Does Win Against Raiders Mean Phins Culture Has Changed?
Does Win Against Raiders Mean Phins Culture Has Changed?
What will it take for a Phins win to get a win against the Raiders?
A Phins win against the Raiders will go a long way to silencing critics who say, ‘same ole’, same ole’.
The Miami Dolphins have come roaring out of the gate 2-0. What’s exciting is that there’s still plenty that the Phins can improve on!
A major reason for their 2-0 start is that they only have committed 9 penalties for 61 yards in 2 games to go along with causing 6 turnovers. After only two games Miami has +2 turnover ratio. It would be much higher than +2 though… if they had been more disciplined with the ball.
They must take better care of the ball if they want these winning ways to continue.
While it’s only been 2 games, overall, this has been playoff team type play. The key to winning in the NFL is consistent, smart, and aggressive play.
Has Miami turned the corner?
Is this two-decade-long losing run finally in the rearview mirror?
Fans won’t have a real gauge till near the end of the 2018 Season whether this 2-0 start is makeup on a pig or frog turned prince. And even then, it will take a few good seasons strung together to confirm if the franchise has truly turned over a new leaf.
So what does Miami need to do to get another victory against Oakland?
Well for starters:
5 or lower penalties.
+2 or better turn over differential.
Tannehill must start taking care of the ball. 4 TO’s by him in two games is far too much.
DT Davon Godchaux can’t be manhandled by LG Kelechi Osemele.
Limit Tight End Jared Cook.
Don’t let Raekwon McMillan get exposed in pass defense.
These are just some of McMillan’s blown assignments in pass coverage. FYI: The Titan’s play doesn’t show Minkah 5 feet away from McMillan. The TE was Minkah’s ‘man’. McMillan needed to drop and shrink the window over the middle. He didn’t.
McMillan may develop into a better player eventually, but he’s stiff, slow, and doesn’t fully grasp his responsibilities. He’s the biggest chink in the Dolphins defense. Gruden will 100% game-plan to attack and expose McMillan. I bet Jared Cook is licking his chops. Unless Burke prepares for to protect McMillan, expect at least one big pass play on him this week.
Back to the good news:
Miami has won 2 games with plenty of room to improve especially on third downs on offense. They have most of the cards stacked in their deck for this week.
Talented rookie Defensive Tackle P.J. Hall will be a scratch for the Raiders. This will give Ted Larsen a breather to get up to speed. It will help Miami with their interior runs. Maurice Hurst will get his shot at more snaps. Given the expectations of his talent and his drop in the draft, this could be a boom or bust for the Phins.
Also, Parker didn’t suit up last week…
Gase left him off the game roster to give him some extra time to recover. This week he’ll be another weapon for Gase to use. I have a feeling his addition will either cause disruption in rhythm as he shakes off rust or will contribute to a big play.
Personally, I wouldn’t mind trading him. But what could you get more than a box of rocks for him? I like the way our offense looks without him. And Phins are running out of time to get something for him… unless they plan on keeping him at his large 5th Year option price. His return means someone or multiple players will end up getting fewer reps and opportunities.
Maybe we see a surprise bloom from Parker?
Another advantage is that Miami will be home against a team that will have traveled across the whole country. Many bookmaker software program see teams traveling across the country to play an early game as being at a sizable disadvantage.
Let’s hope it works out that way this week.
At some point, if the Dolphins keep playing well fans and critics will become believers. It’s hard to wash away so much failure with only 2 games in the hole. Will three wins in a row do it for you? Maybe, maybe not… either way, we can both agree a win is a good thing. Go Phins!!!
What are the rest of the Miami Dolphins News fans thoughts about the Dolphins chances to make it 3-0 this upcoming weekend?
