Chris Grier isn't a perfect general manager, but he does not deserve to be fired.

Who will the Miami Dolphins pick in the first round?

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We asked some of our Miami Dolphins contributors at Five Reasons Sports to make their predictions for the first round of the NFL Draft, and more.

Catch our coverage on Five Reasons YouTube on Thursday starting at 7:45pm.

 

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From @LuisDSung

With the 21st pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins select Xavier Worthy, wide receiver, Texas.

This pick is made with the idea that the Miami Dolphins will, at some point, need to move on from Tyreek Hill. It may not happen within the next couple of years, but a succession plan is a good idea. In the meantime, Worthy is – pun intended – more than worthy to be the team’s 3rd wide receiver in a scheme that values speed and separation ability above all else.
With that said, Miami’s selection of a WR in round one means that it is absolutely imperative that the Dolphins select a guard in the second round, whether they make a trade in the process or not. If I had my choice, Christian Mahogany out of Boston College would be the selection for that slot.
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From @OLCoachSmith63
In the first round, the Dolphins take Laiatu Latu, edge, UCLA.
Miami’s roster today needs help getting to the QB. Latu is my #2 edge player and provides help now as well as a runway to move on from Chubb when Phillips gets his big deal. Coleman is my top receiver after the big 3 and was a no-brainer at pick 55. I used future picks to come back into the 3rd round for a versatile, aggressive safety in Bishop to pair with Holland and allow Poyer to be a situational player. After a long break in picks, Bortolini and Jackson are players who line up athletically with Chris Grier’s past picks and provide depth/competition to positions where it’s needed. I wrapped up the draft with a speed receiver in Tulu Griffin who could spell Hill/Waddle while maintaining the timing of the offense. He could also challenge Berrios for the return role.
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From @HussamPatel

Dolphins trade down with Arizona to get the #27 pick and receive pick #71 and #162

With the 27th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins select Duke OL Graham Barton. Barton a versatile OL has played Tackle, Guard, and Center. GM Chris Grier stared he loves versatility and Barton can do just that. Barton projects as a Guard at the next levels and fills in a need. If called upon Barton can fill in as a Tackle and Center spots if Armstead/Brewer do get injured. Protecting Tua Tagovailoa is important considering how the OL was decimated by injuries at the end of the season which directly affected the offense later in the season.

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From @MikeHernandezDD

OT Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma:

I’ve seen some mock drafts listing the Miami Dolphins taking a passrusher at No. 21 overall, but I’m not buying it. 

The Fins need help on the edge with Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips both expected to miss the start of the season with their major injuries. However, Chubb is on a big-money contract with a major dead money cap hit that doesn’t come down for a couple years, so he’s expected to remain in Miami for the foreseeable future unless a trade happens. And based on general manager Chris Grier’s comments and enthusiasm regarding Phillips recently, the Dolphins are going to exercise the 5th-year option on their 2021 1st-round selection. 

And with Shaq Barrett signed, Cameron Goode returning, and perhaps the disappointing Channing Tindall getting a look at edge duties, Miami should have enough to create a degree of pressure on teams until Chubb and Phillips return to the lineup. 

With all that being said, I’m predicting that Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel select an offensive tackle in the first round. One that still has the ability to play on the left side before the dropoff happens and only right tackles remain. 

Enter Oklahoma’s Tyler Guyton – 6’8, 322lbs, and 34 inch arms.

Guyton is young at 21 years old, but has coveted tools and athleticism that many project can get better with time and more experience. He is a good pass protector (Zero sacks allowed on 335 pass-block snaps in 2023), and can move in space as a lead blocker – two things that McDaniel would cherish in his offense. 

Current left tackle Terron Armstead is on the verge of retiring, and has never played a full season. Guard’s Robert Jones and Isaiah Wynn are penciled in as starters for now but are being paid spot-starter/backup money. Combine that with Grier’s April comments about Armstead and “having a two-year look into the future”. Is it possible the Dolphins could play Guyton at left guard (something Miami did with OT Laremy Tunsil during his rookie season in 2016), until he is ready to become Armstead’s eventual successor? Or at least have Guyton waiting in the wings in case of the likely Armstead injury? 

The Dolphins and star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa are looking to get a longterm contract done this offseason, but we all know Tua isn’t likely to keep up the statistical success if he doesn’t have adequate protection. Protecting your franchise quarterback should be the next item on the list after locking him up. Guyton could be the future solution. 

Mel Kiper links Guyton to the Cowboys in his Mock Draft, and if there is anything we know about the Cowboys, it’s that they know how to find offensive lineman. Ravens writers also have their eye on him. The Dolphins can snatch Guyton before the Cowboys or Ravens have a chance to grab him. 

If you are worried about Guyton being too raw or inexperienced, that’s a valid concern. But remember that Miami’s Austin Jackson was once drafted as a raw OT prospect in 2020, and he developed into a solid right tackle and signed a 3-year extension with the team. So there is hope in that area.

Here are some evaluations on Tyler Guyton:

“Ascending tackle prospect with the traits and tape to project a bright future as a high-level pass protector in the league. Guyton has battled injuries and had limited reps coming over from TCU after the 2021 season, but his flashes have been complemented by increasing consistency. He plays with a high center of gravity and needs to get stronger, but leveraged hand strikes can help overcome those concerns. He should continue to get better as a run blocker but might never shine in that department. Guyton’s value comes with his pass protection, as he has the length, feet and body control to become a human roadblock. He should become a talented starter at either tackle position.” – Lance Zierlein, NFL Analyst.

