Momentum is a pendulum, and all it needs to change direction is to reach its end, Miami never ended Buffalo’s. Converting a 3rd down, extending a drive, these small things can do that. Hill needed to make that catch.
Grading the Miami Dolphins; Week XVII: Sloppy New Year.
Miami is in a tough spot with Tua. Do I believe there is better options available on the market or in the draft at the Dolphin’s position? No. Do I believe Tua is worth what the market says he will command? Also, No. What do you do? They need to consider the Cousins model and Tag him.
Grading the Miami Dolphins; Week XVI: Early Christmas.
Watching with my boys and in-laws as Tua and the Dolphins did against the Cowboys what they failed to do against the Titans. Drive down for the game winning field goal.
Grading the Miami Dolphins; Week XV: Jettisoning the Jets.
The Dolphins earned the skepticism of their fans by consistently and constantly failing in these moments. Not just last year, go back to Flores, Philbin, and Gase and Miami had several seasons where they needed to win only one of their final three games to clinch a playoff berth and couldn’t do it. Farther back, in Dan’s final season the Fins started 7-1 only to finish 9-7 and get embarrassed by the kittens in Duval in the second round. Tua said these aren’t the “same ‘ol Fins” Sunday was the first step in proving that true, now go finish the season strong and claim the Bye.
Grading the Miami Dolphins; Week XIV: Tortured by Titans.
The Titans fumbled twice in the fourth quarter handing Miami excellent field position, which the Dolphins turned into touchdowns giving them a fourteen point lead with just over four minutes to play. Not to be outdone, the Fins fumbled the game away after that gaining sixteen yards and giving up 139 yards and 15 points in two minutes and ten seconds. Miami would get the ball back down one with a minute and forty five seconds to play only to go four and out. With the toughest part of Miami’s schedule upcoming, pouring this game down the drain doesn’t bode well for a team trying to over come December Demons.
SALE BOWL I: Fins @ Jets Black Friday
Waking up from a tryptophan induced coma just in time to catch NFL pregame on Prime, not a bad way to start a Friday. Knowing you were mere minutes away from a mayo, turkey, cheese, on toast with a large side of Jets beat down, well, that called Thanksgiving leftover nirvana.
Grading the Miami Dolphins; Week XI: Repelling the Raiders.
My favorite Thanksgiving memory involves the Miami Dolphins, the Lett game. I’ll never forget how disappointed my brothers and I were when Stoyanovich missed that kick, and then how much we jumped up and down when the Dolphins won that game. Snow on Thanksgiving in Dallas, doesn’t happen often, I wouldn’t think, but it made for a wonderful 90’s Turkey Day. Let’s hope Miami can win the NFL’s first ever Sale Bowl.
Grading the Miami Dolphins; Week IX: Self-Tomahawked against KC.
Yes, the Philadelphia and Kansas City games were competitive compared to the Bills fiasco, but going into half time down by twenty one points would’ve made it a top seven comeback in NFL history. The Giants earlier this year came back from a 20-0 halftime deficit against Arizona marking the franchise’s largest halftime comeback in it’s 99 year history. So let’s not get too carried away with the “well it was competitive” narrative. The Dolphins left themselves no margin for error and they had a lot of gaps in their game.
Fins @ Chiefs: 4Keys to Delfin-Sieg
Will Miami finally make that moment theirs or will they continue to be the behemoths of the bottom, the lords of the lowly, the caesars of the cellar?
Grading the Miami Dolphins; Week VIII: Porpoises Pulverized the Pats.
“One if by land, two if by sea, and if by air it shall be three” most of us have only ever heard the first stanza of the Patriot Paul Revere’s midnight ride. When the Greatest Surf on Turf comes, we know “they’re in the air, they’re on the ground, they’re always in control, and when you say Miami, you’re talking Super Bowl!” These Patriots were not prepared for an air assault.
Grading the Miami Dolphins; Week VII: Birds Feasted on Fins.
Miami has much to prove, beating KC across the pond will go a long way in showing the NFL and the rest of the AFC that the way to Vegas requires a swim in the Caribbean.
Dolphins @ Eagles: 4Keys to Victory
IF the Dolphins can put enough pressure on Hurts and get him out of the pocket, yet keep him contained, forcing him to throw the ball and not take off on foot, that will benefit their defense immensely.
Grading the Miami Dolphins; Week VI: Miami Corralled the Cats .
Is this Miami Dolphins team contending or pretending? We’re going to find out in a few days. We need to make the hashtag #SwimFinsSwim trend this week in place of #FlyEaglesFly to rile up the Philly fanbase. Let’s clip their wings and flush that puke green down the toilet.
Grading the Miami Dolphins; Week V: Fins slayed the Giants.
I wouldn’t call this Dolphins team beating anyone a “steal” certainly not a fluke. I think Buffalo stole one. That is how good Miami is playing. So Philadelphia, KC, those may be the toss ups… and I think the Fins should win both.
Grading the Miami Dolphins; Week IV: Buffalo feasted on Porpoise Fins.
Buffalo told the Fins “you may be us against Denver, but to us, you are Denver.” It was a sound clubbing as if Miami turned into a different marine mammal for sixty minutes on Sunday.
