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ESPN the magazine predicts every NFL game this season

Discussion in 'Miami Dolphins Forum' started by Unlucky 13, Aug 21, 2014.

  1. Unlucky 13

    Unlucky 13 Team Raheem Club Member

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    Their 8-8 prediction for Miami is disapointing, but not enough to make me upset. Weird, however, is how the came to it. They have us going 3-0 to start with comfortable high scoring wins (4 tds each) over New England, Buffalo and KC. But then they have us losing in London to Oakland, and later at home to the Vikings, but beating the Broncos in Denver.... Weird.

    W 28-14 NE
    W 34-17 @ BUF
    W 35-27 KC
    L 27-21 @ OAK (London)
    L 38-17 GB
    L 31-7 @ CHI
    W 24-14 @ JAC
    L 36-31 SD
    L 27-9 @ DET
    W 23-3 BUF
    W 33-24 @ DEN
    L 42-24 @ NYJ
    W 24-7 BAL
    L 24-14 @ NE
    L 20-17 MIN
    W 34-6 NYJ

    At least they peg is to score 375 points, which is 23.4 per game!
     
  2. Brasfin

    Brasfin Well-Known Member

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    Very strange indeed. Do they have explanations for each game?
     
  3. Dol-Fan Dupree

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

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    Got killed by the Jets. Coyle should be fired for allowing the Jets to score 42 points.
     
  4. Brasfin

    Brasfin Well-Known Member

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    If someone were to tell me we'd sweep the Bills, win one against Pats and Jets and still finish 8-8 and out of the playoffs, I'd say they were either crazy or do not know anything about the Miami Dolphins or the AFC East in general...
     
  5. Unlucky 13

    Unlucky 13 Team Raheem Club Member

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    No. The season is given a few paragraphs from James Walker that I think already appeared on his blog on the website and thats it.

    And I agree that the Oakland game is by far the one we should be most likely to win all season. They're playing at New England the week before, and then heading to London without going home. We play at home and I would imagine wont travel until at least Thursday. Oakland is going to be messed up for that one.

    And yes, giving up huge points to the Jets, as well as scoring no TDs vs Detroit? Blind speculation seems the best answer for the scores.
     
  6. PhinFan1968

    PhinFan1968 To 2020, and BEYOND! Club Member

    Only 7 against the Bears eh? And they're dropping like a rock on D?

    Love it.
     
  7. bbqpitlover

    bbqpitlover Well-Known Member

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    So we beat two playoff teams of KC and Pats but lose to the Raiders.
     
  8. Dol-Fan Dupree

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

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    We did beat the Pats and Colts last year and lost to the Buccaneers.
     
  9. CrunchTime

    CrunchTime Administrator Retired Administrator

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    You can get strange results when you play pin the donkey with the schedule .:wink2:

    However the 8-8 prediction are what most pundits are predicting for this team.

    Hopefully they miss the donkeys tail too.
     
  10. ckparrothead

    ckparrothead Draft Forum Moderator Luxury Box

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    The point totals seem pretty random there.

    I think the only things to note are:

    1. They expect 8-8
    2. They expect 375 points on offense
    3. They expect 357 points on defense

    That's probably all you have to take from that.

    If they don't get the OL issue fixed I'm expecting more along the lines of 7-9. The upside story is entirely OL-based IMO as it involves getting some better run blocking than should currently be expected, which should really allow this Kelly style offense to take off.

    Defensively I'm worried about defending the middle of the field which could manifest as a lot of 3rd down conversions, and I'm worried that when teams get into the red zone they're going to find ways to score touchdowns. We saw a bit of a preview with that where Brent Grimes small as he is can't handle a Vincent Jackson in the end zone. And Cortland Finnegan I think will also have a lot of trouble against bigger receivers. And our run defense is a bit questionable. Our 1-technique who is supposed to be on the field more on run downs weighs only 295 lbs...versus last year that guy was in the 350 range. And of course our linebackers suck.

    I worry the defense will have a "bent-then-break" look to it a little too often.
     
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  11. scotty_irnbru

    scotty_irnbru Well-Known Member

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    Dave damashek has been doing high end low end for all the teams. We ranged in that conversation from at various points 2, 4, 8 and 10 wins. Nobody knows. I look at the team and you're right, the OL works and we'll be ok, otherwise we better suck donkey balls and get a nice early draft spot.
     
    ckparrothead likes this.
  12. KeyFin

    KeyFin Well-Known Member

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    ...and now you can understand how a few analysts picked an entire season in about 3.7 seconds. Thought or logic need not apply.

    ...because this is always the most sure-fire method when commenting on teams around the league that you know little about.
     
  13. xphinfanx

    xphinfanx Stay strong my friends.

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    W 33-24 @ DEN
    L 42-24 @ NYJ
    W 24-7 BAL

    Never would of thought this.
     
