By now, you likely know that Dolphins second-year defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick is available — the only question is how available.
I had suggested the Dolphins sit Fitzpatrick on Sunday against the Patriots.
After all, if he’s an asset, you don’t want him playing and hurting himself, and losing value. And he was more likely to hurt himself if his head and heart weren’t into it.
Turns out I was wrong about that.
Fitzpatrick was good Sunday; he was about the only Dolphins who was.
How good?
Here’s what Pro Football Focus — which dissects every play — said:
Minkah Fitzpatrick was the highest-graded #Dolphins player in Week 2
– 85.0 overall – targeted 1 time in coverage (10 yards) – 2 defensive stops, forced fumble and fumble recovery💪🏻#FinsUppic.twitter.com/I8b9Feq2px
Well, they shouldn’t, not unless they’re getting more than the pick (No. 11 overall) that they gave up for him. Especially because he’s a more seasoned player than anyone they are getting.
So, yes, I agree with Dave Hyde:
So Minkah Fitzpatrick isn't happy? So what? The Dolphins – starting with GM Chris Grier – have invested heavily in him and can't trade him. My column: https://t.co/UY5xhreJQn
The Dolphins are all in on the tank, and it doesn’t matter how many young players it rolls over.
Even if they’re young players that GM Chris Grier wanted.
Great photo by our Tony Capobianco — that’s Minkah with Patrick Chung.
It’s worth a creative caption.
https://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/Minkah-and-Chung.jpg8541280Ethan Skolnickhttps://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/FiveReasonsWebsiteLogo.svgEthan Skolnick2019-09-16 17:21:182019-09-17 18:40:17Minkah watch: Did he raise his stock Sunday?
The sample size for these Dolphins is super small…. and the first two opponents were really good.
Still, how much more do you need to see?
Rather than write another treatise about tanking, one tweet summed up the Miami Dolphins’ situation, having been outscored 102-10, at home, by the Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots to start the season.
https://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/Rowe-scaled.jpeg17072560Ethan Skolnickhttps://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/FiveReasonsWebsiteLogo.svgEthan Skolnick2019-09-16 08:17:502019-09-16 10:06:43Dolphins trending to be worst team ever
The Miami Dolphins have been outscored 102-10 after two games.
New England’s DEFENSE scored more points today than Miami has all season.
Ryan Fitzpatrick and the starting offense were again an unmitigated disaster, with the Harvard man showing his usual benevolence to the opponent.
It’s getting real ugly now: Jamie Collins picks off Ryan Fitzpatrick and he takes it back 69 yards for the #Patriots TD. Kallen Ballage couldn’t hold on.
https://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/3619970D-98C5-45C2-82C2-BAC19D3628BB-scaled.jpeg18292560David Eversolehttps://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/FiveReasonsWebsiteLogo.svgDavid Eversole2019-09-15 21:06:142019-09-16 10:09:12Miami Dolphins Tank is Armed and Dangerous
Fitzpatrick y los Dolphins no pudieron anotarle ni un punto a los New England Patriots.
De entrada el partido del Domingo 15 de Septiembre involucró muy poco interés. Más allá de quién sería el rival. Los Miami Dolphins se enfrentaron en el segundo compromiso de la campaña ante los Patriots de Tom Brady y su mas reciente adquisición Antonio Brown.
Un dia después que los Miami Hurricanes destruyeran dentro de las 100 yardas a Bethune-Cookman en el Hard Rock Stadium 63×0.
Esta historia del domingo podría ser muy diferente o similar, pero sin beneficiar al equipo local.
Previo al encuentro todo el enfoque se encontraba sobre la expectativa de un posible cambio de Kenyan Drake y Minkah Fitzpatrick después que salieran reportes que el multifacético de Miami habría pedido un cambio.
Además, la historia de Antonio Brown tomaría el primer giro en la ciudad del sol, ya que el receptor jugaría su primer encuentro en más de un año.