Grading the Dolphins; Week III: SurFins to 70.
My favorite play of the game was when he called the no-look shovel pass, again. Fool them once, great job you; Fool them twice, nana nana boo boo.
Grading the Dolphins; Week II: Tua n Oh feels so nice.
McDaniel, in my opinion, needs to be more aggressive. I did not like the first field goal nor the final field goal attempt. He should have gone for both, the touchdown on the first drive, and the first down on the final drive.
Grading the Dolphins; Week 1: Sparks Flew in Electric Road Win.
The offense lead by Hill and Tua conducted the Charges defense up and down the field; however, the Fins D wasn’t the insulator Fins Fans were hoping after the addition of Fangio.
Heat Messed Around and Got Double Tripled.
That is one key to this series.
However; Aaron Gordon, is the skeleton key. The Miami Heat have no answer for Gordon’s size and athleticism. He is just good enough the Heat have to guard him and just big enough they have no one capable.
New Rules, More Fun.
In honor of the MLB rule changes for 2023, here are my top rule changes for the NHL, NBA, and MLS to increase fans and action.
Dolphins @ Bills Wildcard Round
The Dolphins have questions that need to be answered this offseason, both on the roster and the sideline, I hope they make the correct choices.
Dolphins vs Jets Week XVIII Grades
Miami won. They needed a win and they got a win. This grade will be short and sweet; A+. I also need to give Buffalo a high grade for opening the door for Sanders to kick Miami through by beating the New England Patriots. Thank you Buffalo. Obviously this was a tough game to watch,… Continue reading Dolphins vs Jets Week XVIII Grades
Dolphins @ Patriots Week XVII Grades
I was watching with my wife, and I looked at her immediately, before the ambulance, before Buck said anything, and said “they aren’t finishing this game.” My initial thoughts were stroke or heart attack, my dad texted “aneurysm?”
Happy New Year! The Five Best Miami Plays of 2022
Happy New Year! The Five Best Miami Plays of 2022
Dolphins vs Packers Week XVI Grades
This game felt like a crotch kick after a gut punch. In the grand scheme of the season, it was not a “must win” game; however, the loss feels catastrophic. Miami still maintains their hold of the last playoff spot, which means they can sneak into the playoffs by winning their last two games (one of which will be on the road in the cold).
Dolphins @ Bills Week XV Grades
Any opponent that can’t score twenty eight or more against Miami should be fearful. But, first, they need to advance and to do so with confidence, they should win out. Lets start the seven game winning streak on Christmas.
Miami Dolphins Grades Week XIV @ Sand Los Angeles Chargers
A win Sunday would’ve had Miami sitting in the Cat Bird’s Seat looking at the playoffs and allowed the Dolphins to control their destiny in the division; instead they need to play desperate these last four weeks to have a chance at playing after the regular season.
Dolphins @ San Francisco Week XIII Grades
The defense has been the biggest let down. It was designed to force turnovers and get off the field quickly, to face as few plays as possible. Could it be that the combination of a quick strike explosive offense doesn’t mesh with a risk it all blitzing defense?
First Four; Same Core; College Bore. Selection Committee hard at work.
Yes, it would’ve been simple if USC and TCU had won on Saturday, but then there would be no need for a committee other than to foil a teams earned opportunity as they’ve done in 2014, 16, and 17. Because they want ‘Bama and OSU in, this edges everything.
Die with a tie, in with a Win
If Pele were born in Pennsylvania he no doubt would’ve focused on Football, Basketball, or perhaps Baseball as he grew.
Texans @ Dolphins Week XII Grades
Miami holds many tie breakers and if they finish with 3 or 4 losses could potentially grab the number one seed and first round bye. These goals are no longer out of the question. If Miami wins Sunday verse the Niners, a team many have as the best team in the NFC, despite Philadelphia having the best record, there is no reason to think Miami can’t win out. Yes, tough division games remain, but the expectations have increased. This is what success brings. Miami for too long has not lived up to created expectation.
World Cup 2022
In 1776 the British’s ass we kicked. In 22 on the 25th we’ll repeat it on the pitch.
Fins in First: Dolphins vs Browns Week X Grades
Receivers: (A+); Tua decided to be a socialist and distribute to everyone equally; in economics it equates to shared misery, against the Browns it produced enormous success. Eight different people caught passes, Seven had at least 20 yards receiving, Six had a reception of at least 14 yards, Five had at least 4 receptions, Four had over 40 receiving yards, Three had a touchdown, Two had over 60 yards, and One had the best touchdown catch of the year for Miami. The only thing missing was a partridge in a pear tree. Sherfield’s grab in the 2nd quarter was spectacular. The pass was flawless, his leap was perfectly timed, and then while sailing out of the corner of the end zone to drag both feet in bounds was breathtaking.
Week VII Dolphins vs Steelers Grades
I will temper my QB grade with being grateful Tua is able to play and realizing he is head and shoulders above Teddy and Skylar. That being said, he proved his is knees and ankles below a franchise quarterback.
