Five Hurricanes players to look forward to in Week 3

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The Miami Hurricanes finally get to play at home for the first time this season after a road game at North Carolina and neutral site showdown with Florida. Saturday’s matchup against Bethune-Cookman of the FCS ranks is the first of five consecutive home games. While the game is expected to result in an anti-climatic blowout win for Miami, here are five players fans should keep an eye on. 

Thunder and Lighting

Through Miami’s first two games, running backs DeeJay Dallas and Cam Harris have combined for 41 carries, 276 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns. They call themselves “Thunder and Lighting.”

“He’s Thunder, I’m lightning,” Harris said with a wink.

They have a similar perspective towards running the ball, which bodes well for the offense. Miami offensive coordinator Dan Enos emphasized running down hill and both backs have demonstrated the ability to do that. 

“You gotta have that mentality of ‘me vs. you’ in every play,” Dallas said. “When you step in front of me, that’s disrespectful to me because I feel like I’m superior to you.”

Gregory Rousaeau 

Despite starting the season 0-2 for the first time in 40 years, Miami Hurricanes defensive coordinator Blake Baker likes how his defense has been able to rush the passer.

However, redshirt freshman Gregory Rousaeau stands as the only Miami defensive lineman to have recorded a sack this season. He had to redshirt last season due to injury but has flashed in minimal snaps against Florida and North Carolina. At 6-feet-6 and 255 pounds, Rousseau is a special athlete in his position with length and agility. 

Who is Miami D-lineman Gregory Rousseau?

“Sometimes those guys are a little bit stronger and a little less athletic and more like heavy guys who want to just pancake you,” said Rousseau, a Coconut Creek native who missed most of last season with an ankle injury. “It’s really different, but it’s really the same thing because you’ve just got to come off the ball fast, get extension, be physical and just get after it every single play. Just like D-end, just kind of a different spot.”

Miami defensive coordinator Blake Baker said Rousaeau will get more snaps in the near future. He’s also earned the respect of his veteran teammates, especially redshirt senior Scott Patchan, who referred to Rousseau as “a gift from God.”

“I think being hurt has allowed him to stick more time and investment in the weight room and he’s definitely benefited a lot from that,” Patchan said. “I mean, he’s leading us in sacks right now.”

Bubba Baxa

Some fans would argue that if it wasn’t for sophomore Bubba Baxa missing the field goal at the end the game, the Hurricanes would have won that game. Obviously there’s more to it but in two games, Baxa is 4-for-7 in field goals and seven points have been the difference between going 2-0 and 0-2, where Hurricanes currently are.

Unlike in the NFL, the Hurricanes can’t simply cut Baxa and bring in the next kicker they can find. There are only two courses of action Miami can take; hand the reigns over to Camden Price or Turner Davidson, or rally around Baxa and hope for the best. Miami head coach Manny Diaz went with the ladder.

“It’s not a thing you get to do it 20 times in a game like you’re shooting free throws. It’s kind of a one-shot deal,” Diaz said. “The only thing he can do and anybody can do is continue to work, continue to trust himself and just fully commit to every kick.”

The main reason behind Diaz sticking with Baxa is his leg power. His kickoffs usually results in touchbacks and he nailed his first 50+ yard field goal attempt against UNC.

“The more he feels us around him and the more he feels our support, and I said this the other day, he’s going to miss a kick again. It’s going to happen. We can’t demand perfection. But like we talk with all our guys, ‘am I improving and am I finding the way to become the best version of myself?’ ”

Jarren Williams

UM quarterback Jarren Williams mentioned before the UNC game that he has improved his pocket presence and it showed with a 30-of-39 performance for 309 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. While many were easy underneath throws, completing more than 75 percent of his passes is still impressive for a freshman starting quarterback. Against Bethune-Cookman the deep ball is the next area in which Williams must show improvement on.

“My deep ball is something I got to work out every day if I want to be efficient in that and that comes with time and building that chemistry,” Williams said after Wednesday’s practice. “That just comes with me working hard all day on Greentree [Practice Fields] and practicing it every day and just getting that timing right and getting a good feel for the deep ball.”

Brevin Jordan

Sophomore tight end Brevin Jordan started the season as the first player on the team to wear the new touchdown rings. Against UNC, he was one of three UM receivers to net over 70 receiving yards. As impressive he as been as a receiver, his contribution to the running game as blocker is something that gives him added value to the offense.

Hurricanes meet the press: Week 3

“I mean, I pride myself in blocking,” Jordan said. “I don’t want to be a tight end that’s 6-7 and can just block or a short tight end who just runs routes. I wanted to be a guy that’s versatile and can do it all. That’s the whole point. I want to be an in-line tight end that can block and be a guy that can be put outside and run vertical.”

He’ll have plenty of opportunities to do both against Bethune-Cookman, so what he does he enjoy more? Jordan was asked on Tuesday to compare the feeling he gets from making a great block to making a great catch.

“Truthfully, I like the ball in my hands. I’d rather make a great catch,” Jordan said, “but giving a great block, throwing somebody on the floor and then seeing [running backs Cam’Ron Harris] or DeeJay [Dallas] run past me, I mean, that’s just as good. It doesn’t get better than that.”

Five takeaways from Hurricanes coaches press conference

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On the Monday of every regular season week, Miami Hurricanes head coach Manny Diaz and his coordinators give a State of the U type press conference recapping the previous game and previewing the upcoming one. Having attended it, here are my takeaways from what they said.

