Arizona V.S. Miami: Where The Rubber Meets The Road

This game is a fork in the road of both teams.

This game is a fork in the road of both teams.

The rubber will meet the road today as Miami must have a hell of a game to win.

If the Miami Dolphins want to stay on the road that leads to the the Playoff, then they are going to have to come up with a big-time performance against the Arizona Cardinals.

And what makes matters worse is that Miami is most likely going to be without Middle Linebacker Kiko Alonso, which could definitely hurt the Dolphins already slumping defense.

Of course, this also opens the door for Mike Hull to have a Cinderella performance — why not? This season has been one surprise after another.

The best pay per head sportsbook websites in the world opened the line with Miami as the -2.5 point favorite. However, the action came quickly and heavily on the Cardinals, and the line kept sinking all week.The line has now completely flipped to the Cardinals as the -2 point favorite.This is a very big movement of 4.5 points, and the action is coming in at 4 to 1 ratio on the now favored Cardinals.The flipped line does not bode well for the Dolphins, because generally when a line completely flips it means the team that was initially pegged as the favorite was not correct, and the newly favored team is the correct choice.

There is no easy road to greatness — ever.

Vance Joseph and the Dolphins need to find a way to key on RB David Johnson and contain him. If the Dolphins can’t do this, it’s going to be a very long day for our defense.

Then of course there’s Larry Fitzgerald — he will put serious pressure on any attempts at a Soft-Zone coverage…unless the pass rush is absolutely stellar.

This is why Hull will play a critical roll in this game. Hull will likely end up being in the spotlight as one of the key players with the season riding on their shoulders.

It will be very, very interesting to see how he performs.

If Miami can limit the run game and force Arizona off schedule and into obvious passing downs, it will be a major asset in limiting Fitzgerald. Let’s be real, that’s what Miami is hoping for, limiting, not stopping.

But, if Miami can contain the run and limit Fitzgerald that would likely bring a “W” to South Florida.

Another critical aspect is that Dolphins are still banged up on the Offensive line. At least Laremy Tunsil and Branden Albert appear to be available today — even if limited. No if ands or buts, the Dolphins are going to have to get something out of their running game. It might prove tough sledding early on, but they must keep pushing with the running game. Tunsil had one of his worst games last week, but despite the pain, he needs to play better in order for Miami to secure a victory.

In the passing game, Ryan Tannehill must be aware of Patrick Peterson. Peterson is one of the best cover corners in the league, and Tannehill would be wise to be very, very careful when throwing at him.

Did I say very careful?

And like a dog chasing his tail, it comes full circle back to the defense. If the “D” is an open door and lets up 3 scores before I’ve finished my first beer, then Tannehill will end up a machine gun and Ajayi a pin cushion full of splinters. And that would be a total disaster.

But, dammit I’m gonna’ believe otherwise!

The wildcard in this match-up is that the Cardinals have not been very good on the road, going 1-4. So the home field  crowd could prove to be the one intangible that could  tilt the scales. Fans who are attending the game, bring it! A missed play here or there or a wasted time-out could play a crucial role.

In the end, as much as I’d love an easy opponent, this is exactly the type of team that Miami needs to face. It’s when the rubber meets the road that you either wake up or crash. Truth is the truth. Today we’ll find out the truth about this 2016 team. I believe — even if my head screams otherwise. Go Fins!!!


 

31 comments

  • Lemmus

    …Jordan …I think that will be the end for him in Miami …if Gase can’t find a use for him at this stage, he likely never will …hopefully someone else will give us a late rounder for him …watch it be Belicheat 😱

    …such a loss for both him and us …we gave up a lot to get him and he just never panned out …I’ll always believe that they ruined him trying to make him bulk up to play DE instead of his natural position at LB …but what do I know 😎

    • admin

      He still has camp next year to make it. His contract extends through 2017. From what i read it was about him no being able to prepare and get ready after a long hiatus and the two surgeries on his knee. I still hold out hope…remember Wake didn’t come into the league till he was 27. It’s a bit different story, yes. But, there are some nexus points. It’s close to being over, but not dead yet. At least in my opinion, Lemmus. And yeah, Ireland and Philbin screwed him up like thy did just about everything else.

  • Dunner

    Dion Jordan decision must come by end of the day Today????

