Random Miami Thoughts After Conference Games

[SF Dolphin Fan]

If they hold the Super Bowl in NYC/NJ, Detroit, & Minneapolis... why not Seattle, Charlotte, & KC?

That said, I will be in Vegas when (not if) the Super Bowl is there... I'm only 6 hrs way by car

I'm kind of surprised it's not in one location like Hawaii.

 

[SF Dolphin Fan]

Each year's championship game teams will give a somewhat different message. My preferred team building method is similar to the last 2 SB losers - Rams and Niners. No 2 teams are alike, but I think there are lots of similarities there. However I care way more about the Phins winning - regardless of how they're built.

Niners were pretty complete. Fantastic defensive line and running game. Jimmy Garoppolo was just okay and the secondary was weak. The dline helped cover up that secondary.

Miami's secondary is currently the team's biggest strength. This offseason is interesting because Miami could become the best defense in the NFL if they decide to spend the majority of their resources there.

They also have the opportunity to put a lot of talent on the offense. I think that's where their focus will be.

 

[39wildman]

Our DB are good. We need get better to compete w top teams in afc.

 

[superphin]

The Bills hung 24 on the Chiefs and the Packers hung 26 on the Bucs. That's nothing to sneeze at. The difference was the offenses of the winning teams were undeniable and had multiple threats. They delivered multiple home run plays at key moments.

Dink and dunk with players like Jakeem Grant isn't going to cut it. There have to be multiple players that defenses have to gameplan around and inspire fear. We don't need "solid", we need "scary". Sounds corny, but I'd enter the draft with that as that mentality: "Who is going to scare the **** out of opposing defenses?"

The 24 the Bills hung on the Chiefs would rank 18th in the NFL as far as ppg average. That's a very small sneeze.

 

[Awsi Dooger]

When there's a questionable coaching decision I've at least considered the possibility. At no point on that Packers drive did I ever contemplate they would attempt a field goal.

Playoffs are historically more aggressive. First time I saw that was Tom Landry using the halfback pass from Dan Reeves in the famous Ice Bowl. Then Jimmy Johnson took it to a new level with later Cowboys teams in the early '90s, always choosing bold. Then yesterday not only is LaFleur kicking a field goal but Buffalo thought it was such a brilliant idea they seemed intent to field goal all day. Impossible not to laugh. Beating Patrick Mahomes 3 at a time.

There's always something missing with Aaron Rodgers. I saw it in person when he couldn't finish a deserved victory over a great USC team in the Coliseum circa 2004. That's why I don't put much stock in regular season stat lines with Rodgers above Brady and others. History properly will not view it that way.

He got blown out in two NFC title games by the 49ers when Green Bay was outmatched overall. But blowing the game at Seattle many years ago and instantly behind yesterday are going to be a blemish.

I thought Tampa Bay's skill players were somewhat exposed yesterday despite the victory. Numerous key drops including by Evans. They didn't seem to want it enough. Throughout that game I kept thinking the same guys need to step up huge and make every clutch grab if there's any chance against Mahomes. Actually the only Buccaneer skill guy who surprised me on the high end was Gronkowski. Where did that move and speed come from on the screen pass? He knows he can't do it often but when the situation arises he needs to be 25 briefly again. I suspect Brady will target Gronkowski more than expected in the Super Bowl. Keep in mind Brady went to Gronkowski on the key plays in that win at Kansas City two years ago.

Buffalo was overhyped all season and Kansas City understated, despite the won/loss record. I had zero anticipation of that game other than cashing wagers. Once you win so matter of factly on the road it stamps that you are the superior team and will almost certainly do it again at home. The same actually would have applied to the Saints against Tampa Bay last week if Brees were not a shot quarterback. Fortunately I handicapped that into the process for that game. No chance I'm trusting a guy who is so bad at getting the ball downfield the coach only trusts the backup to go deep from a trick formation.

The Chiefs really did a great job of preparing for Buffalo and specifically Josh Allen. That's where the new playoff format really shows up. You could see that Kansas City had time to game plan for the Bills while Buffalo was trotting out ordinary stuff and assuming it would be enough.

