After the 41-14 loss by the Dolphins to the Patriots, Phin Nation decided to take some drastic steps. I apologize for the lack of posting, it's been a busy week for my other job. I can promise you, you will see some changes coming soon. BIG Changes before the Dolphins play another football game. Here are some of the highlights of the Dolphins off week:
Moving on
The Dolphins seem to have put the embarassing loss to the Patriots behind them and are concentrating on fixing issues in all aspects of the ball club before next week's date with the Green Bay Packers in Wisconsin. The Dolphins have fired John Bonamego in the hopes that the team can improve on the 3 HUGE blunders on special teams last Monday Night.
Stepping Up
Vontae Davis, Cameron Wake, and Devone Bess had solid games for the Dolphins on Monday Night. The rest of the team stepped down as opposed to stepping up. AND, I realize Henne had 3 int's, but overall I don't think he should be getting killed in the media as much as he has been. I'm looking forward to seeing out the Dolphins rebound from this loss.
Bye Week
What is there to do during the bye week for the Dolphins? Head to South Beach? Watch some postseason baseball? Does hockey interest anyone? Enjoy the football this weekend and it's not too early to start rooting against the other teams in the AFC. I will be wearing my Randy Moss jersey Monday night in the hopes that they beat up on the Jets.
Go Phins!
Friday, October 8, 2010
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Game Balls: Week #3 Dolphins vs. Jets
First, let me apologize, as I've been in a deep depression since Sunday night. Well, depression or hangover! Yes, the Dolphins drove me to drink Sunday night. Either way, I'm sorry for the late timing on the Game Balls, but since we have an extra day before the Dolphins next game, it shouldn't be a problem for all of our loyal readers. On to the game balls from a very frustrating loss to the Jets:
Game Ball #1 - Chad Henne
Henne has shown flashes at times during time as a starter. "Some" were starting to get worried, as the offense didn't show much punch the first two weeks of the 2010 season. What did Henne do to respond? How about throwing for 363 yards and 2 TDs against the 2009 top ranked defense? Henne read the field well and worked quickly through his progressions. If the defense had played half as good as they did the first 2 weeks, the Dolphins would be 3-0 and we'd all be doing cartwheels and jaegerbombs. Great game Chad, keep it up!
Game Ball #2 - Brandon Marshall
The Beast was targeted early and often against the Jets. In total, he was targeted 17 times. He amassed 166 receiving yards and a TD. He made play after play and is showing why the Dolphins traded 2 second round draft picks for him. Apparently, he was a bit gassed by the end of the game. Dan Henning actually said earlier that The Beast needed an IV at halftime. He's working hard and it's showing. It's good to see The Beast and Henne getting into sync.
Game Ball #3 - Brian Hartline
I know this guy was beginning to get mocked and called out for his performance in the preseason and in weeks 1 and 2. But Hartline is going to be a very solid pro. He won't make many Pro Bowls, but he's working on being more consistent and it's easy to see that the guy is talented. Devone Bess also had a solid game against the Jets. It's imperative that these two make plays opposite The Beast, because they will be singled up in coverage and must win those one on one battles for the offense to work.
There you go, our game balls for week 3. I couldn't bring myself to give a game ball to anyone on the defense because they looked terrible for the most part. I will mention, however, that Karlos Dansby is looking every bit like the LB that we thought we were bringing in. I can't wait to see he and Channing Crowder patrolling the middle of the defense soon.
Game Ball #1 - Chad Henne
Henne has shown flashes at times during time as a starter. "Some" were starting to get worried, as the offense didn't show much punch the first two weeks of the 2010 season. What did Henne do to respond? How about throwing for 363 yards and 2 TDs against the 2009 top ranked defense? Henne read the field well and worked quickly through his progressions. If the defense had played half as good as they did the first 2 weeks, the Dolphins would be 3-0 and we'd all be doing cartwheels and jaegerbombs. Great game Chad, keep it up!
Game Ball #2 - Brandon Marshall
The Beast was targeted early and often against the Jets. In total, he was targeted 17 times. He amassed 166 receiving yards and a TD. He made play after play and is showing why the Dolphins traded 2 second round draft picks for him. Apparently, he was a bit gassed by the end of the game. Dan Henning actually said earlier that The Beast needed an IV at halftime. He's working hard and it's showing. It's good to see The Beast and Henne getting into sync.