28-3 Dolphins @ Ravens
Last year, in my season ending post, I gave you my thoughts on the team and future. I concluded the post with “Find the right Head Coach. This will dictate the next 3-5 years. Will they finally get the next Shula? Or will they find another Gase?” Though two games is not a definitive sample to say “we’ve landed Shula Jr.” I believe, after watching this team, it is enough to confirm we don’t have another Gase.
Choke Paul 3 Strikes Again.
Chris Paul has received the moniker “CP3” as if he is an android from a galactic space odyssey, it is actually fitting, but missing important data. Choke Paul’s defeated record remains untarnished. CP3-O, as in: O for his career in winning in the NBA Playoffs, O for ever coming up clutch, O crap I’m blowing another 2-0 series lead, and O my leg hurts. CP3-O is in a class by himself.
Lock or Walk OUT?
Most of us would fawn at any of the figures being bantered about by Management, our eyes absolutely bulge at the Players’ proposals. A minimum salary of 700+ thousand per season, which isn’t even a full year of work!? Yes, sign me up. That is the mindset of poor boys from poor families. And MLB is counting on that sentiment to help keep the fans on their side.
Dolphins’ Demerits: Week XVII @ Titans
I have teeter-tottered all season about keeping Flores or letting him go. I outlined above what I would require for him to stay. If he baulks at any of the above, hand him his pink slip, pay him what’s owed and bid him good day.
Dolphins’ Demerits: Week XVI @ Saints
I know others have highlighted the 1-1 scenarios that still gets Miami into the playoffs, I don’t care about those miracle roulette wheel odds, win and you’re in. That is all. Unlike the majority of small businesses, No Help Needed, for the Fins. Grind these two games out. Earn it. Don’t stumble backwards into a forgettable post season appearance. Run head long at whichever team is waiting for you, scared of the team on a 9 game win streak.
Dolphins’ Bye Week
Miami can’t focus on the help they need. Winning should be their only concern, then see how the cookie crumbles.
My Wife Before Christmas
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, except for my spouse.
Dolphins’ Demerits: Week XIII vs Giants
Based on the current parity in the AFC, 10-7 probably gets a team into the Wild Card. Every year I pour all the “ifs” and “buts” into my imagination and it quickly turns into mental quicksand as the scenarios pile up in which this team should be 9-4 or 8-5. In this fantastical futility I never take wins away, only losses. It is a one sided affair. Every loss hurts, but especially this season, the Jags and Falcons games are sea anchors that these Fins are struggling to swim against.
Dolphins’ Demerits: Week Week IX vs Houston
They got the win. Wow, how that changes everything. I’ll take ugly wins over outstanding close tough loss games every single time.
Dolphins’ Demerits: Week VIII @ Bills
When this season ends, many decisions will need to be made. Moving on from a top QB pick is difficult, but the Rams have shown, a QB is worth much, especially for a team on the cusp. The Dolphins are NOT on the cusp. They have far fewer draft capitol this year, but if come April they find themselves high on the board, I wouldn’t be surprised if they begin yet another rebuild. The question is, will Grier still be the orchestrator? Will Flores still be playing lead chair? Let’s hope not.
Dolphins’ Demerits: Week VII vs Falcons
Yes, his slash looked amazing, again, until you get to the INT portion. These are not “bad picks” this are atrocious decisions that took points off the board. One killed the defenses’ will, coming the very next play after X’s first INT of the season, deep in Falcons’ territory, the other towards the end of the half in the endzone.
Dolphins’ Demerits: Week VI @ Jags (London)
When you lose to the worst team in the league, you become the worst team in the league.
Well, Shildt. Red Birds need a Skipper.
The Cardinals needed to make this move as much, if not more, than Vegas needed to move on from their coach. Who should the Cardinals hire? This is always a conundrum at the professional level. Put your chips in the middle on a potential wunderkind, a seasoned coach (bench, batting, pitching, 1st or 3rd base, etc), or a re-tread manager? In every sport, these are the options, the NFL and NBA (not so much NHL and MLB) also add a fourth tier “the exciting college coach” with mixed results.
Dolphins’ Demerits: Week V @ Bucs
They play Jacksonville. That provides at least a modicum of hope. Seeing as the Dolphins are Opher London however, I won’t be betting on them. By year three of rebuild, progress should be seen, instead we’re witnessing regression. That should be placed on the shoulders of both the GM and coach. They are the ones that decided the talent they assembled could produce better results than the 10 win team from last year, they have failed. Unfortunately the Phins don’t get a bye week after London as is usually the custom. I fear this means more games with Flores at the helm. If Ross hasn’t moved on from him yet, he probably has until the week 14 bye to salvage his job. What will it take? They have 8 games remaining before the bye, will 4-4 save his job? 6-2? If they enter the bye week above .500 (they would have to go at least 6-2 to accomplish that), maybe you let him finish the season. But baring a playoff appearance, I would sever ties with him and Grier.
Cardinals @ Dodgers; W1LDCARD Recap
Some will say “congratulate the Birds, they fought hard” and though that is true, with achievement comes expectation. Though this team was left for dead only one month ago, they awakened to go on a run not seen in over 100 years in baseball. Having done that, going out with a whimper after one game was anticlimactic.
POLITASPORTS 