SB Nation User Blog: Mosul_DolFan

2009 Perspective X

Mosul_DolFan — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 21:08:06 -0000

I've been having computer issues this week, so I have not been able to prepare and publish this on my normal Thursday schedule. Sorry for the delay if you were wondering where the Perspective for this week was.

This week's Perspective is going to focus on Chad Henne, and the development of the "franchise" quarterback. I am going to do something that is hard for me to do, but it will let us, as fans, see some comparable stats, and maybe continue to grow our hope for the kid.

I think by now, you may have figured out what I am going to do. Chad Henne currently has nine starts behind center for this franchise. Another quarterback started nine games in his first year taking the snaps. The difference, of course, is that Chad Henne is a second year player, while the other quarterback was a rookie. The other quarterback is, obviously, Hall of Famer Dan Marino. I don't really want to start comparing the two, as there is only one Danny, but at the same time, it could be interesting.

I am not going to tell you which quarterback is which until the end of this. I will just discuss the statistics of each. Also, Marino appeared in two games and Henne played in four (three last year, one this year) when they were not starting. I have thrown those games out, so we will only look at the nine games the two actually started.

Quarterback One's nine games as a starter resulted in a 57.8% completion percentage, on 163 for 282 passing. In comparison, Quarterback Two was 150 for 257 passing, a 58.3% completion rate. Not much of a difference between the two, with QB #1 throwing the ball 25 times more than QB #2, with 13 more completions.

Yardage is a little different, with Quarterback #1 throwing for 1755 yards, for a 6.22 yards per attempt average. Quarterback #2 threw for 1970 yards, or a 7.67 yards per attempt average - almost a yards and a half better than QB #1's average.

During his nine starts, QB #1 threw nine touchdowns and seven interceptions, as compared to Quarterback #2's seventeen touchdowns and five picks. Here, again, Quarterback #2 holds a sizable advantage over #1.

In the sacks department, Quarterback #1 was sacked seventeen times during his first nine starts. Meanwhile, Quarterback #2 was sacked nine times during those first nine games.

Rushing, Quarterback #1 ran for 10 total yards, on 8 tries, with a long run of 12 yards. Quarterback #2, in contrast, ran for 45 yards on 28 carries, and 2 touchdowns.

Quarterback #1 does have one fumble where as Quarterback #2 has none, but QB #1's fumble was recovered by the Dolphins, so they are tied with zero fumbles lost.

Through all of these stats, Quarterback #1 has a QB Rating of 76.5. Quarterback #2's QB Rating is 96.6, once again a large advantage.

The final comparison is with the win/loss record of each quarterback. Quarterback #1 won six of his first nine. Quarterback #2 won seven of his first nine starts. Not much of a difference in the wins department.

Obviously, since Henne is 6&3 in his starts this season, that makes him QB #1, and Marino QB #2. While Danny obviously had a better touchdown count and fewer picks, the two aren't all that far apart.

This is a short perspective this week, with a basic look at how Henne has done in his first nine games as compared to the greatest quarterback to ever play the game (high comparison for a young QB). Given the current Dolphins' desire to be a power running team, I am not surprised at the big differences between Marino and Henne, but I am excited about the similarity in some of the numbers. However, I'll let you guys delve into what these stats mean - if anything. I'll just provide the basic raw data.

Hopefully Henne can get his seventh win this week in Jacksonville.

2009 Game Balls - Week 13

Mosul_DolFan — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 23:18:41 -0000

Sorry for the delay on this week's Game Balls. I wasn't able to watch the game on Sunday (listened to it on Sirius), so I didn't want to put these out there until I actually had seen the game. I watched it last night, so here they are:

1-yard Game Ball. Channing Crowder and Cameron Wake. These two will each get one yard for the final New England play of the game. With the Patriots looking to make a last minute drive down the field and attempt to win the game, Cameron Wake caught Tom Brady's legs (amazingly, Brady did not call his own foul on the play). Just before his knee hit the ground, Brady attempted to throw the ball. Channing Crowder, sitting in a zone in the middle of the field had to react as the ball hit him almost dead in the chest. Surprised, he managed to hold on to the ball and fall to the ground, securing the interception and the Dolphins' victory.