Apenas un 14% del porcentaje acompañaba a los Dolphins con la posibilidad de ganarle a los temibles Patriots. Pero, conociendo lo impredecible que es la franquicia (si en una temporada de “tanking” podrían ganar un juego podría ser este, si vemos lo mal que le ha ido a Tom Brady con récord de 7-10 jugando en Miami).
En su primera marcha Ryan Fitzpatrick no logró avanzar más allá de la yarda 25, algo que ya comenzaba a plantear lo difícil que podría ser para la ofensiva miamense enfrentarse al poderoso equipo defensivo de New England.
Por su parte, a Tom Brady no le fue presentado ningún obstáculo.
En su primera marcha efectuó 10 jugadas, avanzando 60 yardas en 5:52 minutos de juego, conectando múltiples veces con su nuevo receptor Antonio Brown, y consiguiendo los primeros seis puntos con una corrida del corredor Sony Michel.
Luego de un cuarto, el marcador indicaba 7 x 0. Miami logró mantener el partido interesante.
Al menos durante el comienzo, evitaron el avance de Tom Brady faltando menos de tres minutos en el reloj. Los Patriots efectuaron un total de 15 jugadas en el primer cuarto, incluyendo los cinco intentos de pase por parte de Brady, de los cuales acertó cada uno de ellos acumulando un total de 47 unidades.
Los Dolphins registraron 10 jugadas y Fitzpatrick se fue cuatro intentos acertando en tres ocasiones para 32 yardas.
Con poco menos de dos minutos restando los Patriots amenazaban con agregar a su ventaja en territoria miamense el balón en la yardas 20 ya colocaba a la ofensiva de Brady en la zona roja.
Hasta este momento los Dolphins habrían sorprendido manteniendo el partido interesante por gran parte de la primera mitad.
No duró mucho la poca ventaja de los Patriots pues no tardó en llegar el primer touchdown de Antonio Brown completando un pase de 20 yardas proveniente de un riflazo de Tom Brady. Los Patriots tomaron ya una cómoda ventaja de 13 x 0 luego que el pateador Stephen Gostkowski fallara el punto extra.
Miami tomó el balón en la yarda 25 para su último intento de la primera mitad una marcha que terminó en tres jugadas logrando solo un avance de siete yardas. Ryan Fitzpatrick y la ofensiva de los Dolphins no lograron durante la primera parte ingresar al territorio enemigo.
Terminaron la primera mitad con un total de 19 jugadas para 51 yardas, 33 por el aire y 18 terrestres. Fitzpatrick lució muy mal completando solo cuatro de sus ocho intentos para 38 unidades.
El mejor corredor por Miami en la mitad del partido fue Kenyan Drake quien no comenzó como titular aún así aportó 16 yardas en cinco acarreos.
Por el aire, el mejor receptor de Miami fue Preston Williams consiguiendo 15 yardas en apenas una recepción.
Por su parte, la ofensiva de los Patriots tuvo una fiesta dentro de las 100 yardas. Tom Brady completó 11 de sus 13 intentos para 121 yardas y conectó en una ocasión con Antonio Brown para un touchdown de 20 yardas. En su totalidad New England logro en la primera mitad recaudar 186 yardas en 34 jugadas, consiguiendo 114 unidades aéreas y 72 terrestres.
En lo que respecta el análisis de la primera mitad, los Dolphins defensivamente hablando lograron mantener el partido al margen otorgando la mayor posibilidad al equipo ofensivo liderado por Ryan Fitzpatrick a que despertara y colocaran puntos en la pizarra.
Miami, sin embargo nunca logró establecer una seguidilla de jugadas consecutivas que les traspasara el momentum a su lado.
