Listen, I don’t have the time to post so much these days. Not in the Club where I always post and certainly not down here. A lot of you probably don't even know who I am. But I do a lot with CK, the Universal Draft stuff and all the Sun Sentinel stuff and analysis we did on players like Cam Newton and Ryan Mallett, etc. If you're so inclined you'll know who I am. Anyway........ What I will say halfway into the season is this; Bruce Arians was right. And Bruce Arians is a hell of a coach. It’s going to take a new quarterback time. 8 games in a new offense to find anything like your rhythm. And actually, Ryan seems a bit ahead of the curve because in London, the second half of the Green Bay game through Chicago and Jacksonville, he’s looked a totally different player. Totally different. No, he doesn’t climb the pocket very well and he doesn’t have a natural feel for protection but he looks a better, more confident, more accurate passer. I watched back the Green Bay, Chicago and Jacksonville games on the cut-down version of Gamepass last night and then key plays from the coaches tape. He is a significantly better quarterback TODAY than he was in week one. There’s a confidence about him. And I think his ability to be unleashed in the running game is helping that. It’s keeping defences honest and it’s giving him cleaner windows to throw into. Does that mark to a slight inaccuracy? Yes of course. But let’s not kid ourselves that many of the great QB’s have used an artifice to increase their numbers; look at the gimmick offenses that Tom Brady has run in his career. Taking nothing away from Brady because he’s a genius but he’s run a lot of gimmicky stuff that’s inflated his numbers. Ryan LOOKS like an NFL passer now. Some of his throws are absolute money strikes. I don’t think he gets enough credit for the great throws but he sure gets enough criticism if he misses a pass. He’s also not been helped by dropped passes. And it’s something to have your two favourite targets ridiculously out of form (Hartline) and injured and operating at 70% (Charles Clay). He’s built a stronger relationship with Dion Sims, Mike Wallace and Jarvis Landry out of necessity. And he’s built a better repertoire of throws, his body looks better during delivery and he’s working progressions far better. And let’s be brutally honest; the dreadful first half against Jacksonville was down to two factors: 1. Terrible OL play, specifically from Colledge putting us in x and long situations. 2. Poor play calling – I like Bill Lazar but I don’t think he called a good first half. Lamar Miller looks a significantly better back. He’s running with authority and the one cut and go runs are really suiting his style. If he had any vision or ability to break tackles at the second level he’d be up there with Demarco Murray because he’s had so many “one man to beat” opportunities. His blocking is better as well. He’s sinking his hips on contact. Daniel Thomas looks better both as a runner and a receiver. Out wide, Wallace LOOKS like he’s becoming a leader. I don’t care much for what he said during the week about wanting to get the ball deeper. He looks like he’s competing more for balls, he’s much more physical after the catch and I see no way that he’s not on the team next season. Not sure I can say the same for Hartline. He can’t get open, he’s dropping balls and he’s struggling with wet ankles after the catch. Not the same for Jarvis Landry who had a slow start but I just love the kid. He’s tougher, he plays faster, he’ll block and he’s deservedly moved up the depth chart. Brandon Gibson looks to have had his role taken from him by Landry and I don’t see him on the team next year. One thing that I don’t get is the lack of involvement for Rishard Matthews. As much as I like Lazar – and I do, he’s an NFL head coach in waiting – I don’t think he’s made enough of Matthews. I suspect we’ll see a WR drafted fairly early again in May. In part because I think they’ll face a question with Hartline and they’re probably a year away from a similar decision over Wallace. The tight end position has been in flux because of Clay’s injury. He’s a really, really good player when healthy. It’s just getting him there. Dion Sims is improving but he’s limited as a receiver who doesn’t have the flexibility to stretch a field. I think he’s a better blocker than he’s given credit for. I know people like Hoskins but he’s just a guy to me. Again I could see us move for a tight end in May. John Benton might be our MVP. Not only has he made that unit into something approaching a top 12 unit in the league given how dreadful it was a year ago, he’s also done it with five new faces and his best lineman, nee one of THE best linemen in the NFL playing a different position. Branden Albert has been outstanding at left tackle. He really, really has. You look at how bad a season Anthony Collins has had for Tampa and how he’s likely going to get kicked inside and it highlights just how well Albert is playing. He’s operating close to an All Pro level. His run blocking has been much better and I think the fact that he allowed one pressure in 200+ snaps to start the season says it all really. Ja’Wuan James has gone about his job silently which is a really good thing. I think he’s played every snap this season. His pass pro is solid, his run blocking is better than I thought. He’s had the occasional struggle – Jacksonville on Sunday is a good example – but what I love about him is that he seems to take in game adjustment