2-yard Game Ball. Dan Carpenter. Once again, Dan Carpenter earned his nickname. DC$ nailed three field goals (extending his streak to 17 straight made) during the game. The third field goal was really the money-maker, as with 1:03 left in the game, Carpenter gave the Dolphins their first lead of the game - a lead that held up over the next 63 seconds and let Miami split the season series with New England.

3-yard Game Ball. Lousaka Polite. Lousaka Polite really is a Monster. The guy cannot be stopped. He only had one rush in this game, for two yards, but could they have been any bigger? With the Dolphins trailing 21-13 and facing a fourth and one, the ball was once again given to Polite - and he delivered. Polite is now 10 for 10 on first down conversion when given the ball on 3rd of 4th and 1 - with the team scoring touchdowns on six of the drives in which he has converted.

4-yard Game Ball. Davone Bess. Apparently Davone Bess came to play this week. In a return to the form that we all saw in moments last season, Bess suddenly became the Dolphins' Wes Welker. Bess may not have had the deep ball that Welker had during the game - and maybe not the yards after catch that makes Welker the threat that he is - but he did have as many receptions. If you take out the 58-yard reception Welker had, Bess' yards per catch was only 0.5 yards less than Welkers' . Bess finished the game with 10-receptions for 117 yards and one touchdown. The receptions and yardage are personal bests for Bess, and the TD is his first of the year (second of his career). What a great game for Bess.

5-yard Game Ball. Chad Henne. I would have given this yardage to Bess for his outstanding day, but one simple fact tipped the 5-yard Game Ball to Chad Henne. Henne's performance, 29 of 52 for 335 yards, 2 touchdowns, and one interception, was incredible. In only his ninth start in the NFL, Henne was asked to throw the ball 52 times, and he was asked to do it for a team that prides itself on being a power running team. Even more indicative of this coaching staff's trust in Henne is the fact that this was a planned concentration on the passing game. This was not abandonment due to something the Patriots were doing. This was game planning. This was trusting a second year QB and a shaky group of WRs to go out and win the game. Henne responded. And, in doing so, set a Miami Dolphins first year starter record for passing yardage in a game. That record, when you have a guy named Dan Marino who played as a rookie for this team, gives Henne the full five yards this week.

Sack. Phil Simms. I know there were things in this game that could have made players worthy of receiving this sack (especially a secondary that gave up 352 yards to Brady - who became the first QB to ever throw for 300 yards against the Dolphins twice in one year), but I am going to give it to Phil Simms for one specific moment. Tom Brady overthrew Sam Aiken (I think it was Aiken). It was a throw just out of reach, and was something every quarterback does. But, this is the Golden Boy. There must be a reason for it, every time. What was the reason that Brady actually threw an incomplete pass? The weather. Was it pouring rain and windy? No. It was 78 degrees and there was barely a breeze. Apparently, the weather was too good for Tom Brady. According to Simms, the fact that the air was warm, while Brady is used to playing in the cold weather of Boston, led to that overthrown pass. The ball travels further in warm air, and Brady missed on that pass for that reason. You know, it makes sense. That explains why cold weather QBs cannot completed passes in domes or during the Super Bowl (usually held in warm weather sites). What kind of explanation is that? Is it not conceivable that Brady just overthrew Aiken? Simms, for that ridiculous explanation, I award you -3 yards.

Week 12 Fan Game Ball. Anthony Fasano. +1 Yard.

Live Game Thread - The Let's Go Toronto Edition

Mosul_DolFan — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 01:20:24 -0000

Thursday Night Football from Toronto with the Bills and the Jets. Are you ready? Come on Toronto, beat the Jets for us. If the Bills win tonight, the Jets actually fall to the Buffalo position (also known as the last place position) in the AFC East. Wouldn't that be great to see?

Hopefully we get a good game and get to see Sanchise screw it up again. Maybe even Rex crying on the sidelines.

So, who's here? Anyone?

And if you don't get NFL Network...I'm sorry.

