Nik Needham shining in his second stint with the Miami Dolphins

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Nik Needham spent his college playing career at the University of Texas at El Paso developing his football skills. The cornerback finished with 213 tackles, 13.5 tackles for a loss and three interceptions. He added a school record of 33 passes broken up in 41 career games.

However, that wasn’t enough to land a spot on Miami’s 53-man roster as the Dolphins waived him on Aug. 31, the final day of roster cuts.

“He came in here, worked hard, got cut – we knew the work ethic was there but got cut,” defensive coordinator Patrick Graham said. ” [Josh Boyer, cornerbacks coach, told him] you’re going to have to transform your body. You’re going to have to – in terms of just how important it is to you, that’s a decision you’re going to have make.”

Needham signed to join the practice squad the following day. He earned a spot n the 53-man roster right before Miami’s game against Washington. Since then, the rookie has made the most out his opportunity.

He tallied a team-high nine tackles in Miami’s win over New York. One of those tackles was a sack of quarterback Sam Darnold, the first of Needham’s career. In Sunday’s win over the Colts he added his first-career interception.

Not only did Needham listen to Graham’s advice, but it is quickly paying off.

“He’s starting to see really the fruits of his labor in terms of the success on the field and he knows he still has a long way to go,” Graham said. “This week [against Buffalo] is going to be a huge challenge with the receivers we’re going to see when they play down here from Buffalo. He’s making steps in the right direction.”

Needham has started four of the last five games for the Miami Dolphins. On Sunday he contributed three passes defended against the Colts.

“Nik played well [against the Colts],” coach Brian Flores said on Monday. “We brought him in as a free agent and he did some good things in OTAs and had some struggles like most rookies do in the preseason and wasn’t quite ready, so we put him on the practice squad. It’s part of their journey, I should say. He spent a few weeks on the practice squad. I think getting released and going through that process took him through a little bit of the reality of what the National Football League could be. He’s turned some things around and he’s still got a long way to go, but all of those things play a role in kind of how we performed yesterday and hopefully he continues to do that.”

Needham’s stock has grown over the last few weeks, but his goal is to help the team.

“It just felt good to contribute to the old guys and help get a win,” Needham said. “That is all I am really worried about – I just want to win. It felt great.”

The Dolphins are working to build on a perfect 2-0 record in November.

“I think over the weeks we are just building chemistry and really play for each other,” Needham said. “Game changing plays happen out there and we don’t back down or give up we just go back out there and fight. That’s the main goal every week.”

Miami will look to make it three-straight wins this Sunday. The Dolphins have a divisional match against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium.

 

Florida Panthers claw way to comeback win over Boston Bruins

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The Florida Panthers won a wild game at the TD Garden on Tuesday.

It is safe to say that the Comeback Cats have lived up to their nickname. The Florida Panthers went toe-to-toe with the Boston Bruins in a wild game at TD Garden on Tuesday night. The good guys came out on the winning edge of things after the situation looked very bleak.

Before they got the victory, the Florida Panthers had to weather the storm.

Goals by David Pasternak, Joakim Nordstrom, Anders Bjork, and Zdeno Chara in the second period led to goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky being pulled from the game at the start of the third period. Down four goals, something had to change for the Florida Panthers. The winds of change were certainly present as Sam Montembeault began the start of the third frame. It was almost as if something clicked for the Florida Panthers. It wasn’t that they were slacking off all night. If anything, they were playing their game for the entirety of the contest.

They just kept plugging away. They weren’t doing anything special, they were just firing shots at Boston goaltender Tuukka Rask. If there is one thing this team has proved so far this season, it is that they never give up. That was certainly the case Tuesday night.

The Florida Panthers get things going at the right time

Aaron Ekblad got the party going for the Panthers just 50 seconds into the third period. He hammered a beautiful pass from Keith Yandle just outside the left circle to make it a 4-1 game. Shooting from the left side, Rask had no chance at seeing it.

