Tag Archive for: NFL

The Miami Dolphins look like the worst team in local history

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The Miami Dolphins haven’t been able to do much right in the past couple of decades.

But this tanking thing?

They’re naturals.

Sunday’s 59-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens was so complete that the score is misleading. If Lamar Jackson had stayed in for the fourth quarter, the Ravens were headed to the 70s. As it was, this was the highest score by a Dolphins opponent in a regular season contest in the franchise’s increasingly ignominious history.

And here’s the thing: it can and will get worse.

The Dolphins — what’s wrong with Minkah Fitzpatrick — couldn’t handle the Ravens’ pedestrian receivers Sunday. Next Sunday? Tom Brady comes to town with Antonio Brown, Josh Gordon and Julian Edelman. And it’s not like there are lots of Dolphins young players with high upsides who will improve drastically as the season progresses.

So there’s a real chance this could be the worst non-expansion team in South Florida sports history.

Yes, the Miami Dolphins were 1-15 in 2007 under Cam “Thumbs This Way” Cameron.

But they were outscored on average only 27-17 per game.

The Panthers have been middling to bad for a while. But they’ve never been the equivalent of 1-15 or even 2-14 NFL bad.

So it’s just the 2007-08 Miami Heat (15-67 after Dwyane Wade and everyone else got hurt and the Heat raided the D-League roster) and the 1998 Florida Marlins (54-108 after H. Wayne Huizenga sold off a World Series winner).

But this?

This has the looks of something historic.

What will the Miami Dolphins do well this season? Throw? No. They can’t protect. Run? No. They can’t block. Tackle? That appears foreign to them. Cover? Ravens ran wild through the secondary.

And as it gets more and more hopeless, more veteran players will check out, interested only in their checks. More fans will stay home — tanking sounds better in principle than it feels in practice.

Prepare for the worst.

It’s what many of you wanted.

And the Dolphins will deliver.

 

 

It just took minutes for the Ravens to humiliate the Dolphins

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The Baltimore Ravens came out of the gate raving and making the Dolphins pay for their lack of… talent.

It took just minutes for the visiting team to show the crowd and all of us watching (forced, of course), what this Dolphins season is going to be about.

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We saw a little of what the Fitzmagic is going to be during the beginning of the season, at least, until Brian Flores decides to turn it over to Rosen, probably after a 0-4 start of the season with the veteran quarterback.

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Are we surprised by this start of the season?

No. But we had to see to believe, I guess.

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We have been watching the Marlins do the same this past couple of years, and we’re finally getting a football version of tanking in Miami professional sports.

It’s painful, and it will be a long season if you plan to follow the Miami Dolphins with us.

The Baltimore Ravens took advantage of the tanking Dolphins and showed us what this season will be like. Sit down and enjoy your beer, if you can…

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Go ahead and buy your Tanking for Tua t-shirt or tank top.

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BETDSI.com: The Miami Dolphins are a touchdown dog

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BETDSI had no merci with the Dolphins.

With the offensive and defensive lines this, um, lacking, are you surprised the betting line is this low?

Well, some bettors aren’t, apparently.

That’s why, if you want to bet the Miami Dolphins and take the seven points from the Baltimore Ravens today, you need to give up a little more (-112) at BetDSI.com.

(BetDSI.com is where you should go and use the promo code FIVE101 for a bonus).

Taking the Ravens and giving the seven points (at -105) good play to me, especially since the forecast is mild for a September afternoon — cloudy and a high of 87.

Even easier money, of course, is the moneyline.

But to bet on the Ravens to win, you need to currently need to give $323 to make $100.

And we all know what happened in 2007, when Baltimore was the only team to lose to the Dolphins.

If you believe in Miami’s ability to corral Lamar Jackson, sure, pick the upset. Maybe Minkah Fitzpatrick picks him off a couple of times.

We’ll just be sitting on the other side.

