Williams was benched and getting cut in the off season, but now he is in the starting line-up.
Williams was expected to rebound big in 2016, but instead ended up a complete dud.
In a strange set of circumstances Mario Williams has been yanked from exile and had the red carpet rolled as he steps back into the starting Defensive End position opposite Cameron Wake.
Saaaayyyy whhhaatt?!!!
Jason Jones was cut, Andre Branch moved to back-up Wake, and Terrance Fede is now backing up Williams.
Wow!
Now, I’m not even going to think about questioning Adam Gase when it comes to reading players.
He has nailed it with Jay Ajayi, Damien Willliams, DeVante Parker, Ryan Tannehill, Kenny Stills, Deon Sims, Jermon Bushrod as far as reading the tea leaves correct about the players talents and what they needed from a coaching stand point to get them moving in a better direction.
But, you might say they are all offensive players.
Well, Miami also has a coach named Vance Joseph who has been equally adept at cultivating players: Byron Maxwell, Tony Lippett, Kiko Alonso, Baccari Rambo, and as of late Jordan Phillips.
Both coaches have signed off on this move. Could you get better signatures?
When Mario Williams was play in top form, he was a dominating force.
This move is a 100% wildcard that will end up either an ace in the hole or a joker.
The decision to bring William back is sure to break hard, one way of the other.
I guess when you really think about it, this run defense couldn’t get any worse. So there’s that.
But, what if this end up a stroke of genius? What if Williams decides to give his all for a few games?
Williams has never, ever played in the playoffs, and he’s getting cut in the off season. This will be the last bit of film he’ll get to shop his wares around to other GM’s in 2017, and will more than likely be his last chance at prime time.
If there is a drop of motivation left in his 6’6” 300 lbs frame, then it will wake up come Sunday.
I’m not going to even guess whether this will work. But, this has now become a major story-line for this game. And in a weird season full of surprises, maybe Miami has room for one more? Go Fins!!!
Though I felled a sleep after the Steelers scored 21 points. I would like to commend the dolphins for making it into the first round of the play offs Great Job there.
The Dolphins were cold at 17 degree’s nor were they prepared to play in a play off game. College players can tackle better.
Defense Wins games! Who have we Stop this season Really?
The formula of success needed the Defense to stop or slow the offense. They melted down and gave up an epic amount of yards with little or no opposition, Corner playing 7 yards off, with shell coverage, little disguise, and average to poor ply by the players was a death kneel. Add to that 3 turnovers, one costing sure points, terrible play by Albert and an inability to see obvious rushers was the icing on the cake. But, defensive play calls, Moore’s turnovers , the play of the defensive players and Albert’s performance (in that order) is the major culprits to Miami’s disastrous failure — least in my opinion. A bunch of these factors hopefully will be fixed this offseason. But, pieces are in play that offer hope. A closer game would have offered more certainty, though.
Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers. Going in to make the game 20-13 at half and getting the ball to start the half. Not, turnovers were the difference.
All in All, a great year. A foundation has been formed, nice young team, defense in need this off season. I too hate watching our CBs giving a century to the WRs. Rumor has it, Joseph is Denver’s next HC. Fine w me, he did great, players liked him, but I never seen any creative schemes to stop the other team, other than an occasional DL drop in coverage.
We are on the way up, another good off season, free agents, draftees and Pitt can come down here next year and we can return the favor.
…but the bottom line was that they ran and we couldn’t
…we need TWO starting OL in FA/Draft
…prefer we get them in FA because we also must have TWO starting LBs
…starting Guards can be had in FA at 5mi each, LB will break the bank
…we may get a decent trade for Moore, he finished with a higher QBR than 90% of the starting QBs in the league over the same starts …and the league is QB starved with a poor QB draft coming up
…he wants to finish here and Gase has to weigh going with the rookie …but if someone offers a starting LB or a high #2 pick, I think Moore will go
…the draft has to be pure defense unless we still need Guards after FA …in that case #3/4 go there …but our defense got run over in the last two games by play off teams …and it wasn’t all Josephs fault
…but I’m good with the season, the HC, and the offense …except Guards
…we solved TWO huge question this year …HC and QB …both positively
The defensive plan sucked. If Joseph doesn’t get a HC gig, I hope he alters his philosophy. He is starting to remind me of Coyle and another name I hate to mention…olivadotti. I despise the passive style. Like him as a coach though, but his calls and philosophy of playing off and running vanilla with loads of obvious blitzes….not a fan of it in the least. And I don’t wanna’ hear about lack of talent. It goes far deeper than that….sorry, but I hope he goes. Not saying he can’t get better or it’s all his fault, but he seems the weakest link in the calling department and I don’t want to roll the dice on him stepping up.
