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Thoughts on the Fins/Chargers Game

Discussion in 'Miami Dolphins Forum' started by KeyFin, Sep 29, 2019.

  1. KeyFin

    KeyFin Well-Known Member

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    Should we start this one with the good news or the bad news?

    Let's go with the bad. In the last three games, Miami has remained competitive UNTIL they get down by 2+ touchdowns. Once that happens, they are forced to go max protect and rely on intermediate passing....which is something Rosen is good at when he has a balanced offense a 4 receivers running routes.

    But with two receivers and an all-out blitz? It's a recipe for disaster since this team can't play from behind.

    The good news is that there were a lot of positives today- we ran the ball well. We blocked well. The defense was pretty consistent against the run until the TOP went all haywire. We had an excellent chance to win today but the team just couldn't stay on script and own their identity.

    Of, that's probably the best news of all....we have an identity now. This is a power running team that wants to come out and kick your *** in the trenches.

    As usual, I'm not going to go ultra in-depth this season until we actually have something to talk about- I'm not going to discuss play-making by third stringers who won't be here next season. But it was a fun game to watch today (until it wasn't) and I think we're starting to see some patterns forming. Preston Williams is young so he gets a season-long pass on all those drops, and I think Rosen has looked like a franchise QB two games in a row in the first halves. We need complete games from both these guys though to know what we really have.

    I think if the coaches stuck with the run we could have made this one competitive....maybe we still lost but it would have been closer anyway.
     
  2. The Guy

    The Guy Well-Known Member

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    Before the game the Dolphins were surrendering a league-worst 139.1 passer rating, and today was no different, as it surrendered a passer rating of 131.9 to the Chargers and Philip Rivers. Extremely difficult to win under those conditions.

    Like last week, the opposing team came out complacent in the first half, which kept the game close until the half, and then turned it on in the second half to dominate and win comfortably. The only reason the score wasn't as lopsided as in prior weeks is because the Chargers aren't as good as the Ravens, Patriots, or Cowboys, but the pattern of the game was no different than last week nonetheless.

    Here's a prediction: the Dolphins won't lose next week.

    Here's a tip: bet the Dolphins in first quarters and first halves, and bet opposing teams in second halves.
     
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  3. KeyFin

    KeyFin Well-Known Member

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    I think you're completely wrong- I don't think halftime played a factor in any of our four games. That's simply when the score became lopsided enough to where we had to abandon the run and play one-dimensional...which is basically impossible in a max protect offense (that still couldn't stop the blitz) with only 2 or 3 receivers.

    What changed in all three of the last games wasn't the opposite team- it was us.
     
  4. The Guy

    The Guy Well-Known Member

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    But why did the score become lopsided? Why have other teams outscored the Dolphins 81-0 in the second halves of games this year?
     
  5. cbrad

    cbrad .

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    It sure looked like halftime was a factor in the Cowboys and Chargers games. Rosen was good before halftime but crap afterwards. Also, in neither game was the score lopsided at that point. Cowboys were leading 10-6 at halftime while the Chargers were leading 17-10 at halftime.

    Total points scored in each quarter by the Dolphins and their opponents:

    Dolphins
    Q1: 10
    Q2: 16
    Q3: 0
    Q4: 0

    Opponents
    Q1: 47
    Q2: 35
    Q3: 37
    Q4: 44

    I know 81-0 looks like a really bad result (and it is) but if you notice, we're averaging 2.5 points in the 1st quarter, 4 points in the second and zero points in the 3rd and 4th. That's not a big difference. Basically just a FG. So while I agree something happened at halftime in the two games Rosen started, I'm not sure we're seeing a huge effect here. And the effect is only on the offensive side, not defense.
     
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  6. The Guy

    The Guy Well-Known Member

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    The only game this season in which there was a severely lopsided halftime score was the first one, where the Ravens were leading 42-10 at the half.

    Against the Patriots the halftime score was 13-0, against the Cowboys it was 10-6, and against the Chargers it was 17-10.

    My personal explanation for that is that the league discovered easily after week one how inferior the Dolphins are, and it then became difficult for any team to approach a game with them with their typical level of effort at the opening whistle.

    The three games after the first one have been marked by complacency by opposing teams in first halves, followed by domination and comfortable wins in second halves.
     
  7. cbrad

    cbrad .

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    I disagree with the complacency argument for today's game. That narrative fit the Cowboys game because we had just lost 59-10 and 43-0, but after the Cowboys experience where we were actually competitive in the 1st half I doubt other teams would feel that complacent. I also didn't see anything in today's game suggesting that the Chargers weren't playing as well as they could in the 1st half.

    Maybe if they had played Melvin Gordon in the 2nd half I'd agree with you but I think today just showed Rosen doesn't play that well when more pressure is put on his shoulders. Who knows though.. like I said the difference is just a FG and it's only on offense (why should "complacency" only affect our offense?) so maybe this all goes away after more games are played.
     
