Dolphins Week - Dolphins Fan Check In

[Wide_Receiver]

Some of you remember me, some of you don't, some of you REALLY remember me.

That said, I like to consider myself the longest tenured Dolphins fan of patsfans.com, haven't been around at all, really, mainly because I've found much more of a life and am really busy. (That and it's much more enjoyable to make fun of Jets fans these days; particularly jetnation.)

Any way, it's Dolphins week for you guys. Not a soul is picking Miami to even come within a score in this game; we're kind of the laughing stock of all the major networks. I can't quite understand it. I understand the fiasco that was the Jim Harbaugh situation as well as the Kyle Orton ordeal, but what did those two unsuccessful pursuits REALLY change?

The bottom line is that our defense is still really, really, really good. It was good last year and young. It's only going to get better with seasoning and another year in a new scheme.

Offensively, we obviously had our quarterback issues but a lot of Dolphins fans like to point the finger at Dan Henning's hair pulling offense. We have the speed we didn't have last year with Reggie Bush and Clyde Gates, Brandon Marshall is at full health and we made some changes to an offensive line that apparently will never get better (that's my one concern.)

All and all, I think we're a middle of the road team; 7-10 wins is where we figure to be again. I really don't see where people are getting these 4 or 5 win predictions.

So my question is, how do you guys view this upcoming game? Obviously, you slaughtered us a year ago a pair of times in a special teams melt down and a week 17 game where it seemed like WE were the ones resting starters and our guys came out completely flat.

We have given you guys probably more problems than any inferior team in the BRady/Belichick era, do you still view us as a sneaky team that could upset? Or are we merely a peasant stepping stone on your way to the Lombardi?

 

[Kid~Brady]

I still think Dolphins are a decent team. Its just Henne for me. The guy is terrible and there is no way to defend it.

Other than that your defense is a solid as it has been and Bush should bring some explosiveness to that offense but as long as Henne is taking snaps, don't look to go to far.

I can't decide where to put him when compared to Sanchez.

 

[Deus Irae]

I expect the Patriots to destroy the Dolphins, unless the safety position stinks out the joint.


But, that's why they play the games.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Welcome back, Aqua!

Word up is that the Phins 2011 D is the real deal. We'll see if the Pats OL 2011 version is up to the task of protecting Brady. I expect an improved running game from the Pats. Young legs.

On defense I agree with Deus in that unless the Pats new look safety position crumbles, I don't think that the Phins will be able to pass effectively enough to win. Expect more QB pressure from the Pats than in recent years.

 

[Wide_Receiver]

I still think Dolphins are a decent team. Its just Henne for me. The guy is terrible and there is no way to defend it.

Other than that your defense is a solid as it has been and Bush should bring some explosiveness to that offense but as long as Henne is taking snaps, don't look to go to far.

I can't decide where to put him when compared to Sanchez.

I'm torn on Henne. When he first started for us in '09, he set the world on fire, then he fell apart in December. Last year, he got off to another hot start and really, REALLY fizzled in December.

But now I watch him in the pre-season for the first time without Dan Henning (who is the worst OC of all time) and he looks refreshed. He has better pocket mobility, the ball is coming out a lot quick, and we're stretching the field (that 60 yard TD pass to Marshall never would've happened last year.)

But he does have some serious lapses. And I think Mark Sanchez is dog **** as well, you'll get no argument out of me there.

We shall see. I think it'll be a CLOSE game, at least until late. I think the Patriots come away winning in something like a 27-20 contest; but never really in danger of losing.

 

[PatsDeb]

So my question is, how do you guys view this upcoming game? Obviously, you slaughtered us a year ago a pair of times in a special teams melt down and a week 17 game where it seemed like WE were the ones resting starters and our guys came out completely flat.

We have given you guys probably more problems than any inferior team in the BRady/Belichick era, do you still view us as a sneaky team that could upset? Or are we merely a peasant stepping stone on your way to the Lombardi?