2009 Perspective IX

Mosul_DolFan — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 23:32:04 -0000

Somewhere along the road, we have all lost perspective. Maybe we all lost it during the madness that was an improbable AFC East Championship run last year. Maybe it was during the climb back to .500 after going 0-3 to start the year. Whenever it was, we have all forgotten one incredibly important fact. The Miami Dolphins are in the playoff hunt. The Dolphins may not be a Super Bowl contender. Miami may not even make the playoffs. But, at least they are in the hunt for that berth.

And, when did we all as fans make the shift that losing was a good thing? Was it when Miami lost to Buffalo? Seems like it was starting prior to that game - and it seems to be really taking root now. I will never understand how a "fan" can ever root for his or her team to lose. I hate seeing the Dolphins walk off the field after a loss. Loss fifteen two years ago hurt just as much as loss one did that year - or loss six did this year.

So, in order to remind everyone where we stand - and the fact that I haven't written this piece during the last two weeks - we are going to take an in-depth look at the NFL Playoff picture today.

Here are the current standings for the AFC through Week 12 (5 games to play):

1 - Indianapolis (11&0) (Clinched AFC South)

2 - Cincinnati (8&3) (AFC North Leader)

3 - San Diego (8&3) (AFC West Leader)

4 - Denver (7&4) (Wildcard #1)

5 - New England (7&4) (AFC East Leader)

6 - Baltimore (6&5) (Wildcard #2)

7 - Jacksonville (6&5)

8 - Pittsburgh (6&5)

9 - Miami (5&6)

10 - Houston (5&6)

11 - New York Jets (5&6)

12 - Tennessee (5&6)

13 - Buffalo (4&7)

14 - Kansas City (3&8)

15 - Oakland (3&8)

16 - Cleveland (1&10) (Eliminated from Playoff)

Right now, every seed in the league is still in play, even though the undefeated Colts have already clinched their Division, and will probably lock up the #1 spot in the next couple of week. And, only the Browns have been eliminated thus far - although I doubt Oakland or Kansas City are going to make a run to get back into the race. That leaves twelve teams to fight for five playoff berths.

Looking at the AFC North leading Bengals, they are currently two games clear of Baltimore and Pittsburgh, with Cleveland the fourth team in the Division. This is still a race, but it's beginning to look like this is Cincinnati's spot to lose. Their upcoming schedule, however, does not do them any favors. This week, they face the Lions, followed by two road games, one in Minnesota, and Week 15 in San Diego. The Bengals then return home against the Chiefs, with a Week 17 matchup at the Jets. Some tough games in there - but the Steelers have an equally tough schedule (Oakland, @Cleveland, Green Bay, Baltimore, @Miami). The Ravens, on the other hand, come across with what looks to be a little easier time, with a visit to Green Bay, then Detroit and Chicago at home, then at Steelers and at Raiders. Depending on the Jay Cutler the Ravens face, this could be the easiest of the three AFC North contenders' schedules.

So, depending on how this all plays out, it looks like the Bengals should gain the AFC North Championship (with a record of 11&5), with the Ravens and Steelers both finishing 9&7.

The AFC West is a little more defined, as the Raiders and Chiefs both should be out of this conversation. That leaves the Chargers at 8&3 and the Broncos at 7&4 to fight it out. The Chargers finish the year with a trip to Cleveland, then to Dallas, home against the Bengals, at the red-hot Titans, and finally home against the Redskins. Starting a game down, the Broncos have an up-hill battle , but face the Chiefs twice still (in Kansas City in Week 13 and in Denver in Week 17) and host the Raiders in Week 15. Sandwiched in between these games are a visit to Indianapolis in Week 14 (who may be resting starters by this time - in Week 14?) and to Philadelphia.