The CULTURE has changed. Props to Gase for riding themselves of HIGH paid players that really are about themselves first. For those that think the “trick plays” will only work once???? Not so, as matter of fact there really was only one trick play, the Wilson throw. The others were all designed runs (shovel pass) to get our SPEED on the outside. With the Raiders committed to stopping the run by loading the box, Gase was trying to (and did) attack the outside zones. How fun was that to watch???? I was watching/listening to Dave Hyde late Sat. and he said he thought we could lose due to a lack of explosive plays from this Miami team. Quote “I just don’t see the explosive plays coming from this team”. Well Mr. Hyde eat your words baby. I’m sure Gase would have loved to save those plays for this weekend vs the Pats, he needed them Sunday, and they worked Sunday = WIN! The injuries are so very disappointing, part of the game, fingers crossed that next man up saying, works? Tanny is playing out of his mind (Mr. Consistency). Speaking of out of his mind, how about the X-Man??? Now there is someone that is playing out of his mind. I love the “No Fly Zone’. Weird that Miami will come home next week in first place of the AFC East regardless win or lose. Should Miami pull off the upset, LOOK OUT, as they would give themselves a 3 game lead in the division, along with a 4-0 record in the AFC, as well as 2-0 record in the division. Now wouldn’t that be something??????? Drink the Kool-Aid or not, this team is where I thought they would be, or at least playing how they could be. The team is so much faster and disciplined. Landry who (like it or not, it was the right move, with the right replacements)???? Like Suh or not, our defense stunk with him, now it seems to be more active, and did I say QUICKER (Speed). CULTURE/CULTURE/CULTURE. The game is about more than X’s & O’s! We missed Jones, but he got a nice rest prior to N.E. and we still won. That my friends is a win/win! A lot of young players on this team coming into their own, a couple budding stars and a QB that gets it. It is early, but what a match up it could be vs the Pats. The Pats need this game much more than we do, that scares me, but if Miami can find a way to win this game, WOW! I wouldn’t know what else to say.
“The CULTURE has changed. Props to Gase for riding themselves of HIGH paid players that really are about themselves first.” YUP! Guess culture does matter…
“For those that think the “trick plays” will only work once???? Not so, as matter of fact there really was only one trick play, the Wilson throw. The others were all designed runs (shovel pass) to get our SPEED on the outside.”
This will open the inside runs and put a caution sign on jamming the interior.
“I was watching/listening to Dave Hyde late Sat. and he said he thought we could lose due to a lack of explosive plays from this Miami team. Quote “I just don’t see the explosive plays coming from this team”.
I like Hyde, but he is jaded. This team has speed all over… explosive plays will only grow as the season progresses. As D grow tired over the season, Miami has so many speedsters that they’ll still be blazing against tired Ds.
Hayes tape, in his limited # plays, was the best I’ve seen from him… such a shame and a huge loss.
” faster and disciplined” serious difference maker!! Haven’t heard if Jones is playing… man I hope he is.
a win this week would be mindblowing…. truly mindblowing!!!
It was a good win, but for a time there was some doubt. I’m a huge Dolphins fan. Have been for 42 years BUT I’m not drinking the Kool-Aid. Give us a win next week in New England, then I’ll start to believe.
Here is why:
Gase’s play calling may be exciting (when executed} but he does not try hard enough to establish the run and that is driving me crazy. Yes I know the Raiders were determined not to let the Dolphins run today. But today RT17 was getting good protection most of the day yet early on he kept calling bubble screens instead of challenging down field. Still too many penalties. Defense still has some weaknesses to overcome and I’m not that confident in the DC…yet! A core of young players with not enough depth which may come back to hurt later in the season.
Optimism abounds:
I think the team is a much better team than the team last season. The culture is changing and I like how its been the “us” mentality. I envision steady improvement as the season goes on. The team however, has been exciting to watch. We need the signature win on the road against NE for me to take a sip of the Kool-Aid. Until then, I’ll keep cheering on my Dolphins and hope for a winning season and hopefully a playoff berth.
If the Dolphins make the playoffs, I will be happy to eat my words. GO DOLPHINS!
Honestly, Fritz this game was a good win. A real good win. If they came out and beat them up, I wouldn’t have been as impressed. 1st the refs gave 3-5 undeserving penalties and ejected the best DT for no reason (next article shows video proof). Second, they beat a desperate team with no turnovers and 5 penalties (9 was what they received, but as I said 3-5 were fabricated). AND most importantly, Gase came up big in the clutch. Now they injuries are stacking up big time, so the ceiling is lowering for me, depending on the severity. But they are showing grit and talent and coaching. I have seen enough to believe in this regime for next year. That’s a big step. When you look at the players they have brought in there are some duds… but many more studs. I really think it will be irrefutable by seasons end that Gase and Co are the future. Of course, I too can end up eating my words…
After watching the Patriots last night, I think the Dolphins have a realistic chance of winning up there.