Super Bowl spread opened at -3.5 at many joints and dropped to -3. I'm kind of surprised by that. I thought it would be -3.5. I'll be surprised if it does not go back up, especially since the money line is already higher than typical for a -3 playoff game.

I favor Kansas City but as hoops pointed out it would be preferable toward 2021 if the Chiefs lose, due to the hangover effect of the Super Bowl loser. If this team wins two in a row then it's full steam ahead in the quest to be the first team in the Super Bowl era to three peat.

 

[SF Dolphin Fan]

I think the NFL should try out an all automated official system. Have a couple onfield refs to line up the ball, but have people in booths do the calls. It is usually obvious after a single slowmo review if there's a penalty on a play, but we trust realtime refs who are fallible and only able to see from a single point. Hell, a ref could sneeze or blink and miss a blatant false start, punch, or hold.

Chris Jones last night got a punch in on Feliciano, something that I've seen Wilkins get ejected for against the same OL two years ago. Wilkins gives the guy a one hand shove and gets ejected, Chris Jones sucker punches after the whistle and the refs miss it.

People wonder why adult men yell at the TV during games lol, it is almost always at the refs

I don't know about an automated official system, or how that could work. But, why not use the current technology to its fullest? Even something like spotting the football could be made better by technology.

Of all the major sports, the NFL is the one that I believe is most influenced by calls. It's a tough game to officiate, but why not look for ways to improve it with the systems and technology already in place?

 

[SF Dolphin Fan]

When there's a questionable coaching decision I've at least considered the possibility. At no point on that Packers drive did I ever contemplate they would attempt a field goal.

Playoffs are historically more aggressive. First time I saw that was Tom Landry using the halfback pass from Dan Reeves in the famous Ice Bowl. Then Jimmy Johnson took it to a new level with later Cowboys teams in the early '90s, always choosing bold. Then yesterday not only is LaFleur kicking a field goal but Buffalo thought it was such a brilliant idea they seemed intent to field goal all day. Impossible not to laugh. Beating Patrick Mahomes 3 at a time.

There's always something missing with Aaron Rodgers. I saw it in person when he couldn't finish a deserved victory over a great USC team in the Coliseum circa 2004. That's why I don't put much stock in regular season stat lines with Rodgers above Brady and others. History properly will not view it that way.

He got blown out in two NFC title games by the 49ers when Green Bay was outmatched overall. But blowing the game at Seattle many years ago and instantly behind yesterday are going to be a blemish.

I thought Tampa Bay's skill players were somewhat exposed yesterday despite the victory. Numerous key drops including by Evans. They didn't seem to want it enough. Throughout that game I kept thinking the same guys need to step up huge and make every clutch grab if there's any chance against Mahomes. Actually the only Buccaneer skill guy who surprised me on the high end was Gronkowski. Where did that move and speed come from on the screen pass? He knows he can't do it often but when the situation arises he needs to be 25 briefly again. I suspect Brady will target Gronkowski more than expected in the Super Bowl. Keep in mind Brady went to Gronkowski on the key plays in that win at Kansas City two years ago.

Buffalo was overhyped all season and Kansas City understated, despite the won/loss record. I had zero anticipation of that game other than cashing wagers. Once you win so matter of factly on the road it stamps that you are the superior team and will almost certainly do it again at home. The same actually would have applied to the Saints against Tampa Bay last week if Brees were not a shot quarterback. Fortunately I handicapped that into the process for that game. No chance I'm trusting a guy who is so bad at getting the ball downfield the coach only trusts the backup to go deep from a trick formation.

The Chiefs really did a great job of preparing for Buffalo and specifically Josh Allen. That's where the new playoff format really shows up. You could see that Kansas City had time to game plan for the Bills while Buffalo was trotting out ordinary stuff and assuming it would be enough.

Super Bowl spread opened at -3.5 at many joints and dropped to -3. I'm kind of surprised by that. I thought it would be -3.5. I'll be surprised if it does not go back up, especially since the money line is already higher than typical for a -3 playoff game.

I favor Kansas City but as hoops pointed out it would be preferable toward 2021 if the Chiefs lose, due to the hangover effect of the Super Bowl loser. If this team wins two in a row then it's full steam ahead in the quest to be the first team in the Super Bowl era to three peat.