“Overall, Guyton is a higher-level athlete with the elite physical tools you look for, showing snapshots of dominance with his technique and easy, fluid movement in the run game and pass protection. Guyton glided out of his two-point stance in pass protection with an efficient and comfortable kick slide. He has the balance, body control and range to close down the edge, yet he also has the firm base to anchor and control the speed-to-power pass rush. Guyton is a strong prospect, but you must understand his lack of experience position will likely mean that he needs coaching and development before he can become a full-time starter. Given that Guyton has only one year of starting experience and given his size, length and movement, it would not surprise me if NFL teams saw him as a LT.” – Greg Cosell, the 33rd Team

 

 

How to Start an NFL Podcast

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Podcasts, even though the format is not new, podcasts remain the main source of information for many. Podcasts are especially popular in the sports niche since not all fans can follow matches and new events always and everywhere. In this case, podcasts are a salvation for those who want to keep up with the latest events.

The NFL is no exception, and various scandals, unexpected match outcomes, and more regularly occur here. As a result, many people resort to listening to podcasts. Read below about how to start making your podcast.

Analysis and Research

Knowing literally everything about the NFL world and what happens in it can be very difficult. This is why various studios and platforms work as a team to collect all the relevant information. This could be NFL Odds, results of local tournaments, updates on Instagram (perhaps someone had a son or a player got married), unexpected injuries during training, and so on.

The podcaster’s task is to select a little bit of everything from the mass of different news or devote a large period of time to describing some big event. In this case, you can initially decide what format the podcast will be in:

  • Fast and less informative news;
  • Deeper and more informative, in which you will analyze more and go into detail;
  • Somewhere between fast and informative podcasts, but this can be difficult to implement.

Which one should I choose? You can make podcasts for every format, such as a daily (and quick) news roundup. Then, once a week, something in between, discussing past events and what has happened during this time. And once a month, release a long podcast summarizing everything that happened and what awaits the NFL next.

Audio or Video Podcast

The concept of “podcast” appeared back in 2004. The term was introduced by British journalist Ben Hammersley, who proposed to designate it as a new technological phenomenon of sending audio files to an iPod. Over time, this technology has expanded beyond “audio files” and is now available in video format. Did this change anything? In general, people hardly use iPods in the modern world, but they are still interested in podcasts. What to do?

It’s simple. YouTube remains one of the most popular platforms for podcasting at the moment. However, recording a video is unnecessary (but you still can) since you just need to upload an audio file and overlay it with some kind of video. For example, replays of matches or some kind of neutral background. After all, podcasts are primarily listened to, not watched. If you don’t want to bother with videos, here are a few other platforms for audio NFL podcasts:

  • Spotify;
  • Apple Podcasts;
  • Pandora;
  • Amazon Music;
  • Sound Cloud;
  • Stitches;
  • iHeartRadio.

You don’t have to limit yourself to one platform. Choosing a couple of them is best so the audience and traffic come from different sources.

Technical Aspect

The main factor that will bring your NFL podcast to the required level is having good audio equipment. As mentioned earlier, the era of iPods has already passed, where it was important to at least have the sound of a podcast, and not its quality. Now, in most cases, listeners will skip your podcast if it has poor audio quality, even if you talk about something no one knows yet.

So pay attention to purchasing high-quality (not necessarily expensive) microphones, sound insulation, an audio card for sound recording and other important technical elements. In this case, additional knowledge of technical parameters would also be useful, but this is not so difficult for podcasts.

NFL Podcast Benefits

Content producers increasingly turn to podcasts as an inexpensive and convenient channel to disseminate information and share their thoughts, ideas, etc. Moreover, this is a good way to make money since podcasts have long had tools for monetization, advertising, crowdsourcing, etc. Based on this, podcasts have several advantages:

  • Easy content creation. You, as a podcaster, literally share information, and all you need is minimal technical tools;
  • It’s easy to expand your audience. Podcasts can be uploaded to different platforms, such as YouTube, SoundCloud, Spotify and less popular services;
  • Accessibility of the podcast to the audience. access the podcast at any time convenient for them. Many people listen to podcasts while doing other things, which reduces the need for video content.

Conclusion

Getting started with podcasting can seem daunting. In fact, it is, but if you really want to do this, check out the Five on the Floor and Three Yards Per Carry podcasts. Listen to how the information is presented and how the 30-minute broadcast is conducted. Highlight the important details and what you want to implement in your podcast, using the example of Ethan Skolnick and Greg Sylvander for Five on the Floor, or Alfredo Arteaga, Simon Clancy and Chris Kouffman. There are many more podcasts on this website, so if you want to learn even more right away, feel free to enjoy, listen and note.

State of the Fins: Where Miami Dolphins stand with just 3 games left.

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In the wake of Monday night’s devastating collapse against the Titans during prime time, the Miami Dolphins faced a critical crossroads heading into their next matchup against the Jets: succumb to a potential repeat of last year’s December meltdown by continuing to lose, or regroup, rebound, and return to the dominating Dolphins football seen throughout the season with a bounce back win.

 

In an impressive display of resilience, the Dolphins chose the latter path, securing a resounding 30-0 shutout victory at home against the Jets despite a significant absence of key players, including WR Tyreek Hill, CB Xavien Howard, S Jevon Holland, S Deshon Elliot, G Robert Hunt, C Connor Williams, T Isaiah Wynn, OLB Jaelan Phillips, and LB Jerome Baker.

