Falcons 19, Dolphins 7: Recap

Revisiting the Keys

The offense could not get anything going for a long time. I said Miami should take some shots down the field early, to test the secondary and hopefully open up the field. Except for the one Pat White pass (great play call), they did not. I can't blame them too much though because the offensive line was getting beat and giving up sacks even on intermediate pass plays. Ultimately the problem was not being able to run the ball well early in the game. The line is a better run blocking unit than pass blocking, and it will be imperative for us to win on first down and not set up obvious passing situations.

Defensively, we did very well, particularly with Michael Turner. In fact we did better than I could have imagine with him as he was limited to under three yards a carry and did not break any long runs. Tony Gonzalez however, did make a huge impact. We saw the safeties rotate covering him and for the most part it didn't work. Now a couple times he just made outstanding plays that were indefensible, but I thought on obvious passing downs we could have done a better job of jamming him at the line or perhaps double covering him.

Special Teams didn't factor much in the game. For the most part the Dolphins coverage units were good. The discouraging element of the special teams game was not being able to get any decent kickoff return. I credit Atlanta's superb coverage units but also think the elimination of the three-man wedge plays a big role for a below-average Miami special teams unit.


Random Other Thoughts

• Not the best advertisement for Anthony Fasano who is trying to get a contract extension. The first fumble was tough and somehwat unlucky, but you can't cough it up twice. The second was especially inexcusable
• Our rookie corners will be targeted. Even though Sean Smith had an impressive preseason, Atlanta went after him and if not for some poor throws or drops, could have burned him big. I have confidence in Sean though and he will get another tough test against Peyton Manning next week.
• If not for the Immaculate Deflection in Cincinnati, Greg Camarillo would have NFL play of the week honors for that crazy ricochet, bring ball in with back of legs catch in the first half. It's unfortunate the referees did not call that properly in real time because it should have been a touchdown.
• Back to Pat White, nothing really of note happened today, but I like the potential for the WildPat, Whitecat, Spread Pat White offense. The key just like the Ronnie Brown led wildcat is the offensive line must block and give time for plays to develop and give our talented runners at least a small hole to run through. The pass play by White was a great call and hopefully he can be somewhat accurate on those in the future.

Look Ahead

The schedule doesn't let up, as the Indianapolis Colts come in for a Monday Night Football game.

Week Seven Recap: Ravens at Dolphins

(sun-sentinel.com)

That was a stinker. Miami just never got in sync in this game and Baltimore took advantage. A pick-six in the second quarter gave the Ravens the lead and the Dolphins were playing catchup the rest of the afternoon. Here is a little three up, three down on Miami's performance.

Three Up

1. Ted Ginn, Jr. was inserted on kickoff returns and did a nice job. He had a couple nice ones early in the game and then the Ravnes started doing shorter pooch kicks, to limit his TD potential. He is clearly a better option than Davone Bess. He also caught four passes for 48 yards as a receiver.
2. Yeremiah Bell is the only good thing in the Dolphins secondary these days. He led the team with eight tackles (which probably isn't a good thing when your safety is a leading tackler) and also had a crucial forced fumble that temporarily kept us in the game. He is looking like the playmaker we came to know in 2006. Too bad he doesn't have much help back there.
3. Joey Porter turned in another good pass rushing performance. He recorded two more sacks, giving him eight and a half on the season thus far. We needed a big year from him to help our young defense and he is delivering.
   