and coaching very well. He’s handled some very good pass rushers very well; Chandler Jones, Julius Peppers and although he has some big ones on the slate – especially Von Miller – he’s been pretty rock solid for a rookie right tackle who’s smart and looks to be getting better. That’s a very good pick right there for Hickey. Inside, Colledge has been average, but better than what was there last year. But he’s a stop gap. Satele has exceeded all expectations and it’s great to have Pouncey back. Despite his slow start – understandable really – he’s been very solid and it’s a marvel to see how mobile he remains. The disappointment seems to be the lack of development of Dallas Thomas – that looks like another waster high round pick – although to his credit he did well against Jacksonville. Billy Turner needs to get healthy; essentially this is fast becoming a redshirt season. And Shelley Smith is probably one and done in Miami. Defensively we’re a really good team and a lot of credit goes to Kevin Coyle and Dennis Hickey. That defensive line and the rotation is outstanding. Wake is as good as there is in the game and Vernon is disgustingly underrated. He’s a far better run defender than he’s given credit for and he’s a constant threat on the edge. Jared Odrick is a player we can’t afford to let go but it’s going to come down to money. Can we get him for under $6 million a year? I doubt it. Randy Starks continues to play at a high level; he’s one of the most underrated defensive players in football and Earl Mitchell has been a revelation. Man he works hard. How often is he on the perimeter chasing down or making plays. Talk about a substantial upgrade from Paul Soliai. Derrick Shelby is a starter for 75% of teams and Fede has looked solid especially given that he was a 7th round pick from a tiny school. The linebackers have been mix and match; I think Ellerbe and especially Wheeler are finished in Miami, although I could see a scenario where Ellerbe comes back. Wheeler? No. Jelani Jenkins deserves huge credit. He’s playing very well, he’s active, he runs well and Kevin Coyle has found something that works with him; he can attack the LOS very well and he’s creating plays at the second level – his forced fumble of Bortles for example was a heady, veteran play. I don’t think any of us came into the season thinking that Jenkins would be one of the best 43 linebackers in the game but at this stage that’s where he is. 7th in the league overall tackles with a couple of sacks and a couple of FF. I’d have taken that at the start of the year. Koa Misi is a big miss for me in the middle but you have to question how healthy he’s going to be moving forwards. He’s not completed a full season since 2010. The Dolphins are also getting good support from Freeney, Trusnik and Chris McCain who should take a Jenkins style jump up next season with more experience. And the elephant in the room remains Dion Jordan; what’s his best position, does he want it enough, how bright is he, will he get dealt in the off-season? Only time will tell. The secondary has also vastly improved; Reshad Jones is right. He IS one of the best safeties in the NFL. I like the fact that he came back from a down year and a suspension in phenomenal shape physically and has been ballin’ from snap one. He’s a really good player. Delmas has been generally pretty solid given his position flip flop and he’s stayed healthy. Grimes remains one of the best players at his position and although Finnegan is the weaker link, his play has been much improved. The disappointment for me has been Will Davis who has struggled. I’ve seen far better play from Jamar Taylor in the last two or three weeks. He is glove like in coverage at times. He know needs to take a step on and look for the football in the air. He’s a PI waiting to happen at times but I’m encouraged by his improvement. Jimmy Wilson is a solid contributor but not a starter; he can’t tackle. The ST unit has survived some issues and it’s interesting that more starters are playing. Dion Jordan’s return has helped. Landry is a decisive and deceptive return man although he’s not a quick twitch punt returner. The specialists are a quandary; Sturgis inspires no confidence in me whatsoever. I feel like he’s going to let me down whenever he steps up to kick and I have no confidence that he could rattle home a game winner at the buzzer. And Brandon Fields has fallen off the face of the earth. To his credit he had a strong game against the Jags – I’m sure it had nothing to do with the college style formation but whatever he found it was working. Coaching wise, Philbin inspires nothing in me beyond the bland. Where I will credit him is half time adjustments; Miami are a brilliant second half team. That however shouldn’t excuse poor first half malaise; Oakland and Chicago aside. Coyle and Lazar have been very solid and further special nods should go to Adams and Anarumo, Mark Duffner and Kacy Rodgers who has to be arguably the best position coach in the NFL. Overall we’re a good team and a playoff calibre team and if Tannehill can maintain the hot arm that he’s shown in London, Green Bay, Chicago and when he got rhythm against the Jaguars, we’re the sort of team who, with confidence, can make a playoff run. And a deep playoff run. These four games are huge. We could easily go 0-4 but just as easily go 4-0. It’s going to be a fascinating run in. And one that will probably determine the future of our quarterback and most certainly our head coach.
