarter at zero to zero.
On the first play of the second quarter the Miami Dolphins free agent acquisition of Louis Delmas paid off with an interception return of eighty one yards, and a DOLPHIN PIK-SIX TOUCHDOWN for a 7 - 0 lead versus the Jaguars rookie quarterback sensation Blake Bortles.
On fourteen plays for sixty six yards in another eight plus minutes of the second quarter the Jaguars drove to the Miami twelve where they kicked a field goal on fourth and two. Jacksonville accrued four first downs on the drive, ate up a whole bunch of clock, while the Dolphins reserve linebacker Jonathan Freeny managed a sack, and Miami remained ahead by a score of 7 - 3.
As previously mentioned the Dolphins third (clearing of throat) series also resulted in another Miami offensive three and out, this time for minus four yards from their own twenty two yard line, and Jacksonville was back at the Dolphins forty with a first down after just one offensive play. On second and seven Blake Bortles scrambled for nine yards and a first down prior to Dolphin linebacker Jelani Jenkins forcing of a fumble that was recovered by safety Louis Delmas at the Miami twenty three.
Hallelujah. The Miami Dolphins gain thirteen yards in two plays for their initial first down of the game with three minutes and twelve seconds remaining in the first half of play. Miami proceeds fifty two yards on eleven plays for a forty six yard field goal with fifty eight seconds remaining. Cam Wake sacked Bortles on first and ten of the Jags final first half possession, and the clock hits zero upon the completion of second down which results in a Dolphin 10 - 3 half time lead.
The Jacksonville Jaguars hold a twelve plus minute Time Of Possession advantage, are up eleven to one in first downs gathered, and have accrued 219 Offensive yards to the Miami Dolphins fifty six. Blake Bortles (two sacks) goes 10 of 17 for 108 with a pik-six and a fumble as the Jaguar running backs contribute the other 100 plus yards. Ryan Tannehill while being hindered by (two sacks), and dropped balls as well as errant tosses under pressure is 5 of 12 for 41 yards with fourteen of Miami's fifteen rushing yards coming via his own two attempts. The Home team is winning in the trenches while losing on the scoreboard 10 - 3.
Third Quarter, Miami gets the opening kick.
New Game? Uh Nope. Maybe?
Ryan completes a first and ten attempt for eleven yards to Jarvis Landry from the Miami twenty nine, but the possession is again stalled by a third down and long sack of Tannehill. The Dolphins punt from their own thirty and the Jags take control with a first down at their own seven yard line.
Can you say Grimes To'Da'House? On first down Miami Cornerback Brent Grimes returns a Blake Bortles interception twenty two yards for a second M.D.House-Call, and another defensive TOUCHDOWN for a 17 - 3 Dolphin lead.
The Jaguars from their own twenty progress down the field in ten plays for fifty eight yards to the Dolphin twenty two, and kick's a forty yard field goal on fourth and three to scratch their way to within 17 - 6. Miami then follows up with yet another three and out which is proceeded by a Jacksonville six and out of twelve yards gained. The Dolphins halted the Jags series via a Rashad Jones sack of Bortles on third and ten at the opponents forty nine yard line.
Miami takes possession at their own five yard line upon the Jaguars punt. Lamar Miller nets three yards on two attempts, and on third and seven Ryan Tannehill completes a fifty yard pass (sixty-plus through the air) to Mike Wallace at the oppositions forty two. After an incompletion to Wallace on first down, Miller rushes for nine and thirty yards consecutively to the Jaguars three yard line. On first and goal Ryan Tannehill hits Rishard Matthews for the Dolphins only offensive TOUCHDOWN. The drive covered ninety five yards in seven plays and gave Miami a 24 - 6 scoreboard advantage with 2:18 remaining in the third quarter.
The Jaguars go three and out as Miami starts the fourth quarter with a second down and ten from their own thirty two yard line. Daniel Thomas runs for eleven yards on two attempts, while Tannehill completes five of six passes for forty seven yards and a first and goal opportunity at the Jacksonville five yard line. At this point after driving sixty three yards in ten plays, the Miami offensive coordinator Bill Lazor put his quarterback in a position of failure with a call of a short middle pass that was deflected up at the line of scrimmage and intercepted in the End Zone. Sorry, but on first and goal from the opponents five yard line with a 24 - 6 fourth quarter lead you run the ball four times, or kick a field goal on the fourth play! You DO NOT call for a first down pass attempt through the trenches mass of waving arms!