Three Down

1. The Red Zone Offense and Defense was poor yesterday. Coming into the game, the Dolphins had scored 15 touchdowns and only attempted 4 field goals. In the first half, twice they had the ball inside the 15 yard line and settled for two short field goals. On defense, Miami allowed a huge red zone touchdown on third and nine from the eleven yard line right before the half. Also in the fourth quarter they allowed a rushing touchdown allowing the lead to get to 14 instead of 10, effectively ending the game. In our four trips, we scored 13 points. In their three trips, they scored 17 points. Unacceptable.
2. The Wildcat Formation was stopped for this first time. I'll give credit to the Ravens defense, who said they would not allow that to beat them, but I must say I don't think the formation was used properly. Early in the game, Ronnie Brown kept it most of the time and the Ravens were selling out for the inside runs. They maintained their gap responsibility and tackled well to shut it down. Last week in Houston we used the trick plays before the normal Ronnie runs to keep the defense honest. This week it just seemed like they expected Ronnie to bail them out. It didn't work.
3. The Pass Defense continues to struggle. I know the defense didn't stop the run well, which makes it tougher to defend the pass, but this group doesn't make plays and allows big third down conversion for opposng offenses. When you get down to it, the pass defense only seems to do well when we stop the run and get a good pass rush. When that happens, anybody can play good pass defense. Yeremiah Bell and Will Allen are the only solid players and even they can improve. The front office did nothing to improve this area in the offseason and we are paying for it now. It will need to be a high priority this spring.

Random Thoughts

• Was it really necessary to give Cam Cameron a gatorade bath. First of all, you just beat a now 2-4 team. Also, it's not like offensive ingenuity was needed. They ran the ball well and that set up everything else.
• Ricky Williams received a lot of local hype coming into this year but he hasn't found his stride. He had a good game in New England (who didn't?) but since has struggled to make big runs and fit with the offense. He is getting less carries, and I wouldn't be surprised if the wildcat formation had a new wing back this week.
• The nose tackle situation really hurt Miami yesterday. Backup Paul Soliai was suspended and starter Jason Ferguson was injured early and didn't return. He is the key man for our run defense and his absence was notable. Randy Starks has been playing well but he is not a 3-4 NT and that showed on Sunday.
• I can't get mad at Chad Pennington's pick-six. We were in the sixth game and that was his first real bad game changing decision. It put us in a bad spot and we didn't recover. He is still the right man for this team though.
• I don't know what's in the water down here but opposing punters have killed the Dolphins. This time it was Sam Koch who averaged 59 yards for three punts. It is very deflating when you get field position that is 20 or so yards worse than you thought it'd be.
  

That's about it for now. Up this week is a tough matchup with the Buffalo Bills at home.

Week Two Recap: Dolphins vs Cardinals

This was one of the worst NFL performances I've ever seen from a secondary. The defensive backs looked atrocious and like they didn't belong in the league. Granted they were playing against the best 1-2 wide receiver tandem in the league with another experienced veteran quarterback distributing the ball, but that is not an excuse for getting as torched as they did yesterday.

The Cardinals first play from scrimmage was a 79 yard touchdown pass, where Anquan Boldin escaped 10 yards past our secondary made a catch and ran free for the final 50 or so yards. On the next drive Kurt Warner threw one up for Larry Fitzgerald near the sideline and Will Allen failed to prevent the reception or make the tackle. Chris Crocker failed to make the tackle as well. Will Allen eventually chased him down but not before a total of 75 yards setting up first ad goal.

Kurt Warner continued to find open receivers or just throw into coverage knowing the Miami DB's wouldn't make plays on the ball. He started 9/9 and finished 19/24 with 361 yards and 3 touchdowns. Yes, that is good for a PERFECT quarterback rating (158.3).

I will now take time to pull a Cam Cameron, and just give the Cardinals credit for making the plays they needed to make to win. But let's be honest, the Dolphins (mainly the secondary) was a total embarrassment on Sunday. Adjustments need to be made. There is no way Chris Crocker should be a starting safety for an NFL team. I never thought I'd be saying this, but Jason Allen needs to be the starter or I will go ballistic. I'd also recommend Michael Lehan start in place of Andre Goodman, but I know Lehan is still working his way back from an injury so I just don't know if he is ready.

About the offense, well, it sucked. They were never threatening. They could not establish the run and that pretty much set back everything. This team needs to play from ahead and be able to run the football. We haven't seen anything close to a good running game the first two weeks of this season. I don't know the solution is anything more than just every cog in the machine do a little bit better. Each offensive linemen needs to do a bit better job of blocking and both Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams need to finish runs and eliminate negative plays.