I for one don't really know what to expect from the Pats on Monday. We have been doing a lot of shuffling on defense leading right up to the season opener, particularly in the secondary. Not sure if BB thinks he can do that because Miami isn't much of a threat downfield, because he discovered some new talent that he thinks will play a lot better than last year, or because we are in trouble there. I guess I expect that we will win in a sloppy game - that is how we've come out the past couple of years. Looking pretty sloppy but we pull it out in the end. I will be interested to see if he turns Big Vince and Haynesworth lose up front. If you look at our 2nd preseason game (the last two were very forgettable) they were coming with guns blazing on every play and the Tampa QB couldn't even finish his snap count before he was on the ground (or so it seemed). I don't think Pats fans take Miami as lightly as the national media do - we remember what fits you can give us and we are essentially going with a new secondary.

 

[Wide_Receiver]

Welcome back, Aqua!

Word up is that the Phins 2011 D is the real deal. We'll see if the Pats OL 2011 version is up to the task of protecting Brady. I expect an improved running game from the Pats. Young legs.

On defense I agree with Deus in that unless the Pats new look safety position crumbles, I don't think that the Phins will be able to pass effectively enough to win. Expect more QB pressure from the Pats than in recent years.

Hey, man. No hard feelings. Going back over my attitude and demeanor of the early days (yes, I did think Daunte Culpepper was the savior,) I was a douche. I was young, and I wasn't very bright.

I'm here to talk football and objectively. No hard feelings to any one and yes, this is Aqua4Ever04 for those that remember. I seek forgiveness, and wish to prohibit banashiment. Lol

 

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

Some of you remember me, some of you don't, some of you REALLY remember me.

That said, I like to consider myself the longest tenured Dolphins fan of patsfans.com, haven't been around at all, really, mainly because I've found much more of a life and am really busy. (That and it's much more enjoyable to make fun of Jets fans these days; particularly jetnation.)

Any way, it's Dolphins week for you guys. Not a soul is picking Miami to even come within a score in this game; we're kind of the laughing stock of all the major networks. I can't quite understand it. I understand the fiasco that was the Jim Harbaugh situation as well as the Kyle Orton ordeal, but what did those two unsuccessful pursuits REALLY change?

The bottom line is that our defense is still really, really, really good. It was good last year and young. It's only going to get better with seasoning and another year in a new scheme.

Offensively, we obviously had our quarterback issues but a lot of Dolphins fans like to point the finger at Dan Henning's hair pulling offense. We have the speed we didn't have last year with Reggie Bush and Clyde Gates, Brandon Marshall is at full health and we made some changes to an offensive line that apparently will never get better (that's my one concern.)

All and all, I think we're a middle of the road team; 7-10 wins is where we figure to be again. I really don't see where people are getting these 4 or 5 win predictions.

So my question is, how do you guys view this upcoming game? Obviously, you slaughtered us a year ago a pair of times in a special teams melt down and a week 17 game where it seemed like WE were the ones resting starters and our guys came out completely flat.

We have given you guys probably more problems than any inferior team in the BRady/Belichick era, do you still view us as a sneaky team that could upset? Or are we merely a peasant stepping stone on your way to the Lombardi?

Ah,The return of Aqua4Ever

Do you still have that lame backyard NFL field replicating the Dolphins Stadium?

 

[patriot lifer]

Hey, man. No hard feelings. Going back over my attitude and demeanor of the early days (yes, I did think Daunte Culpepper was the savior,) I was a douche. I was young, and I wasn't very bright.

I'm here to talk football and objectively. No hard feelings to any one and yes, this is Aqua4Ever04 for those that remember. I seek forgiveness, and wish to prohibit banashiment. Lol

The Legend Returns.