1) Diaz’s approach to recruiting

When Manny Diaz became the head coach, one of the first things he did was establish “The New Miami” rebrand in an effort to excite the base and modernize a throwback identity. That rebranding is at the forefront of recruiting, which Miami should have a natural advantage given it is in the apex of prime talent real estate. It hasn’t been easy, however. Miami has led the nation with 19 decommitments in the last recruiting cycle and has lost 13 this time around. A majority of those decommitments came from prospects that gave a verbal pledge to Miami early in the process only to later change their minds and put out a statement on twitter via notes app that ends with some combination of “PLEASE RESPECT MY DECISION!” and “NO INTERVIEWS!” That has led to a new approach from Diaz.

“What I will tell you broadly is that there’s some things we are changing in terms of what we will do to take a commitment,” Diaz said. “Not all of those things are necessarily grandfathered, but there are some things going forward. What it means to be committed to Miami and a series of criteria that has to happen for that happen. There’s a series of criteria of what happens once you are committed to Miami that’s never been in place in the past.”

He compared recruiting to sales during the presser, using his podium microphone as a metaphoric example.

“I have to create value and I have to make you want this, but before you value it, I have to value it,” Diaz said.” Part of that is not tolerating people not respecting the University of Miami, not respecting their hometown team. That’s something very personal to me. I want it to be personal to our staff and I want it to personal to our players. And that’s OK. Other people can go other places and that’s why there are 130 schools, but the University of Miami is going to get back where it needs to get back to with players that love the University of Miami. They love what it means to be a Miami Hurricane and they understand that value.”

Diaz had a little more polished version of Mike Singletary’s “I want winners!” speech during his first game as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers.

2) Moneyball Manny

Diaz went for it on a 4th-and-1 in the third quarter against North Carolina. While it came up short and the Hurricanes turned the ball over on downs, Diaz did not second guess his decision because it was backed up by data, which is an important element to his coaching style.

“I’m big into data,” Diaz said. “The Moneyball effect has filtered into football. I equate it to playing blackjack. We know we want a team that wants to be aggressive and go for it on fourth down. Once you understand the data, you trust you’ve made the right decision. It’s been calculated.”

That’s not to say that he’ll go for it in every fourth-and-short situation. Diaz said that those decisions “depends on score, time of game, depends on the opponent.” 

“Your kicking game has to factor in as well,” Diaz said. “How often does any college kicker make a kick from 37 yards? All of that goes into the science of it.”

3) The quickest way from point A to point B is…

The Hurricanes gained 179 rushing yards against North Carolina and DeeJay Dallas looks to be a future NFL running back after back-to-back impressive performances this season. Enos mentioned where the Canes offense want to go on the ground during his press conference.

“We’re gonna run north,” Enos said. “When we get the ball, we’re not gonna be an east/west team. We’re gonna run the ball downhill.”

Cam’Ron Harris gained 60 yards and a touchdown in 10 carries against UNC, giving Miami a one-two punch to Enos’ liking.

“One thing that happens with running back in my experience, have been around some really, really, good ones, is when one’s on the sideline watching the other one run hard, he kind of realizes ‘when I get out there, I better run as determined and just as hard.'” Enos said. “That’s what we tell the guys. If you want more carries, you got to earn more carries.”

4) The more the merrier for Dan Enos

Against North Carolina, nine different Canes players recorded a reception and two running backs received double digit carries. Miami offensive coordinator Dan Enos emphasized playing a large amount of players on offense during the first two games. With the home opener against Bethune-Cookman expected to be a blowout early, plenty of players can expect to see the field on Saturday.

“It’s a lot better for your moral when you have more guys playing from a mental standpoint,” Enos said. “Coming over to practice for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, they all come over with maybe a little bit of jump to their step, knowing that they’re gonna have a chance to play.”

5) Why you should go to the Bethune-Cookman game

After a neutral site game and road game to start the season, Miami will be home for the next five games. In fact, from now until the last game of the season, the Hurricanes only game outside of the state of Florida is on Oct. 26 at Pittsburgh. The home opener against Bethune-Cookman and the Central Michigan matchup afterwards are expected to be a anti-climatic blowout where the fans would naturally leave once the tailgate buzz wears off. Diaz offered some valid reasons to come to game despite the expected outcome.

“These next five weeks are going to say a lot in terms of where this team is and what happens in our season in the ACC Costal,” Diaz said. “I would come just to watch Cam Harris and DeeJay Dallas run the ball. I’d come to watch Jarren Williams play and I know for a fact, I’d come watch Shaquille Quarterman, Mike Pinckney and Zach McCloud play their last run of games at home because those are guys that you want to say five years from now, ten years ago, that every time I had a chance to watch Shaq Quarterman play, I watched him play. And if it happens, come watch Lou Hedley punt. That might be worth a ticket too.”

Honorable mention: UM defensive coordinator Blake Baker on his defensive personnel

“Talent is not going to be out issue, I think experience is our issue and there’s going to be some growing pains.”

Dolphins trudge off after what may be a season filled with losses. (Tony Capobianco for Five Reasons Sports)

5 Live: Has the Dolphins’ Tank Already Gone Too Far?

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After the Dolphins’ franchise-worst 59-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, fans are showing more fight on Twitter than their team showed in the game.

So it raises a question:

Has the Dolphins’ tank already gone too far?

Time for 5 Live.

