Game 1 thoughts: Phins vs. Seahawks

I’m going to keep this brief…

I thought the Phins would get killed today – and they didn’t. So, there’s that. The defense was nothing short of outstanding. You give up 12 points to a great team on the road, you should win every single time. The safeties, Jones and IAQ, played lights out, and the DL got the job done. That’s awesome.

What’s not so awesome is the second coming of Joe Philbin/Bill Lazor, in the form of Boy Genius, Offensive Guru, QB Whisperer and, to listen to the preseason hype, Bill Bellichick Jr – yeah, Adam Dumbass Gase. Throw all that garbage out the window, because what I saw today was even worse than the crap I watched last season. An offense with no identity that inexplicably abandoned the run. Playcalling that focused more on passes behind the sticks, especially on 3rd down, than on actually trying to get first downs. Clock management that bordered on the absurd. Yep, the more things change, the more they stay the same.

People still talk about how Philbin gave the Packers extra timeouts in a game last season, and rightfully so – it was asinine. Well, Adam Gase did the same thing today – twice. The Seahawks were panicking on offense, trying to quickly get in position to win the game with hardly any time on the clock. Gase gave them a hand, calling not one but two timeouts that served no purpose other than giving the Seahawks plenty of time to call the plays they wanted to to win the game. And that’s exactly what happened.

I’m not going to talk specifics, because I’m too pissed off. This is a game the Dolphins absolutely should have won. As usual, the QB couldn’t deliver in crunch time, the OL folded like a cheap tent and the receivers couldn’t catch a goddamn cold. A big FUCK YOU to Kenny Stills for flat out dropping – in embarrassing fashion – the best throw Tannehill has ever made in his life.

Disgusting. I’m left with one thought as I go over this game in my mind: fuck Adam Gase, Fuck Adam Gase with a big rubber dick. All hail George Carlin, and good night.

Jmp, I beg you, please don't stop with these game recaps. For one thing it's quite cathartic. Also, you have a real gift for it. Seriously.

BTW Fins haven't lost a game while allowing 13 points or less in 6 years. I guess they were due, or something.

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/play-index/tgl_finder.cgi?request=1&match=game&year_min=1996&year_max=2015&game_type=R&game_num_min=0&game_num_max=99&week_num_min=0&week_num_max=99&temperature_gtlt=lt&game_result=L&team_id=mia&team_conf_id=All%20Conferences&team_div_id=All%20Divisions&opp_conf_id=All%20Conferences&opp_div_id=All%20Divisions&team_off_scheme=Any%20Scheme&team_def_align=Any%20Alignment&opp_off_scheme=Any%20Scheme&opp_def_align=Any%20Alignment&c1stat=points_opp&c1comp=lt&c1val=13&c2stat=choose&c2comp=gt&c3stat=choose&c3comp=gt&c4stat=choose&c4comp=gt&c5comp=choose&c5gtlt=lt&c6mult=1.0&c6comp=choose&order_by=points_opp

I forgot...I usually do a Goat of the Game each week. This week's award goes to Boy Genius Gase who, when faced with a 4th and inches and an obvious opportunity for a QB sneak, calls a run play that starts 4 yards deep and gets stuffed for no gain. Yep, he's an offensive guru... if "guru" means clueless dumbass.

I felt the same way about the 4th down call. Sneak the ball, how hard is it?

All that genius playcalling from Gase netted us 214 total yards, 11 first downs and 3 for 14 on 3rd down.  

Nope, still not over it

My feeling is 4th down on the road you ALWAYS take the points. 214 yards? Should be over 300 but Stills and Cameron choked. How is Cameron better than Stoneburner ? Anyway I'm guessing our offensive output was par for the course at Seattle.

The defense was outstanding but to temper that I've read that Seattle always struggles with the wide 9. Let's hope Mario can play against NE. He was a force. I understand the norm is doom and gloom and bitch and moan around here but overall I was highly encouraged with what I saw.

a lethargic offense that can't run, gives up to many sacks, purposely throws passes well short of the line-to-gain and drops open passes accompanied by a defense that consistently folds at just the right time. how is this team any different than the past 20 years?