Game Ball #3 - Brian Hartline
I know this guy was beginning to get mocked and called out for his performance in the preseason and in weeks 1 and 2. But Hartline is going to be a very solid pro. He won't make many Pro Bowls, but he's working on being more consistent and it's easy to see that the guy is talented. Devone Bess also had a solid game against the Jets. It's imperative that these two make plays opposite The Beast, because they will be singled up in coverage and must win those one on one battles for the offense to work.
There you go, our game balls for week 3. I couldn't bring myself to give a game ball to anyone on the defense because they looked terrible for the most part. I will mention, however, that Karlos Dansby is looking every bit like the LB that we thought we were bringing in. I can't wait to see he and Channing Crowder patrolling the middle of the defense soon.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Post Game: NY Jets hold off Dolphins 31-23
Well, last night, after all the hype, all of the build up, the Dolphins came up short against their AFC East rivals. The Dolphins fell behind early 14-0, but mounted a comeback and even took the lead for a short period of time before giving it right back. There are a lot of things to criticize from this game about the Dolphins. The Defense. The Special Teams. The Coaching/play calling. Any way you slice it, the Dolphins dropped to 2-1 and now share the AFC East lead with the Jets and Patriots after 3 games. The Jets hold an advantage, however, as they are 2-0 in the division and have beaten the Dolphins and Patriots. Please keep in mind Dol Phans, this is only week 3. The season is long and there is a lot of football to be played, so please do not overreact! Let's take a look at our 3 keys to the game and see how the Dolphins fared:
Key #1 - Stop the Run
The defense that allowed AP to rush for 160+ yards last week, again showed that they are suspect in this department. The Dolphins allowed 146 yards on the ground to the Jets with a 5.0 ypc average. This is unacceptable and a major reason the Dolphins lost. Whether it was Greene, or LT, or Brad Smith running the Jets wildcat, the Dolphins front 7 couldn't get the job done. This area could be improved moving forward, as the Dolphins could have Channing Crowder AND Jared Odrick back for next Monday's matchup against the Pats.
Key #2 - Air it Out
This is the one key that the Dolphins did accomplish in the game. They exposed the Jets secondary (without Revis) and Chad Henne threw for 363 yards. I think this was a big part of the game plan, but it was made even more prevalent when the Jets jumped out to an early lead. Brandon Marshall was targeted 17 times and caught 10 balls for 166 yards and a TD. Bess and Hartline also got in the act, each going over the 80 yard mark. Chad Henne looked good and went quickly through his progressions. On the first play from scrimmage, Brian Hartline had man coverage and beat Kyle Wilson...Unfortunately, the ball was overthrown by about 2 feet on what would have been a touchdown pass. You have to like what we saw out of the passing offense last night.
Get Lead Early
Another key area that the Dolphins failed in. The Dolphins defense allowed the Jets to walk up and down the field in the first quarter, as they jumped out to a 14-0 lead. The Dolphins managed to come back, but the hole they dug early, certainly made the game a lot more difficult. The Dolphins made adjustments and actually covered Dustin Keller in the second half, but the early deficit stuck the Dolphins in a hole they hadn't been in all year. Just think, if they can hold the Jets to 2 field goals (at least), they would have been up 10-6 at the half and the game would have been much different.
Again, this is a tough loss to stomach, but the Jets are a good team. The AFC East is going to be a fight all year and every team in the division has tough games coming up. The Jets won the first battle here, but please remember it's only week 3. All is not lost. The Dolphins showed in the first 2 games that their defense can take over a game. Last night, the offense showed it can compete in a shootout, even against the best defense in 2009. There are signs of hope for this Dolphins team....
Key #1 - Stop the Run
The defense that allowed AP to rush for 160+ yards last week, again showed that they are suspect in this department. The Dolphins allowed 146 yards on the ground to the Jets with a 5.0 ypc average. This is unacceptable and a major reason the Dolphins lost. Whether it was Greene, or LT, or Brad Smith running the Jets wildcat, the Dolphins front 7 couldn't get the job done. This area could be improved moving forward, as the Dolphins could have Channing Crowder AND Jared Odrick back for next Monday's matchup against the Pats.
