The 49ers perfectly fit the bill for a ‘Trap Game’.
Previous Dolphins teams would right into the 49ers trap.
The Miami Dolphins are hosting the San Francisco 49ers, and even though the 49ers are 1-9 this season, Miami cannot afford to look past this opponent. In the past, Miami has a tendency to play up or down to their opponent, and this is the kind of game that they would lose.
The 49ers have no intentions of rolling out the red carpet for a Dolphins win, so Miami must be dialed in on the task at hand and execute their game plan as if they are playing a top team.
This will be a huge test for Adam Gase not because of what the 49ers are, but because of what they re not.
The best pay per head sportsbook websites in the world opened this game with the Dolphins as the -7.5 point favorite. On Tuesday the line moved up a touch to -8 in favor of the Dolphins, but it quickly moved back to 7.5, and as of Saturday afternoon, it has stayed there since.The action is definitely coming in more on the Dolphins, at a 4 to 1 ratio. We have mentioned many times before that when the action is coming in lopsided, this generally means the other side ends up covering. As long as the Dolphins win this game, I don’t care whether or not they cover, but all signs point to a closer game then most of us want to see.
Odds are stacked against the 49ers, and that’s exactly why they are dangerous.
The 49ers are ranked dead last in defending against the run by allowing a whopping 179.5 yards per game, and a 5.2 yards per attempt average. I know that Mike Pouncey has already been ruled out, and Branden Albert has been listed as doubtful, and Laremy Tunsil as questionable. Even though Miami is going to be working with a makeshift Offensive line that doesn’t mean that Miami should not focus on running the ball. Considering that the 49ers are terrible against the run, there’s no reason why Miami can’t successfully run the ball against them, even without their main starters blocking.
It would seem Miami needs to give the 49ers a heavy dose of Jay Ajayi with at least 25 times.
The 49ers offense sports a decent running back in Carlos Hyde who has racked up 529 yards 6 touchdowns, and a 3.8 yards per rush average. But, the biggest problem for the Miami defense is the legs of QB Colin Kaepernick whocan reel off chunks of yard on the ground if allowed. Miami has had their fair share of problems with running QB’s, so this will certainly be a major key to the game.
Bottom line is, if Miami’s in the right frame of mind, this should be a blow-out. But, that’s the crux of a Trap Game, you don’t show up or play 100% because you expect the game to be a cake walk. So, Gase has a chance to put the past to bed this Sunday. Gase can prove he’s the real deal by getting the team tuned up to play at the level he dictates and not to the level of his opponent. Miami wins big. Go Fins!!!
Yeah Dunner this Ravens game is big. They stopped us in 2008, so I’m still bitter. If Miami wins this with this depleted line ( I hear Bushrod is breaking down) then it will be an epic win. Parker is a star — if he can stay healthy. You have believed in this D from the beginning and Steve believe in the Run game…the two of you were on the right track as they both are the major sources of success. Lemmus though had the key. This O-Line is the well spring..it must get back on track as everything on O and D flows from its success. Carroo keeps building and I think at some point he will be a big component to Miami’s season. He is a beast!! and KIKO — what a move to get Maxwell, Tunsil and Alosno …wow it was a steal!! Go to give it to Tannenbaum. Nervous about this week, not because of the team, but due to Miami’s injuries…
Wow, the transformation this team has made! Did I just read Lemmus mentioning Tanny and Pro Bowl in the same sentence? Wow, I don’t even know how to respond to that. I too had given up on Tanny, didn’t want him benched, because I wanted to see him play, and maybe, just maybe a miracle could take place. Miracle answered thus far.
Team looked good on both sides. I know it got tight towards in the the end (strictly from Kapernik’s running), but I never felt as tough we were in danger of losing the game. Unlike the past, I expected something to happen to cause a lose. Not now, total opposite, something happens to get a win.
Kiko should be in defensive player of the year conversations. He is just playing very well and has a knack to find the ball. That draft day trade was such a big deal for the Fins defense. Savior….
Parker is a stud and should he stay healthy the league will know who Parker is by the end of the season. He is playing as good as any right now.
Carroo’s first professional TD. Notice how big he looks? He is a WR in a TE body. Another weapon developing under this staff. Future bright for Carroo ^^^^^^^^^^
I know the 49ers seemed to dominate in the stat line. Thought because the 9ers were behind and gave up on the run, except that Kaernik ran wild. He can do that against anybody., don’t fault our “D” really. All in all the “D” played well and could have had 3-4 more sacks vs a regular QB. Miami had 30 minutes for time of possession. We will take that every time. Would like a few more runs throughout the game (25-30, idea), again, understand due to O-Line changes that runs were down a bit.
Now onto the Ravens. A HUGE game for Miamis chances to make the Playoffs. Sure would be nice to have all O-Lineman. Thats right, Pouncy, Albert, Tunsil all will be needed for this game. Heck, would be nice to get Howard back as well. This game is as big a game Miami has played in a while. Seem to always struggle vs Baltimore, especially @ Baltimore. That was under previous inept staffs, hoping this new culture, Gase’s play calling can overcome such struggles. A win this Sunday would just catapult this team into the playoffs.