Jonathan Huberdeau  contributed to the next goal which was scored by Frank Vatrano. Huberdeau dished a nice pass to Vatrano who ripped a shot by a screened Rask to make it 4-2. You could definitely sense that the tone of the game was changing. The Panthers got their skating legs back and they were able to put forth a much better effort than they had in the first two periods.

Mike Hoffman was the beneficiary of a Bruins powerplay as he scored the next goal for Florida at the 9:43 mark. You could see Rask beginning to melt down a bit, and the Bruins almost played a bit scared in the third frame. That was definitely evident when the game was tied courtesy of a Keith Yandle goal, and somehow, the Panthers  managed to come back from four goals down. It was almost as if the Panthers were destined to win this game. Yandle’s goal was no small feat. With 1:39 left in the third period, traffic at the net forced the puck to bounce around for a bit. Yandle was the right place at the right time to pick it up.

As a result, a shootout ensued, and Hoffman was there to tally the game-winner. Charlie Coyle managed to record a goal for Boston, but it wasn’t enough as Vincent Trocheck gave the Panthers an early cushion. This led to Hoffman being able to seal the deal, as the Florida Panthers won a game for the second night in a row.

These Florida Panthers never give up

This has been a hallmark of the Florida Panthers all season. They play a gritty style of hockey. They don’t divert away from the game plan, they just keep plugging away. That was evident on Tuesday night. They just kept plugging away and shot pucks at the net. Especially in the third frame, their passes were crisp and they remained focused. There is this old hockey cliché that states “if you shoot pucks at the net, good things will happen.” The Panthers certainly lived by that adage Tuesday.

This team is a lot of fun to watch. Their wins may not always be pretty, and they may have some rough games. However, they will always compete and play hard. As a fan, that’s I can ask for.

 

 

 

Bam, Heat hold off Pistons in matchup of undermanned

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At least through three quarters, the Miami Heat did what you should do to weary, groggy teams.

And the Detroit Pistons, in the state they arrived Tuesday, were that. Without Blake Griffin and Derrick Rose, their star and resurgent sixth man. Groggy after a flight that arrived at 5:30am.

While the 117-108 victory, which was supremely sloppy down the stretch, may not seem like much, this was the type of game the Heat has found a way to lose the past couple of seasons, especially when they were shorthanded themselves. On this night, however, without Tyler Herro, Derrick Jones Jr. and James Johnson — and playing three G-League players regularly — they dominated Detroit at the start and that was enough to survive. While the Pistons pulled closer late, even with Andre Drummond fouling out, it never felt as if the Heat lost control, especially as Jimmy Butler (20 points) finally started looking to score.

The pacesetters? The veterans. Goran Dragic entered the NBA in the top 5 in bench scoring, and continued his comfortable rhythm with his eighth double-digit performance (18 points) in 10 outings. Butler, as he’s done all but three times this season, worked his way into the game offensively, setting tempo and finding shooters, with 13 of Miami’s 34 assists. And Miami’s young vet, Bam Adebayo, who had 18 points and 14 rebounds, flashed his shooting touch with a 17-foot jumper and a nifty hook, before fouling out.

That, plus at least three three-pointers apiece from Duncan Robinson and the recently-struggling Kendrick Nunn and Kelly Olynyk, was sufficient. All 10 Heat players scored, including two-way guard Daryl Macon (flown in as a reinforcement) and Mr. 305 Udonis Haslem, who got the loudest ovation when he entered, chewing on his mouthpiece.

Cleveland is next, part of a stretch that should see the Heat soar to 11-3, provided they close better than they did Tuesday night.

(Cover photo by Alejandro Villegas)

Tweets of the night:

 

Panthers Defense Must Stand Tall Against Struggling Bruins

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The Florida Panthers (8-4-5, 21 points) are back in action Tuesday when they travel to Boston (11-3-3, 25 points) to finish out a three game road trip.

Florida has split the first two games and are coming off an exciting 6-5 shootout win over the New York Rangers.