 

Describing this performance as merely resilient would be an understatement. It was a testament to the team’s fortitude amidst a blend of crucial injuries, numerous prevailing narratives circulating throughout the NFL media, and the broader context of rebounding from their most disheartening loss of the season thus far.

 

Amidst numerous narratives, the spotlight landed on Tua Tagovailoa, Mike McDaniel, and the offense grappling with the challenge of functioning without the league-deserving MVP, Tyreek Hill.

 

Fans were banking on the Jaylen Waddle show after the hope for the Cheetah’s appearance against the Jets faded abruptly as the inactive list revealed Hill’s unexpected absence – the first game he would miss in his short Dolphins tenure.

 

8 receptions for 142 yards and a touchdown against a solid Jets secondary is what Jaylen Waddle racked up in the absence of Hill. Putting to sleep all doubts of whether he could be a reliable WR1 for the Fins, Jaylen Waddle emerged as a standout force. Simultaneously, his performance effectively buried any uncertainties surrounding the potency of this Dolphins offense without Tyreek Hill.

 

However, it would take a fool not to notice the inevitable adjustment in McDaniel’s game plan sans the Cheetah. Coach McDaniel was tasked with devising a strategy considering Hill’s potential absence. The resultant offensive game plan was notably more conservative, lacking, to an extent, the usual arial prowess, explosiveness, and chunk plays—expected when the most explosive wide receiver in football is sidelined.

 

Coach McDaniel and his staff opted to play to their strengths, adapting to the circumstances by leveraging the available resources. Despite injuries, they still possessed a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback and a decent arsenal of weapons, albeit an ailing offensive line. They crafted a game plan that was relatively conservative yet remained effective.

 

How effective was it? Well, Tua Tagovailoa’s first incompletion didn’t occur until 2:50 left in the first half, a testament to the precision and efficiency of the adapted game plan.

 

Where do the Dolphins stand with 3 games remaining?

 

The bad news? The Buffalo Bills seem to have found their groove, securing a solid two-game win streak by triumphing over the Chiefs and Cowboys. Their path ahead seems relatively smooth, facing a far less challenging schedule until their pivotal clash with the Dolphins in the regular seasons finale, potentially dictating the divisional outcome.

 

But for the Dolphins, it’s tough. —an uphill battle against one of the toughest remaining schedules in the league. The objective remains crystal clear: winning is non-negotiable. Sweeping the table against the Cowboys, Ravens, and Bills secures Miami the coveted top seed in the AFC. Yet, a stumble or two could place the AFC East crown within Buffalo’s reach.

 

In the final three weeks of the regular season, much will be learned about this team. The Dolphins are still nursing injuries to key players while facing formidable opponents. To challenge the narrative and stand tall against top-tier teams, they’ll need to operate within their strengths, fortify the formidable defense, and ride Sunday’s momentum without allowing the magnitude of the moment to overwhelm them.

More Takeaways from the Dolphins’ Red Wedding on MNF

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If the ‘Game of Thrones’ reference in the title flew over your head; rest assured; Monday Night’s televised meltdown delivered a strikingly akin experience.

 

3 plays from scrimmage, 3 injuries

 

It took just three plays from scrimmage for injuries to mount. While Jaylen Waddle and Xavien Howard swiftly rejoined the game after a brief stint in the medical tent, the Dolphins’ medical team found themselves working overtime on Monday night. 

 

Regrettably, Dolphins’ wide receiver Tyreek Hill wasn’t able to return to the game as swiftly. While attempting to walk off the field following an ankle entrapment during a screen play gone wrong, Tyreek, clearly in pain, wouldn’t return to the game until late in the second half. He voiced his initial thought of a possible broken ankle during the post-game press conference. Hill said when his injury first happened he felt his “ankle was broken.”

 

While Tyreek Hill’s injury caused the most concern among Dolphins fans, it wasn’t the sole significant setback for the team. Center Connor Williams was compelled to exit the game after being rolled up on. He remained sidelined for the second half, swiftly ruled out due to the injury. Later we found out he tore his ACL; he’s done for the year. 

 

And from there, things would go downhill, fast.

 

Missing: The Cheetah and the Echoing Void in the Dolphins’ Offense

 

In the absence of Tyreek, Miami’s offensive woes echoed the chilling spectacle of disorientation. throughout the half. The team wandered aimlessly, appearing drained and listless. While the ground game found success, the aerial prowess, the very facet that had terrorized opponents all season, struggled relentlessly. As the clock wound down to halftime, Miami trailed 10-7, their solitary touchdown an unexpected Zach Sieler pick 6 on defense. 

 

What happened to the Dolphins defense in the final minutes of the 4th quarter?

 

In a game where the Dolphins’ defense shouldered the weight of the offense, the defensive unit appeared poised for an all around dominant game until one of the most colossal collapses in recent team history unfolded. Miami had built a comfortable lead of two touchdowns with merely 5 minutes remaining. However, the defense inexplicably succumbed, yielding two touchdowns and a crucial two-point conversion in under 3 minutes of play. This collapse marked a staggering NFL record: teams that trailed by 14 points with only 3 minutes left had won 767 consecutive games until Monday night. However, Monday night’s collapse shouldn’t be solely attributed to the defense. Miami weaved a tapestry of errors, contributing to undoing their own hard-earned advantage. They indulged in a myriad of mistakes, everything they shouldn’t have done, ultimately dimming their prospects for first place in the AFC and inadvertently breathing new hope into Buffalo’s divisional aspirations, squandering a prime opportunity to seal their dominance with a victory.

