SB Nation - Nate Jones

5 Questions: Patriots @ Dolphins

MaPatsFan — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 17:09:41 -0000

Moving on. Divisional game. Miami Dolphins at home. That's all that matters right now. Just as our favorite team and players are doing, it's time to stop mourning and start figuring out how we can make this a W. I'm not simply being nice when I way Miami gives New England trouble. More than any other division rival, they seem to know us pretty well and know our tendencies. However, in the last 5 games, we're 4-1 against the Fins and with Tom Brady under center, 3-0. That being said, Miami has managed an impressive 3rd in yards per game rushing...and that's WITHOUT Ronnie Brown. I also believe Head Coach Tony Sparano has been burning the midnight oil watching game film from our Saints matchup.

But on to the Dolphins. As is our custom, Head Blogger Matty I of The Phinsider and I exchanged questions on our upcoming matchup. Matty offered some excellent insight into how his team is doing this year and how some of the young guys have progressed.

Read on after the jump...

What impact has Ronnie Brown's absence had on the Dolphins? Can you think of any situations where his presence might've swung a game in your favor?

Well the Dolphins have only played two full games since Brown went down with his foot injury. In those two games, the Dolphins are 1-1. But I'll admit I can't help but think that if Ronnie was still healthy, the Dolphins wouldn't have lost to Buffalo last week.

Why? First off all, the 'Wildcat' really lacks any teeth without Brown. Ricky Williams is a talented back and all - but he's not nearly as good as the 'Wildcat' triggerman as Ronnie is. Truth be told, Brown is the 'Wildcat.' Secondly, I get the feeling that offensive coordinator Dan Henning doesn't attempt that ridiculous 'Wildcat' pass on first and goal from the three yard line against Buffalo on their first drive of the game last week - which resulted in an interception, of course. If Brown was healthy and the 'Wildcat' was as effective as usual, I think they decide to just pound it in. Also, if they were planning on throwing it there out of the 'Wildcat,' at least it would have been Ronnie - who has experience and some success throwing the football - rather than Ricky. In fact, Ronnie might decide to not even make the throw after seeing how the defense reacts. Ricky, on the other hand, doesn't have the experience and tried to force it in.

Most importantly, though, is how I think too much of the load is falling on Ricky's shoulders. The Dolphins got away from running the ball in the second half. And I can't help but think that if the Dolphins had a healthy Brown to go with Ricky, Dan Henning wouldn't have gotten away from the running game.

The bottom line is simple: Ronnie Brown was this offense's best player. And they aren't the same offense without him.

The Dolphins are #3 in rushing yards per game. Tell us about some of the guys who have stepped up in Brown's absence.

Well since Brown went down, it's mainly been Ricky Williams as the guy who has stepped up. Beginning with the game against Tampa Bay three weeks ago, Ricky has three consecutive 100 yard rushing games. He had just one all of last season. In fact, he hasn't had a run of 100 yard games like this since November of 2003. Dolphin fans everywhere just hope that he can keep it up as the increased workload takes its toll on him.

The other player who has stepped up - and who will probably see more carries on Sunday than he ever has - is running back Lex Hilliard. Hilliard is a second year player (spent '08 on practice squad) out of Montana who is a big, physical runner with lots of power. And he got his first career carry just two weeks ago against the Panthers. It was a 3rd & 16 and Hilliard ran up the middle, bouncing off defenders, for 18 yards and a first down. But in his two weeks of experience, he has just 9 carries for 46 yards. The coaches, I'm sure, just wanted to ease him into the role. Keep in mind that Hilliard is this team's fourth running back and just narrowly made the cut out of training camp. But injuries to Brown and to third running back Patrick Cobbs has thrust Hilliard into a bigger role. So far, he's looked promising in limited action. But I think he'll see a good 7 to 10 carries on Sunday - his biggest test yet.

Now that Jason Taylor has been around for a while, do you feel like he's been able to make significant contributions on the field or do you feel he's more valuable as a veteran locker room guy?

It's hard to know for sure how much of an impact in the locker room Jason Taylor has had this year. Keep in mind that this is a team that is not short on locker room leaders, especially on defense (Jason Ferguson and Joey Porter, for example). But it says a lot that Taylor was voted one of the team's captains back in the preseason by his teammates even after that ugly 2008 offseason mess that resulted in his trade to Washington.