In Five Reasons Sports Network we promise you we will be there with you for this long 2019-2020 Miami Dolphins season. We know it is not an easy thing to be a Miami sports fan right now, but give it a couple of years and we might be winning a lot of games, and maybe some championships. This is how it is now. You have to tank to have a shot at winning, if you’re not one of the highest payrolls of the game. It sucks. We know. Let’s embrace it together. Be part of the Five Reasons family. 

Crashing from Grace: Antonio Brown is his own worst enemy

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Antonio Brown is not making things easy on himself.

A  lot can change in a year. Just ask Antonio Brown. The National Football League superstar was once at the pinnacle of his profession. Once the best wide receiver in the game, it appeared that nothing could take him down. however, in the last year he has become his own worst enemy.

As I’m writing this, many are still trying to figure out the details of Brown’s suspension from the Oakland Raiders. Although this is big news, it is just the tip of the iceberg. This is something that has been manifesting for the past year now. If anything, his departure from the Pittsburgh Steelers sort of set the Antonio Brown train wreck into motion.  On March 10, the Raiders acquired him from the Steelers for a third and fifth-round pick. Following the deal, they reworked his contract. a three-year deal with a maximum of $54.125 million, it was certainly a healthy investment from Oakland.

It’s fair to call it a healthy investment because of the stuff that proceeded before the deal. Calling out JuJu Smith-Schuster for fumbling was, to put it lightly, a bad move. Sharing a locker room video on Facebook live following the Steelers victory was also not ideal either. He did apologize for it, so I have to give credit where it is due. For every step forward he may have taken, he always took two steps back. He was benched last December before Pittsburgh’s game against Cincinnati for a dispute with Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

I hate to say it, because I’m not a fan of big Ben, but Roethlisberger looks the best out of anybody following the Steelers drama. He still sits from his perch as the team’s starting quarterback.

Anyway, I digress.

Brown’s tenure in Oakland, for how short it has been to this point, has been eventful so far. From freezing his feet in a cryo- chamber to having a dispute over helmets, he has certainly made for good television. If anything, he may have been the most interesting part of this season of Hard Knocks. The dispute on Thursday with general manager Mike Mayock is just the tip of the iceberg to all the things that have led before it. It’s a shame that his legacy is being tarnished by his actions. He’s a very good wide receiver, and the numbers certainly don’t lie.

1,000 total yards in six straight seasons, 74 career touchdowns, and seven Pro Bowls. Those are just some of the accolades he has accumulated in his career. With so much talent, he is now throwing it all away. He was once feared by cornerbacks. Now, he is being feared by the entire National Football League because you never know what is going to happen next. The undoing of Antonio Brown is one of the most fascinating things I have seen. It’s not fascinating like exciting, it’s fascinating like “Wow, I can’t believe he self-destructed that quickly.” It’s sad really, and one of the more shocking stories in all of football.

Who knows what will happen next in this saga? As Antonio Brown has taught us, expect the unexpected.

 

So you’re saying we (Dolphins) don’t have a chance?

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The Dolphins had the perfect season.

And now they have the imperfect roster.

So the Miami Dolphins have accomplished something remarkable already, at least if a computer simulation is to be believed.

They have absolutely no chance of playing in the Super Bowl in their home stadium this February.

Zero. Point zero.

None.

Nada.

Zilch.

Look:

That’s 10,000 simulations.

And not once does Josh Rosen hit Preston Williams in the back of the end zone with a perfect strike to capture the Lombardi Trophy.

The Dolphins were the only team with that distinction.

Seriously, anything could happen if you tried it 10,000 times.

They might even draft a good offensive lineman outside the first round.

 

We love football and of course we like seeing our teams in Miami going to the playoffs and giving us something to root for. We know it is a hard time in Miami sports, but we are glad we can be with you in these difficult moments. Just do not let us go. We will go through the painful season together, and then, at some point, everything will be alright. Stay with us. Keep listening to our Five Reasons Podcasts, please. 

Wait, the Dolphins Will Play Football This Week?