Chris Kouffman (@CKParrot) of Three Yards Per Carry: “The Dolphins are spending 67% of the average league AAV this season, which is $27 million worse than the next cheapest team out there. They’re spending $36 million less than the next cheapest team out there in cash payroll. They have the 3rd most salary cap space in the league at $38 million. They flushed Laremy Tunsil, Kenny Stills, Kiko Alonso, TJ McDonald, Tank Carradine, and 26% of the roster days before the season began. The entire right side of the offensive line (Danny Isidora & Julie’n Davenport) didn’t even have their parking space yet, and they had a career right guard playing left tackle. They had a slow 5’9” experimental career slot corner manning the last line of defense at free safety, a coverage linebacker from the CFL playing Edge defender, and a defensive lineman that similarly hasn’t found his parking space Avery Moss playing 46 snaps (poorly). None of this has anything to do with Nick Foles, nor will it be helpful in any way to the effort in 2020+. All of it could’ve been prevented with basic roster management. Choosing this resulted in the worst home loss in franchise history, a fan base that will probably not go to any more home games, and (evidently) multiple players complaining they want out. This was a choice, it had nothing to do with Nick Foles, and we shouldn’t pretend there was only one way to do a rebuild, or even one way to tank. They chose THIS way, and they’re gonna have to live with the consequences, and I’d just assume stop playing holier than thou with the people that are upset about it.”

Luis Sung (@LuisDSung), Dolphins writer for 5 Reasons and Dolphin Maven: “As someone who despised the idea of tanking from the very beginning, the Miami Dolphins have indeed gone too far with their tanking process. And in some ways, they also haven’t gone far enough. If the goal is to be back on their feet by 2020, they can’t go so far as to completely remove any and all talent that’s found throughout the offseason. Cutting Nate Orchard, their top pass rusher in the preseason, serves what purpose other than to make sure they fail? Could he not have played an Andre Branch role when Miami decided to contend again? By the same token, if tanking is the goal, why are the young players not playing? Isaiah Prince was inactive against Baltimore, as was guard Shaq Calhoun. Why are they not giving them that experience? Let’s not even discuss the Josh Rosen angle. Miami has done too well in removing talent that can contribute, and seems unwilling to develop the raw talent that can potentially help in the future. That’s the worst of both worlds.”

Alfredo Arteaga (@UptownReport) of Three Yards Per Carry: “The Goldilocks principle.  Not too far, not far enough, just right.  Where did they probably” go too far?  I would say that the Tunsil/Stills trade was an opportunity that fell into their lap and they took advantage of it.  The purge that started with allowing Cameron Wake to walk and trading Tannehill was necessary for a rebuild.  So are we at the point where it’s the cuts of Tank Carradine and Nate Orchard as the last straws?  No.  Although those two cuts bother me because I thought the point of a tank is to of course, lose enough, but also attempt to add some cheap useful talent, which those two were.  Where they did go too far is on the offensive line, where it started with a Tunsil trade, that I don’t have a problem with, but continued with a mysterious Jesse Davis journey from RG to RT, to now LT!.  Shaq Calhoun getting what seemed like every 1st team snap in camp and preseason, to then be inactive on gameday while they play a journeyman (Isidora) in his place.  Then Davenport plays RT out of the blue?  This looks intentional, and if it’s not intentional, it’s something much worse. Incompetence.”

Josh Houtz (@Houtz), Dolphins writer for 5 Reasons and Dolphin Maven: “Everyone knew heading into the season, that the Dolphins were going to be bad. But no one was ready for what we saw on Sunday. It was bad. Really, really bad. Now there are reports of a mutiny in Miami, but why?  This team was going to be bad with or without Tunsil, Stills, or Kiko. An influx in young players is on the horizon. And with a Billion dollars in cap space, the Dolphins can get one or two franchising altering free agents. If there are players that are upset with what’s going on in Miami, do better. After all, none of those guys did anything to stop the 59-10 pummeling. …. The night is darkest just before the dawn. And I promise you, the dawn is coming…. #TrustTheProcess.”

Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick), Five Reasons content director: “The Dolphins, after two decades of abrupt direction changes, have finally found one that works. Down. And while I understand the impetus for the overall strategy, because Steve Ross gave up trying to do it the right way, it’s impossible to defend what we saw last week, with the cuts of useful players in favor of unproven newcomers. And it’s impossible to defend what we saw on the field Sunday. Here’s the problem: Most fans aren’t on social media. They don’t know the ins and outs of the Dolphins’ plan, and unlike the Marlins, Chris Grier has done a poor job of explaining it. They just see the outrageously inept output.. What’s worse is that Grier has put his new head coach, Brian Flores, out front, to justify the unjustifiable. It’s unfair, and we see where it’s going. Eventually, when Grier goes — like Sashi Brown and Sam Hinkie went in similar tank jobs — Flores won’t be shielded either. He’ll bear the brunt of fan apathy and anger. Grier has accumulated gobs of assets, sure. But do you trust this organization to do right by them anyway. Simply put, bring on Heat season.”

Xavien Howard and the Dolphins fell hard against the Ravens. (Tony Capobianco for Five Reasons Sports)

Rout reveals ugly reality of tanking Dolphins

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MIAMI GARDENS — It is one thing to talk of tanking as a concept.

The reality of it?

That was the atrocity on display Sunday when the Dolphins offered the resistance of tissue paper in a 59-10 walkover by the Ravens.

In their inaugural season in 1966, the Dolphins lost 58-24 at Buffalo, the most points allowed in a regular-season game in franchise history before Sunday.

The only loss more one-sided and humbling than this one was the 62-7 playoff thrashing at Jacksonville in Dan Marino’s final game.

