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November 16, 2016 at 12:46 pm #58592
znModeratorA six-pack of Dolphins notes on a Tuesday:
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/barry-jackson/article114884158.html
• CBS analysts had plenty to say about the Dolphins on this week’s edition of NFL Monday QB on CBS Sports Net:
Rich Gannon: “I can’t believe they won four in a row. They have this quarterback whisperer down there in Adam Gase who has done a terrific job with the likes of Peyton Manning… [and] a marvelous job with Jay Cutler. I think you are seeing the fruits of his labor with Ryan Tannehill. Tannehill is making better decisions… He’s much more comfortable in the pocket.”
Steve Beuerlein: “They have the right coach there for him with Adam Gase… He’s a tough guy who wants to be successful. He can make all the throws. He’s going to get better each week. I believe he is going to get better and is going to be a pretty darn good quarterback under Adam Gase for a lot of years.”
Chris Simms: “Tannehill has great physical ability… What has really happened in Miami? The offensive line is healthy. They have a run game. They have a healthy Devante Parker to throw to. He finally has a chance to succeed and he’s showing you that he can do it.”
• Adam Gase, on the problems his defensive backs have been having with holding and pass interference calls: “I think we’ve just got to do a better job as far as when we’re in coverage, we just have to do the best job we can to not be as ‘hands-y’ as what we’ve been, and we have to trust our technique a lot of the times. I think if we do that, that’s going to help us.
“I think it’s tough sometimes when you’re playing a couple of the guys that we went against yesterday who were very savvy with their route-running and a quarterback that throws the ball very early a lot of the time to where you turn around and all of a sudden the ball’s on the receiver. You guys saw a couple of times where he throws a stop route, the ball’s in the air, the receivers are not even close to turning around. So it makes it tough sometimes when you go against a good quarterback that has really good timing. So we’ll make some strides there.”
• Gase on Tannehill’s toughness: “I think what he does is rare. You don’t see too many guys taking some of the shots he takes and bounce back up. He’s as tough as they come. To be able to regroup and stand in there again, it has been really amazing to watch. The throw he made to Kenny (Stills) yesterday, I have no idea how he completed that, because I don’t know how he saw him, for one. And then he put it … Kenny never breaks stride. The pass he threw to DeVante (Parker) there with three minutes left, he never even saw him.”
• Gase, on Earl Mitchell’s strong debut Sunday: “I think for the most part he did a good job. I know the one thing we could count on was just the energy level. I think a lot of us were just surprised at the fact that his conditioning was really, really, really good. Guys are out there playing with banged up bodies, heavy legs and it’s like getting a brand new player out there flying around, completely healthy.”
• Gase, on Ryan Tannehill going four games without a turnover: “I think he’s done a good job of decision making. We really feel like we’re in a decent group as far as what we’re doing from week to week. Receivers and him are on the same page, along with the tight ends. I think the protection, you know the line has done a really good job as far as keeping him fairly protected. I know he takes some shots but there are a couple of times where he knows he’s going to get hit because he’s holding onto it. He’s trying to take a shot down the field. But for the most part, I think they’ve gotten into a pretty good groove. They’re playing well together right now.”
• The Dolphins topped 20 points only three times all of last season. They’ve done it all four games of this winning streak: 30, 28, 27, 31.
They’re up to 22.7 points per game, which is 19th in the league
November 16, 2016 at 10:36 pm #58679znModeratorDolphins owner: Gase changing culture, bringing team together
Dolphins owner Stephen Ross is giddy over the first four-game winning streak under his ownership and credits first-year coach Adam Gase, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports.
“I have the right guy now,” Ross said of first-year coach Adam Gase. “I have the guy I wanted.”
Ross inherited Tony Sparano as his first coach. And the two didn’t like each other. So when Sparano’s star, lit by that AFC East championship he won his first season, grew dim amid the losing seasons that followed, his fate was sealed.
Ross hired Joe Philbin and stuck with him from 2012 until the bye week last season. And Ross doesn’t talk much about that period, but anyone with any sense recognizes it didn’t work either on or off the field.
Ross believes the hiring of Gase is working.
“Adam has already changed the culture of the Miami Dolphins,” the owner declared.
“The organization is working well together now,” Ross added. “That’s the first time that’s happened.”
November 18, 2016 at 1:38 pm #58866znModeratorDolphins offensive line starting to fall apart
https://www.yahoo.com/news/m/76d1a2d7-bc6f-3583-b278-f21859b23de8/dolphins-offensive-line.html
As the week goes on, it’s beginning to look less and less likely that the offensive line is going to be able to continue blocking the way they have been for the past several games.