 

What’s the deal with this Tua-led offense and primetime football? 

 

The Miami Dolphins haven’t exactly thrived in primetime—at least in the past decade— and Monday night’s performance only reinforced this narrative. Once again, the glare of the spotlight seemed too intense for the Tagovailoa-led offense, particularly at home where they had maintained a dominant, undefeated record throughout the season. Admittedly, the Dolphins were coping with nearly an entire offensive line comprising backups and the absence of the league’s deserving MVP, Tyreek Hill, disrupting their rhythm. Nevertheless, despite a nightmarish start, the situation failed to improve, and the offense struggled to find its footing.

 

What happens from here?

 

Reflecting on Monday night’s collapse, the pace at which fortune shifted is noteworthy:       

Comparing the team’s previous record of 9-3, anticipating a coveted 10th win and leaving Monday Night Football with aspirations for first place, the Dolphins were riding a wave of momentum.

Miami now grapples with the absence of center Connor Williams (done for the season) and Tyreek Hill’s day-to-day status due to an ankle injury, leaving his participation in the Jets game uncertain. 

The lack of assurance casts a shadow of uncertainty over Miami’s postseason aspirations. This air of uncertainty is compounded by the grueling stretch of challenging games looming on the horizon. The reverberations of everything going amiss on Monday night linger, dimming any semblance of optimism. 

Coach McDaniel faces what could potentially be the team’s most challenging phase during his two-year tenure. The coming period will serve as a litmus test for the Dolphins’ resilience and fortitude as they navigate this crucial home stretch.

Most Notable Iowa Hawkeyes in History

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There’s always a huge space to discuss who’s the best, and in Iowa Hawkeye’s history, it’s rich. Dating back to 1899, Iowa’s football landscape has always been part of the fun and excitement of every football season. 

Armed with an education from the University of Iowa, Hawkeye’s finest accomplish many things in different fields, especially football. Many rose to the hall of fame, mastered their field, and showed the world what their State has got. 

Debates of who’s really the best are always a fun topic in every college community football circle. In this list, learn about some of the most notable Iowa Hawkeyes and how they left an indelible mark on football history.

Ken Ploen

Starting in 1956, Ken Ploen was the first of Hawkeye’s starting quarterback, who led his team to its first title in the Big Ten Conference after 35 years, boosting Iowa Hawkeyes odds during that season.  This victory escalated more excitement when their team won a major victory in 1957 for the Rose Bowl, and he was later named MVP for his strategic gameplay. 

When Ken approached his senior year in the football season, he was awarded an “All-American” and was named Big Ten Conference Most Valuable Player. His legacy of winning the first-ever victory in the Rose Bowl Game has sealed his name to the annals of Hawkeyes’ football greatness.  Ploen ignited inspiration in the hearts of the succeeding quarterbacks. 

Randy Duncan

The only player to be drafted to be number 1 in overall selection in Iowa’s football history, Randy Duncan has made it happen. He was chosen by the Green Bay Packers in 1959 for their NFL draft. This only came after Randy had led the Hawkeyes to its amazing journey. 

During his time with the Hawkeyes, he was the starting quarterback for two seasons. And in that period, he led the Hawkeyes in the final 10 in those seasons. The Hawkeyes received the All-Big Ten First Team for the second time after Duncan earned it. He was also named Big Ten Conference Most Valuable Player and “All-American” consensus. 

Ultimately, Randy Duncan has led his team to the second and last victory of the Hawkeye in the Rose Bowl Game, sealing his name in Iowa Hawkeyes’ finest. 

Gordon Locke

One of the football players of Iowa to ever receive “First-Team All-American” twice, Gordon Locke is one of the key players for the Hawkeyes’ amazing three-year greatness that earned the team’s first two championships in the Big Ten Conference. 

During his time, the Hawkeyes’ final record was 19-2, earning him “First-Team All-Big Ten” honors twice. Today, his name is in the College Football Hall of Fame and Iowa Sports Hall of Fame. A true feat for his hard work and perseverance during the hardships of the Hawks.

Alex Karras

Imagine the ideal physique of a defensive lineman, Alex Karras is an embodiment of Hawkeyes for that. Many considered him the best for that position to ever play for the Hawks. In two consecutive years, 1956 and 1957, he earned “First-Team All-American” twice. 

He was one of the team members during the Hawkeyes, who won their first-ever Rose Bowl game with a final record of 16-2. His display of dominating the defensive line has earned him the 1957 Heisman Trophy runner-up. He also won the Outland Trophy, awarded to the country’s best linemen. 

After contributing to the Hawkeyes’ greatness, Alex made it to the NFL. He was drafted nine times for the All-Pro and four times for the Pro Bowler and has played 161 games. His career transition made his name known to every player who aspired from hard work.

Chuck Long

The Hawkeyes’ best quarterback, Chuck Long, holds the record nine times at least. His early span of career as a starting quarterback lasted for four seasons. In this period, the Hawkeyes won at least eight games every season and transitioned to four bowl games, in which they won twice. 

Chuck was an “All-Big Ten player” thrice;  “Big Ten Player of the Year” thrice. Plus, he was awarded the Davey O’Brien Award thrice and the Maxwell Award thrice. He was also runner-up in Heisman Trophy races, 7th in 1984 and 2nd in 1985.

Nile Kinnick

A quarterback, defensive back, halfback, kicker, and punter, Nile Kinnick is someone we will never see again. Kinnick embodies “Iron Man,” for he can play at every point of the game, even if injured. 