We're all here to enjoy the return of our football. Cheers. :eat3:

 

[borg]

The Fish have to keep it close. Henne can't bring your boys back from 10 points down. I like the Bush pickup. I've always felt the the Pats D is vulnerable to RBs that can turn the corner. I expect the Pats front four to stay wide and contain...let the LBs clean up...which should allow the Miami RBs to get some yards. Ultimately, BB will put it on Henne's shoulders. I expect Bush will be his ultimate safety valve....so I also expect Chung to be positioned close to the box as a spy. Miami does have a very good D...excellent corners and a nice rush. BB will have to be creative with the TE possibly pulling some of the edge rushers away from the box. Then there is Woodhead...the mini x factor.
First game of the year...usually very high scoring...but not so much this year...24-10 Pats

 

[Patriot Missile]

Welcome back. First off I think if the Dolphins are going to have any chance, Henne is going to need to make some big plays early. Our front 7 has shown a blitz we haven't seen in years and I fully expect them to bring the sink so to speak. If Henne can catch the Patriots with a few swing passes or find the quick open man this may be enough to call off the dogs. Especially if they score a couple of times early and the Patriots do not.

Ofcourse after that the Phins would need to be able to run the ball. I haven't paid close attention to Miami's running game or offensive line for that matter, but do know they have Thomas,Johnson and Bush back there. As well as one of the best LT's in the NFL. How is Pouncey progressing?

Your WR core is solid. Marshall as the true #1, Bess as a possesion guy. Was that Edmund Gates you guys drafted? A lot of their success will depend on Henne and the offensive line.

Defense looks good especially at LB. Having Odrick in the trenches will help as I have read he has been disruptive throughout the preseason. Secondary? We'll see.

 

[Patjew]

Welcome back, Aqua. Good luck this year, but not too much good luck.

 

[Blizzzard]

Some of you remember me, some of you don't, some of you REALLY remember me.

That said, I like to consider myself the longest tenured Dolphins fan of patsfans.com, haven't been around at all, really, mainly because I've found much more of a life and am really busy. (That and it's much more enjoyable to make fun of Jets fans these days; particularly jetnation.)

Any way, it's Dolphins week for you guys. Not a soul is picking Miami to even come within a score in this game; we're kind of the laughing stock of all the major networks. I can't quite understand it. I understand the fiasco that was the Jim Harbaugh situation as well as the Kyle Orton ordeal, but what did those two unsuccessful pursuits REALLY change?

The bottom line is that our defense is still really, really, really good. It was good last year and young. It's only going to get better with seasoning and another year in a new scheme.

Offensively, we obviously had our quarterback issues but a lot of Dolphins fans like to point the finger at Dan Henning's hair pulling offense. We have the speed we didn't have last year with Reggie Bush and Clyde Gates, Brandon Marshall is at full health and we made some changes to an offensive line that apparently will never get better (that's my one concern.)

All and all, I think we're a middle of the road team; 7-10 wins is where we figure to be again. I really don't see where people are getting these 4 or 5 win predictions.

So my question is, how do you guys view this upcoming game? Obviously, you slaughtered us a year ago a pair of times in a special teams melt down and a week 17 game where it seemed like WE were the ones resting starters and our guys came out completely flat.

We have given you guys probably more problems than any inferior team in the BRady/Belichick era, do you still view us as a sneaky team that could upset? Or are we merely a peasant stepping stone on your way to the Lombardi?

By "at full health" do you mean he is in better shape this year ,after being stabbed in the gut by his wife, than he was last year?
If thats the case, then maybe the whole team should run into a sword to improve their chances this year.
Oh wait, they are playing the Pats in week 1? I guess that they are running into a metaphorical sword

 

[JaxPats]

I'm not buying ANY of this crap! Dolphins are this, Dolphins are that. PHOOEY~ This will be a blow-out hands down. The Pats are by FAR a more diverse and superior team this year. The coach has made some very hard decisions this season already to this effect. I seriously DOUBT he will let a team led by a high school ball boy affect his planning. The Patriots are out for blood this year. Count on it. :rocker:

 

[Wide_Receiver]

Ah,The return of Aqua4Ever

Do you still have that lame backyard NFL field replicating the Dolphins Stadium?

