Quick Thoughts Heading to San Diego

[SF Dolphin Fan]

Hard not to get a little excited with the three game winning streak and the way the running game has emerged. Some quick notes.

* Miami's record in Don Shula's first eight games as head coach....4-4. Not saying Adam Gase is Shula, but the team has a good feel to it. Of course, the Dolphins won six straight at that point to end 10-4 in Shula's first season.

* The schedule looks doable for a playoff run. Right now Miami is seeded 7th if the season ended today. A 6-2 second half could get the Dolphins there.

* Kudos to Jay Ajayi. His 111 yards agains the Jets defense is very impressive.

* Can't dismiss the fact that Miami nearly had two kick returns for touchdowns. Special teams played big Sunday. Still would love to see more touches for Grant and Drake.

* The second half should be interesting. Hold on tight!

 

[DuderinoN703]

Chargers will be difficult. If I had to choose a winner I'd go with them. Their offense averages 29.7 a game. It's a must that Culliver gets in some work this week. Howard needs to return ASAP as well.

 

[The Ghost]

In regards to Drake and Grant it's absolutely awesome to have players like that who can score from anywhere simply because of their individual athleticism. Ever more exciting is the fact that both players will inevitably be a part of our offense.

 

[nyashfan]

Tannehill may be required to win this game in the 4th quarter and needs to make many more plays down field. I expect a 35-31 type of score. Very difficult game to win.

 

[Aqua and Orange]

Super happy with the win yesterday. That said, I still wish our special teams unit was more solid and dependable. They always seem to have several boneheaded plays per game that throw things into disarray, which is saying something as they have so many less plays than our offense and defense. Besides the penalty on the kick return (which I concede was a garbage call), Darr's shanked punt and that happened to take a lucky bounce and Darr's fumble both were moments where I slapped my forehead and said, "Why does special teams every week do something like this?" It speaks volumes that each of us are holding our breath during every Andrew Franks kick and waiting for the inevitable penalty on every kickoff return.

I don't deny that Rizzi has a LOT of youth on his squad, but most special teams units do. He has to get control of them and cut down on the costly mistakes. Rizzi doesn't have any of the same excuses that Gase and Joseph do about being new to the gig. They are certainly getting better (hard not to when your first several WEEKS of the season you have kick returners routinely forcing the offense to start on the 10 yard line), but I still expect better.

 

[67Stang]

We beat the hell out of them 2 years ago and got thrashed last year when our O-Line had injuries. We are healthy and can get pressure on Rivers. I feel good about this game! I was there last year with my buddy who is a Chargers' fan....revenge this year! Will be on the 50 yard line, 8th row, Dolphins' side!

 

[CA Dolfan]

Afraid we might have to get into a shootout and that won't bode well for us.

 

[fansinceGWilson]

Chargers will be difficult. If I had to choose a winner I'd go with them. Their offense averages 29.7 a game. It's a must that Culliver gets in some work this week. Howard needs to return ASAP as well.

I have three reasons for optimism. 5 teams have averaged 4+ypc against SD. Those teams are 4-1. Teams averaging 24ppg or more have averaged 31ppg against SD. In Miami's last 3 games, they've averaged 26.5. Against teams holding holding opponents to

 

[kcbrown]

I have three reasons for optimism. 5 teams have averaged 4+ypc against SD. Those teams are 4-1. Teams averaging 24ppg or more have averaged 31ppg against SD. In Miami's last 3 games, they've averaged 26.5. Against teams holding holding opponents to

I had to quote this for emphasis....WOW....MIAMI is actually scoring more than 19 points a game?!! Awesome!

 

[KevInMotion]

I have three reasons for optimism. 5 teams have averaged 4+ypc against SD. Those teams are 4-1. Teams averaging 24ppg or more have averaged 31ppg against SD. In Miami's last 3 games, they've averaged 26.5. Against teams holding holding opponents to

Ahhhhh come on... don't leave me hang....

 

[DuderinoN703]

I have three reasons for optimism. 5 teams have averaged 4+ypc against SD. Those teams are 4-1. Teams averaging 24ppg or more have averaged 31ppg against SD. In Miami's last 3 games, they've averaged 26.5. Against teams holding holding opponents to

If Miami can score 2-3 rushing TDs against them they might be able to pull it off. SD allows 27.4 a game which is 7th worst. The problem is they're 5th in the league in rush yards allowed. Again this should indicate that Miami needs to beat them through the air but I don't have complete faith Tannehill can do that.

 

[FIU82]

Its going to be tough, its crazy that Rivers keeps making it happen after so many wideouts being out with injuries. That and Gordon having a breakout season is whats keeping the chargers alive this season. The fins have to pressure Rivers, that's how you beat the chargers IMO.

 

[SF Dolphin Fan]

Its going to be tough, its crazy that Rivers keeps making it happen after so many wideouts being out with injuries. That and Gordon having a breakout season is whats keeping the chargers alive this season. The fins have to pressure Rivers, that's how you beat the chargers IMO.

Rivers has always been right on the cusp of the elite quarterbacks IMO. Miami will have to really be at their best and come up with some positive plays on defense. The secondary could be improved with Culliver coming back.

 

[xSxPxHx]

You would think the Game plan is to run the ball, control the clock, and limit Rivers on the field. That should our formula this year against elite QB's

 

[broccoli rob]

In regards to Drake and Grant it's absolutely awesome to have players like that who can score from anywhere simply because of their individual athleticism. Ever more exciting is the fact that both players will inevitably be a part of our offense.

I hope Gase takes his time with Drake and molds him exactly the way he wants him to be. Let us all be patient.

I think this kid could be a special back, WR, and return man for us.. I can't wait to see him split out wide catching some deep balls.