  14. ckparrothead

    ckparrothead Draft Forum Moderator Luxury Box

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    The interesting dynamic involves Harbaugh.

    Will he be more likely to come to a team that sucks donkey balls and has a high draft pick? I'm not so sure. I think coaches like to come to a team that has some pieces in place and knows they just need to change the culture.
     
  15. jw3102

    jw3102 season ticket holder

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    I think some of the predictions score wise, are a bit absurd. Yet their prediction that the Dolphins will end the season 8-8 is about right on.

    I can see this teams record being somewhere between 6-10, and 9-7 this season. So a prediction of 8-8 makes perfect sense to me.

    If this Jets offense scores 42 points on the defense, Coyle should be fired immediately after that game. I just don't see the Jets having that type of offense, even though I do think the Jets will win the game against the Dolphins when they play in New Jersey.
     
  16. PhinFan1968

    PhinFan1968 To 2020, and BEYOND! Club Member

    Dammit J-Dub what's it gonna take to get you off of 8-8?

    - Much improved OL over the 2013 version.
    - Same/maybe slight upgrade in running, particularly considering Lazor will get Tannehill involved.
    - Mismatch/spacing scheming.
    - Tannehill showing major improvement.
    - LBs same/slightly better w/Misi at Mike.
    - Same DL basically.
    - A question mark or two in DBs, but looking good.
    - Special teams looking more deadly.
    - WR depth....is insane.

    I'm not givin' up on ya homie!
     
  17. CaribPhin

    CaribPhin Guest

    To reference something we talked about a few months ago, I'm more than ready to make that Evan Mathis trade.
     
  18. Destroyer

    Destroyer There for every play.

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    Well I guess there's no point in watching any of the games now. You could have at least said spoilers...shesh.
     
    PhinFan1968 likes this.
  19. phinswolverinesrockets

    phinswolverinesrockets If he dies, he dies

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    Looking at their predictions:

    - Beating NE in week 1 is very doable. I would be shocked (SHOCKED) if we put up 28 pts though.
    - We better not lose to Oakland. That would be pathetic. I don't care if its in London or not.
    - Beating Denver in Denver? Ummmm.....Did Manning get hurt here or something?
    - The Jets won't be scoring 42 points on our defense. I don't know what the hell the prediction guy was thinking here.
    - We better not lose to Minnesota at home. That would be pathetic.
     
  20. jw3102

    jw3102 season ticket holder

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    I'm not as convinced as you seem to be that the OL will be MUCH improved this season. While I expect better play from the tackles, I still have major concerns with the guards and at the center position until Pouncey returns, 100% healthy I hope.

    I think the offense will be better with Lazor, but it will be up to Tannehill and the receivers to provide this major improvement because I just don't see the OL providing much running room for the RB's.

    My biggest concern has been and remains the defense. I don't see what they did in the off season to improve the run defense. You and a lot of others on here are much higher on Misi than I have ever been. I have never seen him as anything but a very average LB in the NFL and I was totally shocked when they decided to give him a new contract during the 2013 season If they decide to keep him on the field for all three downs, I think he will be a major problem when it comes to pass coverage.

    I also don't expect much better play from Wheeler and Ellerbe this season. Hopefully one or two of the young LB's can eventually take over the outside LB positions during the 2014 season.

    I am still iffy on the defensive backfield. If Finnegan can play up to what he was three or four years ago, I will feel better about the starting CB position. Hopefully Taylor or Davis will step up and become solid DB's once the regular season begins. Davis has looked good against lower tier players in the preseason, but I'll hold off judgement on his play until I see how he plays once he is playing against top tier players in the regular season. I am still waiting for Taylor to step up and show he deserved to be a high draft selection in 2013.

    With Jones out the first four games, the safety position becomes another question mark. Wilson has proved to be a fairly reliable 5th or 6th defensive back on this team. I just don't know if he is capable of being a solid starter over a four game period. Delmas is okay, but I don't know if he is really an upgrade from Clemons or not. Time will tell.

    The defensive line remains the one solid unit on the defense and if they can provide constant pressure on the QB throughout the season, this will help to cover up the weaknesses in the units behind them. If they don't get this pressure, this defense could end up having serious issues this year.

    I expect the Dolphins to score more points per game this year, but I also expect the defense to give up more points. If the defense is more effective than I expect and the OL develops quickly, once the regular season begins. I could see this team winning 9 or possibly 10 games. I just don't think they have enough talent on the OL or at the RB position and I see the defense as more of a concern than most people on here.

    So basically I just can't see this team doing better than 8-8 this year, but I would love nothing more than being completely wrong about this team and I will gladly accept you and many others on here telling me, "I told you so", if the Dolphins exceed this 8 win total.
     
  21. PhinFan1968

    PhinFan1968 To 2020, and BEYOND! Club Member

    Regarding the LBs, it's the same 3 guys, so I don't see that they can be any worse than last year, so I see them as "same or slightly up."