Chad Henne came in the game in the fourth quarter and looked very solid. He led the only meaningful drive and it ended with a touchdown. Those of you arguing he should be the starter, please shut up. This was a nice exercise for him but nothing more. Chad Pennington is the quarterback we invested in and he needs to run the offense so Henne can watch and learn. If you think the offense's problems are quarterback-related then you are mistaken.

But, I do really like Henne and he will probably be the starter before the season is over. You can't help but be encouraged by seeing the strong arm and the confidence in him. For now, that is the only bright spot of the team.

Week One Recap: Jets vs Dolphins

I'm not very good at writing game recaps because I could literally talk for hours about any single game but instead I have to pare it down into a short piece of writing. There is lots to say about this first game of the year so I'll just get straight to the rambling.

Man was that tough. No matter what happens in a game, if you are just one touchdown away from winning, with time running down and the ball nearing the goal line, only to come up one play short, it is very frustrating and depressing. We saw similar situations last season an this just seems like the next in line of "how many different ways can you lose a close game?" I try to convince myself that at the end of the day, this seasons win-loss record is not as significant as the overall team play and improvement.

When you think about it, for the Dolphins to make as many mistakes as they did, and struggle (on offense especially) for three-plus quarters, and still be one play away from victory is encouraging. Just off the top of my head here is a list of mistakes.

• 9 yard punt: Pathetic, I could have come in and at least kicked it 10 yards
• Kickoff out of bounds: Unacceptable
• Penalties that negated first downs: There were at least two
• Timeouts needed in 3rd quarter: We could have used them on our final drive
• Defense on Favre's 22-yard hail mary: Ridiculous, I don't care if he was open, the ball was in the air long enough for a spectator to come down from the upper deck and call a fair catch.

On a broader scale here are my areas of concern

• Run defense: It wasn't as bad as last year, and as the game went on they got better, but at times the Jets ran the ball with ease.
• Running game: Weren't we supposed to be the grind it out tough team? Ronnie and Ricky combined for only 16 carries. They struggled but both of those guys usually get better as the game goes along. We need more commitment to the ground game
• Offensive execution: Everything just looked a half a second behind. Maybe the speed of the game jump from preseason to regular season was a difficult one, or maybe it was the high temperatures and humidity. Whatever it was, it needs to be adjusted to. Phil Simms said it best, when we were on offense it looked like a lot of work to move the ball. Nothing came easy.

Here are some positives

• Front seven: For once we saw a Miami defense that got better as the game went along. In the 4th quarter when Miami needed the ball back to have a chance, the defense did it's job. The Jets went three and out on it's final three possessions (minus the final kneel down). When you look at it, the secondary is more to blame for the scoring allowed. The front seven did look new and improved.
• Tight ends: Anthony Fasano looked every bit of Jason Whitten-lite. He had eight catches and a TD and just looked like the safety valve for Pennington and the offense. A tight end can be a quarterback's best friend and he sure was on this day. I also have to give credit to David Martin, who I'm usually critical of. He didn't have any drops and made a few big catches, including the difficult touchdown in the 4th quarter.
• Overall they just looked more like a capable professional football team than they did at the end of last year. Yes there is still a talent differential, yes they are still a year away, but this team has tough players that are capable of playing well and winning.
  

The true test of this new regime and coaching staff is what happens next week. I was going to write a post before the game about how important game one is. The last two years we lost in week one in games that we could have, and maybe should have won. This year has started in similar fashion. The key is to make the adjustments and move on. In 2006 and 2007, we had a hangover effect and we fell the next week. We must move on and fight another battle. Arizona plays well at home and it will be a tough challenge to go and beat them at their place. More on this game throughout the week.

Preseason Game One: Recap

(sun-sentinel.com)

Before I get to the game there are a couple things I want to mention. Obviously, the Dolphins signed Chad Pennington. I gave my thoughts about the potential move a couple days ago, so there is no reason to elaborate again. I was not in favor of this acquisition but it has been made and now we need to embrace it. There are some good things that can come out of it, namely getting insider information about our division rival the New York Jets.