Ironically, two decades later they are still trying to replace him and have sold their soul for the chance to draft another magic quarterback. Or so they hope.

No question, the Dolphins were in need of a major overhaul, a radically different approach than has failed miserably over the past two decades.

The debacle Sunday showed what tanking looks like, what happens when you take a stripped-down roster into games that count.

More from Maven: Flores vows to do better job of coaching

Disaster on defense

It looks like giving up a 49-yard run on the first play and never being competitive in the game.

It looks like having such a talent deficit with the opponent that you fall behind 28-0 just over a minute into the second quarter, as the Dolphins did.

Dolphins icon Larry Csonka tweeted, “New personnel. Unrehearsed. This is tough to watch. “

Even with the expectation that this Dolphins team wasn’t built to win, the scope of the incompetence and disorganization was stunning.

Particularly on defense, which is coach Brian Flores’ forte. Obviously, he is not directing the Patriots defense anymore.

Nonetheless, all of the scheming and attention to detail and punitive dashes to the TNT (Takes No Talent) Wall were supposed to yield a unit that knew what it was doing out there, albeit limited in talent.

But this Dolphins defense look disorganized, clueless, lost.

It was a total pushover. It had no answer to Lamar Jackson and the Ravens.

Jackson produced the best passer rating (158.3) in Ravens history and rookie Marquise Brown debuted with 147 yards receiving, including touchdowns of 47 and 83 yards on his first two catches.

I didn’t think there was a scheme issue,” Flores said. “There was an execution problem and we weren’t getting aligned. We’ll be better next week.”

Seriously? Next week, Flores’ former team, the defending champion Patriots, come to town.

Trade fallout lingers

There may well be a morale problem, stemming from trading away Laremy Tunsil, Kenny Stills and other veterans at the end of the preseason.

The Tunsil trade seems a reach too far into the tank. Left tackle is one of the cornerstone positions and he was a rising star still on his rookie contract. Sure, they got three high draft picks in the deal, but those will be late in the round from a good Texans team.

And they will need to draft someone to fill the void of Tunsil, which will be a reach.

Meanwhile, Sunday was no isolated bad day for the home team. Be prepared for a month of NFL Sunday’s like it.

For the aqua-clad people in the stands, it means little return in entertainment value on those pricy season-ticket plans.

That is what tanking the season is all about. It was on display in all of its teeth-gnashing splendor.

“We’ve got problems on offense, defense and special teams. We’ll try to fix them all,” Flores said. “Schematically from a personnel standpoint, we’ll try to fix them all. We’ll try to put our players in the best position to win. We’ve got a lot of work to do from that standpoint.”

Problem is, there is no immediate fix for this season.

Dolfans can point to a huge cache of future draft choices as hope for the future. But this game illuminated how much talent will have to be mined from upcoming drafts to field a competitive team, and gave an indication of how long that could take.

Let there be no mistake, the Dolphins will be picking near, if not at the very top next April.

But there’s no guarantee the strategy of suffering through losing seasons and stockpiling draft picks will work.

Look at Cleveland, which endured a 1-31 stretch in 2016 and 2017. This is supposed to be the Browns’ year. They started it with a dud in a 43-13 loss to the Titans.

Imagine how their fans feel today. Probably worse than Dolfans.

Roster turnover hurts

There were some boos early from the home crowd at Hard Rock Stadium. They had one highlight moment to cheer when DeVante Parker made a leaping 49-yard catch between two defenders.

Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who made history by starting for his eighth NFL team, led a spunky touchdown drive before the half, with undrafted rookie Preston Williams punctuating his first NFL TD catch with a resounding spike.

By halftime, with the Dolphins trailing 42-10, fans were sitting dumbfounded in their seats or retreating up the aisles, presumably to a bar.

The big question about the Dolphins going into the game wasn’t could they find a way to win?

It was, who are those guys?

I counted only 20 players who were on the roster last season. A dozen joined the team since the final preseason game. Fifteen hadn’t appeared in an NFL game before Sunday.

Two who had just joined the team started on the offensive line, Danny Isidora at right guard and Julien Davenport at right tackle. Jesse Davis, who played all preseason at right tackle, moved to left tackle.

An offense that aspires to be successful running the ball had 21 yards rushing, averaging 1.8 yards a carry.

Josh Rosen created a mild stir from those still watching when he entered late in the third quarter and threw a short completion on his first pass. His second pass was intercepted.

“He told us, let it sink in, remember this feeling,” said cornerback Eric Rowe, a former Patriot who was victimized on Brown’s first touchdown catch, said of Flores’ message to the team. “I think everybody is going to remember this feeling because that’s just going to motivate us to push harder in practice.”

“We’re going to let it sink in. Let that [expletive] hurt. Let it hurt, let it hurt, because it does,” safety Bobby McCain said.

Get used to it, folks. These are your 2019 Miami Dolphins. And it’s going to hurt. A lot.

Craig Davis has covered South Florida sports and teams, including the Dolphins, for four decades. Follow him on Twitter @CraigDavisRuns

(Photo of Ryan Fitzpatrick by Jasen Vinlove for USA Today)

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New Miami? Looks like Old Miami as Hurricanes fizzle

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New Miami, meet the Old Miami.

For the second game in a row, and for seemingly the 15th year in a row, Miami will be left to think about the plays and points left on the field. At least against Florida it was a game where both teams repeatedly tried to blow the game to each other. In this instance, it was the Canes repeatedly shooting themselves in the foot.

Some of the mistakes were a product of a first-year head coach, a freshman QB, a new offense. Maybe those are excusable.