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  8. Vertical Limit

    Vertical Limit Senior Member

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    I saw some good things from Oshea’s offense in the first half, but what i didnt like is when the gap becomes bigger, he tends to abandon the run.. we are the dolphins.. we have rosen and a bunch or backups... stick to what worked.. this group isnt going to run a 2 min drill for a touchdown, we dont have that kind of talent here..

    on defense they did as well as they could... raekwon was good against the run... xavien and reshad made some plays.. taco charlton had a nice sack... we got a bunch of backups on defense just like we do on offense. I think defense is something that can be fixed immediately with Chase Young and 3 free agent signings (vic beasley, vonn bell, and a cb).

    Sanders has got to fix his problems by next week or cut him. The team does not deserve to see them lose points because some kicker cant do his job.. theres been no pressure on any of those kicks and weather was good. Last week it was in a dome and he missed
     
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  9. tirty8

    tirty8 Well-Known Member

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    Okay, I think that today was actually a positive.

    First of all - I think O'Shea is doing an exceptional job considering what he has to work with. I really am a big fan of his play calling.
    I think the line play is definitely improving in a big way. It is still less than idea, but I no longer think that the line is dangerous.
    I was impressed with Rosen. Again, we are seeing that accuracy that made him a first round pick.
    Taco's sack last week was kinda meh, but this week, he at least flashed that 1st round potential on the sack. You saw him put all of his physical tools together.

    -------------------------
    Okay there were definitely some negatives as well.

    First, OMG - Eric Rowe is absolute trash. Like, he needs to be cut.
    I think Ballage should lose his role to Walton. He has been a disaster every time he gets out there.
    The drops are killing us. Ford came in and caught passes. In my mind, he should be on the field over Grant.
    I still think Williams should be on the field, but man those drops really hurt.
    I think the coaching staff is getting beat at halftime. Either we are failing to adjust or opposing coaches are figuring us out at the half. Flores needs to make sure that this is getting figured out.
    Sanders has looked ugly two weeks in a row. I'm not cutting him yet, but I am nervous.
     
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  10. AGuyNamedAlex

    AGuyNamedAlex Well-Known Member

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    I think what is being said about complacency is a bit true. Now, I dont think its 100% that. We have improved in various aspects of the game and to think teams only get serious after half is a bit silly.

    I think one issue is the "here we go again" problem. Rosen is playing well all things considered and I'm not making a judgement either way on him at this point, but what I mean is once something goes wrong our team deflates and starts making mistakes.

    I think this compounds with a bit of subconscious complacency by our opponents early on to cause an avalanche later.
     
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  11. jdallen1222

    jdallen1222 Well-Known Member

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    What’s going on with Chandler Cox our FB? Has he been active in any games this year?
     
  12. The Guy

    The Guy Well-Known Member

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    Imagine how unprepared the Dolphins are psychologically to manage a sudden increase in effort by other teams, that results in their dominance week after week, due to the talent differential involved. I’m sure that would feel like a “here we go again.”
     
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  13. djphinfan

    djphinfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Taco was pretty good, like the way he gets off blocks and extends his body/length and athleticism to make the tackle..he needs to get stronger this offseason..

    Rosen needs to get stronger as well this offseason, his physicality is lacking and seemingly weak, contact balance and a lack of ball security coming from a lack of functional strength is evident imo.

    I don’t care if Raeqwon makes mistakes in the passing game, let the dude play damn it.

    Devante played a nice first half, didn’t get a target in the 2nd..

    Preston needs work on the jugs, maybe strengthening his young hands is a reason why were seeing some drops, sure is talented.

    Drake must of taken his meds today..

    Grant has never been a natural kick returner imo, punt yes, not kick, doesn’t understand space and angles, which is really important for a great kick returner..

    Gosh I hope Griers acumen didn’t singlehandedly select Gesicki and Harris, those two were not difficult to project as not first and 2nd round talent...Watt and Andrews would of been the right choices.jmo.

    Really like that we have two rookies on the line getting reps for us to evaluate..

    Texans lost..:). Man that’s huge.
     
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  14. Pauly

    Pauly Season Ticket Holder

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    I really don’t like how we abandon the run when we get behind. The Gase did it, as did Lazor before him.
    Our OL just isn’t good enough to stop an enemy D that knows a pass is coming and they are pinning their ears back and going all out for the pass rush. I know that intuitively when you’re behind that you want to pass to catch up. The problem is that the more predictable it is that you are going to pass the ball the better defenses are at shutting down the pass.
     
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  15. Sceeto

    Sceeto Well-Known Member

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    2 missed FGs really hurt.
     
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  16. tirty8

    tirty8 Well-Known Member

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    I think Ballage being so unexpectedly bad has really put a damper on this. Call it a hunch, this will not happen after the bye. I think Walton takes his role.
     
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  17. Vertical Limit

    Vertical Limit Senior Member

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    What i mostly got out of this game is, its the same old dolphins. Besides Wannstedt who was over obsessed with the run and overused Ricky Williams, every coach since him has had an issue with this concept. You can not abandon the run, period. The run keeps you in the game. every game is a marathon. But the point is to keep the chains moving, win time of possession, and stay competitive.