Birdmond wrote:My feeling is 4th down on the road you ALWAYS take the points.  214 yards?   Should be over 300 but Stills and Cameron choked. How is Cameron better than Stoneburner ?    Anyway I'm guessing our offensive output was par for the course at Seattle.  

The defense was outstanding but to temper that I've read that Seattle always struggles with the wide 9.   Let's hope Mario can play against NE.  He was a force.  I understand the norm is doom and gloom and bitch and moan around here but overall I was highly encouraged with what I saw.  

I was encouraged by the defense.  I still think the corners are a big problem - I don't like the way Maxwell and Howard were playing so far off the receivers - and I don't like any of the LBs, but the safeties were lights out and the DL generated some pressure.  No reason to complain about the D yesterday, other than that they folded in crunch time as usual.

But I saw absolutely nothing to be encouraged about on the offensive side.  Really, it was like a replay of last season.  Just 3 points scored through the first 3 1/2 quarters.  The team's best receiver averaged under 8.5 yards a catch.  The offense couldn't convert first downs.  The QB failed to adjust to pre-snap pressure too often, and made several poor throws.  Receivers dropped passes.  OL missed blocks.  The running game was inconsistent.  Head-scratching playcalls in key moments.  And on and on and on.

Add to that a head coach that seems clueless with clock management, and I feel like Philbin and Lazor are still in control.  This still looks like a grabage offense with no identity whatsoever, with the only playmaker being a RB that is held together with spit and glue.  I don't know how much of a difference Parker will make, but we desperately need him healthy because this WR corps that everyone else seems to love is in reality pretty piss poor. 

But, this is how the roster was built.  No legit TE, only one playmaking receiver who is always hurt, no true guards, poor RB depth, a QB that never seems to get any better...it is what it is.

Birdmond wrote:My feeling is 4th down on the road you ALWAYS take the points. 

I agree, but I'm OK with going for it - sometimes it's good to be aggressive.  What I do have a problem with was the ridiculous playcall.  QB sneak there, or don't even bother.  SO stupid to hand the ball off and run right to the heart of the D.  Stupid.

*** takes a deep breath ***

I am still blind with rage over the Stills drop. On Twitter, Omar (as usual) was quick to tweet that ALL QBs HAVE RECEIVERS that drop the ball. It's true if you take the statement at face value. There are drops. And there are DROPS. There are passes off target, high, low or contested that hits a hand or even two, and the receiver drops it. Stills was running wide the fuck open, Tannehill drops a rainbow into his lap and it bounces off his hands?!?!? ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?!??! On the road, facing a SB caliber opponent, #1 defense, with the score something like what 3-3 or 3-6? You can't generate a big enough "DROP" to accurately depict what happened. Stills is dead to me. i don't care if he catches 15 touchdowns and 1600 yards this year I want him gone. Gone. And fuck Tannenbaum for putting this loser on the roster. GREAT WORK TANNY, RIGHT ON TRACK TO GETTING FIRED BY YOUR SECOND AFC EAST TEAM.

I like the defense. Watching yesterday vs last year was a total breath of fresh air. Yes, they did enough to win this game. I liked Xavien Howard, he made some physical tackles and looked like the game wasn't too big for him. I liked the effort vs the run. While the Hawks stuck to it, our defense snuffed out most in the first half. Again, night and day from last season's horrible, dreadful defensive efforts. The interception of Wilson was awesome. I was screaming with joy (for once) on that play. Kiko Alonso looks like he'll be fine, and I expect him to improve. It's only one game, but I will say he looks like quite an upgrade at MLB.

