Seven In A Row Would Be A Link To Shula Era

The last seven in a row was 1985 with Shula and Marino.

The last seven in a row was 1985 with Shula and Marino.

Win number seven would go a long way towards the Dolphins making the playoffs.

The Dolphins last seven game win streak was with a guy you might have heard of: Don Shula, 1975, 1978-79, 1981-82, and 1985.

So, it been awhile since the Miami Dolphins have had one — over 30 years, and the coach to do it has more wins than anyone ever to coach in the game.

That wouldn’t be bad company for Adam Gase to join.

This is going to be an extremely difficult game against a physical opponent in a hostile environment, but if they can find a way to win this game, this will really put themselves in the drivers seat to make the playoffs.

A win would also be a nice bow tie joining the 2016 Dolphins to it’s glorious past.

The odds are looking sketchy as to who is favored.

The best pay per head sportsbook in the world opened the line with the Ravens as the -3 point favorite. The line has inched up to -3.5 for the Ravens, and the action has been coming in pretty split so far — with a slight edge to the Dolphins. Hopefully more late money comes in on the favored Ravens, because unfortunately when more people bet on the underdog it’s rarely a good sign for that underdog, as the favorite usually wins and covers.

But, it now appears that both Laremy Tunsil and Branden Albert are going to play, which is definitely good news and could be an unknown quantity in regards to the odds. Given the Ravens defense is number ranked #1 in the league against the run, #6 in the league against the pass, and 4th best in points allowed per game at 18.3, this will be an epic win if the Dolphins can pull it off.

Seven wins is nearly half a season without a loss — not bad.

But, when you talk about anyone joining the legendary Don Shula, it only comes about by an epic act.

And that’s the key point: A win today is serious business fans — serious business!

Here’s the good thing, a loss isn’t doom as Miami can rebound in 2016. And in the long term, the Dolphins are certainly in the best spot this franchise has been in ages.

But, let’s no focus on anything other than a win. This team has what it takes to pull it off — and that’s not fan hype.

So, as you watch the game today — and Miami gets the win — remember it was 1985 with Shula and Dan Marino that Fin Fans last had a treat like this. Go Fins!!!


 

34 comments

  • Steve

    Hello Dolphins Fans

    Most of the retired NFL Coaches admit the Dolphins have a lot of talent! I’m convinced the Dolphins have the Best talent in football including Tannehill. My complaint is Gase allows T and the Defensive Staff to lose games. Keep his passes down to 25 to 3o a game. Don’t panic and watch the score board like Lemmus stated stay with the Run. If we had a Barry Sanders we would not no it because its all about keeping the ball in Tannehill hands because this is what Stephen Ross wants.

    Lemmus when was the last time Matt Moore or Doughty won a game?

    They are not the answer nor going after Washed up Jay Cutler and the Rest. We cannot go wrong drafting a 5th or 6th round QB who 1st wins, Managed the game, Makes all throws can take over a game and win. like Nathan Peterman QB Pittsburgh this would be a start in the right direction.

    The best Business moved for the Miami Dolphins is to trade Tannehill, Cut Matt Moore, Put Doughty in start position don’t asked him to passed more than 25 to 30 times a game, Surround him with a solid rushing game, draft for the future for the Best players. I would not fall for the New England’s Pat’s Trap of buying their second string QB and lastly our Defense has too much talent come game time the top 10 college defenses are coach and prepared better. Last Sunday against the Raven no clue, Against the 49ers no clue. If I’m playing CB, linebacker or Safety in the game I should know who to cover..

    A lot of negative on the Dolphins unfortunately fans “(PAY FOR)” the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat..

  • Steve

    Sep 11 WIN Bills 7 Ravens 13
    2 Sep 18 WIN AT Ravens 25 Browns 20
    3 Sep 25 WIN AT Ravens 19 Jaguars 17
    4 Oct 2 LOSS Raiders 28 Ravens 27
    5 Oct 9 LOSS Redskins 16 Ravens 10
    6 Oct 16 LOSS AT Ravens 23 Giants 27
    7 Oct 23 LOSS AT Ravens 16 Jets 24
    8 BYE
    9 Nov 6 WIN Steelers 14 Ravens 21
    10 Nov 10 WIN Browns 7 Ravens 28
    11 Nov 20 LOSS AT Ravens 17 Cowboys 27
    12 Nov 27 WIN Bengals 14 Ravens 19
    13 Dec 4 WIN Dolphins 6 Ravens 38

    The Ravens are very likely to lose their remaining Games,
    + AT Patriots
    GAME DAY

    15 Dec 18 1:00
    Eagles

    16 Dec 25 4:30
    AT Steelers

    17 Jan 1 1:00
    AT Bengals

    • Lemmus

      …whether its the Ravens or the Steelers that win that division, it will likely have no impact on the AFC wild card race
      …that race is likely in the AFC west …unless we win out …and even then we’d still need help

