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Texan/Dolphins thoughts..

Discussion in 'Miami Dolphins Forum' started by djphinfan, Aug 18, 2013.

  1. Thunderkyss

    Thunderkyss Member

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    I used to think the same thing. When Kubiak first got here & Schaub... for at least the first 4 years, preseason was ho-hum vanilla (offensively) & we looked "bad" out of sync, no chance in hades to win anything. The other team defense would maul us, the other team offense would make us look like a high school JV team.

    I've come to realize that's just the nature of the beast. Our offense right now, is very mature compared to yours. Most of our starters have been on this team, in this system for 4 years or more. Our second unit has guys who've been learning this system for the last two years.

    So now, we're not trying to get a bunch of players up to speed, only a few & the other guys, the 4+ year vets are polishing off some advanced techniques.

    Defensively, it doesn't take as long to progress. It's like the defense can come together in a single season & we can start building true depth after two or three. You guys have a pretty good defense already & it'll probably be the strength of your team for a little while. Y'all were doing a lot of good things out there & if this were a regular season game, with game planning & defined starters & that kind of stuff, the game would have been a lot more competitive.

    I honestly never liked playing you guys in the regular season, because y'all have had good talent, as a whole, probably as much as we have when we played & I never "know" who is going to win. I don't think we've separated ourselves (Texans) from you (Dolphins) until the last couple of years. We stuck with Kubiak & it's paying off.

    I'm not suggesting sticking with Sparano would have paid off. Just saying that's where our similar paths separated.

    Your pass rush is going to be sick.
     
  2. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    Just looking at last night's game from a one time view...

    I agree with 99% of what DJ pointed out in the first post. I think Lamar Miller is going to be good enough for us. It's interesting that Thomas has a real good game and all of a sudden Lamar Miller doesn't look as strong as we'd like. He does seem to have the Abdul Jabbar one hit and your down disability. Hopefully most of you remember #33. He was our first 1,000 yard rusher in a millennium. But he couldn't break a tackle to save his life. His hands are also questionable. I only saw the drop on 3rd and short once. But it appears he let the ball get into his body and didn't catch it with his hands, judging by how far it bounced off him. Is one drop enough to say he's not a natural pass catcher? Probably a bit harsh. What he does though is block very well as a running back. Not just the block, but the decision on who to block, and he's quick at it. That will keep him the starting back.

    Now, lets keep in mind that I was fully behind Daniel Thomas last week after what I pointed out to be a good performance. But I'm also behind Lamar Miller currently as our starting tailback. IMO, he doesn't compare to a Reggie Bush, although that is what we've been used to the past couple of seasons, someone who can break a tackle and score; catch the ball and actually get a first down off that. But he's ahead of Daniel Thomas in that he is less likely to get injured due to his running style. From a game planning perspective, you start Miller, tire out the defense with sustained chain moving drives, and then hit them hard with Thomas to grind out the game in the 4th quarter. That's ideal. Well, 34 to 0 is ideal but you get the picture. You're not going to win every game by multiple scores. I would venture that more than half of all NFL games are decided by one score or less.

    So the Miller/Thomas thing is on my mind this morning. Losing Keller just sucks, no better way to put it. We NEED a veteran to fill his shoes. We're not going into the season depending on Egnew and Sims to start. Brought up Todd Heap last night. There isn't much out there yet. Barring trade, it looks like we'll be scraping the waiver wire in the next couple of weeks. Which means we'll be starting the season short handed at the position, and that's a concern. Yes we can put Charles Clay on the line and we'll probably do that, going with a three wide look with Hartline/Gibson/Wallace and then Clay/Miller.

    Thought Hartline/Gibson/Wallace looked the best they have so far this preseason. Especially #10 and #11. With Keller going out, all three of these guys need to step up even more, especially Gibson in the middle of the field. He stepped up last night really well IMO.

    My goodness, AJ Francis is on his way to making the 53 man roster. Especially if Starks continues to be out. Randall is already there. But Francis, holy moses can he get push inside. This guy is an absolute monster. It's bordering on Tim Bowens like ability here folks. I'm not overstating it. Out of all the fresh UDFA's to join in the offseason, it's hard to say he's not #1 on the list. And I've been a fan of Lee Robinson from day 1. He flashes at you too. He's close in coverage and has some violent ability as well. I think he forced that reviewed fumble last night, but I'd have to go back and rewatch it. He certainly came up with the ball afterwards.

    Will Davis... He really reminds me of a T Buckley, but he can actually tackle. And that's a good thing. Yeah, he bought the double move and gave up that touchdown. But on the plays he did give up (and I believe there were three at least) he came back to either attempt to make the tackle but also attempt to knock the ball out. He's got a ball hawking ability that excites you. And this is why we have preseason, to see how close these guys can be depended on in the regular season. Davis? He's not there yet. He'll probably be the "Inactive Egnew" from last year... "Inactive Will"... I'd say unrelenting Will... I'd doubt he sees the field for a long time this season if at all.

