Win Over 49ers Puts Dolphins In Playoffs — Yes, Playoffs!

How long have Dolphins Fans felt like Jim Mora in regards to the Playoffs.

How long have Dolphins Fans felt like Jim Mora in regards to the Playoffs.

With the Dolphins now holding the 6th seed, it’s time to talk Playoffs.

There’s still a lot of football to go, but as of now, the Miami Dolphins are in the playoffs. You heard me correct, playoffs!

No, I am not spewing the seasonal, generic hope of a Fin Fan, nor am I suffering from delusions — at least not in regards to the Dolphins. It’s a fact: the Dolphins are now ranked as the 6th seed in the wake of their close win over the San Francisco 49ers.

I said it last week, and I’ll repeat it (don’t feel bad, I have to tell myself over and over to believe it as well): It’s time for Fin Fans to move on from impersonating Jim Mora. For those too young to remember or have forgotten this classic, here’s a refresher to put a smile on your face.

Now, that smile you have right now likely stems from two things.

First reason is simple. This little ‘ditty’ is a classic and ranks right up there with other hilarious classics such as Dennis Green‘s, “They are what we thought they were,” or Alan Iverson‘s, “Practice.”

The second reason for your smile is because this is no longer indicative of the Miami franchise.

Playoffs aren’t guaranteed, but even a chance this late in the season is awesome.

Now, I’m not saying it’s certain Miami will end up going to the playoffs, because they are wounded and in a very tough stretch, and the top pay per head sportsbook sites aren’t ready to say it’s a lock. But, by beating the 49ers as low on linemen as they were with Ryan Tannehill carrying the team, Miami showed they ‘ain’t the same ole’ Fins’ anymore.

It was close yesterday — a nail biter. But, Miami came through with a 6 game win streak, something not accomplished since 2005.

Take that in for a moment. It feels good doesn’t it?

The Dolphins have heart, talent, youth, franchise QB, coaching, controlled cap, and shot at the Playoffs in week 12. And what makes all of this sweeter is this is just the first year under Gase’s stewardship. I’m in, are you? Go Fins!!


 

14 comments

  • Dunner

    How about the play of some Dolphin players Sunday vs the 9ers???

    Per Pro Football Focus (Sorry Lemmus, lot of teams pay for their analytics, and this is one of the more reputable sites):

    Tanny the week 12 TOP rated QB in the league. Yes that is accurate. For the second time this season Tanny has been the TOP rated QB for the week. Tanny had a grade of 91 to lead ALL QBs. Tanny comes in as the 10th rated QB for the season. Not bad considering he probably ranked in the bottom half after 5 weeks (1-4).

    Sims played his best career game as a receiver for Miami. According to PFF, he forced 2 more missed tackles than any other TE in week 12. He did struggle as a blocker, which is rare, because he usually is a very good blocking TE, that could be because of his time away from live action.

    The J-Train may have struggled Sunday, mainly because of the missing O-Lineman, but out of his first 45 yards, 38 of those came after initial contact. Again, leading the league, not just week 12, but for the season as well.

    Wake was again a monster. Though he only had 1 sack, he had 5 QB hurries. Those 5 QB hurries lead the league in week 12. Per PFF Wake ranks 3rd best pass rushing 4-3 DE in the league.

    Branch for whatever reason struggled mightily in run defense. He ranked 51st out of 51 4-3 DEs. He was effective as a pass rusher. For me and us Fin Fans, this could be because of the opponent and Branch’s focus. Which was Branch’s weakness as a player in Jville. He can not take plays off or take practices half speed, doesn’t and hasn’t worked for him.

    How about the resurgence of Maxwell since being benched? He was the #2 ranked CB in the league for week 12. Can attribute his resurgence to coaches benching him as well as the player himself.

    PFF ranks Jenkins the second worst 4-3 outside LBer for week 12 and the worst in the entire league for the season. He is banged up, but needs to improve, like now!

    How about Kiko playing 774 plays out of 775 for the season? What a great draft day trade to assume Kiko and Maxwell, not to mention Tunsil there for the taking with that pick. A++++

    What does all this mean, Not sure when Sunday comes? But I do know that this progress, a enormous amount of progression from week 1.

    For me this is exactly what I would want to see as a fan, as a coach, as a owner. Will it equate to playoffs? We shall see. Either way, I believe we are onto something and we have our staff in place. Sure our roster has holes, but every roster has holes. As the second youngest team in the league, there are not very many holes considering. Future looks BRIGHT.

    Notice no mention of players such as Suh, James, Quddus, Thomas, Lippett. Like the old saying goes “no name, great game”. These players are steady, steady, steady. I actually heard a piece on NFL radio where teams are actually throwing away from Lippett. How great is that??? With the possibility of Howard coming back, not sure who sits? Can one of these 3 CBs play inside? Not sure, but a nice problem to have.