Key #2 - Air it Out
This is the one key that the Dolphins did accomplish in the game. They exposed the Jets secondary (without Revis) and Chad Henne threw for 363 yards. I think this was a big part of the game plan, but it was made even more prevalent when the Jets jumped out to an early lead. Brandon Marshall was targeted 17 times and caught 10 balls for 166 yards and a TD. Bess and Hartline also got in the act, each going over the 80 yard mark. Chad Henne looked good and went quickly through his progressions. On the first play from scrimmage, Brian Hartline had man coverage and beat Kyle Wilson...Unfortunately, the ball was overthrown by about 2 feet on what would have been a touchdown pass. You have to like what we saw out of the passing offense last night.
Get Lead Early
Another key area that the Dolphins failed in. The Dolphins defense allowed the Jets to walk up and down the field in the first quarter, as they jumped out to a 14-0 lead. The Dolphins managed to come back, but the hole they dug early, certainly made the game a lot more difficult. The Dolphins made adjustments and actually covered Dustin Keller in the second half, but the early deficit stuck the Dolphins in a hole they hadn't been in all year. Just think, if they can hold the Jets to 2 field goals (at least), they would have been up 10-6 at the half and the game would have been much different.
Again, this is a tough loss to stomach, but the Jets are a good team. The AFC East is going to be a fight all year and every team in the division has tough games coming up. The Jets won the first battle here, but please remember it's only week 3. All is not lost. The Dolphins showed in the first 2 games that their defense can take over a game. Last night, the offense showed it can compete in a shootout, even against the best defense in 2009. There are signs of hope for this Dolphins team....
Friday, September 24, 2010
Keys to the Game: NY Jets @ Miami Dolphins
This week feels like a special week. Why? Because it's Jets week. Living in New Jersey, I've had to endure listening to the Jets and their fans claim how good they are for the last 8 months. I even had a business associate take me to the Monday night game when the Jets lost to the Ravens. After all of this nonsense, I have an even deeper loathing for the Jets. They are cocky, arrogant, and truly have taken on the 'win at all costs' approach of their head coach. With that, I would love nothing more than our Orange Offensive led Dolphins wipe the floor with them this Sunday night. Here are the keys to victory:
Key #1 - Stop the Run
Last week Adrian Peterson ran wild over the Dolphins. He's one of the best backs in the league, so that has to be taken into consideration. There were runs were he was stuffed, but made something happen. The Dolphins must limit the yards for Greene and Tomlinson early and often. If the Dolphins can force Sanchez and the Jets into 2nd and 9, 3rd and 7's, he will make mistakes. The Jets are at their best when they have short down and distance equations. The Dolphins must keep the Jets running game in check and under 100 yards.
Key #2 - Air it Out
The Dolphins have won 2 games because of their defense. The offense has been conservative, in part because of the play calling and in part because of breakdowns in the passing game that have not allowed for big plays to happen. The Jets secondary was thrown on and penalized greatly against the Ravens. IF (big if), IF Derrelle Revis doesn't play, they will be starting Antonio Cromartie and Kyle Wilson. Cromartie is a solid corner, but can be beaten. Wilson can be exposed, especially by the Dolphins veteran receivers. The Dolphins have to open up the playbook and stretch the field. The Jets defense is very stout against the run. I watched first hand as they held the Ravens to under 2.0 yards per carry in the Monday Night game. The Dolphins must stretch the field and make the Jets respect a balanced offense. I'd say Henne will need to throw for about 200 + yards for this to happen.
Key #3 - Get the lead early
This goes without saying. However, it means even more when the atmosphere at Sun Life is going to be crazy on Sunday Night. From the Orange Offensive, to the crowd howling on when the defense is on the field, the Dolphins will be jacked up. The Dolphins must feed off the crowd in their home opener. They CANNOT let the Jets get out to an early lead and take the crowd out of the game. Plus, if the Dolphins can get an early lead, they will force Mark Sanchez and minimize the Jets running attack. We know he led the league in interceptions last year...The Phins must force him into mistakes and getting the early lead will help that. Fun Fact - The Dolphins have not trailed yet this season. Not for a second.
There you have it, the 3 keys to the game that we here at Phin Nation think will go a long way in determining if the Dolphins advance to 3-0 and knock the Jets to 1-2. LETS GO DOLPHINS!!!