What truly sets Nile Kinnick apart from everyone on this list was his 1939 mind-blowing season. During that season, he carried the Hawkeyes team to an outstanding 6-1-1 score, finishing 9th in the final Associated Press poll.

Kinnick finished 18 interceptions in his career. After that, he won the Big Ten Most Valuable Player Award, Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award, and the Heisman Trophy. Lastly, he earned the AP Male Athlete of the Year

His name was in the Iowa Sports Hall of Fame and College Football Hall of Fame. They also named him the historically grandiose Kinnick Stadium. 

Final Thoughts

While it remains a debatable topic in every college football circle, the legacy of Hawkeyes’s notable legends inspires and influences those who follow them. And without a doubt, their contribution made Iowa Hawkeyes notable in the country’s football history. 

Quick Takeaways from Dolphins’ Collapse vs. Titans

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We’ve seen it all in December.

We saw a 9-2 team, surging and blessed after Leon Lett’s unforgettable Thanksgiving faux pas, drop its next five, giving up 45 in one and 47 in another, and losing in overtime in the clincher.

That was 1993.

We saw a 9-5 team, finally stabilized after the return of Jay Fiedler, fall apart in Minnesota (Cris Carter doesn’t catch a touchdown) and New England (when they stopped running Ricky Williams).

That was 2002.

We’ve seen too many other collapses to count.

So will this be another, following an inexplicable 28-27 home defeat against the Tennessee Titans, a 14-point underdog that made several seemingly game-sealing mistakes prior to the Dolphins’ meltdown? Will we remember this fourth loss of an otherwise entertaining and at times exceptional season, to be the beginning of another untimely end?

Will we all jump off the nearest precipice?

Tua Tagovailoa tried to reassure scarred, scared Dolphins fans that this time, at last, will be different.

“I don’t think this is the same Dolphins team that everyone thinks about,” said Tagovailoa, who played below his season standards against Tennessee. “We’ve got really good players, we’ve got really good coaches, and it’s one loss (at) home this year. It’s not like the world ends because we lost this game. We’re human, we’ll continue to get better from this. This is the NFL. No one’s perfect. So that’s that.”

But Dolphins fans are human too.

They can remember.

And that’s why they’re all spasming in fear at the thought of another massive meltdown.

Here are 5 things that need to change, for these not to be the Same Old Dolphins:

 

1. Mike McDaniel needs to stop getting so cute. The former 49ers run-game coordinator, who has worked wonders on the Dolphins’ rushing attack with almost interchangeable running backs and offensive linemen, is absurdly reluctant to run inside the red zone. When he finally did it, with the Dolphins on short fields following Titans miscues, Raheem Mostert had no trouble finding the end zone. We understand tendencies play a part in the trickery, but this team can do the Old School football thing. No need to be a genius there. McDaniel said after that he understands “I deserve to be second-guessed.” But this isn’t just the second or third or even fourth time.

 

2. Figure out the center-quarterback exchange. This is the most fundamental act in football, yet it’s been an issue all season. It was with Connor Williams, who is adept at everything else and now may be lost for the season with a knee injury. And it’s certainly been with fill-in Liam Eichenberg. Tagovailoa took responsibility for a drive-killing fumble, yet another in the red zone. But he also said it’s because he doesn’t work with Eichenberg much. This week he will. Get it fixed.

 

3. Stop feeling yourselves. We love the personality of this team, after more than a quarter-century of dull Dolphins atmospheres. We love Hard Knocks. We love the collective swagger and the creative celebrations. But as our Chris Kouffman of Three Yards Per Carry pointed out, the Dolphins have played their two worst games after arguably their two best games. They appear to handle adversity better than prosperity. Well, they have some now.

 

4. Get whole. Well, some of this is beyond their control. But it also seems like there’s some load management at work, and it’s too late for that now. Could Jevon Holland and Terron Armstead have played through nagging injuries? Perhaps. Would it have helped? Likely, especially more offensive linemen (Connor Williams) and defensive backs (De’Shon Elliot) started falling. Now Tyreek Hill has tweaked his ankle, somewhat significantly (he said he thought his ankle was “gone” when he did, and that his wife told him to “get the hell back in the game”). If he misses the game with the Jets, it would be nice to have some reinforcements return.

 

5. Get healed (emotionally). They can’t let this linger. So they might want to stay off social media, which is likely to be particularly lovely this week. McDaniel said players were looking inward, without pointing fingers. If they start the latter, with four challenging opponents upcoming (even the Jets will test them), we can start pointing back to past flameouts, and start pointing to an early, ignominious exit.

5 Takeaways from Dolphins’ 45-15 win over Washington

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Despite playing away from home, the Miami Dolphins’ offense revived shades of their early-season dominance witnessed in home games. Notably, their explosive 70-point triumph over Denver in Week 3 was a standout performance. While Sunday’s victory didn’t replicate the 70-point spectacle, it showcased the Dolphins’ offensive prowess and their renewed ability to dissect defenses, a quality that had been less prominent in recent matchups.

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa saw limited action after the initial possession of the second half, primarily navigating conservative play calls centered around runs. Nevertheless, Tagovailoa managed to deliver two touchdowns, both in collaboration with Tyreek Hill, who amassed a remarkable 157 yards on just five receptions. Hill’s current pace hints at a ridiculous 2,098 yards for the season, which would be an all-time record.