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Now that the dust is settling on the Miami Dolphins offseason, there is actual football on the horizon.

The bloodletting has ceased (for now) and the Miami Dolphins will attempt to field an NFL roster Sunday when they host the Baltimore Ravens.

Cuts and trades have left the 53-man roster a barren wasteland void of talent or hope for this season.

Tank you very much indeed.

 

These teams are polar opposites in many facets, starting under center.

Ryan Fitzpatrick will start an NFL football game for his eighth team Sunday.

Lamar Jackson has seven career starts.

Jackson improved as the year went on after taking over for Joe Flacco, and the Ravens were actually a top ten offense in terms of yardage last year.

A lot of that was thanks to Jackson who was second on the team with 695 yards rushing, and Baltimore won six of his seven starts.

Miami was abysmal against the run last year allowing 10 teams to eclipse 100 yards on the ground.

They could be even worse this time around.

The game plan for Baltimore should be simple, pound the Miami front seven into dust on the ground.

Perhaps Vincent Taylor could have been of assistance.

Mark Ingram still has a lot left in the tank at age 29, before the emergence of Alvin Kamara he started to put up excellent numbers in New Orleans with two consecutive 1,000-yard campaigns.

Look for Ingram out of the backfield as well, he has averaged over 43 receptions over the last four seasons.

The departure of Kiko Alonso won’t hurt the pass coverage at least.

Could we see Some Early FitzMagic for the Dolphins?

On the other side of the coin is the savvy veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick, who comes out guns blazing in the September heat.

 

 

Who can forget the swag that was FitzPatrick during the early part of last season.

He put up three straight 400-yard performances to start the season.

Elite.

Then he went full journeyman.

In that third game last year, Fitzpatrick threw three interceptions after just one in the first two games.

Tampa Bay took the loss in that one and in five straight games to follow. In those losses Fitzpatrick threw eight picks versus just six touchdowns.

That’s the Fitzpatrick most of us expect.

He does have some weapons in Preston Williams, Albert Wilson, Jakeem Grant, and Mike Gesicki so there will be some moments.

However the back line for the Ravens is an opportunistic and savvy group in their own right, windows will be tight for Fitzpatrick.

Same Ol’ Ravens D

Safety Earl Thomas joins the Baltimore secondary after a tenuous departure from Seattle. The departure of Eric Weddle left a void in that group and Thomas has the experience to adjust quickly and lead a talented bunch.

 

Baltimore was the top rated overall defense in yards allowed while holding opponents to just 3.7 yards per carry.

Expect the Ravens to stack the box and dare Kenyan Drake and Kallen Ballage to put their foot down and earn the tough yards.

That could be a challenge behind what remains of the Miami offensive line.

 

Hopefully the big boys find their parking spots prior to Sunday, they will likely want a quick escape after the final whistle.

If (when) Miami gets behind the chains, Baltimore can pin their ears back and force Fitzpatrick into mistakes.

There is very little optimism for the Dolphins faithful but home games can take on a life of their own.

Should Miami be able to hang early and stop the Ravens offense, they could keep it close for a while.

Unfortunately it shapes up to be a long day in Miami Gardens, Baltimore simply has too much depth and overall talent.

These teams have a lot of history, including the 40-0 dismantling of Miami in 2017 which will be remembered for an Alonso hit on Flacco more than anything else.

Prediction: Ravens 27, Dolphins 17

Follow us on Twitter for more Miami Dolphins news @SportsWaveDave and @5ReasonsSports.

Make sure to check out and subscribe our Dolphins podcasts Three Yards Per Carry and The Fish Tank.

Dolphins trade Kiko Alonso to Saints

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It’s official. Kiko Alonso is gone.

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Miami Dolphins have traded LB Kiko Alonso to the New Orleans Saints

In exchange for the veteran LB the Dolphins receive LB Vince Biegel.

 

The news broke almost 24 hours after the Dolphins shipped Laremy Tunsil and Kenny Stills to Houston, in exchange for a treasure chest of draft picks.