With this move, one of two quarterbacks will eventually have to be removed from the roster. I thought it'd be a fairly simple decision. Pennington is an upgrade for Josh McCown's role and he is the one who should be cut. But, there are rumors that if John Beck, who has had a slow start to training camp, doesn't start to turn things around, that he would be the one dangled in a trade or released. I am not in favor of that. McCown is a known quantity in this league (below average player) while Beck is young and still developing. It would be a bad move to give up on Beck this soon.

On to the game, I'll start with the good. The one player that stood out most was Ricky Williams. He just looks better than everyone else on a football field and made a couple nice runs. Our strength should be running the ball and giving it to Ricky is clearly a good option. All he needs is a small hole or crease and he can burst through for a big gain. Even one rush he was stuffed in the backfield, but he bounced off, took it the other direction, eluded another tackle and made a six yard gain. If he plays all sixteen games he could put up great numbers and really give us a good chance to win.

Chad Henne looked solid in his debut. You hear this cliche a lot and I don't like to use it, but he really did not look like a rookie out there. He was poised and had a couple of impressive third and long conversions where he stepped up in the pocket and delivered a bullet. He also didn't have any "wtf?" moments that you see some rookies make.

Both rookies on the defensive line (Philip Merling and Kendall Langford) also impressed. The both got a good rush and were pretty good stopping the run. I don't think these guys will put up big stats but there job is to occupy space and disrupt things. Along with nose tackle Jason Ferguson they gave the linebackers a lot of opportunities to make plays.

Dan Carpenter is making this kicking battle interesting. He made both of his field goal attempts which were of above average difficulty. The first was a 41-yarder off the infield dirt and he followed it up with a 49-yard conversion from the grass. He didn't have any touchbacks but it appeared as if Miami was using the directional kicking strategy. Carpenter and the coverage team did well with that.

Let's move to the bad side. The receivers were as advertised. They failed to impress. David Kircus made a few nice catches but other than that they had a quiet outing. The three players figured to get the most time this year (Ginn, Wilford, Hagan) were rather invisible, each just catching one ball. Tampa did a good job in coverage but it's still their job to get open and make plays.

The problem on defense was stopping the intermediary passing game. The Bucs did a great job of methodically moving the ball down the field with short passes and efficient runs. I'm not sure if it was the linebackers fault for not covering well or if it was the cornerbacks who should be jamming receivers at the line. The west coast style posed a problem for our defense and they will have to take a look at the film.

One more person I thought had a bad night was Jayson Foster. He won't get many opportunities in the preseason games to impress and in this one he didn't have any dynamic returns and he even muffed one punt. He looked like he didn't belong on the field quite honestly. Let's hope he turns it around this week.

Overall this was much like any other preseason game. The things that went well you say to yourself, "Now that's an encouraging sign." When things don't go so well, you just chalk it up as the preseason mistakes that will get corrected eventually.

Coming up this week are only five practices over the Monday through Thursday span. I figure Pennington will get lots of time and reps while he relearns this Dan Henning offense. The next preseason game is on Saturday in Jacksonville facing the Jaguars.

Update: Also of note, starting outside linebacker Charlie Anderson left the game with a hamstring injury, no word yet on his status.

Training Camp: Weekend Recap

(miamiherald.com)

This weekend Miami had their first three training camp practices, starting with morning and evening sessions on Saturday, and wrapping up with an afternoon session today. I did not go to any of the practices but have been a total junkie, reading recaps from any writer who did attend, and watching all of the interviews and highlights on the Dolphins' official website. What follows are my best interpretations of the practices, based on all the content I have taken in.

Quarterbacks

The quarterbacks can best be described as consistently inconsistent. Each guy will make some good throws and follow it up with some not so good ones. I would have to believe everything is still even, but if that's the case then McCown would be the favorite based on his superior experience. Henne missed the first practice due to a contract holdout, but that was taken care of and he hasn't missed any of his scheduled reps (The QB's do a rotation where one sits for each practice. Henne's scheduled sit date was Saturday's morning practice, the one he missed). I believe the battle for the starting spot in week one will ultimately be won by who best performs in the preseason games. At this point, anyone's guess is as good as mine.