 

Andrew Van Ginkel shines in the absence of Jaelan Phillips

 

When the Miami Dolphins needed a hero in the absence of the sensational Jaelan Phillips, enter Andrew Van Ginkel. Known for his earlier standout performances, Van Ginkel faced big shoes to fill in for the injured Phillips. Yet, in Sunday’s game, he stepped onto the field with sheer determination. His stats spoke volumes: 2 QB hits, 5 tackles, and a game-changing pick-6. Not to mention, he came close to blocking a punt. Van Ginkel’s impactful contributions in the Dolphins’ win reflect a ‘next man up’ mentality.

 

Did the Vic Fangio defense really hold the NFL’s leading passer to 130 passing yards?

 

Washington QB Sam Howell faced a daunting challenge against the Vic Fangio defense this time around. Despite Howell’s reputation for aerial dominance (in terms of yardage), Fangio’s formidable defensive strategy posed a considerable obstacle. Miami’s defense, notably performing at a high level in recent weeks, has had to overcome hurdles due to injuries to key players like Jaelan Phillips, Jevon Holland, and Jerome Baker. Their resilient ‘next man up’ mindset remained evident. Washington’s offense struggled to find its footing against the tenacious Fangio-led defense, failing to establish any real momentum or success during the game.

 

Tua Tagovailoa: The best QB “In the (World)?”

 

That’s what the Cheetah seemed to imply in a tweet following Sunday’s victory. Sunday’s game further bolstered Tua’s MVP candidacy. He consistently delivered on crucial third downs, notably launching a 78-yard bomb to Tyreek Hill in the first quarter. What stood out was Tua’s ability to avoid sacks throughout Sunday’s game. While credit may go to the offensive line, Tagovailoa’s adeptness at navigating the pocket, evading defenders, getting the ball out quickly, and extending plays was evident.

 

Magic number 3?

 

The Dolphins are on the verge of clinching a second consecutive postseason berth under Head Coach Mike McDaniel. With the magic number at 3 wins to clinch, the Dolphins can taste the postseason. However, their aspirations surpass mere qualification. Miami eyes the division title and a potential first-round bye, lofty yet achievable objectives. Yet, looming over them is the persistent challenge: dispelling the narrative that they struggle against top-tier opponents. As they face formidable teams like Dallas, Baltimore, and Buffalo in upcoming matchups, the Fins aim to rewrite this narrative as the conclusion of the regular season nears end.

Unease Amid Dominance: Miami’s 34-13 Victory Over Jets

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On the heels of Thanksgiving, the NFL debuted its first-ever Black Friday showdown at MetLife Stadium between the New York Jets and the Miami Dolphins. The holiday feast may had concluded, but the Dolphins exhibited an insatiable hunger to get back to 8-3. As soon as Miami won the coin toss and elected to defer, confidence soared among fans for good reason. The Dolphins’ defense, statistically superior to the struggling Jets’ offense in every aspect on paper, promised an advantage. This was because the Jets were starting undrafted free agent quarterback Nick Boyle who was thrown into the starting QB role after QB Zach Wilson was benched the week prior. And when the Dolphins defense forced a punt on the Jets’ first possession, Dolphins fans knew that New York’s offense would be the least of their problems throughout the game.

 

And things were going well for the Dolphins, that was until Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa threw his second pick-six of the season with under 2 minutes left in the first half when the score was 10-0. And the narrative that the only thing that could stop this Dolphins team was self-inflicted wounds resurfaced in the classic Dolphins way. Miami would go back on offense with under a minute left in the half after throwing that pick-six, in a half where they should have shut out the Jets. Nevertheless, clinging to a narrow 10-6 lead (Jets missed the PAT, lol), they fervently sought a redemptive offensive drive, with under 60 seconds in the second quarter; aiming to head into halftime without a sour taste in their mouth. 

 

It only took a couple of first downs, up to midfield, with seconds to go when Tua threw his second interception in under 60 seconds. The Jets would take over on their 49-yard line with 2 seconds left in the half.

 

And if it weren’t for the Jets being the Jets, or perhaps Jevon Holland channeling his inner Wide Receiver from his high school days in Oakland, California, the Dolphins would have carried a ‘disappointing’ 10-6 lead into halftime (at best). But Dolphins safety Jevon Holland had other plans. The Jets weren’t content with trailing merely 10-6 heading into halftime; they craved more. This led the coach of an underwhelming team, failing to meet season expectations, to resort to a Hail Mary attempt from midfield, seeking to spark some unforeseen magic.

 

And boy, did that plan backfire.

 

Tim Boyle dropped back and executed the Hail Mary, sending the ball soaring into the end zone where Holland positioned himself perfectly, waiting for the ball to descend right into the breadbasket. And from the Dolphins’ one-yard line, Jevon Holland snatched the ball and dashed 99 yards in the other direction, with the clock hitting zero seconds as he raced down the field.

 

The Dolphins entered halftime with a 17-6 lead in a defensively charged game. As some fans reveled in Miami’s longest interception return since 2002, others remained uneasy with the offense’s performance and their quarterback, who had already tallied two interceptions by halftime, a marked difference from the 2022 season where he threw only eight interceptions the entire season.

 

But in the second half, Miami’s defense took full advantage of every opportunity against the Jets’ offense. Only managing to secure a single touchdown in garbage time, the Jets struggled as the Dolphins defense flexed its muscles. With 7 sacks and 3 turnovers on the day, including one resulting in a touchdown, the Dolphins’ defensive performance clearly dictated the course of the game.