    But then there's Jamar Taylor. And he's the reason why Davis won't see the field. Taylor has what appears to me outstanding nickel/slot coverage ability. It's way early to anoint him our #1 nickel guy, need to see more of #22 in the next two games. But Patterson/Carroll/Marshall will eventually be replaced in the starting role opposite Grimes. For now, he's looking to be the replacement in the slot to whoever is #1 right now (is that Jimmy Wilson?) by the start of the regular season.

    Is it just me or did never nervous Sturgis come close to missing a PAT and a FG last night? They weren't right down the middle. :shifty:

    Saw Marcus Thigpen take snaps as tailback last night. Is he ahead of Gray and Gillislee really? We'll know in a couple of weeks. To me Thigpen has the most natural hands of all the running backs, as a receiver in the slot, he's a guy you can depend on. And that goes a long way. What I'm saying is, if it comes down to a choice between the three of them, I know who I'm choosing.

    Ah the offensive line... what to do about Josh Samuda at RG? Hurry back Nate Garner??? It's funny because when Samuda came in at center, he actually looked fairly decent. But when he's lined up at G, head up or shaded by a DT, he struggles. I think it comes down to what he feels comfortable with. And he's clearly most comfortable at C, knowing he has G help to his outside. He doesn't have help at right guard to his outside. Huge difference to him. So the starting five, ideally...

    Assuming Garner can get back healthy for Cleveland:
    Martin, Incognito, Pouncey, Garner, Clabo

    Then you also have John Jerry, who could be healthy before Garner... you'd plug him in at right guard obviously.

    I didn't see enough of Lance Louis last night but will go back on the re-watch and take a closer look. These injuries are likely to mean we have to keep an o lineman or two in reserve on the 53 just in case. It might be the reason why a Gray and or Gillislee doesn't make the team. I think the coaches will go into a regular season game with just 7 o linemen dressed though. And one or two guys inactive... Dallas Thomas is going to be one inactive (he looked really bad again last night... REALLY BAD, he's not ready at all to play tackle in this league... there were a couple of clear holds by him, where he was beat and just absolutely tackled his guy, if it were up to me, I'd put Thomas on the IR because having him take up a roster spot on the 53 is just a waste... but you're not going to cut him this year), Jerry or Garner could be another inactive. I'm still on the Will Yeatman band wagon. He didn't embarrass last night. People might look at a couple of near sacks he gave up, but he was actually pushing his man by the quarterback after the non fleet of foot Matt Moore stepped up.... compared to Thomas, Yeatman is an all pro.
     
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  3. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    Oh... forgot to add :shifty: I'm not as concerned about our offensive line starters as the average fan. I think four out of five of our guys are good enough to get the job done. RG is the clear "hole" and hope that is due to injury. But the o line appears to be jelling early and that's a great great sign. That was the Houston Texans last night. And aside from Samuda letting everything including the wind in, the other four played well IMO. Just talking about the starters here...
     
  4. Aquafin

    Aquafin New Member

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    the poor house

    Hartline never impressed me and never will he just doesn't have the wow factor and we need more of the wow factor to win games.
     
  5. djphinfan

    djphinfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Very good eye when it comes to will Davis, enjoyed that Pauly, I agree and felt the same exact thing this morning, yeah he got beat on the double move, but the burst and athleticism to recover and dive for the tackle while trying to strip showed me a lot in terms of what he possesses from a skillset perspective, graceful athleticism, good stuff once again, I'll trade that that learning experience from getting beat for what I saw directly after, all day.

    I'd almost say the same thing about Jamar Taylor, that flash was A simple tackle yes, but the grace, explosiveness, and athleticism is what got me on my feet..there was a quickness to it that some other players just don't have..I love that kids game, wait til he gets his confidence, real swagger, none of that Sean smith sh&$.

    I believe that was the first well executed one cut zone running play by the running back all preseason, his cutting ability is outstanding, and he displayed it on a one cut effective run..
     
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  6. Aquafin

    Aquafin New Member

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    the poor house
    I 've been un impressed with our entire runningback corp and Hartline is not a good wr I don't know why other fans were so high on him

    I really think that we should be much better then what we are and that isn't Philbin 's fault we need a real gm that can add talent..

    I admit defensively we are improving and I may be wrong about Tannyhill . our backups and our oline still look like scrubs and that is Irelands fault . We have to start getting more depth it should not have taken Miami twice as long to rebuild as other teams have built a better oline then we have.
     
  7. djphinfan

    djphinfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Would Ike to see Rishard Matthews get the call on that endzone pay, a play that requires some strength in the body and hands.

    Would also like to add that I can't believe Mcnutt caught that freakin bullet Tannehill put on his ***.
     
  8. djphinfan

    djphinfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    I just think it's fascinating that we did not move the pocket, just nothing from a misdirection standpoint..this bodes well once we get to the regular season, teaching them in preseason to win in the most basic sets, def moreso than what the texans had to do to move the ball..

    Damn it !!! Keller..pissass..

    Come eggnog, he's the only one that can do things athletically, Kellers sense of the field is going to be hard to duplicate..come on baby..