    Even the best quarterbacks in the NFL, with their god given arm talent, stay true to the running game. It opens up everything... the playaction, the OL strength, the deep ball..

    and if youre going to abandon the run all game, the only way that could possibly work is if you go no huddle. If youre letting the defense substitute and youre abandoning the run then thats a recipe for 3 and out. Thats just dumb football, and thats the same old dolphins ive been used to for years.
     
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  18. Colmax

    Colmax Well-Known Member

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    Miami got first possession in the 3rd. Miami’s first 4 plays in the 3rd quarter were runs. Then San Diego scores a FG on a drive that lasts over 10 mins. That was basically it. Miami’s issues are of their own making. D could not get off the field and offense struggled a bit. I don’t think they abandoned the run inasmuch as they could not stay with it to keep up. Weird how things just fall apart in the 2nd half.
     
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  19. Surfs Up 99

    Surfs Up 99 Team Flores & Team Tua

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    I was pleasantly surprised by the 1st half. Thought we were making some progress there. The 2nd half smacked us in the face. That's okay with me though as long as we continue to grow individually and as a team.

    Note: FYI: I am surprised by how much I like the NFL Game Pass. For only a $100 (plus tax) I get to see all the games and so far they have been available after I get home from work around 1800. It might be a nice alternative for those who don't want to spend big bucks on Direct TVs Season Ticket if they don't mind not being able to watch it live. I had no choice because of work, but once I adjusted to avoiding the sporting news and not watching it live, it hasn't been that bad. Plus it doesn't have commercials and you can use the remote to speed things up between plays. Just thought I would pass it along...
     
    Last edited: Sep 30, 2019
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  20. Sceeto

    Sceeto Well-Known Member

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    Game pass is all I have used in the past couple of years. You can watch an entire game in about 45 mins. No commercials. It's the best.
     
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  21. KeyFin

    KeyFin Well-Known Member

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    It sounds like Direct TV is trying to dump the Sunday Ticket to make it easier to sell to Dish. The NFL has mentioned it as well since Direct TV subscriptions have been plummeting, and they want to offer an online version next year anyway. So I have a feeling that this will be the last year of the Sunday Ticket as we know it.
     
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  22. rackhound

    rackhound Well-Known Member

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    I've been getting it online for about 6 years. If you lived somewhere that wouldnt allow a dish or if you were a student direct tv would offer it in a streaming version. I switched from dish to direct a couple months ago and have the ticket max free for this season.
     
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  23. ExplosionsInDaSky

    ExplosionsInDaSky Well-Known Member

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    I got to watch a good portion of the game. Rosen is a mixed bag at this point. During the first half he had me believing we found our guy. The way he slides in the pocket, the way he moves to create throwing spaces reminds me of Aaron Rodgers. Then it's like as the soon as the opposing team makes an adjustment it's all over. He throws picks, he forces throws into good coverage, and he some times holds the ball too long. We almost had a safety yesterday from him literally just holding the ball. Very Tannehill like on that play. Why not just throw it away? The INT I thought was his fault all day. I wasn't even sure what he was trying to do when that happened, but once he threw that pick the game was officially over. I think Rosen is the single most important player to watch going forward. Part of me wonders what he would be with a competent O Line, but good quarterbacks can make magic happen when they have to under the worst of circumstances. So far, he hasn't done that. I realize that bad O Line play is currently a plague in the NFL, but it seems as though we are especially bad in that category on a yearly basis.

    Moving on, I think we jumped the gun on extending Jakeem Grant. Unless we have some sort of plan for him next season, i'm going to say that we rushed locking him down. He isn't earning that paycheck and while I love the guy as a competitor, I just don't see why we did that. He's not even a part of the passing game. Maybe he could be with an improved cast around him as I doubt Tyreek Hill would fare any better on this current team and that is who I think we all want Jakeem Grant to secretly become. Still...I don't see it with him.
     
  24. Makados10

    Makados10 Active Member

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    It's definitely an odd year to be a fan. I feel like a fantasy football fan for my team. I want individual players to do well, but I wasn't upset in the slightest at getting rolled in the second half again. Maybe Ross was smart by tempering expectations. Years past I would've been in a pissed off mode losing to the Chargers regardless of our record.

    That being said, tank or not, I will root for the Dolphins to win both games against the Jets. #1 pick be damned. It's not even a Gase thing... I just hate the Jets that much.
     
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  25. invid

    invid Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    There's just not enough pass rush.
     
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  26. The Guy

    The Guy Well-Known Member

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    Opposing teams’ passer ratings are a testament to that. That’s probably the biggest weakness on the team.
     
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  27. Carmen Cygni

    Carmen Cygni Well-Known Member

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    Great choice. Game Pass is the avenue that I've used to watch NFL games for the past 4 years. I thoroughly enjoy not having to dedicate Sundays in order to watch football and I can watch the games anytime I choose over the course of the week, either in the full without commercials, the condensed version, or my personal favorite - coaches film.
     
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