 

However, fortune favored the Dolphins only until the moment 3rd year standout LB Jaelan Phillips was carted off with an Achilles injury in the fourth quarter. Phillips, who had been delivering a season akin to an All-Pro, will be a monumental loss for the Dolphins defensive as his injury likely means he’s done for the season.

 

So perhaps it was the Phillips injury that left fans unsettled despite a double-digit win over a division rival on the road. Still, it’s worth noting that Miami outscored any other team against the Jets this season. Notably, both Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle combined for 200 yards, while running back Raheem Mostert scored two touchdowns on the ground.

 

Perhaps it’s worth extending some leniency to the Dolphins’ offense. After all, they had to contend with one of the league’s elite defenses, despite facing a Jets offense that ranks among the bottom five in the NFL.

 

However, it’s evident that there’s room for improvement. Whether it was Tyreek Hill’s dropped touchdown on fourth and 1 at the beginning of the game or Tagovailoa’s two interceptions, one of which resulted in a pick-six, these are the areas that demand refinement.

For the Dolphins to realize their deep postseason aspirations, one thing remains clear–they must address these concerns while also managing to mitigate injuries to key players.

Why The SEC Is The Most Popular Conference In College Football

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The Southeastern Conference (SEC) stands out when it comes to college football, anyone who pays attention to the game would know. But why is that?

 

College football isn’t just a sport, it’s religion, culture, tradition, and a way of life in many states. And the SEC stands head and shoulders above the rest given its formidable programs. However, several other factors contribute to its popularity, which we will explore in this article, starting with some of the most popular teams.

 

The Georgia Bulldogs have won two consecutive national titles and have one of the elite programs in the NCAA. The school’s tradition and fan following, as well as its history of impressive wins, make it one of the most iconic in the nation. 

 

Georgia has won 16 SEC Championships and four National Championships, with two of them being raised over the last two years. Given the above, they’ve established themselves as one of the leading college programs in the United States.

 

Meanwhile, Alabama has also proven to be a beacon of excellence on the college football scene, having won multiple championships while they’ve also hired some of the best coaches in the game. The Crimson Tide have become one of the most feared teams in the nation and have gone on to achieve a whole lot under Nick Saban. 

 

The school can boast 29 SEC Championships and 16 National titles, which makes it the most successful program in modern times. 

 

The Kentucky Wildcats belong in their own right. In states like Kentucky, where college football is a celebrated tradition, the impact of the sport extends beyond the field. The excitement of games is further amplified with the advent of legal sports betting, making live betting apps in Kentucky an increasingly popular way for fans to engage with their favorite teams.

 

The SEC is also steeped in tradition, with most of their schools having built some impressive history. Some of them have been playing football for over 100 years, leaving them with countless memorable games, iconic players, and a respectable culture.

 

The conference stands out when it comes to recruitment as the top SEC schools secure the best talent in the nation year after year. Young athletes are attracted to the attention they could get from playing in big games, which are televised nationally and offer unlimited exposure.

 

The SEC pumps lots of money into its football programs, giving them the best stadiums and training facilities. A lot of their schools dress players in some of the hottest-looking uniforms and combos. 

 

It’s been home to some of the best coaches in football history too. The aforementioned Nick Saban is just one of them. The likes of Bear Bryant and Steve Spurrier also stand out as two of the best. And, with Texas Tech having a vacancy, it’s going to be interesting to see who comes in as a replacement for Jimbo Fisher. 

 

Colorado’s Deion Sanders has been one of the names that have been coming up since Fisher’s firing, having quickly become one of the most popular head coaches in college football after a successful stint at Jackson State and a move to the Power 5.

 

Coach Prime has refuted talk that he could leave the Buffaloes after one season.

 

“I want to win a game,” he told reporters last week. “You think I really do sit down and think about that kind of stuff? … C’mon, I’m good. We’ve got to win. Let’s focus on this week.

 

“I am here. I am here. My mother is here, my sister is here, my dog is here, my daughter is here, three of my sons are here and my other daughter comes out for the home games. I get mail here. Pay taxes here. I’m here.”

 

Of course, the conference’s media deals contribute to their popularity in large part. The SEC gets plenty of coverage, having partnered with ESPN. The SEC Network is another platform offering a long reach, which means its teams and players always get national exposure, which in turn helps their recruitment.

 

Such attention generates millions for the programs, which also bring in lots of revenue from ticket sales, concession, merch sales, and other avenues. The money allows them to build better facilities, hire the best coaches, and provide various other resources that keep them competitive.

 

Former Alabama quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts embrace after the Eagles win over the Dolphins.

NFL Power Rankings Week 12: Still the Eagles

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Another exciting week of the NFL is in the books and it’s that time of the season where the playoff picture is starting to take its shape. 

 

After Kansas City lost at home against the Philadelphia Eagles, they lost the top spot in the AFC to the Baltimore Ravens after their win against the Bengals. 

 

What looked like a nearly flawless Kansas City team for most of the year now has some problems that need to be addressed. 

 

The Chiefs had a total of 26 drops on Monday night against the Eagles. Yes, 26. 

 

One that stuck out to everyone was on a potential game-winning touchdown where Marquez Valdes-Scantling beat his defender and dropped the ball in the endzone after a perfect ball was thrown by Patrick Mahomes. Valdes-Scantling was shown after the game slamming his helmet against the wall in frustration. 

 

But that’s not all. Kansas City has now been shutout in the second half in two-straight games. 

 

The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Bengals on Thursday Night Football by a score of 34-20. But there were some major injury concerns that came out of the game for both teams. 