The offense. Where to begin. I'm really hoping the Seahawks are just the Gase nemesis, as he has had extremely limited success against them. Even still, we had multiple chances to win this game, so it's hard to totally crucify the effort. Statistically, the offense was bad. Still, the point is to win the game - and we had chances to do that. They do need to flush that WR screen game - unless the opponent has really bad DBs. Seattle? No, not the right approach - they have plenty of playmakers there. Foster looks very good, I am encouraged by his play. It's clear without Parker we are in trouble at WR, not enough separation, not good enough hands, not enough experience, etc. Carroo and Grant need to step up and develop quickly. I have no problem with the fourth and inches decision, but I hate the playcall. Play action or sneak would have been my choice. We are not a power run team, why pretend we are?

Overall, just a heart breaker. Far worse to be in the game and have a chance to win, only to see it slip away. And New England beats Arizona with their backup QB. Why can't we have nice things?

One thing I will say about the defense...anyone else notice who the Seahawks targeted on their game-winning drive?  I did - Byron Maxwell.  Over and over again.  They absolutely torched him.  On most plays it seemed like he was on a different field, he was playing so far off the receivers.  I don't know if the coaches are scared that he'll give up a big play so they line him up extra deep?  Whatever the case, it was pitch and catch for Wilson and his receivers.  Unacceptable.

I thought Howard was OK.  He too was playing way too far off the receivers and he looked inconsistent as a tackler, but overall he had a decent debut.

i absolutely agree with everything you guys are saying about the crap offense and horrible time management - it was indeed as if the ghost of queasy Joe was on the sidelines. but i am not willing to giving the defense a pass and i'm not sure i saw anything about which to be encouraged.

they collapsed when they most needed to be strong. not only did they collapse, but they had Seattle against the wall on two 4th downs on that drive and gave up both of them. they collected 3 sacks, but couldn't generate any worthwhile pressure on the last drive when it was needed most and they knew a hobbled Wilson had to throw. this defense gave up 112 yards on the ground and a 4.4 avg. to the Seahawks starting RB. this defense gave up a combined 78% completion percentage to Baldwin and Kearse - players they knew Wilson would target. Seattle had a hurt QB and made a few of their own puzzling offensive calls to stop themselves more so than the Phins defense stepping up to dominate. while the interception was nice, it should be nice. that's a pick that should be (and was) made 100% of the time - it was a horrible pass by a scrambling QB thrown up for grabs.

white1 wrote:And New England beats Arizona with their backup QB.

and with two rookie OL unexpectedly starting for injuried starters. and without their starting TE.

mercury22nathan wrote:i absolutely agree with everything you guys are saying about the crap offense and horrible time management - it was indeed as if the ghost of queasy Joe was on the sidelines.  but i am not willing to giving the defense a pass and i'm not sure i saw anything about which to be encouraged.

they collapsed when they most needed to be strong.  not only did they collapse, but they had Seattle against the wall on two 4th downs on that drive and gave up both of them.  they collected 3 sacks, but couldn't generate any worthwhile pressure on the last drive when it was needed most and they knew a hobbled Wilson had to throw.  this defense gave up 112 yards on the ground and a 4.4 avg. to the Seahawks starting RB.  this defense gave up a combined 78% completion percentage to Baldwin and Kearse - players they knew Wilson would target.  Seattle had a hurt QB and made a few of their own puzzling offensive calls to stop themselves more so than the Phins defense stepping up to dominate.  while the interception was nice, it should be nice.  that's a pick that should be (and was) made 100% of the time - it was a horrible pass by a scrambling QB thrown up for grabs.

Can't argue with any of that.  The D folded at the worst possible time...they completely blew it.  Still, you should never lose a game when your D gives up just 12 points.

By no means am I ready to say the Miami D is good...I still have major concerns.  But again - 12 points allowed?  I'll take it.

Well, it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be, but you have to seize those opportunities. As usual, we didn't.

I hope the defense really is better than we thought. From what I saw on the other side of the ball, they'll need to be.