So, assuming the Chargers will win in Cleveland and when they host the Redskins, they will have a dog fight in there other three games. The Cowboys, Bengals, and Titans can all beat the Chargers - especially since they will all also be fighting for playoff positions and spots. The Broncos, who started off the season 6&0, but have since begun free-falling back to Earth, could finish the season strong, beating the Chiefs twice and the Raiders. If they continue to play like they have in recent weeks, they may stumble, however, against a Raiders team that is getting better, plus the Colts and Eagles games will be tough. If both teams win when they should, and lose games that they could easily lose, the Bengals will remain at the lead of the AFC West, with an 11&5 record, and Denver finishing a game back at 10&6. This could very easily change, as a slipup by either (or both) teams is very easy to see.

With the AFC South already clinched, the Colts can be ignored (and there doesn't appear to be a game they will lose - although of they begin resting their starters, they probably will lose one). However, the rest of the AFC South needs to be examined in order to figure out Wildcard situations. The Jaguars, Texans, and Titans are all still contending for the playoffs, with Jacksonville currently holding the first position not in the tournament at 6&5, while Houston and Tennessee are both a game behind them.

Jacksonville has not looked great this year, but seems to have clawed their way to win the games they should win. Their remaining games are home against Houston, Miami, and Indianapolis then two away games against New England and Cleveland. The Jaguars already beat the Texans in Houston this year, but beating a team twice is hard. Jacksonville is not going to be able to put together the wins they need to stay in the playoff race this year, most likely losing four of their last five - although a win against Houston, Miami, and a possibly resting Indianapolis is possible.

Houston has the Jacksonville away game, followed by hosting Seattle, then two away games (St. Louis and Miami), with a finale at home against New England. They should win the Seattle and St. Louis game and probably win the Jaguars game. The Texans have never lost to the Dolphins, but I think that streak ends this year. New England should be still playing for something in Week 17, so expect a loss for the Texans there as well, giving Houston a finishing record of 8&8 - and continuing their streak of never having a winning record.

Finally from the AFC South are the red-hot, Vince Young led Titans. After starting 0&6, the Titans are suddenly 5&6 and looking to continue to rise. They finish the year at Indianapolis, at home against St. Louis, Miami, and San Diego, and finally at Seattle. Although what they are doing right now is amazing, the Titans dug themselves a hole too deep to climb out of. They will lose to the Colts this week, win against St. Louis, lose to Miami (although, with Vince Young's running ability, the Dolphins defense better step up), lost to San Diego, and beat Seattle. They finish the year at 7&9.

And now, the AFC East. The Patriots are two games in the clear right now, at 7&4, but the Dolphins and Jets are both lurking at 5&6, and the Bills are not completely lost at 4&7. New England travels to Miami this week, then hosts Carolina, at Buffalo, home against the Jaguars, and finally travels to Houston. They have already beaten both the Dolphins and Bills in Foxboro this year. However, I think they split the season series with Miami. The Carolina game could be a good one, as the Panthers have played some good games this year - and they have really been embarrassing at times. The Patriots still come out with a win here, though. New England does what Miami could not this year, and puts the Bills away in a season sweep, and then beats the Jaguars and Houston to finish the season at 11&5.

New York seems like a team in confusion right now. After starting off as a hot Super Bowl pick, the Jets have crashed back to Earth, and their path to the playoffs seems muddled right now. Their five remaining games are the Bills in Toronto tonight, at Tampa Bay, home against Atlanta, at Indianapolis, and hosting Cincinnati. The schedule makers did them no favors, and they will most likely lose the three final games, with the Bills game tonight a possible loss as well. They should finish with a 7&9 record, though 6&10 is possible as well.

Buffalo, currently in the cellar of the AFC East will look to improve in Toronto against the Jets, at Kansas City, home against New England, at Atlanta, and home against Indianapolis. Like the Jets, the last three games of the season should all be losses for the Bills, with the Jets game tonight a toss-up. The Bills should finish 5&11, possibly 6&10.

And, the Miami Dolphins. Currently a game below .500 at 5&6, the Dolphins have been in an uphill battle all season after starting 0&3. They finish the year hosting the Patriots, in Jacksonville (with half the stadium rooting for the Dolphins), at Tennessee, and two home games against Houston and Pittsburgh. The Dolphins will be looking to split the season series with the Patriots this week, and then should beat the Jaguars, Titans, and Texans. The Steelers will be a tough game, but one that Miami could win. At best, the Dolphins finish 10&6, but more likely will finish 9&7, losing one of their remaining five games.