 

In the early stages of the game, star tight end Mark Andrews was tackled awkwardly and injured his ankle that will probably sideline him for the rest of the year. Andrews has played a crucial role in the Ravens offense and without him, Baltimore will need guys like Odell Beckham Jr. and Zay Flowers to step up in the pass game. 

 

Looking at the Bengals, it is safe to say that their season is over after Joe Burrow tore a ligament in his right wrist that will have him out for the season. Burrow played in the first half but as the Bengals headed into the locker room during halftime, Burrow was visibly in a lot of pain and didn’t play in the second half which is why the final score wasn’t close. 

 

The Browns, Dolphins, Jaguars and Chiefs each hold 7-3 records in the AFC.  

 

Cleveland won an ugly game against the Steelers, the Jaguars finally woke up Calvin Ridley and won big against the Titans, the Dolphins’ defense stepped up in a home win against Las Vegas and the Chiefs’ loss brought them down to 7-3. 

 

Some teams that are hanging around are the Bills, Colts and Broncos who, in case you haven’t noticed, have won four games in a row. 

 

Looking at the NFC, of course the team to beat remains the Philadelphia Eagles after a huge victory on the road in Kansas City. 

 

But some teams are still lurking around for that top spot like the San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys who both are playing at an elite level. 

 

Brock Purdy played lights out for San Francisco in their home victory against Tampa Bay, throwing for 333 yards and three touchdowns with an 84% completion rate. 

 

Dallas absolutely dismantled Carolina 33-10 and their defense has shown why they are the best in football. 

 

They had seven sacks, forced a fumble and pick-six in Sunday’s victory against the Panthers.

 

The Detroit Lions had a little scare against the Chicago Bears and found a way to win while the Rams and Packers are slowly creeping back in the playoff picture after big wins at home. 

 

We are in for another exciting slate of football as Thanksgiving is approaching. It’s the best time of the year for football fans.  

 

Here are my Week 12 power rankings. 

 

  1. Carolina Panthers (1 – 9) 

Last Week: 32

Result: Lost vs. Cowboys 33-10

 

  1. Arizona Cardinals (2 – 9)

Last Week: 30

Result: Lost at Texans 21-16

  1. New England Patriots (2 – 8)

Last Week: 29

Result: Bye Week

 

  1. Chicago Bears (3 – 8)

Last Week: 28

Result: Lost at Lions 31-26

 

  1. New York Giants (3 – 8)

Last Week: 31

Result: Won at Commanders 31-19

 

  1. Tennessee Titans (3 – 7)

Last Week: 25

Result: Lost at Jaguars 34-14

 

  1. Washington Commanders (4 – 7)

            Last Week: 23

Result: Lost vs. Giants 31-19

 

  1. New York Jets (4 – 6)

Last Week: 22

Result: Lost at Bills 32-6

 

  1. Atlanta Falcons (4 – 6)

Last Week: 24

Result: Bye Week 

 

  1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4 – 6)

Last Week: 21

Result: Lost at 49ers 27-14

 

  1. Los Angeles Chargers (4 – 6)

Last Week: 18

Result: Lost at Packers 23-20

 

  1. Green Bay Packers (4 – 6)

Last Week: 26

Result: Won vs. Chargers 23-20

 

  1. Las Vegas Raiders (5 – 6)

Last Week: 19

Result: Lost at Dolphins 20-13

 

  1. New Orleans Saints (5 – 5)

            Last Week: 20

Result: Bye Week

 

  1. Los Angeles Rams (4 – 6)

Last Week: 27

Result: Won vs. Seahawks 17-16

 

  1. Indianapolis Colts (5 – 5)

Last Week: 17

Result: Bye Week

 

  1. Pittsburgh Steelers (6 – 4)

Last Week: 14

Result: Lost at Browns 13-10

 

  1. Cincinnati Bengals (5 – 5)

Last Week: 11

Result: Lost at Ravens 34-20

 

  1. Seattle Seahawks (6 – 4)

Last Week: 13

Result: Lost at Rams 17-16

 

  1. Minnesota Vikings (6 – 5)

Last Week: 12

Result: Lost at Broncos 21-20

 

  1. Denver Broncos (5 – 5)

Last Week: 15

Result: Won vs. Vikings 21-20

 

  1. Buffalo Bills (6 – 5)

Last Week: 16

Result: Won vs. Jets 32-6

 

  1. Houston Texans (6 – 4)

Last Week: 10

Result: Won vs. Cardinals 21-16

 

  1. Jacksonville Jaguars (7 – 3)

Last Week: 9

Result: Won vs. Titans 34-14

 

  1. Cleveland Browns (7 – 3)

Last Week: 6

Result: Won vs. Steelers 13-10

 

  1. Baltimore Ravens (8 – 3)

Last Week: 7

Result: Won vs. Bengals 34-20

 

  1. San Francisco 49ers (7 – 3)

Last Week: 8

Result: Won vs. Buccaneers 27-14

 

  1. Miami Dolphins (7 – 3)

Last Week: 5

Result: Won vs. Raiders 20-13

 

  1. Detroit Lions (8 – 2)

Last Week: 3

Result: Won vs. Bears 31-26

 

  1. Kansas City Chiefs (7 – 3)

Last Week: 2

Result: Lost vs. Eagles 21-17

 

  1. Dallas Cowboys (7 – 3)

Last Week: 4

Result: Won at Panthers 33-10

 

  1. Philadelphia Eagles (9 – 1)

Last Week: 1

Result: Won at Chiefs 21-17