With Branden Albert now trying to quickly rehab from a surgery done on his wrist, that meant that Laremy Tunsil would have to move back to his college position of left tackle at least a season earlier than expected, though it won’t be the first time this season he’s had to do so.
“It’s a nice opportunity like the Cincinnati game was.” Tunsil said Thursday. “It’s a nice opportunity to play left tackle. They moved me to guard. But like I said, it’s a nice opportunity to play left tackle (and) hold it down for Branden Albert.”
So while the left tackle position might be alright, that means left guard is in danger of being a serious downgrade, as both Kraig Urbik and Anthony Steen – while solid backups – are nowhere near as talented as the rookie Tunsil.
Unfortunately for the Dolphins, their woes on the offensive line don’t end with Albert. It’s been reported that center Mike Pouncey is currently dealing with another injury to the same hip he spent the first four games rehabbing from, and his availability for the Rams game – and beyond – is in question.
“It’s a curveball,” said offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen. “But it’s the hand we’ve got.”
Head coach Adam Gase voiced his confidence in backup center Anthony Steen to take Pouncey’s place, and the former Alabama lineman did do a serviceable job while Pouncey recovered for the first four weeks.
But now Aaron Donald of the Rams is going to be very excited to face Urbik and Steen on the interior, which means quarterback Ryan Tannehill may be in for a rough time.
What once was a line that featured Albert, Tunsil, Pouncey, Jermon Bushrod and Ja’Wuan James, will now likely be a brand new left side of the line during a game where it was imperative that things remain consistent.
But the coaches insist that the gameplan will remain the same no matter who’s doing the blocking up front, and Adam Gase has constantly expressed his support for his backup linemen.
“The fact that when you have a guy that’s played as much as he has and been around for the time he’s been around, knowledge of just general football is always something that always stands out for me when you have guys that are backup linemen.” coach Gase said of Urbik. “Being able to go and play multiple positions – obviously, jumping in there playing center – doing things like that is critical for us and showed a lot about where he is mentally with what we do. He’s got a toughness about him and grit that you really like as far as offensive linemen go.”
It won’t be an easy task to win now that the starting five linemen have been broken up, but it will speak a lot towards the unity of the team if they can still pull off a win against Los Angeles’ formidable front seven.
November 19, 2016 at 3:55 am #58975znModeratorMiami Dolphins vs. Los Angeles Rams: How do they match up in Week 11?
Miami Dolphins vs. Los Angeles Rams: How do they match up in Week 11?
When the Dolphins have the ball…
Miami passing (28th in NFL) vs. Los Angeles pass defense (8th)
Against the Chargers last week, Ryan Tannehill delivered several deep throws perfectly while under pressure. He finished an efficient afternoon by completing 17 of 24 passes for 240 yards and two touchdowns. Once again, the Dolphins’ focus on the run prevented Tannehill from putting up bigger numbers, but that change in philosophy is necessary if Miami hopes to win games. The Rams’ pass defense has been solid, especially of late, having allowed under 200 yards passing in each of their last three games. In fact, the Rams have surrendered only a pair of 300-yard passing games all season. Tannehill should remain efficient, but with him handcuffed in the current offense, the Rams should be able to control the Fins through the air. Edge: Los Angeles
Miami rushing (6th) vs. Los Angeles rush defense (17th)
After a rough first half in San Diego, Ajayi put together a respectable enough second half to end up with 79 yards on 19 carries, good for 4.2 yards per carry. Ajayi had his fewest carries since Week 5, though, so it’s likely that he sees an increased workload against a Rams team that is better against the pass than the run. The Rams have allowed 100 yards on the ground four times this season, including in Week 5, when the Bills rushed for 193 yards in Los Angeles. If Miami’s offense — particularly the line — holds true to form, Ajayi and the rest of the backfield should be able to make something happen. Edge: Miami
When the Rams have the ball…
Tavon Austin #11 of the St. Louis Rams rushes for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Edward Jones Dome on December 17, 2015 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
Tavon Austin #11 of the St. Louis Rams rushes for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Edward Jones Dome on December 17, 2015 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)Los Angeles passing (25th) vs Miami pass defense (9th)