For those of you on the fence, this is why a club membership is essential. While Boomer may not post as much as he used to, this is the quality you an expect on a regular basis.
I remember the last time Miami played in London. We met there and you posted your weekly "We're in trouble thread". Our record that year: 1-15. So hopefully you are right again and we click soon enough to make the deep playoff run. Back in 2007 in London we saw the eventual Superbowl champ (thank you Giants!) and since the Raiders may have a 1-15 record...
Excellent post. As always. You're my favorite contributor to this site, Boomer... it's good to see you stop by.
Great write up. I agree Tannehill is showing more confidence also. It seems he has a more confident aura about him that he never showed before, even in his interviews it shows. It used to be he seemingly acted like he was reading off cue cards trying to just say the right things but now I see a different side of him. If he gets on a roll and stays consistent we can be in for an exciting second half of the season. Again, great insightful post.
This has to be one of the weakest links in my eyes right now. Never feel confident when we look to him. Oh and great to see you stop in mate, nice write up.
Thanks Boomer for your write up., glad to have you back and contributing here, even if it is just a few times. It's a lot of fun to read your posts, looking forward to more.
The one thing I'll say about Sturgis is the one and only time he had a pressure filled kick, he nailed it. (To send Cincy game into overtime.) But, yeah, I get vey nervous when he's called upon. I hope he can become more trustworthy.
He makes us nervous..but I think hes like 13 for 16, and two of the misses were blocked. Hes been pretty accurate.
There's been no bigger surprise (negatively) for me than Caleb Sturgis. The guy with the strong leg who made all the big kicks at Florida, struggling in the pros. It doesn't help to watch Dan Carpenter go to a division rival and kick at an elite level. In short, he's having the two best years of his career in Buffalo. He's 50/55 (90.9%) in 23 games with the Bills. Only 2 misses under 50 yards. Maybe it's finally getting that hamstring healthy and making a few kicks to get his confidence back. There no reason Sturgis can't do it. He did it on the big stage in the SEC.
on top of that it drives me nuts {in a good way} what we have to keep to ourselves in fight club...true story.
Good to hear you're doing good, as always I enjoyed the write up. Its going to be another season of having to win a couple in a row down the stretch to have a chance but if Tannehill is playing at a high level thats a strong possibility. If we don't beat the Bills once we don't deserve the playoffs.
Excellent write up and yes, this is but a taste of the in-depth Boomer and others produce in the Club. The in-depth discussion and more importantly, insider information is incredible. Your write up is about as unbiased as I've seen around here in a while. Pretty fair. I think if you stick around this place too much you become polarized a little. I do find it interesting you don't find Philbin all that impressive but the pieces around him are all improving year over year (save for Tanny learning the new offense). Who's responsible for the half time adjustments? Philbin? Lazor? Both? I think it was Section126 who stated half time adjustments are a myth. After doing a little reading I am of the opinion there are obviously half time adjustments but they're primarily among the coaches (not players who have no time) and not as significant as made out to be sometimes.
I know for a fact that half time adjustments aren't a myth. That comes from the playing staff. What we need to get away from is the fact that whatever your opinion of Philbin, there are some very, very good football coaches on that team. Not just the co-ordinators but guys like Adams, Anarumo, Campbell, Benton, O'Keefe, Rodgers, etc.
Boomer, I remember you very well. Pleasure to read your keen (and well-written! "climbing the pocket" "wet ankles") insights once again.
Great stuff Boomer. I remember when everyone bolted from Finheaven and I was wondering where everyone went. I used to go watch the games at Miami Mike's in Jersey. I used to drive all the way from NY to watch the games. I remember Mike used to call me New York. Well, it was there where I met one of this site's "First ladies", njphinfan(Mary). Her, I and LOTS of other Phin fans used to watch the games together. I remember talking to her about where everyone from Finheaven went and my first question was ; "Where's Boom"? Anyway, I always dig reading your stuff. Always informative, yet very down to earth, fair and honest. I agree with the points you made. Funny, I always bring up the halftime adjustments when pointing out a positive about the coaching staff. See ya' around.
you can use credit card, go to the main forum and look under the club section, you will see a link that says ''subscribe to the club''
Bruce arians is just the baddest dude in the game.. I remember two years ago, I was looking at him in some interviews, heard some micd up stuff and that was it, I was sure and went on the record stating he would be a great football coach..Cardinals were easy money in vegas on the overall win total lines. I believe Carson Palmer took that half of season to adjust as well.. I just can't believe how much talent they've lost yet are still playing at this level.