On the field, Taylor has made significant contributions. Has he been as good as he was when he was younger? Of course not. But to even expect that is crazy. He's still an effective pass rusher, though. He is tied for second on the team with 6 sacks and probably gets more pressure on the quarterback than anyone else on this team other than Cameron Wake. Throw in a fumble return for a touchdown and an interception that set the Dolphins up deep in opponent territory - and yes, I'm pretty happy he's back in Miami.

Chad Henne was going to ease into the roll of starting quarterback until Chad Pennington's season ended abruptly. Was Henne's "instant" promotion a positive or a negative? Where have you seen Henne improve and where has he struggled?

I don't want to say his promotion was either a positive or a negative. He obviously brings something to this offense that they didn't have with Chad Pennington under center - a big arm. But that doesn't replace all of the things that Pennington brought to the table. His accuracy, his knowledge of the game, his leadership. With all that said, however, Henne's promotion to the starting role this season is definitely a positive in terms of what it means to this franchise's future.

As far as his play is concerned, his big arm comes as advertised. He can make all of the throws. We've seen his decision making improve. He had a tendency of holding onto the ball too long. But recently, we've seen him throw the ball away when necessary. And outside of last week's game, he hasn't really had issues with forcing the ball into coverage. I've also been impressed with Henne's ability to roll out and throw on the run.

But there are two main areas that Henne still needs to improve in. One - his accuracy. Sometimes he's perfectly on the money. Other times he's off. It's more of a consistency issue than an accuracy issue - which is a good thing. He has the ability to be extremely accurate. He just needs to be more consistent. Two - his tendency to stare down receivers. This is the biggest issue, in my opinion. He still tends to telegraph where he's going to throw by staring down his receiver. But I've seen him do this less and less as he has gained experience. Hopefully this is just something that goes away as he gets more comfortable in this offense with these receivers.

In our last matchup, Brady threw for 332 yards, 147 of those to Randy Moss. Do you feel like the Dolphins' young secondary has made some positive strides? Is Vontae Davis the guy who will get Moss and if so, will Randy Moss have a tough day?

I think that Vontae Davis and Sean Smith have definitely made some positive strides. And every time either one gives up a big pass, I see it as a learning experience for those two kids. With that said, I'm very worried about Sunday because it's beginning to look like both of those two young corners are hitting the dreaded "rookie wall." Most rookies only played in 12 or 13 games per year at the college level. We're now getting to that point where their bodies aren't used to taking this weekly pounding. And if either of them are a step slower because of this, Sunday could be a long day.

As far as who covers who, I'm still not too sure. I thought we'd see more of Sean Smith on Randy Moss last time - simply because of his size. But Vontae got the duty last time and didn't play poorly outside of one or two plays. Unfortunately, you can't give up one or two big plays per game and hope to win. The only thing I can guarantee you is that we'll see plenty of Nate Jones covering Wes Welker whenever Wes is lined up in the slot. Outside of that, it's anyone's guess.

A big shoutout to Matty I from for his most excellent answers. Head on over to The Phinsider for my answers to his questions.

New York Jets Pass Offense vs. Miami Dolphins Pass Defense

John B — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:30:39 -0000

by Ben Margot - AP

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I think it's fair to say the coaching staff lost a bit of confidence in Mark Sanchez after the 5 interception performance against the Bills. The almost 4-1 run to pass ratio indicates that. So do the almost exclusively safe, simple reads he was given on the pass plays. The Jets are probably going to run first and second, but they'll need more from Sanchez this week. They won't be able to run the ball on Miami's physical front to the degree they did on Buffalo and Oakland.

The Jets should have some areas to exploit in the passing game. Braylon Edwards had that big debut a few weeks back working against Miami's secondary. He'll work against rookie Sean Smith. The Dolphins need the big and athletic Utah product to hold Edwards in check. If Edwards goes off like he did in the first meeting, Miami will have to double him.

On the other side, Jerricho Cotchery will probably be back for this one. He'll operate against rookie Vontae Davis. Starter Will Allen is gone for the season for Miami with a torn ACL. Davis has looked pretty good for the Dolphins and has plenty of athletic ability, but the Jets have to like this matchup. Cotchery was getting open even when he was the focal point of the opposing passing game, and he'll have the opportunity to work against a guy making his first NFL start and who is still learning technique at the position.