The Backfield

Ronnie Brown is supposedly being sprinkled back into contact drills to be very careful with his knee but it sounds like is doing well. His speed is good but the ultimate test for knee injuries is how comfortable you are planting and cutting on that leg. Brown said he is still a little cautious and doesn't trust his knee 100%. Ricky Williams is proving he's our best player and supposedly looks awesome. Yes, I worry about his durability and how he will do in live games but it's clear he is 100% and ready to dominate. I read a blurb about Jalen Parmele that he hits the hole hard and is in the secondary in no time. Miami may need him in some capacity if Brown or Williams gets hurt. I haven't heard anything really about the fullback situation.

Wide Receivers

Ernest Wilford is big and he also doesn't care that the Patriots were 15 games better than the 'Phins last year, he says he wants to win the division. I haven't heard much from Ted Ginn. Davone Bess catches literally anything that is thrown near him. Jayson Foster has impressed with his speed and playmaking ability, but I think h's still a longshot to make the roster. I hope Terry Glenn is brought in. It makes too much sense not too happen. Miami needs the receiver help and has the cap space after the Taylor trade that they must spend. Glenn would probably sign for a small deal with incentives and an injury clause. Get on the phone Bill.

Tight Ends

I've only really heard Anthony Fasano and David Martin's names mentioned as they have caught some balls. I think Fasano will have the leg up and unless he falters he will be the guy.

Offensive Line

Four spots are set (Jake Long, Justin Smiley, Samson Satele, Vernon Carey) and the right guard spot is basically an open tryout. Trey Darilek has gotten most of the first team work with Shawn Murhpy and Steve McKinney due to get some of their own. McKinney has been held out of drills, still coming back from an knee injury. Justin Smiley said he thinks Long could end up being better than Joe Thomas. I'll settle for being a franchise left tackle and pro-bowler.

Defensive Line

Overall I haven't heard to much about the defense except for when they intercept passes. 2nd round pick Philip Merling looked in amazing shape but has been average in practices. Nose tackle Jason Ferguson has been good but the South Florida heat can slow him down. Vonnie Holiday worked with new defensive coach Paul Pasqualoni on playing standing up, perhaps in a Jason Taylor role. It's a 3-4 defense, by the way, if that was any doubt. Surprisingly Matt Roth is playing at defensive end. That will be interesting to watch and see if he can hold off Merling for the starting spot.

Linebackers

Charlie Anderson has been getting most of the reps at Jason Taylor's spot and will probably end up starting there but I'd still look out for Quentin Moses. The three way battle for the two inside spots should go all the way until week one. Joey Porter has been absent and placed on the PUP list due to an ankle injury suffered when he was running on his own a couple weeks ago. Great, that sounds very 2007-like, our best defensive player injured not on a football field. He should be back soon though.

Secondary

Nathan Jones is the name I've been hearing most. He has intercepted passes and been the beneficiary of some bad John Beck decisions. Will Allen should be the only lock to start in the secondary, so Jones can certainly nab the other cornerback spot if he keeps it up. I still think Jason Allen and Yeremiah Bell will be the starting safeties. Right now the defense is way ahead of the offense, but that's usually how things are.

Punting

Brandon Fields has been launching punts into orbit with several 60+ yarders. That's great when there is no rush, now try to get those off during the games. If he does, he could probably be our team MVP this year.

Kicking

Jay Feely missed a few kicks and Dan Carpenter does have a strong leg.


Here's a list of places I visited that contributed information for this report.

Palm Beach Post Dolphins Blog: By far the best newspaper coverage of the team. The team doesn't allow live-blogging, but the Post has reporters running from the practice field to the media room to post updates every 30-40 minutes. They have had the most amount of content.

FinHeaven Message Boards: A fan-site filled with rabid supporters, some of which go to the practices and post first hand recaps of their own.

Miami Dolphins Official Site: Their video content is much improved with more content and slightly easier to use. Open the Aquavision player and watch many interviews and full Sparano press conferences.