I got tired of other sites and their circus, and I have to admit The Phins regular forums are very good no so much hate and fairly balanced, then I thought drink one less case of beer join the Club. You know what, my liver was a little happier and I have a significantly better understanding of the team and its talent and potential future because of the people that participate in the discussions, thank you all. Best money I ever spent in the internets.
To subscribe, click here. We have been through this before.You use your credit card to get credit in a Paypal account.Its a very simple procedure . We dont accept credit cards directly. You may also mail a check for 24 dollars to the following address: ThePHINS.com 5510 W La Salle St, Suite 211 Tampa, FL 33607
Ryan when using his legs in the gameplan looks like he has improved his level of play, I like the way he's setting up his platform quicker, and he's driving the ball better and finishing with his follow thru, he's still has to work on his touch, if you notice, he's been firing the ball very hard at close range lately, especially on slants.. The question for me remains is he going to embrace that his legs can help him be a better qb, and understand that there are tangible things he has to do to force the sense of urgency on his part. He Talked about how the team must play with a better sense of urgency, well, he first must look into the mirror and figure out how he's going to do that individually.
I don't even think you need to actually get credit or fund a Paypal account anymore. Create account, Send money, and give your Credit Card when it asks how you want to pay.....
One thing I don't understand and forgive me if this is out of line, but what does this club money go to? Websites are trivially cheap to run nowadays. Also, can you use some of that money to enable SSL? I don't like passwords going to sites in the clear.
Good to see Boomer back a bit. I personally think ST as a whole has been maddeningly frustrating to watch, block a kick, miss a kick. Spot on the next 4 games being pretty much Philbins last stand, also think THill is one of the worst looking athletes I've ever seen run with the football..it looks like a pee wee league Rb is running for their life vs adults.
Bro I think you have the wrong site .Unlike other sites who cry poverty you have never seen us solicit funds or Club memberships .It promotes itself by the commentary of our Club members. Nor are we going to tolerate members who cant be civil to each other or who are looking to troll ,disrupt or antagonize ....just to keep up the advertising numbers . Because of that our general membership numbers are relatively modest. We are more interested in quality ,respect and friendship than we are in numbers. This is a tight group of hard core dolphin fans who have been together for over a decade.We want to keep it that way. BTW there are a lot of benefits to having a private forum besides funds .We have been lucky to have some members with insider info who only feel comfortable to share that info in a private forum.Members are sworn not to disclose that info .Thats why some members refer to it as Fight Club.
I understand this site has higher quality of posts and a better atmosphere, which is why I like coming here. Just meant costs of running a site are a lot lower than they used to be.
Come on dude, it takes man hours to run this machine, and I'm sure some computer gig/bandwidth stuff to keep it functioning quickly without pop ups everywhere..it's about rewarding the people a little bit so they are not coming out of pocket to fund OUR entertainment, hell I hope they actually start to make some money for their ethical practices in running this site and keeping it up to a standard look and functional wise that is the very best. Do your self a favor, go look around at all these teams fan sites...they all pale in comparison to the quality of this site..it's not even close..today I got so frustrated trying to read the format of a team site I just left, it's ridiculius how they can't see how we would like a site to present itself to us...Muck, Crunch and Co. Understand how the site should be viewer friendly. No kiss *** here, just the plain truth. As far as the club, sorry, I don't talk about fight club, just know that there I things I know that You don't...
For the life of me I can't figure out where on earth you are coming from on this, pads. I've seen him lunge into the end zone like a maniac, getting spun around like elway ( last season ), and he's actually been making tacklers miss in the open field lately. Did you see him blow right passed the safety in Chicago ? Dude should have stopped him for a short gain, but tannehill literally ran right around him and had to be dragged down by a couple guys. You know he's 6'4 too right ? I suggest you enjoy some clips of tannehill runs to refresh the memory !
he's deceptively fast, strait line long speed..and simply just goes downhill, one cut here and there, it doesn't work when he's in the pocket, his lateral agility and quick twitch is not there, but I'll take the speed on the read option.