Aided by another third down sack of Bortles (via Terrance Fede) Miami's defense forced a six and out for eleven yards, and the Dolphins offense took control at their own twenty one after a Jaguars punt with 8:21 fourth quarter clicks to go.
Tannehill went two of three for forty seven yards including a long thirty eight yard completion to Tight End Dion Sims, Lamar Miller rushed for nineteen yards on three carries, and Daniel Thomas had an attempt for seven yards. The possession covered sixty eight yards on nine plays in 4.5 minutes and resulted in a Caleb Sturgis field goal of twenty nine yards and a Miami Dolphins 27 - 6 lead with fewer than four game minutes remaining.
Jacksonville went eighty yards in five plays and scored their only touchdown of the day in garbage time for a final score of DOLPHINS 27 to the JAGUARS 13.
Miami rushed the ball for 133 second half yards to total 148 led by Lamar Millers 14 carries for 78 yards. Ryan Tannehill had five rush attempts for forty eight yards, and ended the day with 16 completions on 29 passes for 196 yards through the air with one touchdown and one interception. Miami narrowed down the twelve plus minute first half time of possession disadvantage to under five minutes, closed the 160 plus total yard first half deficit to 51 yards (377 to 326), and accrued 17 first downs to the Jags 19 by games end. The Dolphins defense sacked Bortles four times, forced him to fumble once, and took him To'Da'House twice.
Thank You for an Open Minded Read, and we look forward to your angle of view :) !!
Beat the Chargers, GOFINS!!!
The 4 - 3 Miami Dolphins host the 5 - 3 San Diego Chargers on week nine and will have to play far more efficiently on both offense and defense in order to have a chance at victory.
Jacksonville opened the game with 45 yards rushing on the first two plays from their own 20. They accrued fifty yards in all on five plays in two and a half minutes as Miami's defense forced a fourth and five field goal attempt from the Dolphins thirty yard line. The attempt was then blocked by rising star Olivier Vernon, gathered in at Miami's twenty five by defensive back Mike Thomas who returned it to the Dolphins forty three, and just missed by the width of his foot from taking it to the end zone.
Following Miami's initial possession. Jacksonville took five minutes in covering forty six yards on eleven plays to Miami's twenty eight. On fourth and four the Jags made a forty six yard field goal that was nullified by an offensive holding penalty, and was inclined to punt on fourth and fourteen.
The Dolphins were badly losing the game of field position after a second sack induced hot-potato like possession of three and out, this time from their own nine yard line. Jacksonville took possession one yard south into Miami territory, gathered a first down on four running plays for ten yards, and covered another sixteen yards on two eight yard passes to the Dolphins twenty three for another Jaguars first down to end the first quarter at zero to zero.
On fourteen plays for sixty six yards in another eight plus minutes of the second quarter the Jaguars drove to the Miami twelve where they kicked a field goal on fourth and two. Jacksonville accrued four first downs on the drive, ate up a whole bunch of clock, while the Dolphins reserve linebacker Jonathan Freeny managed a sack, and Miami remained ahead by a score of 7 - 3.
As previously mentioned the Dolphins third (clearing of throat) series also resulted in another Miami offensive three and out, this time for minus four yards from their own twenty two yard line, and Jacksonville was back at the Dolphins forty with a first down after just one offensive play. On second and seven Blake Bortles scrambled for nine yards and a first down prior to Dolphin linebacker Jelani Jenkins forcing of a fumble that was recovered by safety Louis Delmas at the Miami twenty three.
Hallelujah. The Miami Dolphins gain thirteen yards in two plays for their initial first down of the game with three minutes and twelve seconds remaining in the first half of play. Miami proceeds fifty two yards on eleven plays for a forty six yard field goal with fifty eight seconds remaining. Cam Wake sacked Bortles on first and ten of the Jags final first half possession, and the clock hits zero upon the completion of second down which results in a Dolphin 10 - 3 half time lead.
