Week Fifteen - Miami at Buffalo
You've gotta love the 21-0 shut out against the Patsies! Great game for the Dolphins and the Dolfans. Next up...Buffalo on the road.
This game is going to be an all out war. Both teams are coming in at 6-7 with a small glimmer of hope for the playoffs. While the playoff chances are small for the winner, they are non-existent for the loser....so, it will be a good one in New York.
Miami's Defense, lead by eventual Defensive MVP of the year Jason Taylor, continues to play at an extremely high level. They made Tom Brady and company look like a bad college team last Sunday. They will need to do the same this week against the Bills. JP Losman has certainly improved over the past number of weeks as the Bills have won 4 of their last 6 games. Miami has won 5 of their last 6, so both teams peaking a fraction too late in the season. Fact is thought, they are both playing their best ball of the year.
Miami will need to do two things in this one to give themselves a chance to win. First, they must contain Lee Evans and eliminate the big play. Evans is having a Pro Bowl year and has had multiple catches over 70 yards. Hell, he had two 83 yard TDs against the Texans alone. Miami cannot afford to let Losman have the time to hit a streaking Evans deep down the field. Second, they must stop Willis M in the running game. This puts a lot of pressure on Miami's front seven, as they must force Losman into hurried and bad throws and also contain the run at the same time. Good news for Dolfans is that the Miami front seven is the backbone of this team and have risen to the occation often in the past 6 weeks. Let's hope they do it again on Sunday.
On offense the Dolphins just need to play like they did last week against the Pats. Don't force anything and be patient in waiting for the right opportunities. It's not a bad thing to punt against the Bills on occasion. If Joey H can avoid the big mistakes, as he did last week, the the Dolphins will get their opportunites and will come out on top in this one.
I expect this to be a close game with a late score to win it.
Miami 19 Buffalo 17
Week Fourteen - New England at Miami
So much for the win streak and so much for the playoffs. Now it's strictly pride. Mathematically there still is a possibility, but several teams would literally have to fall apart while the Phins would need to beat New England, Buffalo in NY, the Jets and Indy. All four of those games are going to be tough.
Anyway, on with the show. Miami will play, as they always do, lights out against New England. The Defense was suspect last game, letting Matt Jones run wide open an several occasions, but the Dolphins match up much better against New England's wideouts. And as usual, the Dolphins will force Brady into some questionable decisions. Problem is, Brady still always finds a way to keep his team in it until the end when he pulls it out of his ass! This time will be different though!!
Joey Harrington has GOT to play it safe this week. If he can avoid the "boneheaded" bad throws to the other team, then Miami should be able to keep this close. The loss of Ronnie Brown for the second week in a row is a huge blow to the Dolphins, but this is where Sammy Morris and Travis Minor kick it into overdrive. I think the Dolphins will have some success with the run...as long as they don't abandon it too early like they did against the Jags.
If the Dolphins can get pressure on Brady...which I think they will...and the Miami Offense, especially Joey, can play mistake free....which I'm not so sure of....then the Dolphins will win a close one at home.
Miami 21 New England 20
Week Thirteen - Jacksonville at Miami
Four in a row and counting...
Well, JT is a beast, and so is his brother-in-law Zach Thomas. ZT became the first player to hit the 100 tackle mark this year and also contributed with 2 sacks. Matt Roth continues to improve as well, with his second forced fumble in 2 weeks. The Defense are continuing to play lights out.
Joey Harrington had a great day against his former team (except for the one int) and is starting to settle down nicely in this Miami Offense. The loss of Ronnie Brown was a huge blow though. Joey will have to crank it up another notch to make up for the loss of Brown.
Jacksonville are a very hard team to predict...sounds like the Dolphins! The are coming off a big loss to the Bills and are in serious danger of losing out on the 2nd Wildcard spot. In fact, a win by the Dolphins will put them ahead of the Jags for the final spot...although, there will still be many more ahead of both.
The key to this game is for Joey to play mistake free football....that means NO interceptions. Sammy Morris and Travis Minor must also pick up enough positive yardage in the running game to give Joey the time he needs to move the ball effectively. The running game does not have to be great, but just good enough to allow the Dolphins Offense to avoid a lot of 3rd and longs and 3 and outs.
This should be a defensive battle with the Dolphins edging out the Jags with the home field advantage and upping there win streak to 5 in row!
Miami 17 Jacksonville 13
Week Twelve - Miami at Detroit
Three in a row and counting...