    Suh is a BEAST and playing like one this year. Predict Suh will eat lunch this Sunday at Baltimore’s expense. I am almost certain they will have to double team him 99% of the time. Mitchell and/or Phillips needs to step up Sunday.

    The J-Train rolls on!!!! HOOT HOOT!!!!

  • Steve

    The Ravens are a team you have to run north and south at! But the Dolphins are more physical team everybody must block some body.

    Key to victory at Baltimore:
    1. Tannehill must not throw intersections nor allow the Ball to be stripped from him.
    2 Tannehill must Run for positive yards VS taking a sack or throwing the ball away.
    3. Tannehill must win the Academy Awards for Acting on the field with play action etc.
    4. This is not a game to hall the ball past 2 second subject to get injured serious.
    5. Screens plays must improved!
    6. Tannehill must make the Run game work the R/B must soften up the raven defense for his
    passing game to work. By any means Keep the chains moving and Score!

    1. Running back Jay Ajayi must have 25 to 30 Carries this will required some Patience
    2. More Tight end fronts for blocking, passing, run block,
    3. Our offensive Receivers must block and hits to standards.

    Defensively they must get interceptions, Tip and Block J. Flacco
    The Ravens need more production from quarterback Joe Flacco and the rest of the offense. Flacco has thrown for 2,877 yards with 11 touchdowns and six interceptions in 11 games. Dolphins must keep them on the Bench.

    Defense must clogged the Run game for 60 minutes
    Defense must keep the Raven out of Field Goal Range they win most of their games that way.

    Mahatma Gandhi Quotes – “Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”

  • Steve

    Miami Dolphins overall has beaten the Ravens 6 to 5 games in history but the Raven have beaten the Dolphins 4 out 5 meeting I don’t know if we can count the losses against Joe Philphins Dolphins?

    But! This is a Different Dolphins Teams. They Continue to play with that indomitable will.” against their opponents by finding away to Win.

    coach John Harbaugh has been impressed by Tannehill’s performance and is preparing for a versatile offense.

    “Tannehill has done a great job all year,” Harbaugh said. “Obviously, he has not made a lot of mistakes since they have started winning – more touchdown passes with fewer interceptions. They have run the ball. They have three really good receivers and a great running back. It is a good combination of players.”
    Okay Game Plan for Sunday
    .Players who cannot be allowed to run Freely are
    Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs has been the dominant players with 9.5 sacks in seven games. Somebody needs to constantly hit him for being on the field.

    linebacker Elvis Dumervil

    The Ravens’ top cornerback Jimmy Smith
    Wide Receiver Mike Wallace a former Dolphins who is looking for Revenged?

    The Dolphins are more Physical! The Raven’s need the Dolphins to run a full dose of the Big Tight End at them, threw the, around them etc.

  • Dunner

    Well here we are, December. Can this be a December to remember? Nice to play some games that can make a difference in December.

    This Sunday’s game, to me, will go a looong way into determining not only our playoff chances but several other teams as well, starting with Baltimore. Again, nice to play important games in December!

    This is a HUGE test. another top rated defense, very stout vs the run and good vs the pass. Can Tanny pull another rabbit out of the hat? Lets all hope so. We have struggled vs the Ravens recently, I believe because they just were the more physical team the last 4 meetings (4 years straight). That can be contributed to the Philbin era and his finesse teams. Not the case w this Dolphins team. Prepare to be punched in the mouth. Hoping that Baltimore comes in with the mindset it has taken to beat the fins 3 out of the last 4 years. If they do, look out, the Ravens could be down to much before they realize this team is all about physicality.

    Must continue to run the ball, even if the runs are not there initially. We have done a good job of this thus far, just seems the carries have been lessened by the week. I guess if Baltimore wants to put 8 guys in the box, Tanny will again lead the way. 20 points by either team could very well win this game. Ah heck just put up 30 again Miami and make it easier.

    Not sure if we can ask much more from this defense, but I am looking for a HUGE defensive output this Sunday. Weather should not be a problem as it is predicted to be cloudy and 50 with no considerable winds. Looking for our D-Line to impose its will and create havoc all day leading to a few picks by the back end.

    Fingers crossed for the return of our O-Lineman. They alone can very much be the difference makers. Without them, we have our work cut out.

    Can the J-Train continue to roll on? Can there be a 7 game winning streak? Can Tanny continue his impressive performances? All questions I wish I had the answers to. A win and in.

    J-Train rolls on

    Hoot Hoot!!!

  • Samson

    I think Tannehill has improved mostly on his pocket awareness” which people said wouldn’t happen” and finding the open receiver. He isn’t looking for Landry on every play. We need Tunsil for this game though. Ravens have a stout run defense. We have to be able to utilize play action or they will tee off on Tannehill. I think Tunsil is key. If he is healthy we win. If not…. I’m not gonna say it,,. Go fins!!!