Looking at the playoff picture 5 weeks in the future, we now have:

1 - Indianapolis (15&1) (AFC South)

2 - Cincinnati (11&5) (AFC North)

3 - San Diego (11&5) (AFC West)

4 - New England (11&5) (AFC East)

5 - Denver (10&6) (Wildcard #1)

6 - Baltimore (9&7)

7 - Pittsburgh (9&7)

8 - Miami (9&7)

9 - Houston (8&8)

10 - Jacksonville (7&9)

11 - New York Jets (7&9)

12 - Tennessee (7&9)

13 - Buffalo (5&11)

14 - Kansas City (3&8)

15 - Oakland (3&8)

16 - Cleveland (2&14) (Eliminated from Playoff)

That leaves the Dolphins tied with Baltimore and Pittsburgh for the final Wildcard spot. Understanding NFL's tie breaker procedures is that the intra-Division tie breaker is used first, to eliminate two teams from the same division. Thus, the following steps are used to break the AFC North wildcard tie:

1. Head-to-head (best won-lost-tied percentage in games between the clubs).
2. Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the division.
3. Best won-lost-tied percentage in common games.
4. Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the conference.
5. Strength of victory.
6. Strength of schedule.
7. Best combined ranking among conference teams in points scored and points allowed.
8. Best combined ranking among all teams in points scored and points allowed.
9. Best net points in common games.
10. Best net points in all games.
11. Best net touchdowns in all games.

In the third tie breaker, the Ravens take the advantage, with an 8&4 record against common opponents, as compared to the Steelers 7&5 record.

Then, with two teams tied for the Wildcard, the NFL imposes the following tie breaker rules:

1. Head-to-head, if applicable.
2. Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the conference.
3. Best won-lost-tied percentage in common games, minimum of four.
4. Strength of victory.
5. Strength of schedule.
6. Best combined ranking among conference teams in points scored and points allowed.
7. Best combined ranking among all teams in points scored and points allowed.
8. Best net points in conference games.
9. Best net points in all games.
10. Best net touchdowns in all games.
11. Coin toss.

And, on the fourth tie breaker, Miami takes the advantage over Baltimore. Winning nine games against opponents with a combined record of 59&85 as compared to the Ravens' 51&93, the Miami Dolphins somehow sneak into the playoffs as a Wildcard. For their efforts, the Dolphins would get a second chance at the Chargers or a third go-round with the Patriots.

Now, there are a lot of assumptions in all of this and some guess work on what will happen on any given Sunday, but I think it will prove to be pretty close to the final standings. I actually thought it would come out that Miami would just miss the playoffs, but if it goes like this, I will be ecstatic.

But, the most important part of all of this is the realization that MIAMI IS STILL IN THE PLAYOFF HUNT. There was a lot of doom and gloom after last week's loss to the Bills. And, I admit, it hurt. It still stings, especially knowing that the Bills should have been an automatic "W" on the record.

But, the season's not over. The Dolphins could get the Wildcard. If the Patriots slip up, the Dolphins could still reclaim the AFC East Championship and the gray hat we all love. Let the Dolphins keep fighting. Let the team continue to learn how to win, and how to put teams away. Always remember, we are only 2 years removed from the worst season in franchise history. The Dolphins are not built to win today - but tomorrow is a different story.

Mt. Phinsider Birthday II

Mosul_DolFan — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:47:51 -0000

As we deal with the Buffalo loss, we at the Phinsider should take a moment to wish a Happy Birthday to one of our own. He is a proud member of Mt. Phinsider as one of the first four members of the Phinsider Hall of Fame.

He won four of the inagural Matty Awards, The Mercury Morris Front-page Frontrunner Award, The Patrick Cobbs Award, The Brandon London Bandwagon Award, and The J-Peezy Player Nickname Award in 2008-2009.

He’s one of the most (I think it's actually THE most in terms of comments) prolific members of the Phinsider community, with 113 Fanposts/Fanshots and 34,244 comments thus far - in just 20 months of membership.

