Game Thread: Miami Dolphins vs San Diego Chargers

[Paolo305613]

Despite the game being in Miami it is set for a 405 PM start… Might go to the game.

All was not lost in the loss to the Bucs but it did put us in a tough situation… Every game the rest of the way is a must win if we want to have a shot at the post-season.

 

[FanofPelicans]

Despite the game being in Miami it is set for a 405 PM start… Might go to the game.

All was not lost in the loss to the Bucs but it did put us in a tough situation… Every game the rest of the way is a must win if we want to have a shot at the post-season.

The Fins still have a chance to get on a winning streak. The Fins' defense can keep them in any of the remaining games & I don't think we have seen the best of the Fins' offense. One of the bright spots in the Tampa game was the 4 WR set. It seemed to work well for the offense againsyt a pressuring defense. Also, it was good to see Matthews & THill connect so effectively. At RB I still think if they can find a way to set the edge L Miller can get more yards running on the outside. He's averaging 4.5 yrds a carry now, that's not bad. I'd like to see him become more versatile like Sproles though & be able to catch the ball more. I think if the Fins could get him the ball in the open field he'd be a huge playmaker. Thomas seems to get more of the tough yards up the middle. The team doesn't seem to have the blocking to get L Miller running lanes up the middle.

 

[Paolo305613]

At RB I still think if they can find a way to set the edge L Miller can get more yards running on the outside. He's averaging 4.5 yrds a carry now, that's not bad. I'd like to see him become more versatile like Sproles though & be able to catch the ball more. I think if the Fins could get him the ball in the open field he'd be a huge playmaker. Thomas seems to get more of the tough yards up the middle. The team doesn't seem to have the blocking to get L Miller running lanes up the middle.

I didnt want to sound like I was beating a dead horse because I know I bring it up evey week, but since you brought it up - I can speak about it again.. What the fins need to do with the running game is simple… They just need to get their heads out of their asses and stop making it so complicated.

With Lamar Miller they have to call perimeter type runs - He is not a between the tackles, tough yards type of runner… Daniel Thomas is not a perimeter runner, he is better suited for those between the tackles runs… This is a big part of the problem in the running game, they get both runners trying to run both types of run plays and thats just not a good idea. Yeah, trying to turn Reggie Bush into a between the tackles runners worked, but it wasnt going to work with everyone.

If the fins can call the right plays for these guys, it will help the running game a lot… Not saying it will solve the problem, because we have other issues contributing to it, but it would certainly help some.

As for them becoming pass catchers, i dont think that is a realistic quality to expect from Thomas on a consistent basis - With Miller, it will come with time.


Colts v Titans tonight - We have to root for the Colts as the Titans are ahead of us in the WC and we have already beaten the Colts so we own the tie-breaker if it comes to that.

 

[Paolo305613]

So, with the Colts beating the Titans, the Fins move up a spot in the WC race and essentially play an elimination game for the spot vs the Chargers tomorrow - Not to say a loss completely kills them but it does make things that much more tougher. Then we have the Panthers, Jets and Steelers before closing with 3 divisional games… We are still in the mix but it all gets started with a win tomorrow.

 

[FlyerFinFan]

Yep pretty much a must win after last weeks loss. They still get the jets twice so their fate is still in their own hands.

 

[Paolo305613]

Mike Pouncey out - Down 3 OL now… I think we need to rely heavily on the run today … Cant flirt with those delayed runs… Cant go to those plays where they move Tannehill out of the pocket too much… Basically no plays that take too long to develop. Quick passes, quick slants - Get the TEs involved early and often

 

[Paolo305613]

Mike Pouncey had to go to the hospital yesterday as he has been dealing with kidney and gallbladder issues. Thanks to ProFootballTalk for the insight so that nobody speculates otherwise on his absence.

Wish him well.

 

[Paolo305613]

I have already said it and some of you have already - But it is worth saying again… this game is a MUST WIN… A lot of the results thus far in the early games are going our way… We have to finish the job

 

[Paolo305613]

DOLPHINS INACTIVES: C Mike Pouncey, DT Isaako Aaitui, RB Mike Gillisslee, QB Pat Devlin, OL David Arkin, CB Will Davis, OT Jonathan Martin.

Lets see if they make use of Watkins and Thomas - They certainly need them, so it would be nice to give those guys a shot.

 

[Paolo305613]

Nate Garner is starting at center today for Mike Pouncey. Sam Brenner goes from practice squad to starting guard

Via James Walker, Dolphins beat guy for ESPN

 

[Paolo305613]

So the #Dolphins’ starting o-line today is RT Clabo, RG Jerry, C Garner, LG Sam Brenner and LT McKinnie.


via James Walker

Not sure why such a big deal is being made of our starting OL today - Brenner is the only wildcard in the group.

 

[Paolo305613]

Jets will lose - So, this game will for sure be an elimination game of sorts for the last WC spot

 

[Paolo305613]

Dimitri Patterson back starting

 

[Paolo305613]

SD differs to the second half. We get first crack on offense

 

[Paolo305613]

Smart approach so far by throwing it early and often… This hopefully will help the running game

 

[Paolo305613]

Of course a drop pass by non-other than Hartline stalls the drive

 

[Paolo305613]

Of course we give it back on a pass trying to go for Hartline .. They called bad plays the last two plays and put them in position for that to happen

 

[Paolo305613]

Note to Tannehill the rest of the game: Dont throw to Hartline … At least dont fall in love with him all game long - Or you will have another turnover filled game

 

[Paolo305613]

Nice power run with momentum there for DT havent seen that conviction his entire career - Needs to do it more

 

[Paolo305613]

Wouldnt you know it - Brian Hartline fumbles the ball on a would be TD… thankfully there was a penalty for roughing… Thank the defense, Brian