The first half has gone about the way I expected. However, on the last series, very disappointed with the first and goal call. Should have lined up RB in the backfield to at least make the appearance that we might run.
Yup, but just a bit disappointed over the performance. The defensive plan sucked and Moore had 3 turnovers. If Joseph doesn’t get a HC gig, I hope he alters his philosophy. He is starting to remind me of Coyle and another name I hate to mention…olivadotti. I despise the passive style. Like him as a coach though, but his calls and philosophy of playing off and running vanilla with loads of obvious blitzs….not a fan of it. But, overall Gase, Ajayi, and Tannehill and a trip the postseason is something to be positive about, but still alot of skeletons in the closet that need cleaning. This will need to be a good + off season given the tough schedule next year. Go Fins Fritz!
Though I do believe that Gase is a compassionate person, I don’t think compassion was the reason for Williams/Jones. Gase is not in the business of cutting players for the sake of opportunity. Said opportunity comes during the week, and Williams must have had his best week of practice for the year. While the opposite of Jones. They did go in full pads w contact for Wednesdays practice for the first time in 2 months. I still don’t think Gase cares if Mario played 100 playoffs games or none. Though a good week of practice coupled with Williams first ever playoff game, just maybe the “old” Wiliams may show himself considering the moment.
Both home teams won yesterdays games. Hoping both road teams win today. Want another shot at the Pats. Call me crazy.
A kind gesture by Gase. He is a tough coach but a kind hearted man. He wants to allow Mario the experience of a playoff game and at the same time gamble that Mario will have a monster game. This also shows how much he cares about each and every player on his roster. I can see why he has won over the locker room and why this team plays so hard for him. Win or lose, I am very pleased with this season. I hope for a win so we can go to NE and avenge the Patriots loss. Would that not be sweet! Go Dolphins!
I agree with you Fritz to a point, but by cutting Jones you are down to 4 DE’s and combine that with starting Mario you are jeopardizing the team if he plays like he has, which isn’t so hot. So, while there is an aspect of be a good guy, Gase wants to win more than anything and I don’t think giving him a couple of snaps and riding the bench for the experience is the sole motivation. But, we’ll know Gase and Joseph’s motivation by how much Mario plays. Man is it 1 o’clock yet? And yeah, beating Pit and then the Patsies would be mind blowing…see how much fun Post Season can be!!! Hope it’s this fun by half time 🙂
Gase may be hoping Mario has that big game. Mario after all, will be on the street this off season and needs to shop himself. Also, he gave Jones his release as requested by him since he was not going to play. Probably also wants to see what Fede can do. Good points by all. That’s why I read this blog. Go Dolphins! Almost kickoff time.
…smells to me like the turnstile twins cut …last game, the defense stank …bottom line, if Gase thinks you’re the problem, you.re gone …next man up, playoffs or not
I’m hoping with the same results. I just don’t see them starting Mario and cutting Jones for MArio to ride the pine…and yeah, I really love Gase as coach. He’s the kinda guy I’d like to hang and drink with with and also play for…great template for a modern coach!!! And he is the Fins!
Though I felled a sleep after the Steelers scored 21 points. I would like to commend the dolphins for making it into the first round of the play offs Great Job there.
The Dolphins were cold at 17 degree’s nor were they prepared to play in a play off game. College players can tackle better.
Defense Wins games! Who have we Stop this season Really?
Who is the Best Proven Defensive Coach?
The formula of success needed the Defense to stop or slow the offense. They melted down and gave up an epic amount of yards with little or no opposition, Corner playing 7 yards off, with shell coverage, little disguise, and average to poor ply by the players was a death kneel. Add to that 3 turnovers, one costing sure points, terrible play by Albert and an inability to see obvious rushers was the icing on the cake. But, defensive play calls, Moore’s turnovers , the play of the defensive players and Albert’s performance (in that order) is the major culprits to Miami’s disastrous failure — least in my opinion. A bunch of these factors hopefully will be fixed this offseason. But, pieces are in play that offer hope. A closer game would have offered more certainty, though.
Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers. Going in to make the game 20-13 at half and getting the ball to start the half. Not, turnovers were the difference.
All in All, a great year. A foundation has been formed, nice young team, defense in need this off season. I too hate watching our CBs giving a century to the WRs. Rumor has it, Joseph is Denver’s next HC. Fine w me, he did great, players liked him, but I never seen any creative schemes to stop the other team, other than an occasional DL drop in coverage.
We are on the way up, another good off season, free agents, draftees and Pitt can come down here next year and we can return the favor.