Jason Taylor is simply a beast. He can single handedly change a game. The Dolphins Defense continues to play lights out and should have another big day against the Lions on American Thanksgiving.
Joey Harrington has been looking forward to this day since he was named the starter 6 weeks ago. As long as he doesn't try too hard, he should be able to move the ball against the Lions. The key again, will be to eliminate the costly mistakes...meaning take the sack rather than throw the pick!
The Dolphins are a little banged up right now. Jeno James was missed in the running game and The Truck, Keith "Tractor" Traylor was missed in the run stopping game. The Lions do not have anyone as good as Chester Taylor in the run game, so the Dolphins should be fine here. Jeff Zgonina and Big Daddy Dan Wilkenson should fill in nicely as they did last week.
Jon Kitna right now is having those same nightmares that Brad Johnson was having last week...and rightly so. Look for Taylor to continue his MVP season and set the tone early in this one.
A fish can beat a Lion on this day.
Miami 28 Detroit 13
Week Eleven - Minnesota at Miami
Two in a row...against two winning teams. All I have to say to that is....NICE!
The Dolphins are still a L O N G shot to make the playoffs, but it sure is nice when you are winning. I promised I wouldn't start talking about winning out and going 10 and 6 and making the playoffs, so I will wait for a few more wins before I jump on the bandwagon!
The Vikings at home. Culpepper will not get to face his old team, which is too bad...it would have provided for some extra game day drama.
Minny were 4 and 2 but have lost the past 3 games and are not looking near as good as they did earlier in the season. The Dolphins of course have won 2 huge games in the past 2 weeks and are not looking near as bad as they did earlier in the season. The O line is playing much better...the move of LJ Shelton to Right Guard and Big D-Mac to Left Tackle has proved to be a very successful move...I guess that's why Hudson Houck gets paid the big money!
Joey Harrington was not anywhere close to perfect on Sunday, but he did not throw the costly INT that he has been known to do. The problem this week was the brutal play call of running a double handoff reverse on 1st down with a 10 point lead and only 8 minutes left in the game. Mike Mularky should be fired the next time he pulls a bone head call like that again. The trick play of the flea flicker was a great call...not just because it worked but because of the time and situation. The Half back pass was an OK call as well, IF it where to be used as a 2nd option...Ronnie Brown was free to march into the end zone after the Safety bit on the pump fake...Anyway...NO trick plays late in the game when you have a 10 point lead!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Dolphins Defense has been playing lights out the past few games. Even earlier in the year the problem was definitely not on defense...well, the secondary was a little suspect but the move of Yerimiah Bell to Safety has been a fantastic move. What a playmaker...and Jason Taylor has been hands down the best player on the field for both teams the past few games. Brad Johnson is sitting at the team facility in Minnesota having NIGHTMARES as he watches game film of JT. Look for the Jason Taylor show again on Sunday as the Dolphins D step up once again. I predict a Zach Thomas interception this game as well.
The Offense will continue to improve with a steady balance of the run game....it's no coincidence that when we run well, we are usually successful.
Miami 24 Minnesota 9
Week Ten - Kansas City at Miami
I love it when a plan comes together! The Dolphins played like a real contender against the Bears. The big question is...Is this the real team or an aberration sparked by slanderous comments from some bitter ex-Dolphins? I'm betting on, (maybe more like hoping) that this game is an actual show of the potential this team has.
On to KC. Larry Johnson is a beast. The Dolphins D is playing very well, but I don't think they can shut down LJ. They won't have to though...they will just need to slow him down. Ronnie Brown showed some big time moxy against the #1 D in the league, and should be able to counter what LJ does...especially considering Miami has a better Defense than the Chiefs.
The secondary for the Dolphins did not even resemble what we have seen so far...which is a good thing, Yerimiah Bell is a playmaker. Jason Allen contributed with a nice pass defended and a big career first INT. Confidence can be a wonderful thing, especially in an unforgiving position like defensive back. Hopefully this will carry over to the next game. Damon Huard has been very good in relief of Trent Green (Hey, he won 6 games filling in for Dan the Man). Although Huard has been playing well, he is still not as accomplished as Brady or Grossman, both of whom we handled quite well this year...especially Grossman! We should be able to get some pressure on Huard and force him into some bad decisions.
As long as Joey does not throw this one away (literally), and builds on the progress made against da bears, then we should be able to come out on the winning end for the first Miami winning streak of the season. I'm looking for Chambers to have a huge game this week.