    • Lemmus

      ….TH has 3-4 really good receivers and has been in tune with at least 3 of them over his last 3 games …he doesn’t seem to be looking for Landry every time now …just finds the first decent target and makes the throw, confident that the receiver will be where he is throwing to …no longer checking down to find a wide open target, just the first decent one

      …that makes his ball come out faster. gives the defense less time to penetrate, makes the OL more effective

      ….Gase has those same WRs stepping up their physical presence, making downfield blocks for others, not playing prima donna, making and taking hits that help another teammate …even Parker was making blocks Sunday

      ….the combination is making this WR set one of the most effective in the game right now,

      …regardless of what the last five games record is this year, if they can find a starting caliber guard and add some depth to the OL in FA/draft, the ’17 offense could be very, very good

  • Steve

    Just a Reminder how far Coach Gase has brought this Miami Dolphins team and has improved from 2015 to 2016. 6 straight wins speaks volume for this Miami Dolphins Team.

    xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
    The most unwatchable games on the NFL’s primetime schedule 2015
    5. Philadelphia Eagles at Carolina Panthers, Oct. 25, SNF
    4. San Francisco 49ers at New York Giants, Oct. 11, SNF
    3. Chicago Bears at San Diego Chargers, Nov. 9, MNF
    2. Philadelphia Eagles at Atlanta Falcons, Sept. 14, MNF
    1. Houston Texans at Cincinnati Bengals, Nov. 16, MNF

    Nobody wants to watch the Texans in any situation 2015
    Titans at Jaguars, which is easily the worst primetime game of the NFL season

    The 10 best primetime games of the 2015 NFL season
    1. New England Patriots at Denver Broncos, Nov. 29, SNF
    2. Seattle Seahawks at Green Bay Packers, Sept. 20, SNF
    3. New England Patriots at Indianapolis Colts, Oct. 18, SNF
    4. Green Bay Packers at Denver Broncos, Nov. 1, SNF
    5. Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks, Nov. 15, SNF
    6. Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots, Nov. 23, MNF
    7. Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs, Sept. 17, TNF
    8. New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys, Sept. 13, SNF
    9. Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers, Oct. 1, TNF
    10. Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Redskins, Dec. 7, MNF

    The Miami Dolphins must work on balance (Stay away from becoming one dimensional)
    These games are only going to get tougher this is why I Say we need to take what the defenses gives by Rush and Passing, we need more two or three tight end to help with the blocking etc.. One dimensional is why the Fins were never mentioned for 4 years. This year is different Go Fins!

    • admin

      I think they will do that to spread out the abuse and relieve Olinemen. Sims is almost like a 6th linemen.

  • Steve

    Admin

    Jim Mora and Dennis Green melt downs during press conferences were my favorites. As James Brown would say I Feel Good about the Wins!

    Each week this team learns how to Win, Supper Job Ryan Tennehill has evolved into a play maker. He is making better decision passing to his receivers, doing much better finding that open receiver and not holding the ball getting murders, He is utilizing his strengths to keep the chains moving. He has to perfect the screen plays not causing those R/B to break or stop their pace.

    This Dolphins team is making it happen each week. The Raven are up this Sunday and their Defense loves to strip the QB over making a Sack. Balance passing and Running attacked against the Ravens. Balanced attacked will keep the opponents offense on the Bench. The Ravens are going to run against Miami Sunday. May be the most physical game yet! but I think our Dolphins are the most physical team this season in the NFL really. We cannot discuss play off now! The Fins have a game this Sunday.

    • admin

      Steve your love of the run game was spot on and Ajayi fits the bill — it’s just the line, they are breaking down. I’m hearing Bushrod is breaking down now. Albert is still doubtful and Tunsil Questionable. They will have a tough time this week with Young, Steen and a breaking down Bushrod. Urbik is playing well and fresh and James is doing well and semi fresh. Young is decent in pass protect, but he Steen and Busrod have had troubles in the run game…we need O-Line Calvary pronto!!

  • Lemmus

    …Gase looks like the real thing
    …TH is looking like a starting NFL QB
    …and then there’s the WR set
    …and an honest to god MLB

    …dear lord in heaven
    …I’d forgotten what it feels like

    …we’re not there yet
    …and we may not get there this year
    …but I’ve put my paper bag in the garbage can

    …may it rest in peace

    ….

    • admin

      Yeah Lemmus you an me both. To me this has been a successful season not matter what (unless they totally crap out over the last 5 games). Having a coach and QB of quality with a young core on the rise…2017 is set up for success. Now, I’d love to see more success this season, but they have smashed their predictions and that is amazing!! 2008 is haunting me for this weeks game…if we overcome this, I will rise to a new level of confidence!!!

      • Stephen Fabrizio

        Totally agree. If we even somehow ended up 8-8 I would not be that disappointed given our 1-4 start. 9-7 looks very doable even with the OL injuries.