Wildcard Weekend Thoughts & Divisional Matchups Set

Seattle 35, Washington 14

This was an interesting game. Seattle dominated the first three quarters but Washington was still in it trailing only 13-0. Then the tide turned and the Redskins in a matter of minutes took a 14-13 edge and recovered a kickoff setting up a great opportunity for more points. They missed a field goal though and the momentum was back in the Seahawks favor. The got the go ahead score and iced the game with a couple late pick-sixes.

This game breeds confidence for Seattle. They seem to be hitting on all cylinders and except for that 4 minute stretch early in the 4th quarter they thoroughly dominated one of the NFL's hottest teams. When the game was on the line they made the big plays in the passing game and on defense to seal the deal.

It's a tough blow to the Redskins. This was one they could have had. They had all the momentum in the 4th and were poised to take a four or eight point lead. The missed field goal however really took the wind out of their sails and it was a rather fast decline in the final minutes. Still, we will remember this Washington team for years to come because of their hard fought effort to make the playoffs.

Jacksonville 31, Pittsburgh 29

This was a great NFL playoff game. A fast start, dominating play on the road, a comeback, emotion, this one had it all. It was all Jacksonville for three quarters. They took a 28-10 lead and I thought it was over, but finally the things that happen when you are on the road in the playoffs, happened. The Jaguars turned the ball over and Pittsburgh scored touchdowns on three consecutive possessions. But with the game on the line Jacksonville rediscovered the magic and made the key stop, the fourth down conversion and the game winning field goal.

Those are the kinds of things when you are on one of those magical runs. Whenever a play is absolutely needed, it happens. The Jaguars are certainly the 'it' team right now and I can't wait until next week, where hopefully they will travel to New England and take on Goliath.

For the Steelers, it just wasn't their year. They improved and did accomplish a lot this season, but they will be disappointed. Things might have been different had Willie Parker not been injured, but they just weren't an elite team in the AFC this year.

New York Giants 24, Tampa Bay 14

Things started great for the Buccaneers. They played solid defense and marched down the field for a first quarter touchdown. The next two quarters however, were all Giants. They scored twice in the 2nd quarter to take a 14-7 halftime. The Bucs made a couple of key mistakes in the 3rd quarter starting with fumbling the opening kickoff leading to a Giants field goal. They later turned the ball over again with a poor decision by Jeff Garcia. Early in the 4th quarter the Giants went on a long scoring drive to ice the game.

After a sluggish start New York picked up right where they left off. The defense was swarming and the offense made plays and controlled the game. They will need to raise their level and play another great game though if they want to win in Dallas.

It was a great season for Tampa Bay, but they end up just like Pittsburgh. They just weren't an elite team in the NFC this year. Look for them to get a few more offensive weapons in the offseason.

San Diego 17, Tennessee 6

The Titans played a solid first half, shutting out the Chargers for second time this year. San Diego did a good job not getting away from what they do best. They still committed to the run and knew that eventually they would make the plays in the passing game. Tennessee had a crucial missed field goal early in the 4th quarter that would have made the score 10-9. Instead, the Chargers took the ball down the field and got the game clincher on a 4th and goal plunge by LaDainian Tomlinson.

It was looking like the same recipe for San Diego disappointment in the playoffs. They played a lifeless first half where they had trouble moving the ball. Luckily they got a big turnover to avoid a bigger deficit. If they want to win in Indianapolis they need to play a good game, not a good half.

Not to sound like a broken record, but it was a great season for the Titans. Not many people picked them to win ten games or make the playoffs (myself include). This is a good step for them but they must continue to get better if they want to keep up with the Jaguars and Colts.

Divisional Playoff Games

Seattle @ Green Bay, Saturday 4:30 PM ET

• The Seahawks must be more consistent on offense. When they get opportunities they need touchdowns, not field goals. On defense they should stick with aggressive blitzing and creating pressure trying to force some of those Brett Favre mental errors. The Packers will look to start fast and ride the home crowd. They still need to run the ball with the same success they have been having with Ryan Grant to control the game.