But for an experienced Front 7 to come out flat and get pushed around, for UNC’s freshman QB to open the game on fire, to fall behind 17-3 after UNC’s first 3 drives ended in FG, TD, and TD….that’s not acceptable.

And neither are dropped passes.

We’ll probably never be able to explain exactly how the Canes managed to lose a game where Jarren Williams went 30-39 for 309 yards, and 2 TDs while DJ Dallas and Cam’Ron Harris combined for 167 yards.

A complete meltdown in the kicking game will justifiably get most of the focus. Miami missed 2 very makeable FGs (including a chip shot for the second game in a row), went for it on 4th and short inside the 20 when they would have kicked a FG if they had confidence in the kicking game, and had an extra point blocked. Those 10 points lost ultimately prevented the Canes from taking hold of the game.

But it goes beyond that when you play the what if game:

· What if Jeff Thomas comes down with that deep pass on the drive that ultimately ends up running out of downs?

· What if Will Mallory catches the 2-point conversion?

· What if Jarren Williams hits Brian Hightower when he was streaking open on the last drive?

· What if Miami had just defended a 4th and 17?

· What if either of the “call stands” reviews went the Canes’ way? The first killed a good Miami drive, but the second was particularly cruel, as Mack Brown inexplicably was lining up to punt the ball back to Miami with no timeouts left late in the 4th quarter, all but ending the game. The review afforded him the opportunity to change his mind and UNC converted the 4th and 17.

This game can simply be summed up in this sentence: Miami spotted UNC 17 easy points and spent the final 3 quarters trying to overcome that deficit and their own mistakes, running out of chances when a final FG attempt sailed wide.

Same Old Song

The problem is a flavor of that sentence has summarized most Miami losses for the last 15 years.

Were there encouraging signs? Sure. In a vacuum a freshman QB in his second start rallying the team twice (for the go-ahead TD and tying FG) while throwing for over 300 yards is a building block. Particularly with the youth of the offensive line. And a first-time head coach should learn how to manage the clock better. That Miami ended the game with 2 timeouts is downright criminal.

In theory, these things should be encouraging, even if the result is not. Except we’ve been living this for too long.

Remember when the Canes rallied at Virginia Tech only to lose on a last second TD and Al Golden famously broke down crying in the press conference? That team went 6-6 and the only thing that changed in his tenure was the close losses eventually turned into blowout losses.

Before him was Randy Shannon. Remember in his first year, at this very same place in Chapel Hill, when the Canes fell behind 27-0 at halftime, and rallied to lose by 6? They were starting to get it! That team went 5-7 and missed a bowl game, and 4 years later, the Shannon Era ended after an overtime loss to USF, when the Canes similarly came out flat.

Those 2 coaches had one 9-win season each over 9 combined years as head coach.

Ten Games is a Lifetime

The kids fought, don’t get me wrong. Boy did they ever. On the mat repeatedly, often by their own hands, and kept getting up. There was almost a nobility in their flaws, in their ability to keep going, to not collapse under the weight of the self-inflicted wounds. A pride that this flawed team, with all the issues, would not quit.

Jarren Williams, Manny Diaz, and Blake James are linked now. If Williams, who quite clearly has talent, leaves this program without Miami being “back,” then Diaz and James should leave with him. Every hire dating back to the turn of the century has resulted in a firing or early retirement, and in this instance we actually repeated a strategy (hiring a successful Defensive Coordinator off the previously failed staff) that has already not worked.

Williams has time. Diaz has time. They can grow together, they can bring Miami back. But enough talk.

#TNM? That belongs in the dustbin of history with #Renewed and all the other false dawns for a program that is now more associated with hash tags and hot air then football results. Less focus on talking about how things have changed, more focus on actually proving it.

Stop talking about the labor and show us the baby.

For a program that was built on “Big Time Players Making Big Time Plays,” this is a program bereft of players that make winning plays on a consistent basis. And that is the next step…learning how to win. It’s an assumed progression that does not always happen. That close losses are learning experiences that turn into future wins. That there is a corner to be turned, and eventually, the program will turn it.

The Canes next 5 games are at home. Win those games, be 5-2 heading into the Pitt road game, and everyone will feel a lot better. That will allow the team to refocus on the preseason goal of a trip to Charlotte and a date with Clemson. Win some games and we’ll resume our role as Charlie Brown wildly flailing around while Lucy yanks the ball away.

Dolphins vs. Ravens

Week 1: Dolphins vs. Ravens – Top 3 players to watch

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This past week has been a rocky one for the Dolphins and the NFL in general. The difference between words and actions make reading Miami’s plan difficult. Are they tanking? Their actions say yes, yet coach Flores insists they are not. In any case, whether they’re tanking intentionally or not, 2019 is going to be all about player evaluation and development. It has to be, since winning is unlikely to be something they do a lot of.

So with that in mind, here are the top three players to keep an eye on as the Dolphins face the visiting Ravens to open the 2019 season.

Jerome Baker, LB

When facing off against a running quarterback like Lamar Jackson, containing him becomes crucial to success. If he finds a hole to run through, Jackson will take it and he will make the defense pay for letting him have it. That’s where Jerome Baker comes in. More than likely, the Dolphins will have extra defensive backs on the field throughout the game. That extra speed is very reminiscent of the Bill Belichick defense that Flores comes from. But Baker will be closer to the action, and his sideline to sideline speed and ability to shoot gaps and rush the passer will be crucial.