El comienzo de la segunda mitad del partido no pintaría nada diferente para los Dolphins. Aun Ryan Fitzpatrick no lograba ingresar en el territorio enemigo y sufrió durante el tercer periodo dos derrumbes detrás de la línea de impacto para sumarle a los dos de la primera mitad. Miami no lograba aún iniciar algún tipo de amenaza ofensiva mientras que lo Patriots agregaron 10 puntos a su ventaja y comenzaban a adueñarse del encuentro completamente.
Josh Rosen ingresó al partido luego de dos intersecciones consecutivas por parte de Ryan Fitzpatrick cuales resultaron en touchdowns para los Patriots.
Rosen lanzó dos pases profundas de manera consecutiva pero los receptores no pudieron controlar el pase a escasas 10 yardas del touchdown, y fue derrumbado tras la línea de impacto en dos ocasiones durante su primera marcha del partido pero logró llevar a los Dolphins al territorio enemigo por primera vez en todo el encuentro.
En sus primeros ocho intentos Rosen logro completaron cuatro de ellos para agrupar 45 yardas, Fitzpatrick recaudo 89 hasta este punto.
En conclusión, los Dolphins no lograron suficientes puntos positivos ofensivamente. El equipo culminó con 184 yardas en 61 jugadas, 142 aéreas y apenas 42 terrestres.
Mientras tanto Tom Brady y los Patriots generaron 65 jugadas para 381 yardas, 255 por el aire y 126 por el suelo. Lo que resulto en un embarazoso resulto de 43-0 contra uno de los rivales de su division, New England Patriots.
Miami ha comenzado la temporada con récord de 0-2 anotando apenas 10 puntos en los primeros dos encuentros. “Creo que jugaron fuerte, jugaron fuerte por 60 minutos” expresó el coach principal Brian Flores luego del partido. “Simplemente no pudimos construir nada ofensivamente, nos enfrentamos a un muy buen equipo y simplemente no hicimos suficiente.”
Los rumores de cambio comenzaron previo al partido y esta vez incluían el nombre de Kenyan Drake quien antes de comenzar sus declaraciones después del juego mencionó su interés con quedarse en Miami. “Claro que quiero quedarme, he logrado hacer muchas relaciones con diferentes miembros del equipo por cuatro años.” Drake concluyó sin pronunciar nada más sobre los rumores de cambio.
Los Dolphins no han demostrado mucho en la ofensiva en los primeros dos encuentros y le espera otro difícil rival la próxima semana cuando viajen a Dallas para enfrentar a los Cowboys.
Será una semana de incógnitas ya que existen dudas sobre el futuro de Minkah Fitzpatrick, que terminará sucediendo con los rumores de cambio alrededor de Kenyan Drake y por último, ¿dejará Brian Flores a Ryan Fitzpatrick como titular?
Muchos estarán de acuerdo con que es tiempo de darle chance en la titularidad a Josh Rosen.
https://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/34A4DE30-8E6E-4472-8B15-0B306C2B0988-scaled.jpeg17072560Leandro Sotohttps://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/FiveReasonsWebsiteLogo.svgLeandro Soto2019-09-15 18:06:142019-09-16 10:02:00Se acaba el tiempo de Fitzpatrick y se acerca la titularidad de Josh Rosen
It’s hard not to lead with the feel-good story of the night. When you struggle to find the words to describe what “The New Miami” means, look no further than 5 foot 7 inch, 185 pounds, redshirt senior running back Jimmy Murphy. The Avon, Connecticut native scored late after the game was well in hand and got himself a nice 15-yard penalty for excessive celebration by doing a crazy front flip. But as defensive lineman Pat Bethel said, he’ll gladly run a gasser for Jimmy’s penalty.
He is what every Miami Hurricane football player should strive to be. Guys like Bethel and Deejay Dallas and others mentioned how Murphy is the heartbeat of this team and a leader in the locker room. The touchdown was the first of Murphy’s career, but if you ask Manny Diaz, it may not be his last.