David Clowney has put up a big performance in two of the past three contests. He burned the Dolphins deep in Miami and will see action against a relatively slow straight line corner, Nate Jones.

The real question is whether the real Dustin Keller will please stand up. The Dolphins have had trouble with athletic tight ends this year. There may be no bigger disappointment on the team than Keller. This is a matchup made in heaven for him. Channing Crowder and Akin Ayodele are subpar linebackers in coverage. Neither Gibril Wilson nor Yeremiah Bell is spectacular as safeties. Edwards and Clowney will have a great chance to force those safeties to stay deep and give Keller room against the linebackers.

The offensive line will need to hold up against Jason Taylor, Joey Porter, and Cameron Wake. Sanchez will need to have it in his head that throwing it away quickly instead of forcing a throw under pressure is not a bad thing.

Rams lose top receiver Laurent Robinson for the season

VanRam — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 20:37:01 -0000

More photos » by Pablo Martinez Monsivais - AP

St. Louis Rams wide receiver Laurent Robinson is out for the season with a broken fibula.

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The St. Louis Rams got some bad news today, compounding the disappointment of an 0-3 start to the season.

Surprise stand-out wide receiver Laurent Robinson has a high ankle sprain AND a fractured fibula (lower leg). The injury will require surgery, and he'll be out for the season. The official site says they'll either have to add a WR or promote Nate Jones from the practice squad...or both.

Paging Donnie Avery, paging Donnie Avery the Rams need you to step up your game. Keenan Burton too. Of course, getting the ball downfield to both players will be key there.

Bulger might throw this week, and his status for this Sunday is unknown.

The other big injury news is SS James Butler, who'll be out for 2-4 weeks with Grade III MCL sprain, an injury that seems to be dogging the Rams this year. That's not as bad of a diagnosis as originally feared. Craig Dahl has filled in for an injured Butler before, during the Giants Super Bowl season in 2007 no less. Dahl was strong in replacement duty this week, but Butler plays a much more central role in the Rams defense than he did in the Giants defense, when he had a top-notch defenisve line in front of him. Against the run-happy 49ers Butler could really be missed.

The other troubling injury news is the hampered CB Ron Bartell. He's got a bruised thigh, a la Steven Jackson in 2008, and got burned a couple times because of it. He's day-to-day. Fortunately, the Rams don't play a pass-heavy team with top notch receivers next week, but I'd put Wade on the 49ers top man, which is Vernon Davis right now, though old friend Isaac Bruce will command some attention.

Gibson and Laurinaitis have minor injuries, the kind tough guys don't even talk about. The one to worry about is David Vobora. He has a concussion and will have to pass a baseline test before he can return. Vobora has been strong against the run, and a part of the reason the Rams are much better in that department this year. They'll need him this week, though SF might be without Frank Gore.

The good news: it sounds like RT Jason Smith could be back.

Can the Rams do it with just four receivers?

VanRam — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:08:48 -0000

More photos » by Anonymous - AP

With just four receivers on the roster to open the season, the St. Louis Rams will lean heavily on No. 1 wide receiver Donnie Avery.

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So maybe you had better get used to this four receiver roster after all. As of now, all signs point to the St. Louis Rams opening the regular season in Seattle with just four receivers on the roster. It's been widely expected here and around the interwebs that they would most certainly add a receiver after cutting Nate Jones (and adding him to the practice squad) to clear space for DT LaJuan Ramsey and S Anthony Smith, a move that put them at their current total of just four WRs.

I'm still in benefit of the doubt mode for Spagnuolo and Co.. However, that seems a little risky with Donnie Avery just coming off a broken foot (he did play a couple series against the Chiefs last week though). The payroll might be figuring into the decision at this point, since any veteran WR they pick up now would get his contract guaranteed by being on the opening day roster. Wait a week and they're free to talk turkey with potential additions. They could also be waiting to see what Philly, with seven WRs on the roster, decides to do with Hank Baskett and Reggie Brown.