As one of the team captains, Baker is being looked at as one of the defense’s cornerstones. It will go as he goes. If his preseason performance is anything to go by, Baker could become one of the league’s best as time passes. Keeping Jackson in check will be quite a challenge.

Albert Wilson, WR

With Wilson listed as questionable with his hip injury, it’s unclear whether or not he’ll be back to full speed against Baltimore. Nevertheless, the reason Wilson is worth keeping a close eye on is because his future with Miami may be just as questionable as his game status. Wilson is under contract through 2020, but the Dolphins have made trades that suggest they aren’t beyond subtracting talent to add draft capital and cap space.

If Wilson shows signs of being back to his old self, and a WR needy team looking to contend comes calling, Miami may pull the trigger. Trading Wilson at this time would save the Dolphins around $7 million in cap space, and another draft pick would fall right in line with what Miami wants for the rebuild.

Isaiah Prince, OT

Prince went from a preseason backup to probable starter almost instantly. The Dolphins traded Laremy Tunsil, and now have only four tackles on the active roster. Prince is the only one besides Jesse Davis – who recently signed a three-year extension – who has experience in Miami’s offense. Thus, he’s the best candidate to start at right tackle on Sunday. That makes three rookies starting on the offensive line, the other two being guards Michael Deiter and Shaq Calhoun.

Prince had his ups and downs in preseason, but that’s to be expected for a young player. Prince started at right tackle for years at Ohio State, even getting a chance to protect first-round QB Dwayne Haskins. He showed steady improvement through college, but it’s no secret that OL coach Dave DeGuglielmo got frustrated with Prince a lot throughout camp and preseason. This will be a real test of what Prince is capable of. Depending on how he develops, he could be Miami’s long term right tackle, or further proof Miami needs to invest heavily in the trenches in 2020.

Luis Sung has covered the Miami Dolphins for numerous outlets such as Dolphins Wire for six years. Follow him on Twitter: @LuisDSung

Minkah Fitzpatrick

How do Dolphins stop Ravens’ QB Lamar Jackson?

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Heading into Sunday’s Week 1 matchup vs Baltimore, a lot of Dolphin fans appear to be more optimistic than they should.  After all, the team just jettisoned their elite left tackle Laremy Tunsil to Houston and churned the roster of talent, faster than the Amish churning butter on a cool Pennsylvania night. But unlike the Baltimore teams of the past, the 2019 Ravens have one of the more unique signal-callers in all of football.

His name is Lamar Jackson.

The Pompano Beach prospect was highly-regarded as one of the top-5 QBs of the 2018 class. And whether you believed in Jackson’s potential, or you were ignorant enough to believe a switch to WR was imminent. One thing is for certain, QBs like Jackson are the future of the NFL.

Which begs the age old question, how do you stop someone with his unique skill-set?

Maybe you use a spy, which frees up another play-maker to run rampant. Maybe, you blitz the heck out of him, in hopes that the rush gets there before he’s able to throw a 30-yard dot to his tight end.  Truth is, when trying to figure out the best way to stop Jackson, you would have to look back through history.  For this study, I ventured back to the 2018 season to focus on the Baltimore Ravens’ wildcard matchup vs the Los Angeles Chargers.

Here’s what I learned

For most of the game, the Chargers countered Lamar Jackson’s speed by utilizing six defensive backs.  This allowed Los Angeles to bring Derwin James down to the line of scrimmage, to help spy the speedy Jackson.  This wasn’t exactly a groundbreaking idea by defensive coordinator Gus Bradley.  But up until this point, no one was able to counter his elite speed with a quick, sure-tackling defensive back. The Chargers used James as a hybrid linebacker.  And at times he would post up on the edge, drop back in coverage, or play man-to-man vs an opposing tight end.  Lucky for the Dolphins, they have a player with similar skills in Minkah Fitzpatrick. (Don’t @ me)

Here’s a look at some of the Chargers’ defensive sets, and take notice as to where the NFL’s DPOY of the year lined up.

Now, yes, this might be more difficult for the Dolphins, who only have six cornerbacks on the roster.  And with a guy like Minkah Fitzpatrick potentially taking on the “Derwin James” type role, someone will need to step up in the secondary.  The one name that surfaced a few days ago was Jomal Wiltz, the former New England Patriots defensive back.  Wiltz, possesses elite measurables and could have a significant role in week 1.

Obviously, mimicking what the Chargers did is in Miami’s best interest.  Furthermore, using Fitzpatrick in a variety of different ways is inevitable.  Flores should allow him to line up on the edge, which should help contain Jackson inside the pocket.  And when he does eventually decide to take off, Miami will have a plethora of players waiting to make the tackle– or so we think. This game plan might make the most sense. But what if Miami feels it will be unable to contain the rest of Baltimore’s offense.

After all, we know the Ravens have a triplet of tight ends in Nick Boyle, Mark Andrews, and Hayden Hurst. And although it seems like a no brainer for the Dolphins to try to replicate what LA did, that’s easier said than done. And like we saw with James during the wildcard matchup, when a TE motioned to his side of the field, he would drop back into coverage. So what if Fitzpatrick was tasked with keeping Andrews in check?  Who might Patrick Graham and Coach Flores call upon?  My guess, stud LB Jerome Baker.

 

When asked which player should have the biggest impact for the Dolphins in 2019, many people would agree it’s the standout LB from Ohio State.  Baker has consistently improved since being drafted in third-round (73rd-overall), and could be the team’s best defensive player by season’s end. With the emergence of Sam Eguavoen this offseason, Miami has more versatility than ever at linebacker. Truth is, no one knows the extent of McMillan’s injury or why he was a ghost for much of the offseason.  But what we do know, is that he’s better suited as a thumper and should fill the void left behind by tackling-machine Kiko Alonso.