With Mark Richt retiring after last season, Murphy was unsure about his future with the team. He didn’t know if knew head coach Manny Diaz would renew his scholarship. In the post-game conference, he mentions how he called Diaz and let him know that he wanted to continue to be a Hurricane and if he would renew his scholarship. Diaz did. Murphy plans on attending medical school once the season is over. That’s the guy I want as my doctor! Cane Maven wishes him well.
Oh yeah, there was also the rest of the game. I honestly don’t want to spend too much time on it, because let’s be honest, it was Bethune Cookman. No disrespect to them, but the Canes did exactly what they needed to do.
After a slow start in the first quarter, the Hurricanes finally put it together and completely dominated Bethune Cookman across the board. If you caught my pre-game preview with Larry Blustein, I mentioned that I wanted to see dominance in all 3 areas: offense, defense, and special teams.
The Canes completely dominated on offense, led by another solid performance by Jarren Williams. He finished the day 19/24 for 254 yards and 3 touchdowns. Deejay Dallas had another fantastic game rushing for 108 yards and 3 touchdowns.
The defense did exactly what they were supposed to do. They pitched a shutout. Robert Knowles played well along with Gurvan Hall and a few others. They held Bethune Cookman to 137 total yards – 76 passing and 61 on the ground.
Then there are special teams. They didn’t look very special once again. Bubba Baxa misses another chip shot from 30 yards as the kicking woes continue with him. He is now 4/8 on field goals this year. Camden Price came in late in the game for a PAT. Will the Canes make a change or continue to ride with Baxa?
Pope Breaks Out
I also mentioned how we needed this game to be a confidence builder for the team. I wanted to see a few guys who have started the season off slow to build some momentum and confidence. The perfect example was wide receiver Mark Pope, who had his breakout game, catching 3 balls for 92 yards. He would later leave the game with an apparent leg injury. There is no further information on that just yet.
This game was also a great opportunity for players who don’t usually play much, to get some much-needed reps. you never know when you may need them. It was great to see kids like Robert Burns and Jeremiah Payton get some good playing time. Tight end Larry Hodges made the most of his extended playing tonight, catching both passes thrown his way for two touchdowns.
It takes a lot of confidence to predict a team’s record. It takes guts to make a bet on a team’s record. But it may be insanity to go as far as one gambling individual just has. According to reports, at least one bettor has placed $3,400 on the Miami Dolphins going 0-16 in 2019.
A bettor has bet $3,400 on the Dolphins to go 0-16. If it happens @DKSportsbook will pay out a net of $102,000.
It’s no secret the Dolphins aren’t going to do much winning in 2019. Their talent is depleted, coaching unproven, and drama permeates the locker room. But to assume that Miami is destined to not win a single game all season long, even by accident, is a bit of a stretch. It’s also hard to believe that anyone would be willing to place over $3,000 on that outcome. This means that if the Dolphins manage to win just one game all year, this person loses all that.
Perhaps this person can afford to make reckless gambles like this. However, it does speak volumes about the state of the franchise that people have this level of confidence in Miami’s destined fate on the field. As it stands, their next three games are against the New England Patriots, Dallas Cowboys, and Los Angeles Chargers. Given their current state, it’s hard to imagine the Dolphins coming out on top during any of those matchups.
However, there is a saying: “Any given Sunday.” This undisclosed bettor either has a crystal ball, or has money to burn if they’re willing to spend that much. But if they’re right, and this leap of faith pays off, the payout will be staggering. It would also mean Miami’s plan worked. Maybe, this will all work out for the best for everyone.
Luis Sung has covered the Miami Dolphins for numerous outlets such as Dolphins Wire for six years. Follow him on Twitter: @LuisDSung
https://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC_1014-1-scaled.jpg17112560Luis Sunghttps://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/FiveReasonsWebsiteLogo.svgLuis Sung2019-09-13 14:44:472019-09-13 14:44:47Bettor has $3,400 on Dolphins going 0-16
After the rout at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens, multiple reports came out that several Dolphins players wanted out. The locker room emptied out almost instantly. Players contacted their agents desperately seeking help to find an escape route. Now, at least one player is confirmed to be part of that group. 2018 first round pick Minkah Fitzpatrick has been granted permission to seek a trade, per ESPN’s Chris Mortensen.