You make excellent points about yesterday’s win. I’m really nervous about losing Hayes for the season to an ACL injury. Now Vincent Taylor will have to step up even bigger than he has been.
The refs…OMG…what a disaster.
I do agree that Gase can dial up some serious exciting stuff and it’s going to get even better, BUT, defense concerns me.
For me, being a fan for 36 years and counting since 1982. It is so hard for us to see success so we as fans brace ourselves for disaster. The 2018 Dolphins look formidable but, we can’t say for sure just yet only being in 1/8 of season to say either way. Winning by 7 over the Oilers was huge as we were not favored to win. Winning over the Yets by 8 was huge as we were not favored to win. Now, versus the Faiders we are favored by 4 to win. If they do indeed win, they must win by 10 or more for it to say Wow just maybe, just maybe. Win by 1 people will okay they did it. But it was not a good showing. Lose, Same OL’ Phins. Personally, I believe the Heat and Travel will kill the Faiders. They are wearing black jersey and silver pants, while our Dolphins in ALL-WHITE. And in the shade on the sidelines all game, with the Faiders in the sun in black all day. Talk about heat exhaustion. I think the Dolphins will win by 11. 27 – 16 Final. GO DOLPHINS!!!
I understand.. so far, this has been a disaster. 3 penalties fabricated by the refs (2 for sure) haven’t helped. Spence out, Allen out, Jones out, Hayes out and 18 mins left down by 10. They need to win, but look exhausted… Tannehill needs to come up big!!
The CULTURE has changed. Props to Gase for riding themselves of HIGH paid players that really are about themselves first.
For those that think the “trick plays” will only work once???? Not so, as matter of fact there really was only one trick play, the Wilson throw. The others were all designed runs (shovel pass) to get our SPEED on the outside. With the Raiders committed to stopping the run by loading the box, Gase was trying to (and did) attack the outside zones.
How fun was that to watch???? I was watching/listening to Dave Hyde late Sat. and he said he thought we could lose due to a lack of explosive plays from this Miami team. Quote “I just don’t see the explosive plays coming from this team”. Well Mr. Hyde eat your words baby. I’m sure Gase would have loved to save those plays for this weekend vs the Pats, he needed them Sunday, and they worked Sunday = WIN!
The injuries are so very disappointing, part of the game, fingers crossed that next man up saying, works?
Tanny is playing out of his mind (Mr. Consistency). Speaking of out of his mind, how about the X-Man??? Now there is someone that is playing out of his mind. I love the “No Fly Zone’.
Weird that Miami will come home next week in first place of the AFC East regardless win or lose. Should Miami pull off the upset, LOOK OUT, as they would give themselves a 3 game lead in the division, along with a 4-0 record in the AFC, as well as 2-0 record in the division. Now wouldn’t that be something???????
Drink the Kool-Aid or not, this team is where I thought they would be, or at least playing how they could be. The team is so much faster and disciplined. Landry who (like it or not, it was the right move, with the right replacements)???? Like Suh or not, our defense stunk with him, now it seems to be more active, and did I say QUICKER (Speed). CULTURE/CULTURE/CULTURE. The game is about more than X’s & O’s!
We missed Jones, but he got a nice rest prior to N.E. and we still won. That my friends is a win/win!
A lot of young players on this team coming into their own, a couple budding stars and a QB that gets it. It is early, but what a match up it could be vs the Pats. The Pats need this game much more than we do, that scares me, but if Miami can find a way to win this game, WOW! I wouldn’t know what else to say.
Hey, Dunner missed your message… sorry, brother.
“The CULTURE has changed. Props to Gase for riding themselves of HIGH paid players that really are about themselves first.”
YUP! Guess culture does matter…
“For those that think the “trick plays” will only work once???? Not so, as matter of fact there really was only one trick play, the Wilson throw. The others were all designed runs (shovel pass) to get our SPEED on the outside.”