The Rams will be starting rookie and No. 1 overall pick Jared Goff for the first time, throwing a bit of uncertainty at Miami’s pass defense. That said, behind quarterback Case Keenum, Los Angeles’ passing offense has been unimpressive all season. But the change under center may bring a new energy and confidence to a unit chock full of weapons. Receivers Kenny Britt, Brian Quick and Tavon Austin are all steady and reliable options for Goff, who will be looking to create a rapport with the receiving corps. Miami’s pass defense has been very good since Week 5, allowing only one 300 yard game and holding opponents to under 200 yards passing three times in that period. The lone 300-yard game came last week against Phillip Rivers and the Chargers, but the Dolphins defense did also force four interceptions. Miami’s DBs should be able to continue riding their wave of success, especially against a young and inexperienced quarterback. Edge: Miami
Los Angeles rushing (29th) vs Miami rush defense (30th)
Todd Gurley was considered one of the league’s premier young backs entering the season, but the former star at Georgia has struggled this year, rushing for only 515 yards on 167 attempts behind an O-line that hasn’t done a good job of creating holes or keeping defenders out of the backfield. Gurley has the talent to break out any week, and the Dolphins’ front four will be tasked with ensuring it doesn’t happen in Week 11. Miami has been inconsistent defending the run, having allowed over 100 yards in six of their nine games. With Miami’s defensive backfield playing well and the Rams starting a rookie QB, it would be reasonable to assume that Los Angeles will rely on the run. With that being said, Miami allowed only 70 yards to a San Diego backfield featuring Melvin Gordon, so they may be able to contain Gurley. Edge: Miami
Special teams
Andrew Franks has quietly put together a solid season, connecting on all 22 of his extra-point attempts and making 12 of 15 field goals. The 23-year-old has been a perfect seven-for-seven between 30 and 49 yards, though two of his misses have come from inside 29 yards. The Rams have a solid kicker as well in Greg Zuerlein, who has made 14 of his 16 FG attempts and connected on all 13 extra points. Los Angeles punter Johnny Hekker is averaging 46.6 yards per kick, just edging out Matt Darr’s per-punt average of 46.5 yards. While the matchup is a close one, Franks’ ability to hit from distance gives Miami a slight advantage. Edge: Miami
November 19, 2016 at 3:57 am #58976znModeratorStaff predictions: Miami Dolphins at Los Angeles Rams
Dave Hyde
Sports Columnist
Season record: 5-4
Prediction: Dolphins 20, Rams 17
Comment: Who is Jared Goff? That becomes a bigger question than even who the Dolphins are. Vance Joseph showed an ability to move his pieces around and confuse Philip Rivers. The guess is he’ll do enough to Goff for a fifth straight Dolphins win.Omar Kelly
Dolphins Writer/Columnist
Season record: 5-4
Prediction: Dolphins 28, Rams 13
Comment: The Dolphins get a gift from Jeff Fisher, who decided to start Jared Goff in his first game ever against Miami’s forceful pass rush. The fact that Goff’s pocket presence is suspect should allow Cameron Wake and Andre Branch to feast on the rookie quarterback. Expect Miami’s passing game to take another step forward as Ryan Tannehill begins to blossom in Adam Gase’s offense.Chris Perkins
Dolphins Writer
Season record: 4-5
Prediction: Dolphins 28, Rams 17
Comment: The Rams’ running game is wheezing, and the Dolphins’ pass defense is rolling. This doesn’t bode well for Rams rookie QB Jared Goff, who is making his first career start. The Dolphins’ big concern is LT Branden Albert (wrist) being sidelined. Oh, and Rams DL Aaron Donald.David Selig
Sports Editor
Season record: 5-4
Prediction: Dolphins 21, Rams 13
Comment: The Dolphins clinched their Perfect Season at the LA Coliseum. This year’s Dolphins are far from perfect, but they’re rolling and facing a first-time starter in Jared Goff.Keven Lerner
Online Sports Editor
Season record: 6-3
Prediction: Dolphins 17, Rams 13
Comment: The Dolphins, riding a four-game winning streak, are in prime position to earn their first playoff berth since 2008. The Rams, who snapped a four-game losing streak last week against the Jets, rank last in NFL with 15.4 points per game. RB Todd Gurley still hasn’t found his rhythm, averaging just 3.1 yards per carry. The Rams’ defense has played well, holding their last three opponents under 18 points.Steve Svekis
Multimedia Reporter
Season record: 5-4
Prediction: Dolphins 30, Rams 13
Comment: The Rams have been awful on offense with 10 or fewer points scored in each of their past three games. The Dolphins have had a 6-1 turnover ratio in their past six quarters and should fatten up that advantage in a game against a team that is a minus-7 in turnover ratio in its past five games. This is as much of a must-win as an NFL road game can be.Matt Lincoln
CBS12 Sports Director
Season record: 6-3
Prediction: Dolphins 16, Rams 10
Comment: With Branden Albert out, the Dolphins will lose some of their mojo on offense. But the Rams are the worst offensive team in the NFL, and having a rookie quarterback making his first start won’t help. The Rams average less than 16 points per game. -
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