The Dolphins have granted permission to DB Minkah Fitzpatrick to seek a trade, according to multiple sources who say Miami's asking price is too high. Dolphins have no comment. Story coming with help from @CameronWolfe
A Dolphins official informed ESPN’s Cameron Wolfe that while the team is not actively shopping Fitzpatrick, they have not denied his agent, Joel Segal, permission to talk with other teams. So if some teams offers up a king’s ransom like the Dolphins got for Laremy Tunsil and Kenny Stills, it’s likely Fitzpatrick will be the latest casualty of Miami’s tanking process.
Miami is reportedly looking for a return on their first round investment on Fitzpatrick. Teams seem unwilling to part with such a valuable asset for the former Alabama standout, but stranger things have happened.
Fitzpatrick is highly regarded for his versatility. However, Miami’s desire to use him in multiple roles has been a point of contention for months. Back in August, Fitzpatrick’s mother came out to express her displeasure over her son being misused. Fitzpatrick himself later confirmed he felt the same. He had hoped that a new regime would offer clarification on what his position in the defense was. Instead, things got even cloudier.
minkah fitzpatrick looked lost in coverage for most of the game. but here he does a nice job of containing lamar jackson, with a nice open-field tackle. i'm not sure what the issues are with minkah,but i hope this coaching staff realizes his value elsewhere in miami's secondary pic.twitter.com/KOSA9NmM1B
As a result of this position juggling, Fitzpatrick has been unable to settle in. His level of play is diminishing as he cannot focus on one thing at a time. He played four different positions against Baltimore, including linebacker. That sort of responsibility is too much to ask of almost anyone, let alone a second-year player.
Potential Consequences
Under these circumstances, it’s hard to imagine the Dolphins’ plan working out. The Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson reports that at least one other veteran wants to leave. That player will never admit it publicly, but it’s easy to speculate. Reshad Jones, Kenyan Drake, Albert Wilson, they all have something to offer contenders. Minkah Fitzpatrick is an elite level nickel cornerback. Miami doesn’t want to let him sit there, despite uprooting Bobby McCain from there to supposedly let Fitzpatrick take that role.
No matter which way you slice it, this is a bad look for the Dolphins. This comes just days after players like Davon Godchaux and Jerome Baker took to social media to support “trusting the process,” so to speak.
As of this moment, Fitzpatrick is still scheduled to play against the New England Patriots, in the same role he’s been in so far. If what happened last week happens again, the locker room mutiny could continue to grow out of control. Brian Flores needs to find a solution, and fast.
Luis Sung has covered the Miami Dolphins for numerous outlets such as Dolphins Wire for six years. Follow him on Twitter: @LuisDSung
Jonathan Ledbetter put on enough of a show in practice and preseason to earn a spot on the 53-man roster. However, his season is coming to an abrupt end. On Thursday, the Miami Dolphins placed him on injured reserve as he battles an ankle injury he suffered during Wednesday’s practice.
After six weeks, Miami is eligible to bring back two players from IR. In the meantime, the Dolphins re-signed veteran Tank Carradine to take Ledbetter’s place.
Carradine, a six-year veteran, performed fairly well during the preseason for Miami, even though he only recorded two tackles and five QB hits on the stat sheet. Now, Carradine will likely take starting responsibilities again. He started three of the Dolphins’ preseason games.
Instead of keeping Orchard or Carradine, Miami elected to go young along the defensive line. Ledbetter, Charles Harris, and Avery Moss – who was claimed off waivers from the Giants – were their opening day defensive ends. Ledbetter made four tackles and half a sack against the Ravens.