Miami 28 Kansas City 24
Week Nine - Miami at Chicago
Well, the Dolphins head into the bye week with a dismal 1-6 record. Next up...da bears in 2 weeks. As it stands right now, the Dolphins are all but mathematically eliminated from the playoffs.
Miami will step up against the vaulted Bears...Arizona showed that Rex Grossman is NOT all that and a bag of chips by forcing 6 turnovers last Monday night. I think the Dolphins will shut Grossman down for the most part.
IF, and that's another big IF, the Dolphins Offense can eliminate the multiple turnovers, then I think they can actually win this game. Dolphins always play up or down to the level of their competition, and they are due for a win.
Please try not to break a rib laughing after reading this one. Remember my bold prediction against the Pats in the 4-12 season! (especially you Jace!) I predicted all along that Chicago will not go undefeated this year and it will be a team with a losing record that will give them their first loss. Miami will step up and deliver the blow on November 5th!
Miami 17 Chicago 14
Week Seven - Green Bay at Miami
Down 20-3 with under 6 minutes left in the game and the Dolphins score 14 points and put themselves in field goal range for the tie...and then Olindo Mare hits a dud, that not only is wide right, but is short by about 10 yards as well...and so is the life of the Miami Dolphins. The season is pretty much shot so lets just move right to next weeks game.
The Packers are sucking as bad as the Dolphins, so this has the potential to be a Suckfest of a game. If the Dolphins could combine their play in the last 10 minutes of each game this season, they could be 5 and 0. The Offensive Line does appear to be doing a better job...not sure if that is because Joey gets the ball out quicker or if they are actually starting to gel. Maybe it's a combination of the two. Joey does look comfortable behind center, but it isn't translating into points. Dropped balls, fumbles, interceptions, missed field goals and poor play calling have made this offense tough to watch.
Which Offense will play the Packers...the first 50 minutes of each game or the one that plays in the final 10 minutes of each game. If it's the latter than to Phins should come away with the win. Otherwise....
Miami 12 Green Bay 10
Week Six - Miami at NY Jets
Miami actually were "almost" fun to watch against the Pats. They played well enough to win...better statistically in almost all categories...but 2 Ints, a fumble, blocked FG and Punt and you will probably end up on the wrong side of the scoreboard most times.
On to NY. The season is fading fast...it's now or never...if the Dolphins want ANY kind of shot at salvaging this season. New York looked absolutely horrible against the Jags on Sunday getting the snot kicked out of them 41 to nothing. I don't know if that is a good thing or a bad thing! I said early in the season that I would rather play the Jets later in the year instead of the first week or two of the season...and their was a reason...Chad Pennington. Fragile Chad is a very good QB WHEN healthy and when he can play within his own limitations. (ie very short but acurate West Coast offense plays). However, he seems to wear down very quickly...his shoulder has been rebuilt more times than the engine in Rook's old Cavalier, and he never had a strong arm to begin with. That said, if the Dolphins can play Defense like they did against Brady and the Pats, then they should be able to come out of the Meadowlands with their second win of the season.
Joey Harrington will make his second start as a Dolphin, and he should only get better. He may not have had a great QB rating against the Pats (58.2) but no TD's and 2 INTs will do that. He actually played decent in the game. His completion percentage was higher than Brady's and he threw for almost a hundred yards more than Brady...and last time I checked, Brady was a pretty good QB! A full week of practice with the first team and another full week for the offensive line (which looked far better in front of Joey) should help the Offense.
I think the Dolphins will finally put up more than there season average of 12.2 points per game while keeping the Jets under wraps.
Miami 24 NY Jets 16
Week Five - Miami at New England
Oh my. Not much to say about the Texans game so I will get right into the upcoming game in New England.
Miami has a huge tendency to play to the level of their competition. New England proved they are still a top caliber team with the dismantling of Cincy on Sunday, but we have always played them tough. During their back to back Superbowl run they lost only like 4 games, and 2 of them were to the Dolphins....SO...anything is possible. As I said, Miami has a tendency to play to the level of their competition and while the game on Sunday was not good, the final 8 minutes did show signs of life.
That being said, I cannot in good conscience, pick my team to win...even though it kills me inside to pick the Pats! The Dolphins have not looked like a good team, and the Pats look like a Superbowl contender. As Coach Saban said during the Web Weekend last week...we have earned nothing. This was regarding the media hype prior to the start of the season suggesting Miami would win the AFC and play in the Superbowl. Miami must beat a good team if they are to be considered a good team. They have not done that yet this season. In fact, the have lost to bad teams!