  • Lemmus

    TH is not a “franchise” QB …as Dunner noted, he just can’t deal with pressure …but if he has a quality OL that can protect him, he is more than good enough to take us all the way …and he is durable …so they are not going to just cut/release him

    …sad but it looks like we’re going to be in the position come March that we all dreaded …TH with a huge payday locked in for 3 years and NOT earning the money …and locking us out of being able to afford other top rated talent …like keeping Jones around or attracting the best FA OL available

    ….its going to come down to money …if TH restructures into the 12-14 mil range, he will be our QB for the next 3 years or more …if not, they will put him on the trading block for defensive needs …there are several teams who would trade for TH today …the grass is always greener on the other side conundrum …it will be up to our FO if the trade works in our favor

    …if he won’t restructure and the FO can’t get an acceptable trade, Moore will be gone, Doughty will move up with a lot of snaps in preseason …they will use a 5/6 draft pick on another QB praying for a Brady/Prescott type …and TH will be on a short leash to either deliver or be benched

    …if he is traded, then expect Moore/Doughty/Rookie to go head to head in camp and preseason …our draft position won’t be high enough to go after a top ranked QB w/o gutting the rest of the draft …and not even Tannenbaum would do that

    …I just don’t see them bringing in a veteran like Romo with a short shelf life/injury history …they need stability and consistency over the long term …and others like Cutler are, imnsho, not as good as TH …look at the Texans bad gamble with Osweiller …can’t see the FO going that route

    …and then there is the not so forlorn hope that TH will pull his head out and actually earn that $20 mil payday over the last 4 games …unlikely but he has a pretty hefty incentive to do so …but I’ll not be putting any money on it

    • Lemmus

      …on another point, I expect to see Ajayi run 30+ times in every game from here on out …anyone watching Sunday’s game has to come away shaking their head as to what Gase was thinking …and he’s proven he can learn from his mistakes

      …bottom line, win or lose, if Ajayi doesn’t finish with 25+ runs this Sunday, Gase becomes an issue

      • admin

        Hey, sorry for the late reply…had a trip planned — just recovered: I think with Gase it wasn’t a mistake, I think the situations dictated his play calling for the most part. I’m traveling by myself, so I am working on breaking the first half down with my “extra” time. But, I think the Ravens quick start and massing of points, plus the situation, forced Miami’s hand into pass heavy play calls. It sort of reminds me of the early part of the season. But, let me break it down and present it so you can decide for yourself.

        • Lemmus

          ….disagree …Ajayi ran 12 times with 5+ ypc average …Gase should have rode the horse he came with …instead he turned TH loose on a bad hair day …and Gase took the fins down with him

          …once we stopped running the ball, the dbs no longer had to defend it …and shifted focus to TH …as did the LBs …and that turned the DL loose to pressure TH …a perfect storm …one brewed by Gase abandoning our best weapon …a weapon that was working

          …rookie HC mistake …staring at the scoreboard

          …when TH is on his game, he can be very good …but Sunday was an off day …and Gase failed to read it

          …if your’e down 14 points and the only thing that is working is pounding the ball, pound the ball …don’t start throwing into a defense that knows you’re going to pass on every play …especially when your QB is under heavy pressure and starts swallowing the ball or making bad decisions

          …yeah, you’re down 14 points …so go kick your DC in the ass and start …patiently …running the ball on offense

          …and oh yeah, if you’re afraid to let your kicker try a 46 yd FG, you need a new kicker

          …moving along …assume we split the remaining games for a 9-7 draft position in the 18-23 range

          …this draft looks bereft of any potential franchise QBs …but it is top heavy with TEs and LBs …multiple 1/2 round talent at both …not to mention a bevy of DEs …all are positions of need

          …if TH still looks marginal, put him on the trade line …we can get a 2nd and more for him imnsho …get a LB and TE early, a DE if one falls …then go get two QBs in the 4-6 rounds

          …unlike Steve, I think Doughty can be our QB but the politics with carrying him as a 3rd gave Ross the jitters that Gase was not fully committed to TH ….trade TH for picks and cap room, then.put Moore/Doughty/rookies in a full blown camp/preseason shakedown …my bet is that Moore will lose …release him and his cap …go with the best of the rest at QB

          …side note …anyone want to bet on Belicheat NOT putting his #2 QB on the tradeline for draft picks? …he did it before and made bank on the trade results …I think he’ll do it again, especially with the dearth of QBs in the draft …same reason TH will draw high interest

          • Steve

            Lemmus

            Your break down of the game Sunday should have been Brief Monday Morning to the Dolphins staff. Stephen Ross I do like! His mistake when he hired Gase was to take Tannehill as a packaged Deal take it or leave it Deal I’m certain.

            Miami Rode Joe Philphin we all saw that ship sinking but Stephen Ross did not. A winning team Stephen Ross is not looking for! He is not trying to Win! He has failed to get his team on Prime time since his Ownership the blame goes with him 100%.