Alonso, 29, was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the second round (46 overall) of the 2013 NFL draft.  He spent his first two seasons in Buffalo, before making a stop in Philadelphia.

He was later dealt to Miami in 2016, alongside DB Byron Maxwell.  The Eagles and Dolphins swapped first-round picks which would help them in their pursuit for Carson Wentz.

During his time in Miami, Alonso eclipsed 100+ tackles in each of his three seasons.

Whether it be for an unnecessary hit on a QB, or a game-changing interception, we will never forget you, Kiko Alonso.

Check out some of Kiko Alonso’s highlights in this link.

 

While we are ready for the beginning of the NFL season, we know you might not be as cheerful as usual, with the last moves the Miami Dolphins have made. However, we invite you to enjoy our coverage of the team, the best in the market for sure, visiting FiveReasonsSports.com often, and listening to our pods here. 

Wild Offseason for Dolphins Culminates With Tunsil Deal

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The Houston Texans saved the last dance for the Miami Dolphins, acquire Laremy Tunsil.

For days it seemed like everyone thought Jadeveon Clowney was going to be a Miami Dolphin.

Except Clowney.

Chris Grier and the Miami brass were determined to take advantage of a Houston power structure…without structure.

That they did it seems by sending franchise left tackle Laremy Tunsil and wide receiver Kenny Stills to Houston for two first round picks and a second rounder.

 

Miami also sends back a 2020 fourth rounder and a 2021 sixth rounder according to reports.

Stills’ departure was perhaps in the best interest of all parties, he gets a fresh start away from the noise in South Florida.

Houston is getting a good football player but an even better human being in the deal.

 

#TankSzn is here.

Wait, Don’t we Need a Left Tackle?

When you talk about a rebuild, there are four core positions that comprise the foundation.

Quarterback.

Defensive end.

Cornerback.

Left Tackle.

Miami locked in one of the four by signing Xavien Howard in the offseason.

Their pursuit of Clowney showed intent on resolving another spot.

Miami will likely draft a top prospect at the position next year, maybe the year after.

You can make what you will of the quarterback battle and outcome in preseason, but Josh Rosen will play this season.

Without a left tackle.

So why not keep Tunsil since he is one of the core four, on a team friendly rookie deal?

You’re going to need to find another left tackle eventually anyway.

The Miami Dolphins organization pushed all their chips in on 2020 and beyond.

While completing the fold on the 2019 campaign, in the process selling high on Tunsil.

High Picks Must be on Target

It is hard to remember a team with so much draft capital at their disposal.

 

Perhaps the Dallas Cowboys when they stole six picks from the Vikings for Herschel Walker.

Those picks became players such as Emmitt Smith, Russell Maryland, and Darren Woodson among others.

If the Dolphins can hit on the majority of those picks, especially the first rounders, the promising future could be upon us en masse.

Hopefully fans can survive the carnage they will witness in 2019 first.

From Stills and Jay-Z, firing of a coach, and some surprising cuts, another roller coaster summer has concluded in Davie.

Miami fans should be ready for anything at this point.

Follow us on Twitter for up to the minute Miami Dolphins news and information @SportsWaveDave and @5ReasonsSports.

Make sure to subscribe to The Fish Tank Podcast and 3 Yards Per Carry for more great Dolphins content.

 

 

 

training camp day eleven

Tracking the 2019 Miami Dolphins’ 53-man roster cuts (LIVE)

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The Miami Dolphins are about to finish the last touches on their roster.
Track the Dolphins’ route to the 53-man roster with our live tracking thread. Now that we are just one preseason game away from the start of the regular season, Dolphins must begin trimming their roster.
Teams have until 4 p.m on Saturday (August 31st) to narrow their rosters down from 90 players to 53. This is a difficult time for teams, as they decide who is worthy of a roster spot and who is not.