Key #1 - Stop the Run
Last week Adrian Peterson ran wild over the Dolphins. He's one of the best backs in the league, so that has to be taken into consideration. There were runs were he was stuffed, but made something happen. The Dolphins must limit the yards for Greene and Tomlinson early and often. If the Dolphins can force Sanchez and the Jets into 2nd and 9, 3rd and 7's, he will make mistakes. The Jets are at their best when they have short down and distance equations. The Dolphins must keep the Jets running game in check and under 100 yards.
Key #2 - Air it Out
The Dolphins have won 2 games because of their defense. The offense has been conservative, in part because of the play calling and in part because of breakdowns in the passing game that have not allowed for big plays to happen. The Jets secondary was thrown on and penalized greatly against the Ravens. IF (big if), IF Derrelle Revis doesn't play, they will be starting Antonio Cromartie and Kyle Wilson. Cromartie is a solid corner, but can be beaten. Wilson can be exposed, especially by the Dolphins veteran receivers. The Dolphins have to open up the playbook and stretch the field. The Jets defense is very stout against the run. I watched first hand as they held the Ravens to under 2.0 yards per carry in the Monday Night game. The Dolphins must stretch the field and make the Jets respect a balanced offense. I'd say Henne will need to throw for about 200 + yards for this to happen.
Key #3 - Get the lead early
This goes without saying. However, it means even more when the atmosphere at Sun Life is going to be crazy on Sunday Night. From the Orange Offensive, to the crowd howling on when the defense is on the field, the Dolphins will be jacked up. The Dolphins must feed off the crowd in their home opener. They CANNOT let the Jets get out to an early lead and take the crowd out of the game. Plus, if the Dolphins can get an early lead, they will force Mark Sanchez and minimize the Jets running attack. We know he led the league in interceptions last year...The Phins must force him into mistakes and getting the early lead will help that. Fun Fact - The Dolphins have not trailed yet this season. Not for a second.
There you have it, the 3 keys to the game that we here at Phin Nation think will go a long way in determining if the Dolphins advance to 3-0 and knock the Jets to 1-2. LETS GO DOLPHINS!!!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Orange Offensive: Dolphins need YOU!
The Miami Dolphins are asking you to be a part of the game Sunday night against the hated big mouths from New York. Every Dolphins fan attending the game is asked to wear orange in solidarity to support the Dolphins. The Dolphins, for their part, are giving out orange rally towels. In addition, the Phins will be wearing their orange jerseys that so many love (and hate!).
Coach Sparano even mentioned the fans as being critical in the game on Sunday. So when the Dolphins Defense is on the field, be sure to scream, yell, and make any type of noise to disrupt the Jets offense. Even Howling is acceptable! From Sean Smith to Randy Starks, the players are taking a fans suggestion to 'Feed the Wolf' by howling when the Dolphins are on Defense.
There will be Jets fans at the game, but the Dolphins fans MUST overtake them and drown them out.
So get out to Sun Life Stadium and let the Jets know that you are in Dolphins Country!!!!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
The Wolf needs to be fed, FEED HIM
The Dolphins have their catch phrase for the year "Feed the Wolf". Well, the Wolf has been nibbling on appetizers for the first 2 weeks of the season. The Wolf is ready for the main course. The Dolphins, off to an impressive 2-0 start, must put all of their early success behind them. And they have to do it right now. Why? Because the Dolphins face the 2 teams that will challenge them for the division title this year, in the next two weeks. The Dolphins 1 win was against a non-conference opponent (Vikings), which doesn't do much to help playoff tiebreaking (waaay to early to think about it, but why not mention it!).
The next 2 games are crucial for setting up the rest of Miami's season. We knew going in that the 1st half was going to be drastically harder than the second half. Well, the Dolphins overcame a tough game in Minnesota and now head home for 2 games against the Jets and Patriots. If the Dolphins hope to win the division, they must not lose both games. They must AT LEAST split these two games and come out 3-1. Why? Well the Dolphins are getting both teams at home now and will have to travel to their stadiums later in the year. If the Dolphins can start 3-1 and have a 2-1 division record after the first round with AFC East foes, then they are in decent shape. However, 2-2 with a 1-2 record against the AFC East is big trouble.
So it's officially time to stop celebrating and time to look forward to the Dolphins next challenge. They MUST at least split these next 2 games. Now, if the Dolphins were to win these next 2 and go 4-0 into the bye, they will be the talk of the NFL. They will have a 3-0 record in the division and will be in great shape. Time will tell, but I'm sure Tony Sparano is preaching the same message.