    Tight end in the first round next year..Colt lyeria is what this team needs..bad...Eifert would of been brilliant in this offense, but Jordan is going to add an element to this defense that is gonna be awesome..gosh those guys were all so close in value..
     
  9. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    For the record, it appears Lance Louis did not play last night.. I won't have to worry about spotting him hah...
     
  10. gandalfin

    gandalfin Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    While the 2nd string and bubble players didn't exactly distinguish themselves, the backups (with the exception of Moore) that were really putrid last night fortunately will not be on the final 53.
     
  11. Fin D

    Fin D Sigh

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    I think, when it comes to the Keller injury, we'll be ok.

    To be honest, if not controversial, I don't think Keller (as an individual in play making ability) was key for us this year. I think an athletic pass catching TE in general is key, not necessarily Keller specifically. If Sims and Egnew can catch the ball they'll provide the requisite plays for this offense to thrive. I think Wallace improves the chances of Sims and Egnew of playing better.

    Point being, IMO, Keller is not irreplaceable for this team the way Tanny, Jones or Wake are.
     
  12. gandalfin

    gandalfin Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Have not been a Trusnik fan but last night he made a really nice play. He was covering the back out of the backfield,I believe. The QB started scrambling, but Trusnik stayed with the back until the last possible moment, came off him and tackled the QB for a short gain. Thought it was a really nice play on his part.
     
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  13. gandalfin

    gandalfin Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    I think where we will lose the most with Keller being out is the rapport Tanny seemed to have developed with Keller. That's going to take a while to re-establish with a different guy. He hasn't really shown that with Egnew or Sims. I see a bit of a higher comfort level with Clay, IMO.
     
  14. Larryfinfan

    Larryfinfan 17-0...Priceless Club Member

    The misdirection and read option thing is probably vanilla play calling during the PS...I am not too worried about that. Really bad news about Keller...probably the single worst place we could have lost a starter from, save for OL... But as you said, now is the time for Egnew, Clay and Sims to step it up...
     
  15. MrClean

    MrClean Inglourious Basterd Club Member

    Surely you cannot be serious. If you really honestly think that one play put Davis on the bubble, WADR you're insane. If Miami did waive Davis, there would be about 15 waiver claims from teams wanting him.
     
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  16. MrClean

    MrClean Inglourious Basterd Club Member

    Tristan 66 and Trusnik are not an either/or situation. One is a DE and one is a LB. For Tristan to make the team he would have to play better than Shelby. That's his man to beat.
     
  17. MrClean

    MrClean Inglourious Basterd Club Member

    1. I've been on the AJ Francis bandwagon since we signed him. Studied him quite a bit at Maryland. Frank Coyle of draftinsiders.com had him as like a 5th rounder.
    2. Wilson isn't the #1 nickel now that I know of. It would be whichever one between Marshall and Patterson does not start.
    3. Lance Louis didn't play last night.
     
  18. ToddPhin

    ToddPhin Premium Member Luxury Box Club Member

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    Our reserve linebacking play is just pathetic. Constantly either out of position, washed out, unable to shed blocks, or just overall displaying poor instincts. It's like the LOS is moved ahead 5 yards when they're on the field.

    Francis is looking like a poor man's Ndamukong Suh.
     
  19. Disgustipate

    Disgustipate Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Yeah, I don't think there is a lot of reason to keep Vaughn Martin. He hasn't played well, and we don't need a veteran as our what, #5 DT? Right now, I'd think the best course of action is to keep Soliai/Odrick/Starks/Randall/Francis on the roster, cut Martin, and put Robertson on the practice squad.

    I'd like to see AJ Francis get some time with the second team.
     
  20. Dol-Fan Dupree

    Dol-Fan Dupree Tank? Who is Tank? I am Guy Incognito.

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    I think they view Vaughn as a back up DT and a DE. However I haven't seen him play good enough in either to warrant him being a back up at either.

    I will give credit where credit is due. CKParrothead was right on the money with his dislike for this signing.
     
  21. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    Well... I think when you get down to bubble guys, you look for players that can do more than just have potential. You're looking for jacks of all trades. Trusnik fits that to a T. He's a coaches best friend.
     
  22. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    :console:
     
  23. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    Wrong about Louis. He did play

    Yeah. Official stat book was wrong. My bad. RT @ckparrot: @AdamHBeasley I'm watching Lance Louis right now. He's #61 isn't he?
     
  24. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    Rewatching game. Swearinger baited Wilson into that 15 yard taunting penalty. Refs was only looking at Wilson which is funny

    First possession. Dustin Keller didnt even play. Dion Sims started game. 2nd possession Egnew is at tight end. Thats where im at right now. Kind of ironic.
     
  25. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    Egnew pulled After the holdin penalty. Replaced by Gibson and Clay is moved up to inline tight end
     
  26. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    Keller finally plays on the second and long play. My count our seventh offensive play including penalties
     
  27. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    Miller just lets that ball get into his body. Truth it was slightly behind him.
     
  28. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    On that third down completion before the starting defense is pulled during the drive, where we bltzex and Schaub finds an outlet to the running back wide open, i think will davis blows his responsibility. I dont know. But he should have optioned out of the blitz and picked up the back.
     

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