7-4. Five games remain, even going 3-2 leaves us at 10-6 and an outside shot at the playoffs. Ah what the heck…… win out and win the division and the #2 seed and a first round bye. How about that for a change???? SWEET!!!
The J-Train rolls on. However; the train has lost a little momentum due to injuries. Face the top rated defense in Baltimore. Seems like we have been facing a top rated defense every week (outside 49ers). Healthy O-Line Train goes over 100, Same line as yesterdays line and we again may need to rely on Tanny. And I’m not sure if that is a good or bad thing at this point? The new Tanny is capable, but going to need all fazes of the game to leave with a win.
Another nail biter. This team has checked off another box, ie win a game that you are supposed to win. I don’t believe the players overlooked or took lightly the 49er’s. After all, even though they are 1-10, they have lost some close games. As much as Kaepernick is a ………. he is still a decent QB. The next test, beat Baltimore on the road and that will show us that the Phins can actually get in and win in the playoffs. This coaching staff is for real, even though there are lapses in their game time management. But that will improve with experience. What a breath of fresh air it is to be playing meaningful games in December. We fans can remain optimistic regardless of whether or not we get in or barely miss getting in the playoffs. The QB is finally producing clutch plays and this team has 29 players 25 years old or younger so things are only going to get better. Yay! Go Phins.
Hey Fritz, the way I see it is similar to your take: another box checked. This season has fulfilled my desire to have a QB and coaching staff supported by a team that is building. They are tough mentally and physically and for the most part make the right decisions. 2017 looks bright — brighter than the last 2 plus decades. These last stretch of games will be very tough and if Miami plays them tough then that is sweet cake. If they win them and get to the playoffs then that is sweeter icing!!! I’m enjoying the season tremendously. I haven’t said that in ages — I’m with you all the way Frtiz.
….so here we are ..officially .seeded sixth as an AFC wildcard if the season ended today …it doesn’t of course …and the pats won as well …but I’ll take it, eh
…the patchwork OL can’t open holes for Ajayi but it can give TH time to find the open man, even to go deep
…the defense didn’t lose the game but they didn’t win it either
…so with the defense stuttering and the run game stymied, the old Philbust fins would have folded
…but not Gase the QB Whisperer …he put the game on TH’s arm and TH delivered …in spades …130+QBR!!!!
…I could get to like these guys, I could 🙂
…next up, the Ravens …no easy game here …methinks we need some OL starters back to win this one …and for the defense to step up against the run ….not to mention TH extending his current pro-bowl audition
…good god gerty …I just put TH and pro-bowl in the same sentence phrase …6 games ago I wanted him benched and traded …but that was six games ago …today …today he earned his pay …and some kudos, eh
I think I was one of the more lenient on T-Hill (even made a video in his defense) BUT, even I was about on my last straw too Lemmus — feel like doubting Thomas now! The good thing Gase never was a doubter. Gase has nailed just about everything along the way, and what he was wrong about, he openly admitted his failure. I am close to raising the bar for T-Hill. I thought he could fall into 12-8 range at his best. I am raising it to 8-5 now. The kid has stayed strong and withstood the storm. Unless something epic happens, he is the Miami QB for years to come….and, I’m really happy about that. Ajayi needs to get to the line of scrimmage to be decent and a yard over to be great…this line is getting getting him to the LOS sometimes and too many times far behind the LOS. This week could be ugly with this 2nd rate left side crew. I need to find out exactly why…maybe it’s working together, maybe it’s talent…not sure. BUT, we are way above expectations at this point and it’s good times!!!!
Yeah Dunner this Ravens game is big. They stopped us in 2008, so I’m still bitter. If Miami wins this with this depleted line ( I hear Bushrod is breaking down) then it will be an epic win. Parker is a star — if he can stay healthy. You have believed in this D from the beginning and Steve believe in the Run game…the two of you were on the right track as they both are the major sources of success. Lemmus though had the key. This O-Line is the well spring..it must get back on track as everything on O and D flows from its success. Carroo keeps building and I think at some point he will be a big component to Miami’s season. He is a beast!! and KIKO — what a move to get Maxwell, Tunsil and Alosno …wow it was a steal!! Go to give it to Tannenbaum. Nervous about this week, not because of the team, but due to Miami’s injuries…
Wow, the transformation this team has made! Did I just read Lemmus mentioning Tanny and Pro Bowl in the same sentence? Wow, I don’t even know how to respond to that. I too had given up on Tanny, didn’t want him benched, because I wanted to see him play, and maybe, just maybe a miracle could take place. Miracle answered thus far.
Team looked good on both sides. I know it got tight towards in the the end (strictly from Kapernik’s running), but I never felt as tough we were in danger of losing the game. Unlike the past, I expected something to happen to cause a lose. Not now, total opposite, something happens to get a win.