There’s also the potential that Reshad Jones could play in the box as a third linebacker, and help alleviate some of the responsibilities. What will be most interesting, is how many exotic looks Flores and his staff throw at the second year QB.  After all, he may have had a great offseason as he continued to progress as a passer. But coupled with one of Miami’s defensive playmakers shadowing the duel-threat QB, throwing ‘everything but the kitchen sink’ Jackson’s way, should be the ‘Willie Wonka’ golden ticket.

In the end, no one can sit here and tell you definitively what the plan is to counter Lamar Jackson’s unique skill-set. But based off of LA’s success in the Wildcard Game, the conclusion is quite simple. Shadow him with one of your best defensive backs and bring pressure, early and often. So whether it be Jerome Baker as a spy, Reshad Jones in the box as a third LB, or Minkah Fitzpatrick in a Derwin James-type role, the Dolphins will have their hands full in stopping the Ravens franchise QB.

But let’s not pretend that it hasn’t been done before.

Spy the raven, never more.

Josh Houtz (@houtz) is a die-hard fan of the Miami Dolphins. Tank or no tank.

Raising Your Game: A shining example at the US Open

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Winning and losing are defining terms in tennis and separate who advances and who is eliminated from the draw.  Being a competitive singles tennis player at the highest level requires more than extraordinary athletic talent; the player must show mental and emotional aggressiveness; qualities most young girls are uncomfortable expressing.  Typically, girls are raised to be social and more cooperative over being competitive whereas as typically boys are encouraged to be the best, dominate and defeat their opponent without worrying about the emotional toll it might take on their friendship away from the game.  Moreover, girls may struggle emotionally since competitiveness can lead to social isolation or losing friendships due to jealousy, envy, or rejection.

 

Yet last week at the US Open, the very opposite occurred and maybe this is a positive shift in women’s competitiveness.

Naomi Osaka defeated Coco Gauff 6-3 6-0 to reach the quarterfinals in a match that will long be remembered more for Osaka’s heart-felt and supportive comments following the match than their baseline battle.  Osaka showed displayed grace, humility, and kindness as she warmly complimented and encouraged Gauff in a rare display of camaraderie.

 

 

 

If anything, this display of female encouragement, acceptance, and equality exemplified the best of female athleticism and hopefully will build a bridge to a future in women’s tennis and beyond in women’s sports as it showcased how the best players can show respect, admiration, and appreciate each other’s extraordinary athletic prowess  without fearing it weakens their competitive edge.

 

For more examples, check out our book, Raising Your Game.

 

 

Fantasy Football 2019: Five players that will impact Miami’s Week 1 Matchup vs Baltimore

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Over the last several days, the Miami Dolphins have completely revamped their roster. Unfortunately, this has created even more doubt around some of the key players that could impact your fantasy football lineup. On the other end of the spectrum, the Ravens have made all the right moves this offseason, setting themselves up for a deep playoff run in January.  The two teams couldn’t be more polar opposite.  But with a new NFL season on the horizon, no one can comfortably predict the outcome of this game.

Let’s take a look at 5 players that could help your fantasy football team in the Miami Dolphins Week 1 matchup vs the Baltimore Ravens.

Running Back, Kenyan Drake

Early Wednesday afternoon, Coach Flores met with the South Florida media to discuss their week one opponent, the Baltimore Ravens.  And although I’ve stated all offseason to avoid Miami’s backfield like the plague, I’ve failed to listen to my own advice.

On Tuesday, we learned that Kenyan Drake was listed ahead of Kalen Ballage on the Dolphins’ depth chart.  However, there would be plenty of opportunities for both backs to succeed.

Nevertheless, I was waiting anxiously to see what Flores said, before finalizing my lineup on Sunday Morning.

When Flores was asked how ‘physically and mentally ready Kenyan Drake was for the start of the season opener?’, he replied.

“I think he’s both physically and mentally ready. This is a guy who has as much talent as we have on our team. He’s fast. He’s physical. He’s explosive. He makes a lot of plays, and we’re looking forward to getting him a lot of touches this week.”

Say no more, Coach.  Say. No. More.

ESPN’s .5 PPR Projection: 11.2

Wide Receiver, Albert Wilson

If you don’t know by now, I am a big fan of Dolphins’ WR Albert Wilson. In fact, I wrote an article about Wilson earlier in the year, where I double downed on my claim that he would finish as a top-20 WR in fantasy football this season.

Now yes, that seems very unlikely given the Dolphins recent array of moves. Unless you take into account that Miami will be playing from behind early and often in 2019.  We also saw in his limited reps this preseason, that Wilson will have an opportunity to continue where he left off in 2018.  After all, Chad O’ Shea watched as the Patriots used Cordarrelle Patterson in a similar role, and should try to do whatever he can to get the football to his play-making WR.

Baltimore’s defense is good, but Albert Wilson is better.

ESPN’s .5 PPR Projection: 7

 

Quarterback, Lamar Jackson

Like most, I’ve been high on Lamar Jackson since before the 2018 draft. And despite being a huge fan of the Raven’s signal caller, I also love the prospect of a duel-threat QB at the helm of my fantasy football team. According to FantasyData.com, Lamar Jackson recorded 157.5 fantasy points in 7 career starts.  Furthermore, he rushed for 695 yards on 147 carries. A number that many believe will increase this upcoming season.

