The Dolphins were made ***-hats by the Patsies, and lost a nail-biter to the Jests, get over it… Did the Special Teams look as if they played for the Patriots? Yes. Did Henne lock on his receiver so tightly that he forgot a defense was out there? Yes. It is now time to move on! I am really tired of all the whining of “Will this be Sparano’s last year?”, and “Should we bench Henne?” etc. The team is 2-2 as many had them at this point, though not in the fashion that it happened and that is good enough, especially with, oh, another 12 games to play! Fans, strap-up your chin straps and show some faith in your Miami Dolphins! Henne is EASILY our best option at QB and shall redeem himself, I have no doubt about that. Sparano is all the things you want in a coach, and should be given every opportunity to thrive and produce in the mold of the Bill Cowher days in Pittsburg – nice long leash! In addition, let me just say this. I, like many others, have no clue as to why the Front Office decided to part-ways with Matt Roth, but I do know I will support their decision. Roth is a hothead; maybe he went off on Ireland or Sparano or really lost all respect somehow. Let us get past it, just as Ginn was excessively high paid for a kick-returner. Let us just assume the Dolphins will get a resemblance of a Special Teams, much the way they did in 2008. That unit was pretty bad as well, but they patched it up and got the best out of them the second half of the season and oh, won the division. Here is what we do have… Brandon Marshall = Best after-the-catch receiver in the league! A BEAST Ronnie Brown = Best multi-dimensional back in the league Chad Henne = Budding franchise Quarterback Davone Bess = Top 3 slot-receiver in the league Lou Polite = Best FB in the league (though he didn’t look like it against the Patsies) Karlos Dansby = Cerebral playmaker and leader of the Defense Yeremiah Bell = Better than average SS Cam Wake = Budding perennial sack artist Kendall Langford = star Defensive End Vontae Davis = Budding perennial shut-down corner who hits like a linebacker Not bad, huh? Are there problems, sure? Henne needs to work on his accuracy and timing with Marshall. Once he starts hitting him on time as he does Bess, they will be a scary combo! Look for the second half of the season to have some real WOW moments. Henning needs to manage his game plan and adjustments a little better as well (do not use the WildCat on 3rd and long unless you have got something special planned). The Defense needs to dig-in and look at the tape of the first game and a half against the run. Biggest thing missing may prove to be rookie Jared Odrick. I certainly hope he can return this week! This defense is surely better than last year’s version so far. No big plays given up in the passing or running game, they are not getting embarrassed. Nolan is getting good production out of his people and they will only get better! SOLUTIONS TO VICTORY DEFENSE Obviously, the Packers are a really good passing team. If Rodgers is ready to go, as I assume he will be, than this defense better get some pressure or he will pick them apart. Vontae will likely take his side out of the game as he has all season but the other side is a concern as Jason Allen has struggled lately and Sean Smith is gaining back confidence. Against the run, we need Soliai to show that burst from the preseason. Ike and Misi need to prove they can set the edge and make plays. If they can force everything underneath as they did against the Patriots, we should be good! That is as long as the Special Teams does not miff the game. OFFENSE How about running the ball? Ronnie needs 20 carries a game! That is it, no science needed, just had the ball off and BLOCK! What happened to the maulers from last season? Same Center from much of last season, same dominant LT and RT. I HOPE THAT Jerry gets back this week and Incognito shows some punch. A good running game does many things. Wears down the wheels of the defense, imposes your will on the opposing team. That being said this O-line better step up in pass blocking as well! As many are aware, Clay Matthews is the leading sacker in the NFL, with 8.5. Final Thoughts If Aaron Rodgers is out due to a lingering concussion, this Dolphins team has no excuse but to totally dominate! The Dolphins proved to be road warriors the first two games and better retain that mentality! SCORE until you can’t score anymore! Don’t slow the game down, DOMINATE! Yes, Henning, I am talking to you. PUNT/KICK as only the last option. Don’t get cute, if something is working, KEEP DOING IT! Pass/Run, whatever… If Rodgers is in or out this Packers team has been very sloppy at times so remain physical and disciplined as Sparano preaches and we should leave Green Bay with a W! And no matter HOW LOUD YOU WHINE, it won't help the Dolphins win... Go DOLPHINS! Dolphins 24 Packers 13
nice thought-out piece agree with the basic premises hope you're absolutely right the offensive line should be on the cusp of playing a decent game by now takes a while for timing & chemistry to develop won't be long to see what we get the clock is running & GreenBay next up
but honestly just win....thats all, get ball limit TO's, minimum penalties, take advantage of match-ups...jam receivers at the los....and convert 3rd downs....this isnt rocket science...
Yeah man, the Orca's need to emerge from their deep slumber... The rest of the season I'd like to see it! We've got the Steelers and Ravens coming up. Plenty of size and intangibles there.
What about pitching and catching??? I'm pumped... SOAP-BOX TIME!!! PLODDING BARBARIANS SHALL MARCH ONTO LAMBEAU FIELD WITH FIERY EYES! THE DOLPHINS SHALL FEAST UPON THE SOULS OF CHEESY-GOODNESS LIKE SARDINES! DISHARMONY SHALL WREAK THE DISDAIN OF DISENCHANTED HUNTERS!!! THE WOLVES OF THE SEA WILL SEEK THE BOUNTY OF THE LIMPING PACK, AND SURROUND THEM AS BLOOD IS IN THE WATER!!!!