  • Dunner

    Another side note: Pouncey season over. Is this the last game he plays for the Dolphins? In my opinion it should be, A) he misses way to much time/games at a position that needs consistency and availability (has never played a whole season) B) He is paid way to much for the few games he plays (BIG cap relief for ’17) C) Starting centers can be had via draft in the 3rd round.
    Time to move on

    • admin

      yeah, in this system Gase has Pouncey working the second level better than he has in years – – very good scheme design. Next year Miami would save like 3-4 mill if they cut him, and like you, I think he needs to move on. He is done, to be truthful. He’ll never be healthy again. Steen is okay, but is poor at the second level. Gase needs a drive blocking scheme to make him more useful — and that’s not gonna’ happen at this stage. SO, next year it will be a Lemmus focused off season and getting linemen in the draft and FA…cause Albert might be sailing away as well.

  • Dunner

    Side note: Miami’s London game next season will be week 3 or 4 according to Nogle. If that is true Miami’s bye will be another early one, week 4 or 5, another disservice by the NFL. Sick of early byes and horrific scheduling year after year.

  • Dunner

    Its official, I am on board w Tanny being our man from here on out. After watching the players embrace Tanny on the sidelines after his injury, and the players/coaches/staff’s reaction form Mondays news and knowing the work he puts in, they love him, respect him and play for him. I can live with his couple blunders a game I guess (ala; his fumble on their 2 yard line, the backwards throw for minus 12 yards, etc). I will continue to hope for better pocket awareness, and shake his habit to lock on occasionally. is what it is, but Tanny is our man for many years to come. Hope he restructures to give the team some cap relief in “17.

    Moore is a different QB. Moore will be much more aggressive and take shots throughout when he see’s single coverage on Laundry/Stills/Parker. Can be a good thing as well as negative at times. Moore is capable of winning games and there is a chance he may only have to win 2 out of 3 starting with the Jets to get us in the playoffs where Tanny may be back.

    Would like to see J-Train get back on track. Will be a tough order Saturday vs the Jets. They didn’t respect our passing attack w Tanny in their. They will defiantly stack the box to stop the run and make Moore beat them. So the run will be challenging, but we must continue to try and establish the run regardless of success rate.

    I am particularly interested in our game plans the remaining 3 games. Why? This will be the second time we will be facing our divisional foes. Will there be a adjustment for each game, for just the Pats because they beat us? I am really high on Gase, it is Joseph that makes me nervous at times. I did like the defense’s rebound and game plan vs the Cards. I expect even better success vs all 3 teams because of this. I am really anxious for the Jets game Saturday because of Moore and their second meeting. What will we look like, what will Moore look like, are we going to go w majority 21 personal (2 TEs, 1 RB), will we spread them out? All scenarios I am curious to see. However, whatever Gase and company game plan is, Bottom line is just win baby!!! Just win!!!

    Formula for winning: Must win at home, must win your divisional games, “per Gase”. 6-1 at home, 2-1 in the division. Win 2 out of 3 remaining games and we are in, 4-2 in the division, 7-1 at home,,,,,, that is a winning formula. Finally we have a coach that realizes and emphases that importance.

    Who, what phase will win the game this week?

    Just win baby, just win!!!

    J-Train rolls on. HOOT HOOT!!!

  • Steve

    Yes! Really good news on Tannehill.

    Hope for him a speedy recovery and that the Fins used extreme caution on him as to not allowing this injury to worsen. Tannehill He has displayed extraordinary stamina by enduring five season without encountering any serious injuries on the field.

    As for Brother Moore he has done all that was asked of him playing back up without any confrontational issues. Less be real Matt has had the best job in the NFL for five season as some would say easy money 5 million ha! Now its time for him to carry take the reins step in assume responsibility take up the baton.

    The Fins can win games! We just don’t need Mat Moore to lose the game by throwing interceptions. Once he gets the rust off (16 passes in Five Season), we will have a legitimate QB.

    • admin

      They have a short week this week, so that doesn’t help. But, I expect Moore to do well. But, he does have the habit of throwing a bad pick — if he can limit his mistakes we’ll do well. No picks is crucial this week.

    • admin

      I’ll re-emphasize your point…no turn-overs is key.