Let's get to the question of whether or not the Rams need more than four receivers. I think they do, especially given the injury history of Laurent Robinson and Keenan Burton. Do they need a fifth guy in time for the Seattle game? That's another matter. Pat Shurmur's offense calls for plenty of two tight end sets. We'll also be treated to Steven Jackson lining up in the slot or out wide on some plays too, something we did not see in the preseason. Those players could be the key to matchups this week, since Seattle has a pretty good group of linebackers.

Don't expect four receivers to suffice as the season goes on.

Rams make final roster cuts

VanRam — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 21:29:00 -0000

The Rams have made their roster moves to trim down to 53 players. No real surprises on the list, but a couple of names caused me to do a double take.

Here's the official list:

LB K.C. Asiodu, QB Brock Berlin, DT Antwon Burton, TE Eric Butler, DE Ian Campbell, WR Tim Carter, WR Ronald Curry, LB Dominic Douglas, T Renardo Foster, FB Jerome Johnson, S Todd Johnson, C Tim Mattran, RB Chris Ogbonnaya, CB Cord Parks, RB Antonio Pittman, S Mark Rubin, G Roy Schuening, T Phil Trautwein and WR Sean Walker.

Carriker and DE Eric Moore went on IR.

I was a little surprised by Johnson's name on this list, since he's been a part of the special teams and filled in for Corey Chavous down the stretch last year. Then again, it's not like he was anything special, and Spags brought in his own guy in Craig Dahl.

Congrats to Roger Allen III for making the cut.

What's interesting about this is that the Rams kept just five wide receivers: Avery, Burton, Robinson, Stanley, and Nate Jones.

Next task will be getting players signed to the practice squad...and combing the wires for available help elsewhere. I'd definitely think Ogbonnaya and Schuening will be on the practice squad, possibly Parks too.

Camp report roundup, 8/11: Linebackers stepping up, Tye Hill hurting

VanRam — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:32:09 -0000

More photos » by Jeff Roberson - AP

St. Louis Rams safety Craig Dahl, top, breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver Derek Stanley during training camp.

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The St. Louis Rams wrapped up this morning's practice without CB Tye Hill, who left the field with a swollen knee. It's in his right knee, the surgically repaired one. Coaches say he'll be fine, but it's something to keep an eye on. Hill's competing for his football future and any little thing that slows him down can be a serious speed bump. Here's ESPN's Mike Sando on what he saw from an obviously hurting Hill in drills today:

I watched receiver Nate Jones beat Hill for a touchdown despite relatively tight coverage. The Rams would like Hill to contest such plays more aggressively. "Compete!" was an order heard often in drills pitting cornerbacks against receivers. In this case, Hill was hurting.

Let's hope it's just the injury. This morning I mentioned that Chris Draft was still working as the starting SLB, but he sat it out today, thanks to a thumb to the throat, giving Larry Grant a chance to shine in work with the first team. He picked off Bulger and tackled Kenneth Darby to breakup a running play before Darby could gain any yardage. This is exciting news. If the Rams can start getting good play out of more linebackers than just the starting three, it will go along way toward erasing those painful memories of last year's linebacker play.

Grant wasn't the only linebacker making an impression on the visiting Sando today. Check out what he said about Witherspoon:

Linebacker Will Witherspoon was easily the most impressive linebacker. He caused problems rushing the passer and taking down running backs behind the line of scrimmage.

I think moving 'Spoon back to the weakside will breath new life into his game, after years being miscast in the middle. Remember how well he did in limited work on the weakside last year, when the Rams used him to bolster their struggling pass rush? He picked up seven sacks that season. This move might be almost like adding a new player to the roster.

An Alex Barron sighting! Sando reports Barron handling Chris Long in a pass rushing drill. Good news for Barron or bad news for Long?

The PD includes a note about Derek Stanley stepping up in practice today, answering the call in Avery's absence. That's good to hear, especially considering what the PD reported in today's piece about the receivers behind Avery on the depth chart. Here's what they said in the a.m. edition:

Derek Stanley is coming back from major knee surgery and hasn't made the kind of plays in practice so far in Rams camp that he did a year ago.

Now, is today a new trend or a blip on the radar for Stanley? Stay tuned.

Carriker and Dahl are still sitting out, but Mike Karney is getting back up to speed.