Here is a list of the most recent Miami Dolphins roster cuts and transactions, as we approach the ever-important 4.p.m deadline. This article will be updated throughout the weekend as the team finalizes its 53-man roster heading into their Week 1 matchup vs the Baltimore Ravens. Enjoy.

Miami Dolphins RUMORS

Miami Dolphins roster CUTS

SAF T.J McDonald

OL Will Holden

RT Jordan Mills and TE Clive Walford

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LB Chase Allen and DL Akeem Spence

LB Quentin Poling and WR Trenton Irwin

DT Joey Mbu and CB Tyler Patmon

CB Jalen Davis and WR Reece Horn

CB David Rivers and G/C Kyle Fuller

OL Kyle Fuller and LS Wes Farnsworth

OL Aaron Monteiro and OT Jaryd Jones-Smith

WR Brice Butler

RB Kenneth Farrow and DT Cory Thomas

LS Wes Farnsworth 

DT/G Durval Queiroz Neto and DT Jamiyus Pittman

QB Jake Rudock and DE Tyrone Holmes

DB Cornell Armstrong 

LB Tre’ Watson and LB Nick DeLuca

DB Torry McTyer and Dwayne Allen (Injury Settlement)

WR T.J Rahming and DB Nick Needham

DE Tank Carradine

SAF Maurice Smith and OL Tony Adams

WR Isaiah Ford and Dwayne Hendrix

LB Terrance Smith

TRADES

Dolphins trade a 2020 7th-round pick to Minnesota for Danny Isidora

Dolphins acquire Colts center/guard Evan Boehm for a conditional 2020 draft pick
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This article will be updated throughout the week with ALL transactions made by your Miami Dolphins.

(Last Updated 8/31 at 4:35 PM)

 

Josh Houtz (@houtz) and Luis Dung (@luisdsung) won’t sleep until the roster is down to 53! Check their work in our podcasts here!

Dolphins purge will lead to progress

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Jock Takes: The Dolphins purge has begun.

I expect the roster to look totally different by the end of the season, as well as a whole youth movement towards a rebuild.

Let’s just be honest, the Dolphins will be bad. Intentionally. The purpose of the purge is to get Brian Flores’s guys in there, Tank for Tua.

However, that depends on how Josh Rosen performs at quarterback — once he’s finally the starter — and believe it or not positioning themselves for a playoff run in 2020-2021 season. They have cap space, draft picks, and other teams in the AFC will take a step back by that season. This upcoming season will be a trial and error season. We will get to see every young player get an opportunity to cement themselves as part of the rebuild.

The Dolphins have elite players who are young and in very important positions (LT Laremy Tunsil if he’s still here, LB Jerome Baker, CB Xavien Howard, and Minkah Fitzpatrick).

I believe if they want, they can move Minkah to corner permanently and have two shut-down corners. Also, with talks of adding Jadeveon Clowney you would get an elite pass rusher who would make more plays in Flores system then he did in Houston.  Look at Kyle Van Noy’s production under Flores in New England.

The Dolphins can afford to pay these players because they will have a quarterback under control for the next 4 to 5 years.  Now heading back to the purge conversation, I expect Reshad Jones, Kenny Stills, and Kiko Alonso all to be traded for draft picks or cut by next year. The Dolphins in one year will make amends for a lot of bad contracts during the Mike Tannebaum era. Ultimately Dolphin fans will forget about that era of mediocrity.

Then there’s Rosen. He’s not starting at the start of the season — Flores named Ryan Fitzpatrick the guy. But it’s just for now. Soon it will be Rosen. If he does well then you can draft and build around him with a strong offensive draft class in 2020. The 2020 class is full of offensive talent, probably the most talented class in some time. If Rosen is not playing well by week 6, then make full preparations to Tank for Tua.

If they are not comfortable with the QB’s in 2020 than they can draft receivers and offensive linemen and go all-in for Trevor Lawrence in 2021. Many are already calling him the best QB that college football may ever see.

The Dolphins have many options, however, the purge is a must to see the full potential of the roster going into the 2020 season.