    • admin

      Agree with most of your statements Lemmus except that Tannehill could be “retrained” in time to overcome his jitters under physical abuse this was a reply to Dunner: “I think that is the key with Tannehill, Dunner. He is a “franchise” QB, meaning is in the top half, can be built around and be an asset, but he isn’t elite in this incarnation. VERY, very few can carry – Bob Griese couldn’t, but Marino could. Championships are about teams and if you have a team and an elite QB then you are at the apex — but, very few could say that over the course the NFL’s history. Bradshaw isn’t elite, but Starbuck was. Now, in regards to Tannehill under pressure that’s a twofold response. Under situational pressure “Clutch moments” he performs, but under physical pressure he doesn’t. The Miami franchise needs to accept some responsibility on this. How many QB’s have been “broken” under the the type of abuse he has had to endure since game one of his career. I think he can be “retrained” if provided an extended period of successful line play — but, to be fair he might not be “retrained” even if he receives good line play. This is the crux of the situation: 20 million a year for a QB that flounders in abusive situations is too much. For T-hill in his current form is easily worth 12-15 million – maybe even a bit more. But, the 5 mill more is like 5-10 players (depending on scale) and that could make or break a franchise. With only a couple of games left this is a very hard decision as they could do far worse than T-hill if they need to go fish on a QB.”

      And thanks for using forlorn — one of my favorite words.
      Yes, a restructure with incentives would be an amazing front office move — not sure it’s going to happen, though.

      • Steve

        Admin

        I disagree about Bradshaw he was the epitome of a Great NFL QB. He was able to over being Booed!, Bench etc. To become a Hall of Famer.

        won four Super Bowl titles in a six-year period (1974, 1975, 1978, and 1979), becoming the first quarterback to win three and four Super Bowls, and led the Steelers to eight AFC Central championships. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1989, his first year of eligibility.
        A tough competitor, Bradshaw is known for having one of the most powerful arms in NFL history. He also called his own plays throughout his football career.[1] His physical skills and on-the-field leadership played a major role in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ history. During his career, he passed for more than 300 yards in a game only seven times, but three of those performances came in the postseason, and two of those in Super Bowls. He played very well in the Super Bowl, and in four career Super Bowl appearances, he passed for 932 yards and 9 touchdowns Coach Chuck Noel was not afraid of Art Rooney when he thought Bradshaw was not doing his job he was Bench! Gase has permission from Ross to Bench every body except Tannehill and this is the problem. NO one should be exempt!

    • Steve

      Yes Lemmus

      The Dolphins can win with Tannehill by keep passing down to 25 to 30 a game. Each incomplete pass warrants a positive rushing play missed.

      Jay Cutler, RG 3, are hard headed and will continue to be on the injured reserved list.
      Moore is five years rusted playing behind T.
      Doughty is not the answer?

      The Dolphins should look at the Draft:
      Pittsburgh Nathan Peterman QB is riding under the Radar: he can be had in the 5th round rated @ 192nd best player for the draft. I really believe he is the best Clutch QB in 2016 draft but not given any credit.
      We can pick him up for under a 900,000 easy I’m know expert. He has Franchised Tag Why?

      a. Pitt outscores Syracuse in wild 76-61 victory he threw 4 TDs
      b. Panthers upset No. 2 Clemson and No. 5 Penn State
      On Sept. 10, in Week 2 of the college football season, Pitt knocked off Pennsylvania rival Penn State, 42-39
      c. .Also beat ACC champion Clemson, 43-42, on Nov. 12, making the Panthers the only team to beat two teams currently in the top five in the rankings. Pitt vs. Clemson Football Highlights (2016)
      Penn State Defeated by Pitt
      http://www.espn.com/college-football/game?gameId=400869436

      He could ride the Bench a season or two or less////We should draft a QB each draft until we can the right chemistry.

      Lastly: We need to invest in the best NFL Defensive Coordinator next season. Not what we were told but has proven track record.

  • Steve

    Some interesting Data:

    Jay Ajayi
    RB
    MIA
    11 Games Played
    173 Attempts
    908 Total Yards
    7 TD
    Jay Ajayi RB 525,000 $55,203

    xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

    Lamar Miller
    RB
    HOU
    12 Games Played
    225 Attempts
    903 Total yards
    3 TD
    Lamar Miller
    RB
    25
    4
    4 yr
    $26,000,000 Contract agreement
    $6,500,000
    $14,000,000 Guaranteed
    2020 Expires

    xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

    Ezekiel Elliott
    RB
    DAL
    12 Games played
    263 Attempt’s
    21.9
    1285 Total yard
    12 Touch Downs

    The proof is in the pudding!