The Jacksonville Jaguars hold a twelve plus minute Time Of Possession advantage, are up eleven to one in first downs gathered, and have accrued 219 Offensive yards to the Miami Dolphins fifty six. Blake Bortles (two sacks) goes 10 of 17 for 108 with a pik-six and a fumble as the Jaguar running backs contribute the other 100 plus yards. Ryan Tannehill while being hindered by (two sacks), and dropped balls as well as errant tosses under pressure is 5 of 12 for 41 yards with fourteen of Miami's fifteen rushing yards coming via his own two attempts. The Home team is winning in the trenches while losing on the scoreboard 10 - 3.
Third Quarter, Miami gets the opening kick.
New Game? Uh Nope. Maybe?
Ryan completes a first and ten attempt for eleven yards to Jarvis Landry from the Miami twenty nine, but the possession is again stalled by a third down and long sack of Tannehill. The Dolphins punt from their own thirty and the Jags take control with a first down at their own seven yard line.
The Jaguars from their own twenty progress down the field in ten plays for fifty eight yards to the Dolphin twenty two, and kick's a forty yard field goal on fourth and three to scratch their way to within 17 - 6. Miami then follows up with yet another three and out which is proceeded by a Jacksonville six and out of twelve yards gained. The Dolphins halted the Jags series via a Rashad Jones sack of Bortles on third and ten at the opponents forty nine yard line.
Miami takes possession at their own five yard line upon the Jaguars punt. Lamar Miller nets three yards on two attempts, and on third and seven Ryan Tannehill completes a fifty yard pass (sixty-plus through the air) to Mike Wallace at the oppositions forty two. After an incompletion to Wallace on first down, Miller rushes for nine and thirty yards consecutively to the Jaguars three yard line. On first and goal Ryan Tannehill hits Rishard Matthews for the Dolphins only offensive TOUCHDOWN. The drive covered ninety five yards in seven plays and gave Miami a 24 - 6 scoreboard advantage with 2:18 remaining in the third quarter.
The Jaguars go three and out as Miami starts the fourth quarter with a second down and ten from their own thirty two yard line. Daniel Thomas runs for eleven yards on two attempts, while Tannehill completes five of six passes for forty seven yards and a first and goal opportunity at the Jacksonville five yard line. At this point after driving sixty three yards in ten plays, the Miami offensive coordinator Bill Lazor put his quarterback in a position of failure with a call of a short middle pass that was deflected up at the line of scrimmage and intercepted in the End Zone. Sorry, but on first and goal from the opponents five yard line with a 24 - 6 fourth quarter lead you run the ball four times, or kick a field goal on the fourth play! You DO NOT call for a first down pass attempt through the trenches mass of waving arms!
Aided by another third down sack of Bortles (via Terrance Fede) Miami's defense forced a six and out for eleven yards, and the Dolphins offense took control at their own twenty one after a Jaguars punt with 8:21 fourth quarter clicks to go.
Tannehill went two of three for forty seven yards including a long thirty eight yard completion to Tight End Dion Sims, Lamar Miller rushed for nineteen yards on three carries, and Daniel Thomas had an attempt for seven yards. The possession covered sixty eight yards on nine plays in 4.5 minutes and resulted in a Caleb Sturgis field goal of twenty nine yards and a Miami Dolphins 27 - 6 lead with fewer than four game minutes remaining.
Jacksonville went eighty yards in five plays and scored their only touchdown of the day in garbage time for a final score of DOLPHINS 27 to the JAGUARS 13.
Miami rushed the ball for 133 second half yards to total 148 led by Lamar Millers 14 carries for 78 yards. Ryan Tannehill had five rush attempts for forty eight yards, and ended the day with 16 completions on 29 passes for 196 yards through the air with one touchdown and one interception. Miami narrowed down the twelve plus minute first half time of possession disadvantage to under five minutes, closed the 160 plus total yard first half deficit to 51 yards (377 to 326), and accrued 17 first downs to the Jags 19 by games end. The Dolphins defense sacked Bortles four times, forced him to fumble once, and took him To'Da'House twice.
Thank You for an Open Minded Read, and we look forward to your angle of view :) !!
Beat the Chargers, GOFINS!!!
The 4 - 3 Miami Dolphins host the 5 - 3 San Diego Chargers on week nine and will have to play far more efficiently on both offense and defense in order to have a chance at victory.
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