POLITASPORTS

Game Overview

Five in a row is not a small feat, but can they make it to nine? 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. Having the OT Raiders loss back would be great, but those two are the wounds that may prove mortal. I have a basic philosophy that applies to nearly all team sports, with the exception of College Football. “Win every game you’re supposed to, split the 50/50 games, and steal at least one game per season.” If a team does this, you watch, at the end of the year they’ll most likely have one of the better records in the league. The Dolphins would be 8-5 right now (taking back the Jags and Falcons (teams they were supposed to beat), leaving the Vegas loss on the board (a 50/50 game) and getting their “steal” vs the Ravens. That would leave them with two “supposed to” teams, and two 50/50 games. If they win and split they finish 11-6, but as it stands, they need a clean sweep to be the 17 game schedule equivalent of 9-7 (10-7). It’s not impossible, but something tells me this will come down to beating the Pats that will be resting half their starters and the Fins will figure out a game plan to lose.

Coaching

A couple weeks ago I lamented that Miami settling for a FG in the red zone was “not atrocious.” For me, “that’s high praise” of a non-game winning FG. Against the Giants, from the 30 yard line? No, that is not the time to settle for a FG. Go For It. GFI. Sanders would miss another attempt from a nearly identical spot on the field. Inside the opponents 35 yard line. This was another GFI situation, instead NY got great field position and marched down for their third FG of the game. Thankfully they play as passively as Miami. But this wasn’t Miami’s last FG attempt from just outside the red zone, Sanders would make his 3rd attempt, finishing 2/3. I appreciate the win, but against opponents that can effectively move the ball and put points on the board, Flores’ love of kicks has not bode well for a 7 loss Miami team.

Demerit(s): 3.5 (wins always help)

Receiving

Waddle continues to improve on his YPC bringing in 9 of 11 targets for 90 yards, but was kept out of the End Zone. He did have one drop on a slant with nothing but green acres ahead of him. Parker showcased his ability to make a spectacular catch in his return. Bringing in a ball along the sideline that appeared uncatchable. He had a clean sheet catching all 5 of his targets for a respectable 62 yards. Parker’s inconsistency has haunted his career, he shows flashes of elite skill followed by just face palmingly bad drops. If he can finish strong and they both provide Tua a true one – two punch, this offense has a chance. Ford and Hollins brought in their lone targets for touchdowns, Gesicki played well as did Wilson.

Demerit(s): 1 (Waddle drop)

Running Backs

There wasn’t much room to run. This group was kept out of the end zone and held to less than 3 yards per carry. Not a great day for the backfield. Gaskin did haul in his two targets, but they were late check-downs, not designed plays and it showed as he finished with 5 receiving yards. This group needs to find some lanes to gain enough yards to keep the pass rushers at bay. Not sure most teams will ever bring secondary into the box to stop them, but if they can keep the ends and line backers honest for a half second longer in the pass game, their grades will improve.

Demerit(s): 3.75

QB

Tua has played well the last several weeks since coming in to relieve Brisset against the Ravens. He has thrown 5TDs vs 1INT during this run and avg’d 250 yards passing. He has fumbled several times, but thankfully none lead to turnovers. These numbers won’t get you in the HOF, but they are respectable for a starting NFL QB. Tua, at the least has earned himself another year to try and lead this franchise. Though, if he can’t remain healthy, even with avg to above avg numbers, he may not get extended. As for this game against the Giants; 244, 2TD, 0 turnovers, and completing 74%, that is a passing grade.

Demerit(s): 1.5 (run or throw the ball away, that decision making needs to get better when the pocket breaks down)

The Trenches

The O-Line gave up two sacks and couldn’t create a hole in a balloon. This is Miami’s greatest need come the offseason and draft. Miami should focus on Mel’s bottom rated tackles and guards in the draft, basically, just do the opposite of Kiper.

The D-Line faired much much better. Phillips has looked like a top 20 pick the last two weeks. He has 8.5 sacks on the season and 5 in the last two games. If he can close out the remaining four games on the schedule with 3 to 5 sacks those would be great numbers for any DE let alone a rookie. Keep improving Phillips. Barkley and Booker did find some running room, but NYG were held to under 100 yards for the game and that is worthy of praise.

Demerit(s): (I have to separate these for the 2nd time all season) O: 4.5 / D: 1

Secondary

Holland continues to improve and may be one of the best picks by Grier. He had two passes defended and assisted in the run game and pass rush. He has really come on during this win streak, but has played well all season. X added another INT to his total bringing him to 4 on the season along with 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, and one TD. He is earning his extension, though he started a bit slower this season. They held Glennon to only 50% passing and under 200 yards. All in all, an A effort.

Demerit(s): 0

Officiating

This group didn’t make any glaring calls and the Dolphins won handily. Not much to say here.

Demerit(s): 2 (they’re officials, they did something wrong)

Special Teams

Sanders missed a very makeable FG. They pinned the Giants deep a couple times in the punt game, they didn’t give up any meaningful returns. Special Teams, like officiating, are best when they’re not mentioned.

Demerit(s): 2

Overall

This is definitely a streak. I’m thrilled to see my favorite team winning games, but will resist the urge to get my hopes up. This team MUST run the table. There are no other options. The AFC is loaded with mid-tier teams. Matter of fact, the AFC is a mid-tier team. This doesn’t bode well when trying to back into the post season after a slow start. Every division leader has 4 losses, and the three current wild card teams each have five. Miami is two games behind each of them in the L column, with a game in hand on all but the Colts in the Wild Card hunt. The league will make up the stagger on Sunday, after having the latest bye in NFL history. We’ll know more come Tuesday morning how they are sitting once every AFC has played equal games. Will they remain two games back or will they move one game closer? Miami only has 4 games left (on their schedule) to make up two, so here are the teams to root for this week (if you’re a FinsFan).

1. Vikings vs Steelers (Go Vikings SKOL!)
2. Ravens vs Browns (C’mon Lamar, stop throwing picks!)
3. Chiefs vs Raiders (sorry to my Los Oakland Vegas Raiders friends, but they need to lose)
4. Giants @ Chargers (Go NY, win one for the Parcells)
5. Niners @ Bengals (Jimmy GarapaGO!)
6. Bills @ Bucs (@TB12 pretend it’s the last 18 years in the AFC East and crush the Bills)
7. Lions @ Broncos (can the Cowardly Lions find enough courage to win two in a row?)

Many dominos must fall into place, I’m rooting for at least 3 of the 7 starting Thursday night.

Demerit(s): 1 (Winning feels better)