…I hope the Joseph story is true
…turnovers were a killer for us today
…but the bottom line was that they ran and we couldn’t
…we need TWO starting OL in FA/Draft
…prefer we get them in FA because we also must have TWO starting LBs
…starting Guards can be had in FA at 5mi each, LB will break the bank
…we may get a decent trade for Moore, he finished with a higher QBR than 90% of the starting QBs in the league over the same starts …and the league is QB starved with a poor QB draft coming up
…he wants to finish here and Gase has to weigh going with the rookie …but if someone offers a starting LB or a high #2 pick, I think Moore will go
…the draft has to be pure defense unless we still need Guards after FA …in that case #3/4 go there …but our defense got run over in the last two games by play off teams …and it wasn’t all Josephs fault
…but I’m good with the season, the HC, and the offense …except Guards
…we solved TWO huge question this year …HC and QB …both positively
…never would have believed it at 1-4 🙂
as for Joseph, I’ll paste my statement above:
The defensive plan sucked. If Joseph doesn’t get a HC gig, I hope he alters his philosophy. He is starting to remind me of Coyle and another name I hate to mention…olivadotti. I despise the passive style. Like him as a coach though, but his calls and philosophy of playing off and running vanilla with loads of obvious blitzes….not a fan of it in the least. And I don’t wanna’ hear about lack of talent. It goes far deeper than that….sorry, but I hope he goes. Not saying he can’t get better or it’s all his fault, but he seems the weakest link in the calling department and I don’t want to roll the dice on him stepping up.
The first half has gone about the way I expected. However, on the last series, very disappointed with the first and goal call. Should have lined up RB in the backfield to at least make the appearance that we might run.
Turnovers are accentuating a porous D…I’m tired of seeing the corners a mile off the Receivers. Starting to feel like Coyle 2.0.
Oh well! There is always next year. Love my Dolphins….always!
Yup, but just a bit disappointed over the performance. The defensive plan sucked and Moore had 3 turnovers. If Joseph doesn’t get a HC gig, I hope he alters his philosophy. He is starting to remind me of Coyle and another name I hate to mention…olivadotti. I despise the passive style. Like him as a coach though, but his calls and philosophy of playing off and running vanilla with loads of obvious blitzs….not a fan of it. But, overall Gase, Ajayi, and Tannehill and a trip the postseason is something to be positive about, but still alot of skeletons in the closet that need cleaning. This will need to be a good + off season given the tough schedule next year. Go Fins Fritz!
Though I do believe that Gase is a compassionate person, I don’t think compassion was the reason for Williams/Jones. Gase is not in the business of cutting players for the sake of opportunity. Said opportunity comes during the week, and Williams must have had his best week of practice for the year. While the opposite of Jones. They did go in full pads w contact for Wednesdays practice for the first time in 2 months. I still don’t think Gase cares if Mario played 100 playoffs games or none. Though a good week of practice coupled with Williams first ever playoff game, just maybe the “old” Wiliams may show himself considering the moment.
Both home teams won yesterdays games. Hoping both road teams win today. Want another shot at the Pats. Call me crazy.
Great point, I should have consulted with you before I wrote the article. I didn’t put the pads and this move together. Very astute.
A kind gesture by Gase. He is a tough coach but a kind hearted man. He wants to allow Mario the experience of a playoff game and at the same time gamble that Mario will have a monster game.
This also shows how much he cares about each and every player on his roster. I can see why he has won over the locker room and why this team plays so hard for him.
Win or lose, I am very pleased with this season. I hope for a win so we can go to NE and avenge the Patriots loss. Would that not be sweet!
Go Dolphins!
I agree with you Fritz to a point, but by cutting Jones you are down to 4 DE’s and combine that with starting Mario you are jeopardizing the team if he plays like he has, which isn’t so hot. So, while there is an aspect of be a good guy, Gase wants to win more than anything and I don’t think giving him a couple of snaps and riding the bench for the experience is the sole motivation. But, we’ll know Gase and Joseph’s motivation by how much Mario plays. Man is it 1 o’clock yet? And yeah, beating Pit and then the Patsies would be mind blowing…see how much fun Post Season can be!!! Hope it’s this fun by half time 🙂
Gase may be hoping Mario has that big game. Mario after all, will be on the street this off season and needs to shop himself. Also, he gave Jones his release as requested by him since he was not going to play. Probably also wants to see what Fede can do.
Good points by all. That’s why I read this blog. Go Dolphins! Almost kickoff time.
seems you might be right…he was listed as a starter, but I haven’t noticed him yet…
…we’ll know in a few hours 🙂
…smells to me like the turnstile twins cut …last game, the defense stank …bottom line, if Gase thinks you’re the problem, you.re gone …next man up, playoffs or not
…my kind of coach
I’m hoping with the same results. I just don’t see them starting Mario and cutting Jones for MArio to ride the pine…and yeah, I really love Gase as coach. He’s the kinda guy I’d like to hang and drink with with and also play for…great template for a modern coach!!! And he is the Fins!