I do believe that Miami will play this game close though. As I said above, they usually play the Pats tough. Some of Tom Brady's worst games as a pro have come against the Phins. Problem is, even when the Dolphins shut Brady down, he still often finds a way to win. I think the game will be close until late in the 3rd or early 4th Quarter. Unfortunately, the Pats will take over the rest of the game.
I'm 1-3 in my pre game report this year. Here's hoping for a 1-4 record!!! GO DOLPHINS GO
New England 28 Miami 16
Week Four - Miami at Houston
As Rook said...Just Win!!!
Miami needed a victory against the Titans, and while it may not have been pretty, it was a victory.
A win against Houston this Sunday could potentially put them in a tie at 2 and 2 for the AFC East. New England has Cincy, NY Jets have Indy and Buffalo has Minny. Not exactly easy games for the rest of the East. Miami again, must win against the Texans. As Jimmy Cefalo, former Dolphins said to the Dawgs at the Web Weekend on Saturday, "to make the playoffs you need to win all the games you are supposed to, and a least a couple of the ones you're not." Well, this is one they are supposed to win.
Miami played a lot better against the Titans than the score indicated. It was nice to see Daunte run it in for a TD and Travis Daniels make the game saving pick with just over a minute left. Things like this can do wonders for a teams confidence and psyche. The Dolphins have a great chance at being 2 and 2 and really haven't played well...so if the Offense gets rolling and the D tightens up...then look out!!!!
The offense will finally break out against the Texans and the Defense will molest Carr all day long. Dolphins win big and share a lead for first in the AFC East after starting 0-2.
Miami 27 Houston 16
Week Three - Tennessee at Miami
Well, if you have to lose a game, it better not be to a divisional rival, who is a heavy underdog in your own house during your home opener. Oops..that can't be good.
Miami must get improved play from the O line and the QB position. If Miami drops the next one against the not-so-mighty Titans, then it could be a long one. That being said...THEY WON'T. I will be in the stands at Dolphins Stadium on the 24th cheering on the Phins and I guarantee victory!!! The sky is not falling, the worst has not happened. The Dolphins will be 2 and 2 when the head to New England for week 5.
The Titans are in a rebuilding state, but they are still an NFL team, and cannot be taken lightly. The Dolphins are simply a better football team and will get it together for this one. Daunte will throw for 300 yards and 3 Touchdowns as the Dolphins go on to win big and start the ball rolling!
Miami 31 Tennessee 13
Week Two - Buffalo at Miami
Well, if you have to lose a game, it might as well be to the Superbowl Champs, in their house on opening day. While the loss last Thursday was disappointing, it is certainly not the end of the world. A LOT of good teams are 0 and 1 after week one!
Anyway, on to week two. This is going to be a lot tougher of a game than many may think. Buffalo came very close to upsetting New England and may have done so if not for a few questionable calls from the newly outfitted refs. JP Losman looked a hell of a lot better than he did last season, and their offense can do some damage. Lee Evans is a very good receiver who can get deep in a hurry, so Miami's secondary better play better this week than it did in Week One. JP Losman and Evans lit up Miami for 21 1st Quarter points last year before the Dolphins mounted the comeback of the year. (Oh, what a great game that was!!!) Miami must keep the Jills receivers in front of them and avoid giving up the big play. If not, that will open up the running game for Willis M and that won't be good.
On Offense, Miami must get some kind of running game going. Considering New England ran for over 180 yards against Buffalo last week, that could be a good sign for the Dolphins. If Ronnie Brown can get some good gains on 1st and 2nd downs, that should take some of the pressure off Daunte Culpepper. Daunte must avoid the costly turnovers that ended the game in Pittsburgh. In Duante's defense, it was the first action he has seen in almost a full year, and the knee is still not 100%. He needs to feel confident in tucking the ball under his arm and knocking the snot out of a few linebackers and safeties. Buffalo may have not done will against the run, but they appear to have a very fast defense with great linebackers (although Spikes is questionable). Miami must create time for Culpepper, which brings us to the Offensive Line.
Miami will get better on the Offensive line...that is a given with Hudson Houck. Last year they started out slow and became a very solid unit. This year there are three new starters so they will need a little time to gel. Have patience, it will happen.
Look for Culpepper to rebound from a less than stellar outing. Randy McMichael is going to have a big game and keep moving the chains. Miami will win the battles at the line of scrimmage and win this game, but it will be close.
Miami 23 Buffalo 21
Week One - Miami at Pittsburgh
No report...too busy getting ready for Shed Dawg Fandango 2006!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!