  • Dunner

    WOW! Good news for Tanny. Not sure he’ll play again this season, but I have to think that he’ll play if the teams gets into the playoffs. Playoffs? Yes, playoffs. Win 2 out of next 3 and in. The way I see it. Starts w the Jets Saturday.

    • Lemmus

      …I think they need to win out …too many tie breakers are not in their favor otherwise

      …otoh, I’m settling in to watch the hated Pats play the hated Ravens just now …and praying that the Ravens win …because if they do ….well, hey …the division becomes a possibility

      …very good news on TH ….but its Moore’s team for the next couple of weeks at least …he’s a very different QB …almost polar opposite from TH …and Gase will have his work cut out adjusting his play calls to match the talent on the field …that said …we’re still in the hunt 🙂

      …do note that Moore played behind a rotten OL in ’11 and still managed to win some tough games.

      • Dunner

        Lemmus, If the Pats lose out and we win out we win the division. LOL! I was actually rooting for the Pats last night and will be the remainder of the season except week 17 of corsrse.

      • admin

        that’s the key Lemmus: Moore and Gase building a rapport. Moore will get those quick 3 steps out on time, but he can’t make yards with his legs and his deep ball isn’t as good (amazing that I’m saying that given all the talk the first few years). I like Moore, but it’s a short week and they need to build chem on that O fast between coach, QB, Center and Receivers. I don’t feel terrble about the prospects though.

    • admin

      Yeah, I was on a plane all day yest. in travel so I caught a snippet on ESPN about it and was pleasantly shocked!!! They say it might still be a slight tear in his ACL and that could still require surgery, but still great news.

  • Dunner

    And Another One!!! Finding a way to win!!!! Yea!!!!

    It was a bitter win no doubt. However; it is a win and the Fins will take each one. Unfortunate lose (TBD) for Tanny. Other than a botched snap (his fault) on their 2 (com’on man), and a Int, he was playing pretty darn well, virtually perfect. Good bounce back from last week, good sign. Fingers will be crossed for Tanny.

    Not for nothing, a shot that low on Tanny should have warranted a flag. The hit was below the knees. Hello!

    Nice win, and yet every phase of the team playing a part in the win. Players stepping up, filling in. Special teams have won us a couple games this season (cost us vs Seattle). Gotta like it. Need to get Ajayi rolling again. Pouncey could definitely help that, can return any day now (disappointment)???

    Possible that we are now onto Moore while right in the playoff mix. Can Gase win with Moore? I believe that he can. I like Gase a lot, if he can pull off the kind of results that the Pats and Billacheat do, Bow Down!!! The game plan will be different, how much will be interesting? This will tell us a few things about our staff and QB situation. Does Doughty get promoted to 2nd string, he should, right?

    Com’on Referees? Really 14 penalties. How many on third downs? Twice as many as their opponent? Ridiculous? Enough Laundry, know when, where, and what your demonstrative celebrations are needed please.

    Sims making a nice case for a return next season.

    Rambo took a bad angle on End around TD, but played pretty well throughout. Nice addition.

    Hull filling in nicely.

    Wake another sack. come back player of the year anyone?

    Now onto NY 2 weeks in a row, next Saturday vs the Jets, winnable, but the Jets will be dangerous because they have nothing to play for. Win that one and playoffs will be oh so close. Hey, winning season with a young team, new staff, overcoming key injuries and playing meaningful December games. Can’t realistically ask for much Moore, can we? LOL, I had too.

    We will miss Tanny’s downfield throws, thought I would never say that. The Irony, as I sit inside and watch football all day because the snow is coming down, I see all QBs not named Rodgers, Breese, Stafford struggling at times, on what seems routine play(s), it was then I started thinking maybe Tanny is, instead of is not. 🙁 🙁 🙁

    How about that home field advantage???? 6-1 at home, that is where it starts ^^^^^^^

    Beat the hated JETS!!!

    • admin

      I’m really liking Rambo…more than Thomas, actually. I hope they keep him and move on from Thomas — despite his ST excellence. Really glad to hear Tanny knee isn’t destroyed. Though they are saying it might still be a slight tear in his ACL. They can beat the Jets, Bills seems to be on the way out and might collapse figuring Rex is gone. Then there is the PAts. If they win this week, it will be a very exciting final 2 weeks.