He inspired the Game Ball series with his weekly posting last season.

He's pretty short (don't let the 6'6" talk fool you) and there are questions on if he is actually a she....lol

Who is he?

Of course...it's Little Nicky 21!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

2009 Game Balls - Week 12

Mosul_DolFan — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 02:04:54 -0000

I guess this is something I have to do. It was very hard to drag myself back to The Phinsider today, knowing I need to create a post awarding Game Balls after such a disheartening loss.

Well, I guess I need to just jump on in and do it.

1-yard Game Ball. Lousaka Polite. Okay, the Lousaka Monster really should get yardage every week, and he probably should get more this week, especially with his 7.3 yards per carry average (3 carries, 22 yards). But, at least I am recognizing his contribution this week, right?

2-yard Game Ball. Brian Hartline. I don't know which to highlight in this spot, Hartline's gorgeous touchdown catch, where Chad Henne recognized that the back of the endzone was open and that Hartline could get there. Hartline's ability to react, correct, and come down with that ball was amazing. Or was his awareness of the situation and ability to jump back up after catching the ball falling to the ground, where he wasn't touched - nearly scoring touchdown number two - a better play? I'm not sure. Both make me like Hartline a little more, and happy to have him wearing teal and orange. Oh, and he finished with 3 catches for 31 yards, and the touchdown.

3-yard Game Ball. Ricky Williams. Another week, more game ball yardage for Ricky. This week's totals for Williams was 27 carries for 115 yards, and a touchdown. Okay, he threw an interception, but Fasano was open as he tried to throw the pass - and he is a running back throwing his first pass since 2000. That interception kept him from getting more yardage, but can you really say he doesn't deserve a Game Ball?

4-yard Game Ball. Anthony Fasano. The Bull picked up 74 yards on 5 receptions. Suddenly, I remember why we were all so high on him last year. Welcome back Anthony. We need you to keep it up.

5-yard Game Ball. Joey Porter, Randy Starks, Tony McDaniel, Jason Taylor, Ryan Baker, and Kendall Langford. Okay, I'm going to add a bonus yard for this Game Ball, to equal the six sacks the Dolphins put up. Yes, the defense was shaky at times - at best. But, Ryan Fitzpatrick was under pressure all game long. And yes, he ran on this team (7 carries, 50 yards, 1 touchdown), but still, these guys got to him. So, I'm going to break up these six yards by sack total. Joey Porter - 2.5 yards. Tony McDaniel - 1.5 yards. Jason Taylor, Ryan Baker, Kendall Langford, and Randy Starks - 0.5 yards each.

Sack. Chad Henne and Ted Ginn, Jr. Two yard sacks for each of these guys this week. And, not for the reason that stands out. Chad's not getting this sack for the interceptions, because I really can't blame him for those. He was asked to go out and get the Dolphins back into the game. That happens, especially with a young quarterback. He's getting this sack for staring at his receivers. I know, another trait of a young quarterback, but something he needs to fix...quickly. And, Teddy's not going to get this sack for dropping passes. His 2 receptions (on 5 targets) gained 18 yards. Mach 19 gets this sack for being hesitant on kick off returns. Maybe this is a subjective sack, but I know I'm not the only one to notice or comment on either of these things during the game.

Fan Game Ball. Okay, so in what is easily the biggest oversight of the Game Balls this year, I failed to give Nate Garner his due last week. That's really the point to the Fan Game Ball, so thank you to all of you who saw the error of my ways. And, I am going to give him three yards for his performance, one for each position he played during the game. Congratulations Nate, and I'm sorry that I missed such an outstanding performance.

2009 Game Balls - Week 11

Mosul_DolFan — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 01:23:48 -0000

[Author's Note: Sorry this is a day late. Had some internet issues yesterday]

Oh, Thursday night how I love you. What a great night Thursday night was. Climbing to .500, the Miami Dolphins made a statement has thrust them into the middle of the AFC Wildcard race, as well as kept them in the hunt for the Division title.