    Dallas has the most Wins this season with A Rookie QB and A Rookie R/B

    Dak Prescott
    QB DAL
    12 Games played
    358 Attempts
    2974 Total Passing
    19 Touch Downs
    Interceptions thrown TWO

    Lowest Winning Seed From NFC Wild Card Round

    Cowboys [x]
    (11-1-0) Prom: 1st Seed

    Salary
    4 yr
    $2,723,393
    $680,848 Guaranteed
    $383,393
    2020 Contract Expires

    Miami Dolphins
    Ryan Tannehill
    QB
    MIA
    12 Games Played
    369 Attempts
    2800 Total passing yards
    16 Touch Downs
    11 Interceptions

    Play off 2016
    (7-5-0) Proj: 7th Seed

    • admin

      Steve, Miami def. won in regards to their offseason move at the RB spot!! I was never a huge fan of Miller. Great asset, but not a complete back.

  • Steve

    Hello Dol fans

    This year would make 5 years that Stephen Ross has force the QB on us and has come up short every December.

    Stephen Ross has to ask himself do he want a Prime Time Football Team that Wins the Big Games or go on Vacation in December???

    The Best Formula for winning the next 4 games is take the choke collars off Ajayi, D. Williams and Drake These young men are designed for carrying the Ball. We know what has not work for 5 years.

    Say if the Dallas cowboys use Stephen Ross Ideology tell the coach to rush Ezekiel Elliot 16 carries, 12 carries, etc. Dallas would not be leading the NFL in Wins. Elliot has a total of 1285 yards for 12 games 263 Carries our Ajayi has 173 carries and 208 total yards

    FACTS OR PRIME TIME TV HAS STATED THAT THEY WANT TO WATCH THE DOLPHINS RUSHING GAMES?

  • Dunner

    Have to do it Lemmus; PFF grades for Sundays debacle:

    The Good (yes there were good), the Bad (obviously), the Ugly (ugly is ugly).

    DT Ndamukong Suh had another excellent performance against the Ravens, grading out as the third best NT/DT for Week 13.

    Maxwell was the No. 3-ranked CB on the week in terms of pass coverage grade and on the season now ranks No. 6 in that same category for all CBs.

    As a unit, the Dolphins’ offensive line allowed 14 QB hurries in Week 13, tied for the most of any team with the Los Angeles Rams.

    Ajayi had 61 yards on 12 carries (5.1 avg.) but 59 of them came after contact and he forced seven missed tackles, the most for any RB on the week.

    Ajayi now ranks fourth in the league with 612 yards after contact and first in forced missed tackles with 44 through 13 weeks. 12 carries Sunday???

    Rookie first-round pick Laremy Tunsil had his worst game of the season and was ranked 55 out of 56 qualifying guards for Week 13. He was especially poor in run blocking, where he was by far the worst-graded guard on the week. To be fair, this was the first game Tunsil was playing since suffering his shoulder injury against the Los Angeles Rams three weeks ago. He should make the necessary adjustments to his game to overcome the shoulder limitations.

    QB Ryan Tannehill was the worst of any quarterback in the league for Week 13. He was solid facing no pressure (17-of-22 for 110 yards and 1 touchdown), but was terrible under pressure. He completed 12-of-18 passes for 116 yards, but three of his incompletions were interceptions and he didn’t throw a TD in such situations. His performance dropped him from the 10th overall QB on the season to 15th now through 13 weeks.

    And let us consider this: We’ve seen Tannehill for five full seasons. I think we can safely say we know what he is and what he is not. He is a solid quarterback. No more. No less. Is solid worth $20/year????

    Adjustments to be made. A game plan to be installed, because this Cardinals team is not going to be an easy out.

    • admin

      I think that is the key with Tannehill, Dunner. He is a “franchise” QB, meaning is in the top half, can be built around and be an asset, but he isn’t elite in this incarnation. VERY, very few can carry – Bob Griese couldn’t, but Marino could. Championships are about teams and if you have a team and an elite QB then you are at the apex — but, very few could say that over the course the NFL’s history. Bradshaw isn’t elite, but Starbuck was. Now, in regards to Tannehill under pressure that’s a twofold response. Under situational pressure “Clutch moments” he performs, but under physical pressure he doesn’t. The Miami franchise needs to accept some responsibility on this. How many QB’s have been “broken” under the the type of abuse he has had to endure since game one of his career. I think he can be “retrained” if provided an extended period of successful line play — but, to be fair he might not be “retrained” even if he receives good line play. This is the crux of the situation: 20 million a year for a QB that flounders in abusive situations is too much. For T-hill in his current form is easily worth 12-15 million – maybe even a bit more. But, the 5 mill more is like 5-10 players (depending on scale) and that could make or break a franchise. With only a couple of games left this is a very hard decision as they could do far worse than T-hill if they need to go fish on a QB.

    • admin

      I give Tunnsil a break with the bum shoulder…T-Hill might be suffering from flashbacks from years of pressure. I do fault the Franchise in part for that.

  • Dunner

    After watchung the game Sunday and watching some of the reviews.

    This organization needs to ask themselves, is Tanny the answer moving forward?

    I know he is a middle of the road QB at best and you can win with him Now, is he a $20 million QB moving forward, in 2017 and beyond?

    $20 million a year can get you a few really good players such as a guard and/or LBer.. How about a QB such as Romo for 13-14 million/year? How about a Cutler who Gase is familiar with, and did his best work under Gase, at 14 million/year?