As an undrafted free agent out of Georgia, Jonathan Ledbetter is a hard worker and offers a relentless motor. He is a prime candidate to return from injured reserve, along with rookie linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel. If they can develop into decent defenders for the 2020 season, that will be a success for them. The Dolphins apparently intend to earn the first overall pick in the 2020 draft, but currently project to pick fifth. To get where they want to be, youth is the route they will continue to take. Carradine is merely filling an open hole. A strong showing could help his future in the NFL.
Luis Sung has covered the Miami Dolphins for numerous outlets such as Dolphins Wire for six years. Follow him on Twitter: @LuisDSung
https://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/FiveReasonsWebsiteLogo.svg00Luis Sunghttps://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/FiveReasonsWebsiteLogo.svgLuis Sung2019-09-12 12:25:432019-09-12 12:25:43Dolphins place DE Jonathan Ledbetter on IR, sign Tank Carradine
Josh Darrow brought up a great point in the latest 5 Rings: A Canes Thing podcast when mentioning Jeff Thomas.Everyone always talks about how much talent Thomas has, but having talent and being talented is different. Having the potential and being a difference-maker or game-changer are different things and I think that’s where we are with Thomas right now.
Big Time Players Make Big Time Plays
He was once thought of as the next Santana Moss type player. While he did show flashes last year, making NFL-type catches, it was tough with a mediocre quarterback throwing you the ball. Then came the quitting. It was only days after a big win against Virginia Tech, in which Thomas ran a punt back for a touchdown, that we learned he would be leaving the program. At that time it was considered a huge blow for the Canes program. How were we going to replace a player like that? He was a game-changer. Rumors and hearsay suggest his relationship with former coaches had soured a bit and it ultimately led to him leaving the program.
It’s Just a Slow Start…
Now, it seems like he has taken a step back and has not regained that moniker. He doesn’t look like the same guy. At this point in his career, we should be talking about the plays he is making, not the plays he was making. He hasn’t looked terrible (well except for the muffed punt against Florida), but he hasn’t looked great. Am I being too hard on the kid? Can we maybe just chalk it up to a slow start? Sure, but is that the “standard” these coaches are holding the players to?
The Guy
If Jeff Thomas wants to be “the guy”, he needs to make catches like the one in the endzone against the Gators. As tough a catch as it may have been(and it was a great throw by Williams), those are the catches he needs to make.
What is clear to me, is that Thomas moves to the beat of his own drum. Is it possible that he lacks focus and discipline? Possibly – and maybe he isn’t who we thought he was. Teams do not fear him like they used to. That needs to change. If Jeff Thomas is not at his best then the Canes aren’t either.
Follow me on Twitter at @jazzsantana for all your Canes news and more.
For all your Canes insider news and exclusive content, check out the @5Rings_Canes podcast.
Go Canes!
https://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/jeff-thomas-11.21.18.jpg7371024Jazz Santanahttps://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/FiveReasonsWebsiteLogo.svgJazz Santana2019-09-11 09:15:412019-11-03 19:18:42Canes Concern: What’s Wrong With Jeff Thomas?
After the worst loss at home in franchise history, the Dolphins would certainly be the worst team in football, right?
Wrong.
Despite having no answer for Lamar Jackson and getting routed at home 59-10, the Dolphins currently hold the 5th-pick in the 2020 draft.
That is all according to Tankathon –who will be tracking this development as the season progresses. (As will I)
Now, it’s obviously foolish to think this draft order holds any merit on September 11th. #NeverForget
But let’s look at the list.
Jacksonville is starting Gardner Minshew. The Giants are in love with Jared Leto and Indianapolis is very good at sucking for Luck. Not to mention Winston did not look good and if Carolina is in the top-5, it’s because Cam Newton’s arm fell off. Miami is far and away the worst team in the NFL. Which is a great success when you think about how hard they have tried to get here. But like we expect with our favorite football team, disappoint and letdown is sure to follow.
If this is the same top-5 draft order in January, I may be more upset than missing out on the playoffs.