My Take after watching the game after Recording it in 55 Minutes which was Cool, 3 Wr screens in the first 4 Passes, Please No More only Bad Offenses run those stupid Bubble screens other Teams You know throw the Ball down the field, Kenny Stills quit worrying about protesting the National Anthem and worry about Catching a Fucking Football, Everyone on this Site Knew that drop would come back and bite us it the Ass and it did, Someone please tell me Who was covering Baldwin on the 4th & 4 play, I never seen someone come open that fast on a Play that was for a chance to win than he did, there was No one within 10 yards of Him. Finally don't expect Two weeks of Good play from the Defense, So we will need at least 27 to Win next week and I don't know how that will happen at less we can have the Patriots and the Saints Switch Defenses than we might have a Chance.

All I can remember is 4 scumbags kneeling down disrespecting our country. Way for this organization to make headlines.

Birdmond wrote:My feeling is 4th down on the road you ALWAYS take the points.  214 yards?   Should be over 300 but Stills and Cameron choked. How is Cameron better than Stoneburner ?    Anyway I'm guessing our offensive output was par for the course at Seattle.  

The defense was outstanding but to temper that I've read that Seattle always struggles with the wide 9.   Let's hope Mario can play against NE.  He was a force.  I understand the norm is doom and gloom and bitch and moan around here but overall I was highly encouraged with what I saw.  

On the road, take the points . . . YES.

Stoneburner should be playing, period.

Mario Williams was a beast, and when he was out, it was apparent. Final drive, no pressure at all.

There is a lot to be encouraged about, agreed, but there are some lurking issues that are also really concerning.

Final cut - they played tough against a real contender in the toughest stadium in the NFL. A couple of better plays and they win. Don't line drive short kicks, Franks.

finskev wrote:My Take after watching the game after Recording it in 55 Minutes which was Cool, 3 Wr screens in the first 4 Passes, Please No More only Bad Offenses run those stupid Bubble screens other Teams You know throw the Ball down the field, Kenny Stills quit worrying about protesting the National Anthem and worry about Catching a Fucking Football, Everyone on this Site Knew that drop would come back and bite us it the Ass and it did, Someone please tell me Who was covering Baldwin on the 4th & 4 play, I never seen someone come open that fast on a Play that was for a chance to win than he did, there was No one within 10 yards of Him.   Finally don't expect Two weeks of Good play from the Defense, So we will need at least 27 to Win next week and I don't know how that will happen at less we can have the Patriots and the Saints Switch Defenses than we might have a Chance.  

Stills and Cameron had drops that were crucial. I still high on Stills but Cameron needs to go, too many drops for my liking. Maxwell needs to get replaced as well. He is not good at all and needs to be replaced. I wasn't happy with our OL either, they need to play better. Miami DL is horrible without Wake and Williams out there and needs a overhaul, Jordan Philips did make a good play though. I was surprised with Tannehill he looked like a pro and was making calls that he wasn't doing last year.

Overall: Miami did well but they will need to do better if they want to make a run to the playoffs.

I still high on Stills

This is where you lost me. Great job getting opening, if he can't catch that ball then what can we rely on from him, ever?

white1 wrote:Against all logic, I am feeling an upset. Would make for a really fun week 1 and post-game news cycle.

Dolphins 17
Seahawks 13

My last comment on this game thread, moving on to New England.

So I was 1 point off on Seattle, which I think is an acceptable margin for error.

In my prediction, Stills caught that bomb for a TD and we all went absolutely crazy celebrating the deep strike play.

Back to reality, it's on to New England who looked impressive against AZ at home, given all the players they are missing right now. To include their Hall of Fame QB.

mercury22nathan wrote:how is this team any different than the past 20 years?

i reiterate again, how is this team any different...

A lot of factors contributed to the Dolphins scoring merely 10 points and converting 3 of 14 third-down opportunities. There were some costly busts in protection. Tannehill had some issues with ball placement. Receivers ran the wrong routes. The Dolphins occasionally lacked a sense of urgency.

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nfl/miami-dolphins/article101846637.html

and if things don't change soon - as in starting this weekend - things could get ugly very fast...

The Dolphins have lost by an average of 23.8 points in Tannehill’s four trips to New England.

To be honest Miami doesn't have a lot of weapons on defense to compete with NE.