    QBs such as these 2 would only be a short term answer, 2-3 years while you groom Doughty or a new draftee. This team can win with the 2 QBs mentioned just as they can win w Tanny. Tanny has yet to show he can win when he needs to be the direct reason. I know he had a lot to do w the Rams and 9ers games, but that is very minimal.

    I like Tanny as person, teammate, but not a big fan of his player capabilities. Does make any teammates better, does he make his team better? Not so sure….

  • Steve

    PLAYERS TO WATCHED THIS MONTH WILL BE IN THE 2017 DRAFT

    WATCH
    TIM WILLIAMS OLB ALABAMA
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9wTtXm9PtA

    Teez Tabor || “I am the Greatest” || Florida Highlights
    https://youtu.be/ewy9s_tpxCc

    Sidney Jones Washington Huskies Highlights Cornerback #26
    https://youtu.be/0ORRT-kwzvg

    Number One Draft Pick: ILB
    Reubin foster highlights Football
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-lx0hVrVM0

    RANKED IN THE 1ST ROUND A PLAY MAKER SHORTER BUT TALENTED!
    Desmond King CB 4 Iowa Sr 5-10 203 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DowxI0vJXrM https://youtu.be/0ORRT-kwzvg

    Dan Feeney OG 1 Indiana
    https://youtu.be/balFmPDkd7k

    RANKED ABOUT 12TH, 3RD OR 4TH ROUNDER
    Watch: Kevin King’s Corner BackFree Safety/Cornerback
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xv8E4Z9HWZ0
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciDN4cabyCQ

    1st round Defense secondary or offensive Guard
    2nd round Defensive Tackle Jaron Jones Notre Dame or Chris Wormley Michigan
    3rd round R/B Nick Chubb Georgia or D’Onta Foreman Texas
    4th round Offensive Tackle Avery Genesy Texas A&m or Conor Mcdermott OT UCLA
    5th round Tedric Thompson SS COLORADO 6’0
    6th round Keith Kelsey Ilb Louisville 6’0 236lbs
    7th round Nathan Peterman QB Pittsburgh 6’2 ht. wt. 225lbs

  • Dunner

    We were due for a stinker, and this was a perfect spot for it. Not a good time for it, but every indicator was there for a stinker.

    Everything just looked vanilla. Did we make any adjustments, especially on defense? We were taken to the wood shed, out coached, out played, out maned, did I say out coached? Severely out coached at all levels.

    Here we are, getting away from the run (or should I say Gase). We needed to run the ball 30x to have a chance under the circumstances. Ajayi needed 25 carries to sustain any success. We ran the ball 14x (not including Tanny and a gadget play for Laundry). Ajayi GETS 12 CARRIES?????? Ajayi averaged 5 YARDS A CARRY. Com’on man, Gase you have to be better than that, 14 carries, Ajayi with ONLY 12. Just after we start to separate this team from previous teams, this staff from previous staffs, reality!!! That is a Philbin game to a tee, and that is exactly how the Ravens have been wrecking us the last 5 years. POOR, POOR showing for Gase and Joseph. I understand the players have to play, but there was no adjustments, minimal energy. and no creativity. Not to mention no game plan!!!!

    Is this the case of “They are what we thought they were”, per Dennis Green? I don’t think it is as bad as looked, but I do think there was something to it. Some where in the middle is probably where they are.

    Now we know why they opted to punt last week opposed to trying a 50 yard field goal. That started the slid, oops, I mean, avalanche!

    Win out and have a chance at post season play, one hiccup and we can start the draft process.

    Our winning formula, boring but successful, has been running the ball 30x and playing decent defense. Neither happened Sunday. To me, one was because of the other. We need to pound the ball 30x or more to keep games close and hopefully wear them out and steal it in the fourth. Where did that philosophy go? I don’t want to hear the game got out of hand, NOT!

    Tanny wasn’t bad, wasn’t great, 29 of 40 isn’t bad. 3 Ints hurt. What did reappear was his pocket presence, or again lack thereof. No designed runs (coaching). Again, I don’t put this one on the players (COACHES).

    Did I mention out coached???

    Now the players can exhale, get back to work and start another winning streak (4 in a row) this Sunday. This is one the players need to put behind them and move on. This is one where the coaches need to evaluate themselves and the plan, or lack thereof!

    All though disappointed, I still like what has/is going on with this team, like the roster for now. I do like the coaches, I chalk this one up to a veteran coaching staff taking advantage of a inexperienced coaching staff, and veteran players being prepared and understanding the magnitude of the game. There will be learning curves along the way, but boy are they painful to watch. This was a tough place for such a young team to come to and play such a veteran squad.

    The J-Train can not roll with out fuel (coaches). 12 carries, while averaging 5 yards/carry???? The train was there to use, for some reason we chose not to????