  • Lemmus

    …tough win, tough loss …after 5 years of sack after sack after hit after hit, the ironman finally went down and stayed down …kept waiting for him to get back up …he always has …but not this time

    …now we get to see if Moore …who was once in line to be the starter 5 long years ago …who had a pretty good run the prior season after the starter went down early …can earn the 5 mil he is being paid as TH’s backup

    …Moore has always been a game time QB …a loser in practice, a winner in games …here’s hoping he still has whatever he once had …because we all need him to be the winner he once was

    …sloppy game in sloppy weather …we were a tad bit less sloppy than they were …then TH went down and the game changed …up 23-9, we barely won …with literally a last second FG

    …special thanks to the Cardinal kicker …but for him we’d be 7-6 and out of the playoff picture altogether

    …but we’re not …not that we’re in either …tied with the Broncos for last place by W-L records but behind them in tie breakers …and we have 3 AFC East games left …Jets, Bills, Pats …every single game do or die …and its still possible we could win the AFC East …if we win out and the Ravens and Broncos beat the Pats

    …so we’re all going to be Ravens and Broncos fans for just this week, eh

    …and hope like hell that TH’s ACL is not torn …and/or that Moore finds his mojo for one last run to glory

    …but putting all that aside …IT FEELS GOOD TO BE A FINS FAN ONCE MORE!

    • Dunner

      Lemmeus, Did you just state “that we can win the division”? True story, lot of scenarios for that to happen, starts w winning out. Hey, why not. Good time to be a Fin Fan!!!

      • admin

        The Pat win last night made a division win a lot harder…still possible but a longer shot now. I’m hoping for a Wild Card by beating out the Broncs….Moore looked good. There will be rust ad issues with Gase and Moore not being familiar with each other…but, he a one of the best back-ups in the league. It will be very interesting to see what he has!!

        • Steve

          Defensive Backs (101 the Cowboys and Giants game) BEST DEFENSIVE GAME THIS SEASON.

          Art of War! Jets are aware of our soft zone defense and poor tackling by our secondary!
          WHO ARE WE?
          Man free: All defensive backs play man-to-man coverage except the free safety, This style of coverage is used when the defense blitzes, or rushes four or five players at the quarterback. (BEST POSITION DEFENSE FOR DOLPHINS)

          Straight man: no safety help is available. Each defender must know that he (alone) is responsible for the receiver he’s covering. hoping to sack the quarterback.

          Combo man: double-team a great wide receiver (with two defensive backs), it runs a combo man defense.

          THE NICKEL 40 DEFENSE
          The Nickel 40 defense is strictly a pass defense that can employ either a linebacker or another defensive back as the sixth player in pass coverage.

          Rundi Barber for the Tampa Bay Buc was expert in this position a defensive back placed in the line backer position who was a tackling machine. Miami If our Defensive backs are not proficient tacklers don’t deploy this defense.

          http://www.dummies.com/sports/football/defense/types-of-defensive-coverage-in-football/

          Bottom line its all about playing 60 minutes on defense, we have the talent to play one on one. Time to see who can cover and Zone does not work for this Dolphins secondary.

          • admin

            I think with a rookie they need to mix it up. Joseph loves to blitz, but I think he needs to mix the coverages. Blitz offer hot read, which if caught are easy reads. That as we saw in the Rams game can offer big plays. Instead of pressure by DL, let the coverage delay the QB’ s progressions and buy time for the DL pressure to arrive.

  • Steve

    Sloppy game the Dolphins found away to win. Hope for a Speedy recovery for Tannehill and that he is back on the field this week.

    Tannehill He threw for three Touch Downs today, special team Safety Walt Aikens recovered a block kick and ran for two points and Kicker Franks winning Field Goal to win the game. Matt Moore took a killer hit second before passing to Kenny Still for thirty some yards. 8-5 Go Dolphins

    This is the Dolphins best Record since 2008. The best I recall under Joe Philbin was 8-8. We got some difficult walls to tear down but it can be done as a Team. Everybody doing their job.

    • admin

      yeah, I think they’ll at least get one more win which would top any Philbin season. Plus, this team seems far better assembled than the 2008 team, which was a one and done model.

  • Fritz

    Today is do or die. I still believe in our Phins.