This will open the inside runs and put a caution sign on jamming the interior.
“I was watching/listening to Dave Hyde late Sat. and he said he thought we could lose due to a lack of explosive plays from this Miami team. Quote “I just don’t see the explosive plays coming from this team”.
I like Hyde, but he is jaded. This team has speed all over… explosive plays will only grow as the season progresses. As D grow tired over the season, Miami has so many speedsters that they’ll still be blazing against tired Ds.
Hayes tape, in his limited # plays, was the best I’ve seen from him… such a shame and a huge loss.
” faster and disciplined” serious difference maker!! Haven’t heard if Jones is playing… man I hope he is.
a win this week would be mindblowing…. truly mindblowing!!!
It was a good win, but for a time there was some doubt.
I’m a huge Dolphins fan. Have been for 42 years BUT I’m not drinking the Kool-Aid. Give us a win next week in New England, then I’ll start to believe.
Here is why:
Gase’s play calling may be exciting (when executed} but he does not try hard enough to establish the run and that is driving me crazy. Yes I know the Raiders were determined not to let the Dolphins run today. But today RT17 was getting good protection most of the day yet early on he kept calling bubble screens instead of challenging down field.
Still too many penalties.
Defense still has some weaknesses to overcome and I’m not that confident in the DC…yet!
A core of young players with not enough depth which may come back to hurt later in the season.
Optimism abounds:
I think the team is a much better team than the team last season. The culture is changing and I like how its been the “us” mentality.
I envision steady improvement as the season goes on.
The team however, has been exciting to watch.
We need the signature win on the road against NE for me to take a sip of the Kool-Aid.
Until then, I’ll keep cheering on my Dolphins and hope for a winning season and hopefully a playoff berth.
If the Dolphins make the playoffs, I will be happy to eat my words. GO DOLPHINS!
Honestly, Fritz this game was a good win. A real good win. If they came out and beat them up, I wouldn’t have been as impressed. 1st the refs gave 3-5 undeserving penalties and ejected the best DT for no reason (next article shows video proof). Second, they beat a desperate team with no turnovers and 5 penalties (9 was what they received, but as I said 3-5 were fabricated). AND most importantly, Gase came up big in the clutch. Now they injuries are stacking up big time, so the ceiling is lowering for me, depending on the severity. But they are showing grit and talent and coaching. I have seen enough to believe in this regime for next year. That’s a big step. When you look at the players they have brought in there are some duds… but many more studs. I really think it will be irrefutable by seasons end that Gase and Co are the future. Of course, I too can end up eating my words…
After watching the Patriots last night, I think the Dolphins have a realistic chance of winning up there.
You make excellent points about yesterday’s win. I’m really nervous about losing Hayes for the season to an ACL injury. Now Vincent Taylor will have to step up even bigger than he has been.
The refs…OMG…what a disaster.
I do agree that Gase can dial up some serious exciting stuff and it’s going to get even better, BUT, defense concerns me.
For me, being a fan for 36 years and counting since 1982. It is so hard for us to see success so we as fans brace ourselves for disaster. The 2018 Dolphins look formidable but, we can’t say for sure just yet only being in 1/8 of season to say either way. Winning by 7 over the Oilers was huge as we were not favored to win. Winning over the Yets by 8 was huge as we were not favored to win. Now, versus the Faiders we are favored by 4 to win. If they do indeed win, they must win by 10 or more for it to say Wow just maybe, just maybe. Win by 1 people will okay they did it. But it was not a good showing. Lose, Same OL’ Phins. Personally, I believe the Heat and Travel will kill the Faiders. They are wearing black jersey and silver pants, while our Dolphins in ALL-WHITE. And in the shade on the sidelines all game, with the Faiders in the sun in black all day. Talk about heat exhaustion. I think the Dolphins will win by 11. 27 – 16 Final. GO DOLPHINS!!!
I understand.. so far, this has been a disaster. 3 penalties fabricated by the refs (2 for sure) haven’t helped. Spence out, Allen out, Jones out, Hayes out and 18 mins left down by 10. They need to win, but look exhausted… Tannehill needs to come up big!!
New Dawn, brother! Sweet, sweet win!