    Was thinking close to the same for the secondary...with a little reserved faith Finnegan will excel. As long as Delmas doesn't do a face-plant, we should be good.

    And I reckon I'm just a little happier about the O line, seeing as the two tackles seem to be very good...MASSIVE upgrade over last year's bookends. And ya I'm assuming Pouncey will be back by game 4 and be his normal self. Shelley Smith is a slight upgrade over Jerry...not the best of situations, but didn't get worse IMO. Colledge is a slight upgrade over the collection of beef we had at LG last season.

    We may end up missing Soliai more than we already do...very possible.

    All in all, with Lazor's scheme and play-calling, the offense improves dramatically. I believe it'll be enough to offset the middle D.

    10-6 with a WC win baby!!! Get some!!!
     
  22. jw3102

    jw3102 season ticket holder

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    I have no problem stating that I hope you are right and I am wrong. Personally I am sick and tired of this team being merely mediocre, year after year and I would love nothing more than to see them once again become a playoff team.

    Now they just have to go out on the field and prove me wrong about them merely being mediocre again this season. I will certainly be rooting that I am wrong.
     
  23. PhinFan1968

    PhinFan1968 To 2020, and BEYOND! Club Member

    Yep...that's all they gotta do. I hope I'm right too! :)

    And for the record, you will NEVER see me pulling an "I told you so." I'd be just as happy for you if they succeed, as I would be for myself.
     
  24. Stitches

    Stitches ThePhin's Biggest Killjoy Luxury Box

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    8-8 seems like a reasonable estimation to me. I'm predicting 9-7 I think and could see anywhere from 7-10 wins reasonably.
     
    Section126 likes this.
  25. heylookatme

    heylookatme Well-Known Member

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    Wait, we play Minnesota at home? Oh ****. We'd better pray they don't put in Teddy Bridgewater.

    When I saw where Thad Lewis was from when he got the call against us, I knew we were doomed. Teddy's actually good. :(
     
  26. Ophinerated

    Ophinerated Preposterous!

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    Word(got this from a coworker that is a huge Raiders fan... not an inside guy, but follows them religiously... so we'll see) is that Oakland will be traveling straight from NE, their week 3 game, to London and staying the week there.

    Not that is should make a difference. We really should not lose that game.

    EDIT: Unlucky already covered this. This is why I usually read the whole thread before posting. *sigh* :tongue:

    Also, as far as the Vikings game goes... if Peterson is healthy and our run defense doesn't improve drastically... I can see them winning that game.
     
  27. Unlucky 13

    Unlucky 13 Team Raheem Club Member

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    The Vikings are likely one of the bottom teams in the league. We're fortunate that we get to play them, along with Jacksonville and Oakland, around all of the playoff contenders. If we can't beat them at home to end the year, we don't deserve to get into the playoffs. I like what I've seen of Bridgewater's personality a lot, but I don't like his game or think much of his frame or physical ability so far.
     
  28. Rocky Raccoon

    Rocky Raccoon Greasepaint Ghost Staff Member

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    Welp, the Aqua jinx has been put in motion. Put an "L" next to the Raiders game.
     
  29. roy_miami

    roy_miami Well-Known Member

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    Looks like a Madden sim or something. Maybe not even a sim, maybe he just played some Madden online vs random people to get these outcomes.
     
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  30. djphinfan

    djphinfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Espn the magazine...lol.

    The ultimate in airport travel for the desperate sports fan..
     
  31. muscle979

    muscle979 Season Ticket Holder

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    It seems like we haven't lost to the Raiders since the Carter administration. That pick surprises me a little.
     
  32. jdang307

    jdang307 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Last one I remember is the Culpepper knee game.

    One thing I've learned in this game, is to never say never, or zero chance.
     
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  33. PhinFan1968

    PhinFan1968 To 2020, and BEYOND! Club Member

    Indeed. Doesn't exist.
     
  34. Unlucky 13

    Unlucky 13 Team Raheem Club Member

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    My only time seeing the Fins in Miami, and my first NFL game! 30th birthday weekend.
     
  35. jdang307

    jdang307 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Hah that sucks. I've only seen them in San Diego
     
  36. MikeHoncho

    MikeHoncho -=| Censored |=-

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    What a waste of time, keystrokes, server uptime, and paper.
     
  37. Arodgers12

    Arodgers12 Well-Known Member

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    I don't think we beat you guys 38-17. Going to be a lot closer then that and even the Dolphins might beat us.
     
  38. BicketyBam

    BicketyBam No Fist Pumps Allowed

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    Agree. Dolphins are going to break Rodgers in two. Phins 31 Packers 6.
     
  39. Arodgers12

    Arodgers12 Well-Known Member

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    I hope not but if Rodgers goes down that will be the score for sure.
     
  40. Rocky Raccoon

    Rocky Raccoon Greasepaint Ghost Staff Member

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    How are you this smart AND a Jets fan?
     

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