Evgenii Davodov tied a career high in the win with three points on a goal and two assists.

Boston leads the Atlantic Division with those 25 points while Florida is right in the middle of the pack, which is a better place than in recent years where they occupied the cellar early in the season.

The Panthers and Bruins are tied for 5th in the NHL in scoring with 60 goals, both teams have played 17 games entering Tuesday.

Where the difference lies is in goals allowed, Florida is tied for the fourth most goals allowed (also 60) while Boston has surrendered just 41.

That’s the difference between being second in goals allowed per game for Boston (2.41GAA) versus 26th in GAA for the Panthers (3.53).

Florida allows the ninth fewest shots against per game (30.2) so the conversion percentage for their opponents is an issue.

 

The Panthers defense has allowed at least five goals in seven games already, winning just once (against the Rangers this week).

Newly acquired goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (6-3-4, 3.39GAA, .884SV%) has struggled and his numbers are well below his career averages.

Florida’s offense has not been the issue and the recent resurgence of captain Aleksander Barkov has helped carry the team through inconsistent defensive efforts.

After not scoring a goal in his first 12 games this year, Barkov has found the net in five straight contests and leads the Panthers with 22 points overall.

 

Boston is in their own funk at the moment, losing three in a row following a six game win streak. The Bruins are banged up with forwards Jake Debrusk and David Backes hitting injured reserve this week.

They are still plenty of weapons for Boston as top scorers David Pastrnak (15 goals, 15 assists) and Brad Marchand (11 goals, 18 assists) are ever dangerous.

Pastrnak has six points in his last five games but none in the previous two losses, while Marchand has four goals and four assists in his last five outings.

Puck drops from the TD Garden in Boston at 7:00PM. Make sure to check out Alex Donno on the pre and post game broadcasts on 560 WQAM as well.

 

 

 

Despite move to TE early in season, Njoku elects to transfer

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Attrition continues for Manny Diaz’s program as redshirt-sophomore Evidence Njoku, who made the switch from wide receiver to tight end earlier this season, has decided to transfer out of the program. Njoku was not present at practice this morning. 

 

“He came to me and said he intends to transfer. He is a good young man and we wish him well wherever he ends up,” coach Manny Diaz added after practice.

Evidence finishes his UM career with one catch for 18 yards. Despite the switch, opportunities for the 6’6” Njoku to see the field were very slim considering the Canes are returning standout Brevin Jordan for at least one more season along with Will Mallory. He had been hoping to follow in the footsteps of many UM tight end greats before him, including his older brother David, who was a first-round draft pick in 2017. 

 

Njoku’s departure now leaves the team with five scholarship tight ends in Jordan, Mallory, Michael Irvin Jr., Brian Polendey, and Larry Hodges. Miami also has at least one more tight end coming in the next recruiting cycle with Naples High’s Dominic Mammarelli currently committed.

 

Some fans question the tanking objective. (Tony Capobianco for Five Reasons Sports)

Dolphins land premier QB in latest Tankathon Mock Draft

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Despite winning two straight games, the Miami Dolphins are still able to acquire LSU QB Joe Burrow in Tankathon’s latest 3- Round Mock Draft.

After starting the season 0-7, the Dolphins have won two straight games.

No, they weren’t the most prestigious of victories. After all, one came against the lowly Jets and former HC Adam Gase. And on Sunday, the Dolphins defeated a banged up Colts team, led by Brian Hoyer. They may not have been pretty, but the Dolphins continue their upward trajectory. And as 3 Yards Per Carry’s CKparrot pointed out on twitter, they could very well be playing their best football in December.

Worst of all, Miami’s latest victory comes a day after GM Chris Grier, Stephen Ross, and two college scouts attended the LSU/Alabama shootout.  And whether or not you believe that Tua Tagovailoa is the apple of their eye (he is), Joe Burrow was equally as impressive. But no matter which quarterback the Dolphins covet, they will need to do one of two things.

A) Stop winning football games.

B) Trade a boatload of assets to move up and get their QB.