    • Lemmus

      ….we definitely need a kicker …if I were Gase, I’d be beating Tanenbaum’s door down to find a kicker for the last 5 games

      …Arizona has a QB who can duplicate Flacco’s performance if we allow it …up to Joseph to pull a rabbit out

      …Jones is going to roll in the money next year …for us or someone else …but one way or the other, he will get paid

      ….Gase seems to get in a mindset and unable to change it when it proves wrong ….once we fell behind, he abandoned the run for the pass and never adjusted again when he should have …we had most of our 1st string OL out there (though Tunsil was playing injured) …that’s our run game and we never really used it

      …not sure its all on Joseph …he needs to be able to cover the field and is sorely lacking the talent to do so …much less play man against the likes of Wallace …if the draft were today, our top 3 picks would be LB/DB …still hoping we can get a true guard in FA, need two for depth there …but the holes in the backfield are evident …not to mention that our DEs are long in the tooth …so far Wake has held up …but another year? …so this will be a Dunner draft …all defense unless a high graded guard falls to us …and FA hasn’t fixed the OL holes …but unless TH goes into a swan dive, at least we won’t be QB hunting at the top

      …we have some tough games coming up and Arizona shouldn’t be one of them …but who knows after yesterday

      • Dunner

        Jones contract is for 1 more year. Going to be interesting to see how that goes with this coaching staff. I know the coaches don’t handle that end of it, going to interesting, need Jones.

        I think we are all on board for drafting the top LBer should the value be there in the first. Like Lemmus mentioned, most likely will be a defensive heavy draft. Though I wouldn’t mind the top TE in the draft, followed by 2 LBers in second and third. Yes, we need at the least 2 LBers, both Will and Sam.

        I don’t see CB as a pressing need. Our CBs are much better than yesterday’s performance. I thought that came down to coaching. Could we have played more man, pressed both Wallace and Smith. Our defensive approach yesterday gave our D-Line ABSOLUTELY no chance to create pressure. Everything was a 3 step drop, except the screens. Joseph scares me, he has been schooled by the big boys/coaches (Billacheat, Harbaugh, Jones) each time with no answer or adjustments.

        Tanny had some bad throws-bad, his pocket awareness lacks still. I mean, how do you tuck the ball and take a 9yd sack when you are outside the tackle box? Just doesn’t make sense, my 13 year old son knows he can just chuck it at that point (get the back to the line of scrimmage). Still scary at times.

        Why oh why did we not run the ball more???? 14 carries, 12 carries for Ajayi. Please do not tell me that the game was out of hand. For instance, upon the missed field goal: second and 4 on Baltimore’s 35 we run the ball for no gain, fine. If you were going to run it on second why not third as well. And, if we do not get 4 yds, then run it again on fourth and short. Gase’s plan just reminded me of Philbin to a tee!

        Like Lemmus said, not sure what to expect Sunday? Would like to think we could go 3-1, and some how beat Buffalo, yes 4-0 (Pats would have nothing to play for at that point). Hopefully this was just another Titans game and they revert to the team that won 6 straight. That requires running and staying committed to running the football.

  • Fritz

    Well we just did not show up at all today. I thought a game like this would have our Phins ready to fight, win or lose. Not today. Today we looked like the team of old. Lots of blame to go around. Players did not execute. Gase did not call enough runs. Joseph forgot to defend the middle of the field ie the TE. And the list goes on and on. I even blame myself for sipping the koolaid.
    It was clear that the Ravens had their way. They have had no running game, except today they did. Flacco has not been having a good season, except today he did.
    So what now. Now we get this game behind us and we get back to what got us a six game winning streak and start another one.

    • admin

      I new by the second drive we were exposed…it shocked me at how bad and that I didn’t see it coming. Ravens have a full core of receivers: deep attack inside and TE’s with a tall rifle armed QB. Jenkins is decent in coverage — Hewitt sub-par; Jones is excellent — Quaddas solid, Michael and Rambo sub-par; Kiko is solid — with a pulled hammy sub-par, and Hull sub-par; Butler is sub-par. They needed to play physical instead of off. They needed to mix zones with man to cause hesitation– form what I saw it seemed like basic zones for the most part. Joseph had a bad game and wasn’t reactive or creative. This week will reveal alot. I have stated 2-3 in these last 5 games would be a victory, but, 1-4 or 0-5 would leave a bad taste and uncertainty. Now, Ravens are rising and will contend for the championship, so they are in an elite class.

      • Steve

        ADMIN

        SOUND LIKE YOU ARE DEFEATED. WE AREN’T DEFEATED THIS SEASON YET!

        30 TO 35 CARRIED FOUR GAMES = 4 WINS AND PLAY OFFS.
        WHEN TANNEHILL NEEDS TWO YARDS HE HAS LEGS TO RUN FOR THAT!

        NOTE: IF YOU ARE GOING TO GAMBLE DONT GAMBLE ON THE NUMBERS OR PLAYERS YOU WANT TO HIT! BET ON THE NUMBERS OR PLAYERS WHO ARE HITTING..