Kiko should be in defensive player of the year conversations. He is just playing very well and has a knack to find the ball. That draft day trade was such a big deal for the Fins defense. Savior….
Parker is a stud and should he stay healthy the league will know who Parker is by the end of the season. He is playing as good as any right now.
Carroo’s first professional TD. Notice how big he looks? He is a WR in a TE body. Another weapon developing under this staff. Future bright for Carroo ^^^^^^^^^^
I know the 49ers seemed to dominate in the stat line. Thought because the 9ers were behind and gave up on the run, except that Kaernik ran wild. He can do that against anybody., don’t fault our “D” really. All in all the “D” played well and could have had 3-4 more sacks vs a regular QB. Miami had 30 minutes for time of possession. We will take that every time. Would like a few more runs throughout the game (25-30, idea), again, understand due to O-Line changes that runs were down a bit.
Now onto the Ravens. A HUGE game for Miamis chances to make the Playoffs. Sure would be nice to have all O-Lineman. Thats right, Pouncy, Albert, Tunsil all will be needed for this game. Heck, would be nice to get Howard back as well. This game is as big a game Miami has played in a while. Seem to always struggle vs Baltimore, especially @ Baltimore. That was under previous inept staffs, hoping this new culture, Gase’s play calling can overcome such struggles. A win this Sunday would just catapult this team into the playoffs.
7-4. Five games remain, even going 3-2 leaves us at 10-6 and an outside shot at the playoffs. Ah what the heck…… win out and win the division and the #2 seed and a first round bye. How about that for a change???? SWEET!!!
The J-Train rolls on. However; the train has lost a little momentum due to injuries. Face the top rated defense in Baltimore. Seems like we have been facing a top rated defense every week (outside 49ers). Healthy O-Line Train goes over 100, Same line as yesterdays line and we again may need to rely on Tanny. And I’m not sure if that is a good or bad thing at this point? The new Tanny is capable, but going to need all fazes of the game to leave with a win.
Hoot Hoot!!!!!
Another nail biter. This team has checked off another box, ie win a game that you are supposed to win. I don’t believe the players overlooked or took lightly the 49er’s. After all, even though they are 1-10, they have lost some close games. As much as Kaepernick is a ………. he is still a decent QB.
The next test, beat Baltimore on the road and that will show us that the Phins can actually get in and win in the playoffs.
This coaching staff is for real, even though there are lapses in their game time management. But that will improve with experience. What a breath of fresh air it is to be playing meaningful games in December.
We fans can remain optimistic regardless of whether or not we get in or barely miss getting in the playoffs. The QB is finally producing clutch plays and this team has 29 players 25 years old or younger so things are only going to get better. Yay! Go Phins.
Hey Fritz, the way I see it is similar to your take: another box checked. This season has fulfilled my desire to have a QB and coaching staff supported by a team that is building. They are tough mentally and physically and for the most part make the right decisions. 2017 looks bright — brighter than the last 2 plus decades. These last stretch of games will be very tough and if Miami plays them tough then that is sweet cake. If they win them and get to the playoffs then that is sweeter icing!!! I’m enjoying the season tremendously. I haven’t said that in ages — I’m with you all the way Frtiz.
….so here we are ..officially .seeded sixth as an AFC wildcard if the season ended today …it doesn’t of course …and the pats won as well …but I’ll take it, eh
…the patchwork OL can’t open holes for Ajayi but it can give TH time to find the open man, even to go deep
…the defense didn’t lose the game but they didn’t win it either
…so with the defense stuttering and the run game stymied, the old Philbust fins would have folded
…but not Gase the QB Whisperer …he put the game on TH’s arm and TH delivered …in spades …130+QBR!!!!
…I could get to like these guys, I could 🙂
…next up, the Ravens …no easy game here …methinks we need some OL starters back to win this one …and for the defense to step up against the run ….not to mention TH extending his current pro-bowl audition
…good god gerty …I just put TH and pro-bowl in the same sentence phrase …6 games ago I wanted him benched and traded …but that was six games ago …today …today he earned his pay …and some kudos, eh
I think I was one of the more lenient on T-Hill (even made a video in his defense) BUT, even I was about on my last straw too Lemmus — feel like doubting Thomas now! The good thing Gase never was a doubter. Gase has nailed just about everything along the way, and what he was wrong about, he openly admitted his failure. I am close to raising the bar for T-Hill. I thought he could fall into 12-8 range at his best. I am raising it to 8-5 now. The kid has stayed strong and withstood the storm. Unless something epic happens, he is the Miami QB for years to come….and, I’m really happy about that. Ajayi needs to get to the line of scrimmage to be decent and a yard over to be great…this line is getting getting him to the LOS sometimes and too many times far behind the LOS. This week could be ugly with this 2nd rate left side crew. I need to find out exactly why…maybe it’s working together, maybe it’s talent…not sure. BUT, we are way above expectations at this point and it’s good times!!!!