C) Settle on another 2020 QB

D) Other

In the latest Tankathon 3-round mock draft, there’s still hope that the Dolphins land a premier QB. Unfortunately, it’s not the QB a majority of fans covet.

First Round

With the 4th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins select — Joe Burrow, QB, LSU

Burrow has been absolutely outstanding this season, completing 236/299 for 3,198 yards 33 touchdowns and 4 interceptions this season.  In fact, some draft pundits believe he may be a better fit in Cincinnati.  After all, he’s a local product that fits Zac Taylor’s system.  Regardless of whether or not he or Tua Tagovailoa is selected #1 overall, if the top-5 were to end up the way it currently stands, the Dolphins could land a premier signal caller in this year’s draft.

At the back end of the first-round, Miami selects WR Laviska Shenault, the dynamic WR from Colorado.  Ironically enough, Shenault is a life-long fan of the Dolphins and would be a good fit in O’Shea’s offense.  With their last pick in round one, Miami selects Alabama defensive lineman Raekwon Davis.  His size and versatility would be yet another welcomed addition in Flores’ defense.

Second Round

At the top of round two, the Dolphins upgrade the running back position with one of the most explosive backs in all of football, D’Andre Swift.  No one can argue how dismal Miami’s run game has been this season, especially with Kalen Ballage touting the rock for a pedestrian 2.1 yards per carry. Hopefully, when Mark Walton serves his four-game suspension he can help ease the coaching staff’s pain. Nevertheless, Miami will almost certainly be drafting a running back in April’s draft.

Later in round two, the Dolphins select pass-rusher Kenny Willekes from Michigan State. Willekes has 55 tackles and 5.5 sacks in 2019 and would be a difference maker at a position of need.

Third Round

Back in 2018, a lot of Dolphins fans (and Stephen Ross) wanted the team to draft one of the most dynamic QBs in all of football. Unfortunately, Miami passed on Lamar Jackson for Minkah Fitzpatrick, who was later traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers. But make no mistake about it, Chris Grier has learned from his past mistakes and in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, he finally gets Lamar Jackson. That’s right, with the 69th-overall pick, Miami selects physical defensive back Lamar Jackson out of Nebraska.

 

This will change many more times between now and April 23, 2020. With that said, how do you feel with Tankathon’s latest mock draft?

Josh Houtz (@houtz) is a die-hard fan of the Miami Dolphins, and is okay (I guess) with #BlowForBurrow

Gallery: Best photos from Miami’s win over Louisville

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Miami Heat suspend Dion Waiters for 10 games

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This is yet another chapter in the Miami Heat-Dion Waiters saga.

It has been a tumultuous season for Dion Waiters and the Miami Heat, and it is apparent that the Heat have had enough of his antics. On Sunday, it was announced that the team has suspended him for 10 games.

The most recent incident occurred on Friday when Waiters was ill because he ate too many gummies. The incident occurred a flight from Phoenix to Los Angeles, before the team was set to take on the Lakers. He fell asleep by the time the plane landed and he had a seizure when he woke up.  Waiters’ mother took to Instagram on Friday to deny the report.

Having missed nine games already this season,  he is in the third season of a four-year, $52 million contract.

In the meantime, the Miami Heat are performing well despite all of this off-court drama. Currently, they are ranked third in the Eastern Conference with a 6-3 record. They are set to take on the Pistons on the road on Tuesday.

It definitely seems like the Miami Heat are tired of the drama surrounding Waiters, whether it be one situation or another. This 10-game suspension is certainly warranted, given all of the things the team has had to go through this year with him. It would be one thing if he was a crucial part of this team, and was relied upon heavily in order for Miami to win. However, they have shown that they don’t need Waiters to win. Others have stepped up nicely to fill the void left by him.