Jackson’s small sample size was quite the feat.  And heading into a Week 1 matchup against a Dolphins defense that is relying on veteran John Jenkins and Charles Harris to put pressure on the QB, it could be a long day for Miami’s secondary and front-7 alike.  What’s worse is that no matter how you approach the duel-threat QB, it only takes one play for him to alter a game and your fantasy lineup.

No matter which team the Ravens face, Lamar Jackson should be at the top of every fantasy football roster.

ESPN’s .5 PPR Projection: 18.9

Running Back, Justice Hill

The big signing in Baltimore’s backfield this offseason was 29-year old Mark Ingram.  And in an offense that many believe will be run-oriented, there will be plenty of opportunities for the other backs to do some damage in Greg Roman’s offense.  With that said, no RB has looked more promising this preseason than rookie Justice Hill.  Hill was drafted in the 4th-round (113 overall) of the 2019 NFL draft. His abilities as a pass-catcher, in addition to his ability to run between the tackles, makes him the perfect ying to Ingram’s yang.

In fact, I think by this time next season, Hill will be Baltimore’s starting RB.

Because after all, #JusticeBetter

ESPN’s .5 PPR Projection: 3.1

 

Tight End, Mark Andrews

If there was one position that Dolphins have struggled to defend over the last decade, it’s at tight end. And despite going one on one with Rob Gronkowski for the last eight seasons, I’m still not certain they know how to contain a physical TE down the middle.  Enter, Mark Andrews.  The NFL’s top rookie TE in 2018, Andrews has developed quite the rapport with QB Lamar Jackson this offseason.  And whether Miami chooses to use DB Minkah Fitzpatrick or a LB like Sam Eguavoen, it’s going to be hard for Miami to contain the 6’5 TE.  Andrews could be a solid DFS play and should be a must start in all fantasy formats.

Here’s to hoping this New England coaching staff, has the perfect antidote to counter these big-play tight ends.

ESPN’s .5 PPR Projection: 7.1

 

And let’s not forget about the KICKERS!

Kickers can often get lost in the shuffle, especially when it comes to fantasy football. But truth is, this game has two of the NFL’s very best going head to head.  On one side, the Ravens have Justin Tucker, who remains the premier kicker in all of football.  Then there’s Jason Sanders, who led the entire NFL this preseason with 36 total points.  We know the Dolphins are going to be bad this season, so who better than to have on your fantasy football team, than Sanders?

At a quick glance, Sunday’s forecast is predicting rain, which surprises no one in South Florida.  Nevertheless, both kickers should have a significant impact.  And although they don’t play a sexy position or one that will score you a ton of fantasy points, #Kicker’sLivesMatter.

ESPN’s .5 PPR Projection: Tucker 9.3 / Sanders 7.6

 

 

Josh Houtz (@houtz) loves the Miami Dolphins, almost as much as he loves Albert Wilson

Miami bye week was a staring contest between the Hurricanes and the Hurricane

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The Miami Hurricanes has an early bye week after opening the season in Orlando against Florida, but they were not without an opponent. 

The fear of Hurricane Dorian crashing towards Florida gripped the entire state, starting with South Florida. 

Miami head coach Manny Diaz said during Wednesday’s media availability that the did “did not miss a practice,” and praised the “people on campus” for their help and communication during the week of uncertainty.

“We all know from personal experience but on Friday during a team meeting, we put up a map and this thing was heading to West Palm Beach,” said Diaz, expressing concern for the families of his players who were in danger of Dorian’s wrath. “The fact that it didn’t come here, how that’s caused devastation for the Bahamas and still may cause devastation for the coast line. We’re not happy it didn’t come here but obviously it was on everybody’s minds and all our players minds as we’re preparing for this game.”

It was certainly a challenge dealing with an unavoidable distraction.

“It was a really an up and down time for the team,” cornerback Trajan Bandy said. “We didn’t really know what was going to happen.”

“We just had to prepare,” linebacker Shaq Quarterman said, “going to get your gas, going to get your snacks, the power goes out and having to come to a meeting. We came in each day and Coach Diaz would show the most recent, most reliable information on the storm and go to practice after that.”

The Hurricanes are slated to travel to Chapel Hill to take on the North Carolina Tar Heels. Dorian was seen to be moving as north as the Carolinas but Diaz doesn’t see it as something that will effect the game on Saturday.

“It shouldn’t be an issue and if you look at all the projections right now, I don’t see it affecting the game. All of our routines should be the same.”

Diaz will be coaching against his former boss, Mack Brown, who won his first game as UNC head coach. Diaz was the defensive coordinator at Texas from 2011-13 before spending a year at Louisiana Tech and Mississippi State before arriving to Miami. 

The Tar Heels started their season with a comeback victory over South Carolina. Freshman quarterback Sam Howell engineered two touchdown drives of over 90 yards in the fourth quarter and finished the game completing 15-of-24 passes for 245 yards with two touchdowns.

“He’s definitely a young quarterback, plays with a lot of passion,. He’s not scared to tuck it and run. He doesn’t run away from contact either,” Quarterman said. “When you’re dealing with a guy like that, you gotta be weary of coming out of pass coverage, first response it to the scramble.”

The Tar Heels will look to lean on their strengths in the ground game. They totaled 238 yards on the ground on 39 carries against the Gamecocks. Running back Javonte Williams led the charge with 102 yards. 

“They love to run the ball,” Quarterman said. “Whoever can run the ball, defend the run the best and tackle the best will win the game. That’s always been our theory.”