        THE DALLAS COWBOYS ARE AN EXAMPLE THEY ARE THE MOST RUNNING NFL TEAM THIS SEASON AND HAVE THE BEST RECORD. WHY SHOULD THEY SWITCH UP AND MOSTLY PASSED?

        DECEMBER WILL DEFINE THESE DOLPHINS? WILL THEY TUCK THEIR TALES BETWEEN THEIR LEGS AND RUN WITH HEAD DOWN, OR LET SOMEONE TAKE THEIR LUNCH MONEY LIKE THE LAST FIVE YEARS OR WILL THEY RUN THE BALL DOWN THEIR OPPONENTS THROAT? AND DEFEND DEFENSIVELY? OR WILL THEY GAINED TWENTY YARDS FORWARD AND MARCHED BASKWARDS 30 YARDS? RUN THE BALL DOLPHINS STOP THE MADDNESS TWO HUNDRED BACK TO BACK RUSHING IN THE NFL IS NOT A FLUT! YARD OPPONENTS DESIRE THAT YOU PASSED FOR 5 YEARS NOW.

  • Lemmus

    …first game where the loss of Jones and Howard was crippling
    …and Alonzo’s hand problems didn’t help
    …draft will be LB or CB …OL will be FA, then 4th round draft

    …TH had a bad day but Parker let one get away from him
    …we need consistency in TH, not greatness

    …Ajayi was able to run on them but Gase went to the pass when they fell 2 TDs behind
    …I take that as a coaching error, Gase is still learning …he’s a QB guy by nature, not a RB guy
    …that will have to change

    …Arizona is a winnable game
    …4 teams in AFC now contesting wildcard with us
    …AFC west and Steelers or Ravens …we will need help even if we win out now
    …3 games back of pats with 5 to go, div no longer even a fantasy scenario if it ever was
    …Bills loss keeps them out of it unless we do a december dive …like today

    …Ravens showed others our weak spot …everyone will now attack our middle
    …fixing that, if possible, will determine rest of season imnsho

    …but dammit, despite losing badly today, we won six in a row against some decent teams
    …that’s progress no matter what happens next …next year looks promising

    • admin

      Jimmy is a sly one and left me to do the article today– joy. so, I’ll warm up with some comments and a few glasses of beer to get myself ready. If Miami goes 1-4 or 0-5, I will enter the off season a bit skittish. Joseph is the biggest concern at this point. His demeanor is good and his ability to relate to the player is as well, but he seems very, very vanilla and that is all well and good when you have the talent …but, when you don’t, you get exposed badly. Thomas stinks and as you said Jones’ absence is huge. Jenkins wasn’t in and he is only okay — they need a real WLB with excellent skills. Kiko struggles in pass coverage and Bulter does too. This was more about being exposed by a better roster and coaching staff. Joseph and his staff should have seen it coming and had a plan…they didn’t. Gase and Tannehill were put in a bad position and some early miscues dug the hole deeper. I’m not that concerned about Tannehill, because he isn’t Marino and that’s who it would have taken to even have a chance. Miami needs alot of help on D in coverage and athletics. Let’s also not forget that Wallace, Smith, Pitta and Perriman with Flacco throwing is serious business. This was about Ravens abusing Miami’s weakness. The problem now is the template is there and can the Dolphins find a way to limit, overcome and / or correct it?

  • Steve

    Hello Dol Fans
    Our Run Game would have kept the Ravens Offense on the Bench!.

    We have witness 5 years of coaching that has over loaded Ryan T. with the Idea he will carry this team by passing and the hell with the Run game its obsolete.

    We lost the game on play calling: One Dimensional 101 Dolphins Failure less pass every down.
    1. When the score was 14 to 0 we needed 2 yards for 1 down. Dolphins Pass to Landry he Slipped, Miami kicked missed the Field Goal. We don’t know? That we need the right shoes on this field????

    1. We have a good Running Back for two yard runs etc.???
    2, We march down the field numerous of times to throw an interception.
    3. 5 times in the Ravens territory and left with nothing.

    Some games it will be the Running back who will dominant, Some games it will be the QB who Dominant and some games the Defense will Dominant the game.

    When Coaching insist on the QB handle the ball every play is not coaching. Its kills the team and frustrate the Fans.

    The Ravens pass 34 times the 1st half that work for them and no punts. The Ravens 1st Punt was about the last 3 minutes in the 3rd qtr.

    .The Raven did not respect the Dolphins under Joe Philbin by running on 4th down and they don’t respect GASE either because they did not Punt until the late 3rd QTR. Out Coach!

    We have the Team: Ryan Tannehill is Best at 25 to 30 passes and the run game is 30 to 35 carriers.
    I would like for these coaches to stop trying to sell Tannehill as the one to carry this team every game..

    Right Now the Miami Dolphins are not ready for Prime time TV.

    How many Games has RB Dalvin Cook help FSU win? Coach Jim-Bo Fisher understands how much pressure to place on his QB! We have 4 games left and the Dolphins can dominant by running their R/B. This required patience.
    No Patience with the run! Expect more scores like 6 to 38.