It will be interesting to see if he has a role with the team following the suspension. I’m guessing his days in Miami are numbered. He is becoming a huge distraction and is obviously disgruntled. It may be best for both parties to cut ties and move forward. It is quite possible that a change of scenery is needed for him to continue being an effective player in the NBA. Right now, things are not going well for him in Miami.  It may be best for everyone involved to move forward.

Jimmy Murphy breaks turnover chain in Miami’s senior day win

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Jimmy Murphy is as unique a senior as any in the history of the University of Miami football program.

Occasionally nicknamed “Rudy” the 5-7 ball of energy has been in the forefront of the Hurricanes special teams unit. He said before the season that kickoffs were his favorite but his best moment has been on the punt team. Only then when the crowd at Hard Rock Stadium roars after seeing him make a tackle or down the punt.

Wearing the caption “C” on senior day, it was only fitting that he would have at least one more memorable moment to cap off an unprecedented Hurricane career. He got it in the third quarter of Miami’s 52-27 drubbing over the Louisville Cardinals.

Louis Hedley kicked a 47-yard punt to Tutu Atwell, who fumbled the return, which was then recovered by Murphy to continue the Hurricanes offensive drive. The drive concluded with a field goal by Camden Price but the Turnover chain was finally awarded to Murphy, who was unable to contain his excitement.

“I didn’t know I had it,” Murphy said, “I was just filled with energy. When they brought it out, I‘m like, ‘Oh my God, that’s mine!’ So I just took it and I forgot that I was wearing a helmet.”

He broke the latch off of the chain as he attempted to take a bite out of the “305” medallion.

“That would be a Jimmy Murphy thing to do because he’s so physical and full speed in everything that he does,” Miami head coach Manny Diaz said.

“I didn’t break it,” Murphy said. “I hope I didn’t break it.”

Cornerback Al Blades Jr. was the next Hurricane to wear the turnover chain after intercepting Louisville quarterback Evan Conley. The chain was fixed and he held a whiteboard with the handwritten note saying, “It’s not fake.”

“The chain is in good condition,” Blades said. “It is not broke. It is real and in well condition.”

Murphy, who joined the Hurricanes as a walk-on defensive back, leaves as a running back with both the turnover chain and touchdown rings.

Jarren Williams, Hurricanes explode, embarrass Louisville

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QB1 wasn’t done at one. Or two. Or three. Or four.

Or even five.

Jarren Williams, who won the Miami Hurricanes’ job in camp, looked impressive early in the season and then regressed as he struggled with a shoulder surgery, announced himself as the present and future of the program in Saturday’s 52-27 demolition of Louisville.

No one has ever thrown as many touchdowns for the Hurricanes in a game.

Not Bernie Kosar, Jim Kelly, Vinny Testaverde, Gino Torretta or even the immortal Kirby Freeman.

Only Deshaun Watson, then of Clemson, has thrown as many touchdowns in an ACC contest.

Sure, Williams’ protection was the best it’s been all season — the best it’s been for any quarterback here in years, actually. And yes, just about every receiver, especially Dee Wiggins, was consistently uncovered. Still, Williams had to make the throws, and did he ever. Again and again, he was on target, poised in the pocket and precise with his passes.

Williams’ brilliance lifted Miami to 6-4 in Manny Diaz’s first season, and 4-3 in the ACC. While the improvement of the overall team is undeniable, it’s still reasonable to wonder where the Hurricanes — now on a three-game win streak — would be if they had simply identified a competent kicker earlier in the season.

DeeJay Dallas and Cam’Ron Harris combined for 158 yards rushing.

Michael Harley and Wiggins combined for four of the touchdowns and more than 200 yards receiving.

Al Blades Jr. had an interception.

But the non-Jarren moment of the game was provided by celebrated underdog walk-on Jimmy Murphy, who recovered a fumble on a punt, tried to eat the turnover chain and broke it as Diaz cheered in the rain.

Miami finishes the regular season against FIU and Duke.  Then there will be a bowl game.

(For more, listen to 5 Rings Canes and Shula Bowl Podcast on the Five Reasons Sports Network. Photos by our Tony Capobianco.)