Think about it. Next week, the Dolphins play the Bills. With this team, playing this way, the Dolphins should leave Buffalo with a win. The Patriots are playing the Saints next week in what should be a great game, and one the Patriots could lose. So, let's say the Saints stay undefeated (the Saints losing their quest for a Perfect Season is the ONLY good thing that could come out of the Patriots winning). Suddenly, the Dolphins are one game back from the AFC East lead.

And, who do the Dolphins play the following week? Oh, that's right. The Patriots, in Miami - on Sunday afternoon. Apparently a game for the AFC East lead is too pedantic and is not as appealing as a Vikings/Cardinals matchup for NBC. Guessing this has a little to do with Brett Favre.

What a critical couple of weeks this will be.

But, before we start looking ahead, let's go back and look at the award-worthy performances from last Thursday.

1-yard Game Ball. Ted Ginn, Jr and Chad Henne. It wasn't a great game for Teddy, but it was a solid game. He caught 4 passes for 32-yards. Nothing spectacular, but it seemed like Teddy discovered Stick'em or something. I'll give him this Game Ball simply because, for once, we don't really have a reason to criticize him. Henne picks up a yard this week for doing exactly what was asked of him. He finished the game 17-for-29 for 172 yards and 1 touchdown.

2-yard Game Ball. Channing Crowder and Randy Starks. Crowder stepped up again this week - totaling 5 tackles. He's not going to be the flashy, dominating LB that his mouth seems to want him to be, but he seems to be finally figuring out his role in the defense. He's a run stopper, especially now with Jason Ferguson out for the year. Crowder has to continue to help plug holes so the rest of the defense can stop the runner. And, Starks just seems to be everywhere, every week. So, with another sack, Starks picks up another couple of yards.

3-yard Game Ball. Davone Bess. Bess apparently shared some stick'em with Teddy this week. Suddenly, Miami's receivers figured out that when Chad Henne throws the ball, he would really appreciate if they caught it. Bess had 6 receptions for 63-yards, but the highlight was an acrobatic diving catch to convert a first down on 3rd-and-8.

4-yard Game Ball. Joey Porter. Maybe being inactivated woke up Joey. Maybe he finally realized he was not playing like the guy he was last year. Either way, Peezy showed up this week. He led the team in tackles with seven, plus an assist. And, he tallied two sacks. It's good to see you back Joey!

5-yard Game Ball. Ricky Williams and the O-Line. Any doubt here? Seems like Ricky's name pops up in this spot a lot lately, but I think it's well deserved as well. Thrust into a starting role he does not really want, Williams showed why he won a Heisman Trophy in 1998 (let that sink in for a second...) and the NFL's Rushing Title in 2002. He finished the game with 119 yards rushing on 22-carries, a 5.8 yard per attempt average, as well as 2 rushing touchdowns. He also caught two passes for 19-yards and a touchdown. It was the first time in his career that Ricky ran for and caught a touchdown in the same game. I think, even though I would love to have him on the field, the Dolphins will be able to survive the loss of Ronnie Brown so long as Ricky can keep playing like he has so thus far this season. The o-line gets the 5-yards today for two simple reasons. The first, 154 yards rushing. The second - 0 sacks. Henne's uniform was nice and clean. I like that.

Sack. I'm at a loss. I really have no complaints this week. I can't come up with anyone to sack this week. It seemed like every aspect of the team played well. So, congratulations Dolphins. Just like in the game, there are no sacks in this week's post.

Good Dolphins Story by Adam Schein - Phins in Playoffs

Mosul_DolFan — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:01:24 -0000

Good Dolphins Story by Adam Schein - Phins in Playoffs

#1 is all Miami.

First goat is nice too…

Ronnie to IR

Mosul_DolFan — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:20:35 -0000

Ronnie to IR

Looks like it's ricky's show now.

Good ESPN article about CP10

Mosul_DolFan — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:15:27 -0000

Good ESPN article about CP10

CP10 is starting his rehab. Looking to make a decision on playing again in March and states that he would consider coming back to be Henne's backup. I say do it. He would be an outstanding #2!!