    Regroup Miami the games have not got hard yet. Today should have been a day off!

    .

    • admin

      Agree Steve, BUT this was a track meet with one team running and the other walking backwards. They just couldn’t stop the pass between the hashes with the game-plan they presented. Not sure if there was a game-plan out there that would have made a difference. Miami just can’t cover that well and is a bit slow and unaware in the interior pass defense. As Lemmus said Jones was sorely missed. Ravens have the #1 D for a reason. They weren’t going to run their way to a win…now, if Miami hadn’t made a few miscues early they could have kept Ajayi on track and it would be a different story. That 3rd and 2 though…yeah would like to have seen a run. But, when they got to 21 zip the run game started falling behind, and then 24, and then a pick to start the half…that was all she wrote for the run game. This is how they lost early in the season. Joseph needs to have contingency plans when ‘line up and play’ doesn’t work.

      • Steve

        Admin

        Miami Dolphins was beat down by the Jags: 62 to 7 in a play off game with Jimmy Johnson Coaching and Dan Marino passing: Miami Dolphins lost their Supper Bowl games in the 80s for not adding a serious run game with Marino.

        Gase is determine he will defy the odds by forcing Tannehill down our Throats as the Sole Ball handler.

        THIS IS MIAMI DOLPHINS TRUE IDENTITY
        https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Natrone+Means+Jaguars+Highlights&Form=VQFRVP

        DOWN TO 12 CARRIES ALMOST THE WAY THE SEASON STARTED DENYING THEIR IDENTITY!
        https://youtu.be/3AmEEYH9szs
        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYqK3YpHno4
        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAwdHxQ3O2U

        THE MIAMI DOLPHINS EXAMPLE: IS KEEPING MICHEAL JORDAN ON THE BENCH TO PROMOTE A HIGH PRICE MEDIOCRE PLAYER. WE HAVE THE TEAM! THE PROBLEM IS ROSS, THE MANAGEMENT AND GASE BEING STUPID ENOUGH TO BE ON THIS SINKING SHIP. THE DOLPHINS WANT TO DICTATE HOW THEY WILL WIN, THE FACE OF THE FRANCHISE AND WITH THAT IDEALOGY THEY WILL ALWAYS BE LOSERS IN PRIME TIME. WE HAVE THE TEAM RIGHT NOW! TANNEHILL IS AT BEST WITH A MORE RUN GAME OFFENSE. HE HAS NOT CARRIED THIS TEAM IN FIVE SEASON! ANY QB DESERVES A SOLID RUN GAME.

        THE CLASSIC WITH THE DOLPHINS COACHES THEY FALL BEHIND THEN THEY ABANDONED THE RUN. CHASING THE PASS RESULTING IN 3 AND OUT. DOES ANY ONE KNOW HOW LONG THE DOLPHINS DEFENSE WAS ON THE FIELD.YESTERDAY AGANIST THE RAVEN?

        DEFENSE COACHING NEEDS TO BE UP GRADED, NO PUNTS BY THE RAVEN IN 3 QTR AND 39 PASSES. WE GOT TO BE KIDDING. DID ANY ONE STUDY ANY GAME TAPE?

        THE DOLPHINS ARE A MUCH BETTER TEAM THAN WHAT WE SAW YESTERDAY!
        FOUR GAMES LEFT EQUAL= 35 RUSHES X 4 GAMES = 4 WINS.

        • admin

          OHHH Steve, please, please don’t bring that event up for awhile. I was highly traumatized by that day. I still feel Jimmy did that on purpose. He beat the team all week with hard practice when they were an older and beat up team. I think he wanted to make a point against Marino. Jimmy failed so bad on offensive drafts…an RB or Moss, who he should have drafted but instead traded back the night before, would have made all the difference. Marino’s years of life without an Rb was one reason why I was a running back. YES, running game is the key even in today’s game — but, as this week showed at a certain point the run game loses viability when you are 3-4 scores down with a half to play.

  • Lemmus

    …missed the game …just saw the score on my phone …wanted to puke
    …losing is not the issue …we have a future, I’m sure of it

    …but its going to be long climb up a very steep cliff, not a sudden leap to the top
    …Gase is learning, going to be hiccups, but with what hes done already, success is inevitable

    …so no, not a happy fan today
    …but I am confident that one day soon, I’ll be scrambling for playoff tickets again

  • Steve

    Its been awhile since the Miami Dolphins have had one — over 30 years!

    Well said Admin! I Believed in the run game being the foundation to this game. But many would say No the game has changed and its about passing.

    The Ravens coaching staff under stood something about the Dolphins! What was that don’t SUGAR COAT A WEAKNESS JUST EXPLOIT IT.

    We have a good team But! The Dolphins were Out Coach!
    Both on offensively and Defensively

    Like Former QB Robert Allen Griese Stated today after the game the Dolphins must Man Up they did not show up and move on.