LET'S GO DOLPHINS!!!!
The next 2 games are crucial for setting up the rest of Miami's season. We knew going in that the 1st half was going to be drastically harder than the second half. Well, the Dolphins overcame a tough game in Minnesota and now head home for 2 games against the Jets and Patriots. If the Dolphins hope to win the division, they must not lose both games. They must AT LEAST split these two games and come out 3-1. Why? Well the Dolphins are getting both teams at home now and will have to travel to their stadiums later in the year. If the Dolphins can start 3-1 and have a 2-1 division record after the first round with AFC East foes, then they are in decent shape. However, 2-2 with a 1-2 record against the AFC East is big trouble.
So it's officially time to stop celebrating and time to look forward to the Dolphins next challenge. They MUST at least split these next 2 games. Now, if the Dolphins were to win these next 2 and go 4-0 into the bye, they will be the talk of the NFL. They will have a 3-0 record in the division and will be in great shape. Time will tell, but I'm sure Tony Sparano is preaching the same message.
LET'S GO DOLPHINS!!!!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Game Balls for Week 2: Miami Dolphins vs. Minnesota Vikings
Here at Phin Nation, we will be giving game balls for each Dolphins game, win or lose. We aren't into splitting game balls, that's an easy way out. You can't split a football or it's no longer a football. Below are the 3 Game Balls we are handing out this week after the 14-10 win over the Minnesota Vikings:
Game Ball #1 - Jason Allen
I'm not sure what happened to Mr. Allen, but this year he is a completely new man. He earned the starting CB spot opposite Vontae Davis before week 1 and doesn't seem to want to give it up. Jason Allen had 2 picks and would have had a third if Benny Sapp didn't jump offsides. Allen's turnaround has been great, but he must continue his solid play because teams will likely target him more now, with Vontae turning into a Pro Bowl caliber CB. Great to see him living up to his 1st round potential!
Game Ball #2 - Vontae Davis
When Vontae was drafted out of Illinois, we knew had potential. Granted, we are only talking about 2 games this year, but thus far he looks like the real deal. He not only shuts down his side of the field, but he does a great job in run support. He sniffs out screens well and can tackle in the open field. He had an incredible pick yesterday on the Dolphins goal line that saved points. He also finished off the crucial 4th and 1 run by Adrian Peterson when Karlos Dansby made the initial stop. Keep it up 2-1!
Game Ball #3 - Cameron Wake
Wake, the converted DE is playing very well as an OLB. He is disruptive in passing situations and holds his own against the run. He had the biggest play of the game, stripping Brett Favre in the end zone, leading to the Koa Misi fumble recovery for a TD. Great to see this man playing well. He always seems to turn the corner in a hurry and will be giving tackles nightmares as they prepare to face him. Yesterday, he collected 1.5 sacks, giving him 2.5 on the season. Great start by Cameron Wake in 2010!
Game Ball #1 - Jason Allen
I'm not sure what happened to Mr. Allen, but this year he is a completely new man. He earned the starting CB spot opposite Vontae Davis before week 1 and doesn't seem to want to give it up. Jason Allen had 2 picks and would have had a third if Benny Sapp didn't jump offsides. Allen's turnaround has been great, but he must continue his solid play because teams will likely target him more now, with Vontae turning into a Pro Bowl caliber CB. Great to see him living up to his 1st round potential!
Game Ball #2 - Vontae Davis
When Vontae was drafted out of Illinois, we knew had potential. Granted, we are only talking about 2 games this year, but thus far he looks like the real deal. He not only shuts down his side of the field, but he does a great job in run support. He sniffs out screens well and can tackle in the open field. He had an incredible pick yesterday on the Dolphins goal line that saved points. He also finished off the crucial 4th and 1 run by Adrian Peterson when Karlos Dansby made the initial stop. Keep it up 2-1!
Game Ball #3 - Cameron Wake
Wake, the converted DE is playing very well as an OLB. He is disruptive in passing situations and holds his own against the run. He had the biggest play of the game, stripping Brett Favre in the end zone, leading to the Koa Misi fumble recovery for a TD. Great to see this man playing well. He always seems to turn the corner in a hurry and will be giving tackles nightmares as they prepare to face him. Yesterday, he collected 1.5 sacks, giving him 2.5 on the season. Great start by Cameron Wake in 2010!
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