Jacksonville @ New England, Saturday 8:00 PM ET

• I think this is the game of this round that every neutral fan wanted to see. Other than the Colts, the Jaguars are the best matchup and stand the best chance of slaying the giant that is the Patriots. They must play better in the secondary if they want to win however, they can't allow the big passing plays to New England. For the Patriots, it is simple, just be yourselves.
  

San Diego @ Indianapolis, Sunday 1:00 PM ET

• This is a rematch of a peculiar game from November. The Colts played poorly but then should've won but Vinatieri missed a chip shot. That was in San Diego, this time it is in the RCA Dome. The Chargers will need a sixty minute effort and to capitalize on every opportunity to dethrone the defending Super Bowl Champions.
  

New York Giants @ Dallas, Sunday 4:30 PM ET

• The Giants won't be able to afford starting slow. The defense must create havoc from the first snap and hope that the offense plays efficiently. Dallas' running game will be their biggest friend in this matchup. Their two headed monster in the backfield has tailed off as of late. They need to be productive to take the pressure of Tony Romo.
  

Week 16 - Miami @ New England - A Few Thoughts

As you probably saw, the Patriots defeated the Dolphins 28-7 yesterday. New England stormed to a 28-0 halftime lead by basically out executing Miami in every phase of the game. In the second half the Dolphins played much better and the Patriots let off the gas which enabled the Dolphins to be the first team this season to hold the Patriots scoreless for an entire half. Here are some quick hit thoughts.

• I'm usually not one for "moral victories," especially in professional sports, but Miami should be proud they didn't let this one get out of hand and lose by 40+.
• It is still weird however, that a team can win the turnover battle 4-0, lose by 21, and still not be too upset about the defeat. That shows just how good the Pats are and just how bad the 'Phins are.
• As with any historically bad team, the Dolphins gave us two more bonehead moments. First, Lance Schulters great job in the secondary reading Tom Brady and getting in perfect position to make an interception, but having the ball go through his hands, without touching them, right into the waiting arms of Jabar Gaffney, who strolled in for an easy score. Also, the Illustrious Cleo Lemon, who on 4th and goal, rolled out, made a nice pump fake to freeze a defender, then ran for the pylon but neglected to either stick out the ball or dive forward resulting in being marked out of bounds one foot short of the goal line. Brilliant.
• Again, it's hard to focus on moral victories but Jesse Chatman ran well again, and Lorenzo Booker looked solid as usual. That coupled with the Bill Parcells hiring suggest their is no way we will take Darren McFadden come April.
• I don't like comparing a player to anybody but I might start calling Greg Camarillo, "Wes Welker-Lite." He could find a real niche as a slot receiver in the future and unlike Derek Hagan, when the ball is thrown to him, he catches it.
• It will be real interesting to see what happens to Jason Taylor. I love the guy and the more this season goes on, the more I want him to stay. I think Miami will have to be blown away by a trade offer (probably a mid-1st or a low 1st coupled with another early round pick) to pull the trigger.

So the Dolphins are 1-14 heading into the final game of the season. It will be a home affair with Cincinnati, who just had a great upset win over Cleveland to dent their hopes of playoffs qualification.

Miami @ Philadelphia - Recap

This will be brief

• Cam Cameron did not put John Beck or the offense in the best chance to be successful.
• Beck didn't look comfortable and wasn't accurate on short throws. I attribute that to nerves and the fact no one made any plays for him. What I saw from him doesn't worry or impress me.
• McNabb going out helped the Eagles realize that they should rely on Brian Westbrook. That was the key to getting their offense on track in the second half.
• A BIG shout-out to the name sake of this blog (#19 Ted Ginn, Jr.) for a nice return for a touchdown that was NOT called back due to penalty. It's been a long time coming.
• Simply put, the Dolphins lack the talent to fully maximize the time when they are playing well. When the Patriots play well (I know that is 95% of the time), they build a three touchdown lead in a hurry. When we are playing well, we hold our opponent while the offense only provides us with one touchdown or a couple field goals which can easily be overcome when our opponent finally wakes up. I commend the players heart and determination and that alone should be good enough to win but it's the NFL. We need a couple more dynamic players to make dynamic plays to win us ballgames.