If you thought that was lame, you think Brooklyn Decker's tits are lame. Having a replica NFL football field painted in your backyard as a 14 year old is pretty damn cool if you ask me. But no, I don't. That was my parents house, that was over a decade ago.

 

[jmt57]

Some of you remember me, some of you don't, some of you REALLY remember me.

Welcome back; I did finally ditch your prediction about the Wes Welker trade in my sig a while ago (sorry, I couldn't resist reminding you).

Anyways, if you look through the annual PatsFans prediction thread it does seem like a fair number of people here are thinking the Pats could lose the opener in Miami; we shall see in a few days.

Question to you sir: what do you make of the new running backs? We're familiar with Reggie Bush; I'm more curious about your thoughts on Daniel Thomas, as well as well as Clay and Hilliard. Who do you think gets what percentage of snaps and touches, for example?

 

[MassPats38]

I expect it will be a close game. Henne, other than the game last January, has done fairly well against the Pats (usually about an 80 QB rating), so I do not think he is a bad QB (my father and I thought he was going to be the future bane of the Pats' existence early on as he appeared to have the skills to be a very good QB, but then he stumbled). The Fish D is very good, so the question becomes can the new Fish O put up enough points against the new Pats D. We have seen pieces of the Pats D (and not all the pieces given the changes in the last week), but not the schemes. As always, I pick the Pats to win, but do not expect a blowout.

 

[Garbanza]

I will never take a team for granted. The Miami defense is tough....Marshall and the TE's coudl be very tough....Pats usually play poorly in Miami.

All that said, and this does not apply to you, Dolphin Fan, but the team is worried about crowd noise on offense - IN THEIR OWN STADIUM? What the heck? Is the fanbase THAT bad?

Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald:

The early practice report from Miami Dolphins camp
The media window at practice is over for the day. The Dolphins are indeed getting ready for the Monday night matchup with New England.

As I sit in the media room writing this, I can hear the team's piped in crowd noise coming through the walls and doors. (The media room is adjacent to the practice field).

Yes, it amazes me that the Dolphins have to worry about crowd noise interrupting their offense -- AT THEIR OWN HOME STADIUM!

I'll have to listen more closely to hear if there's a Boston accent on the cheering.



Read more: Miami Dolphins In Depth

 

[The Brandon Five]

I am interested in seeing how Hayneworth does against the Dolphins' O-Line. He has one sack and one forced fumble against the Dolphins in his career (four games). That was before Jake Long was drafted. It will be hot and humid in Miami and Albert looked a little gassed in the Giants game.

In the past, BB had Wilfork line up against Long which helped them to shutdown the Wildcat. Love and Haynesworth inside, Wilfork at end?

 

[Wide_Receiver]

Welcome back; I did finally ditch your prediction about the Wes Welker trade in my sig a while ago (sorry, I couldn't resist reminding you).

Anyways, if you look through the annual PatsFans prediction thread it does seem like a fair number of people here are thinking the Pats could lose the opener in Miami; we shall see in a few days.

Question to you sir: what do you make of the new running backs? We're familiar with Reggie Bush; I'm more curious about your thoughts on Daniel Thomas, as well as well as Clay and Hilliard. Who do you think gets what percentage of snaps and touches, for example?

At first, I was upset with the selection. To me, he was Ronnie Brown 2.0. Indecisive at the line of scrimmage, no break away speed. But now that we have Reggie Bush, the pick is a LITTLE better. That said, he's still TOO patient for me and doesn't have another gear that I prefer in my tailbacks.

Clay looked lost in pre-season, he needs to seasoning for sure. Hilliard, there has always been an indiffernece between Ireland and Sparano on him; they landed on a comprimise with a switch to fullback. I really don't know how that will pan out.