Flores has proven to be a bold coach so that bodes well for Miami.

Going for the FG with 2:05, I believe, on the clock was a head scratcher. There's really no such thing as a shutdown defense in today's game and, even though Brady's second half performance was poor, why give him the chance to put the game away?

I'm not sure you're being totally fair with Rodgers. Granted, with his talents you'd expect more than one super bowl title. But he clearly outplayed Brady in this one, despite having fewer offensive weapons.

I think that loss was clearly on GB's coaching staff.

As far as the super bowl goes, with TB at home that has to factor in. I think KC wins, but I think they need a strong start. This team tends to like to play from behind, or be challenged, before they rev it up.

 

[utahphinsfan]

I'm kind of surprised it's not in one location like Hawaii.

Like The Pro Bowl used to be?

 

[utahphinsfan]

As far as the super bowl goes, with TB at home that has to factor in. I think KC wins, but I think they need a strong start. This team tends to like to play from behind, or be challenged, before they rev it up.

KC, it seems, does like to run in neutral for the 1st qtr to qtr and a half.

They need to come out strong In Tampa and put the peddle down. Somewhat like they did against the Bucs earlier this yr

 

[z926538]

I read that Bellichick is 60-71 without Brady. Maybe it was Brady all along? I mean that's not a good record and that's a substantial number of game

If anything, this season has proven that the success of the Belichek/Brady pairing was mostly due to Brady.

The QB position matters. The Dolphins for the last 30 years have ignored this lesson.

 

[fansinceGWilson]

If anything, this season has proven that the success of the Belichek/Brady pairing was mostly due to Brady.

The QB position matters. The Dolphins for the last 30 years have ignored this lesson.

How many Pats players opted out? even then, signing Cam was a surprise

 

[Goonies]

The super bowl loser historically is in for a down year the year after.

hard to see a what 24 year old Mahomes and kc having a down year more than a 44 then year old tom brady

but it’s hard to bet against Tom too in a super bowl I know that much

Tom Brady is a master Jedi, everyone else are jar jar binks. You know he’s prob pist about those 3 ints . I expect him to have a great Super Bowl and you know he’s already watching film . I can see Tampa scoring 35 points on KC.

 

[SF Dolphin Fan]

KC, it seems, does like to run in neutral for the 1st qtr to qtr and a half.

They need to come out strong In Tampa and put the peddle down. Somewhat like they did against the Bucs earlier this yr

Agree. They are so good now that they seemingly need to be challenged. Perhaps playing on the road, and with Brady on Tampa Bay, they put the pedal to the medal early.

 

[SF Dolphin Fan]

Like The Pro Bowl used to be?

Maybe. It would be nice to rotate, though, from an economic standpoint. Brings in a lot of money to a community. As a fan, I kind of like watching games in the snow, but the NFL obviously favors those warm weather sites.

 

[YorkshirePhin]

No surprise, all four teams represented at the conference title games trotted out quarterbacks who had excellent seasons. Rodgers and Brady are future Hall of Famers, Mahomes is already among the best I've ever seen. Allen's rise since his rookie campaign has been remarkable. But the teams won a little differently, which begs the question. Other than quarterback, if you could have an embarrassing group of riches at one position what would you prefer?

KC featured the best group of skill position talent in football with ultimate mismatches in Hill and Kelce. Buffalo has an offensive line that gives Allen a ton of time to throw. TB has an outstanding group of linebackers with White and David, and a nice group of wide receivers. GB had a pretty good defense this year. I'm not sure they had one dominant unit.

Thoughts on TB/GB
Was the PI call on GB the right call? There's no question it was a penalty, but the officials let the the players play all game and honestly could have called maybe eight plays pass interference throughout the game. Not sure that was a catchable ball either and the timing essentially sealed the win for the Bucs.

Brady played a solid first half, but ended up with three second half interceptions. It got me thinking if a quarterback has ever won a conference championship game with that many. You may have to go back to the mud bowl where David Woodley had three, while Richard Todd had five. Different era, obviously.

No question, GB was outcoached. I don't understand not going for the touchdown at the eight-yard line with just over 2:00 minutes to play. I'm not sure the odds there, but definitely higher with Rodgers. Allowing that touchdown pass at the end of the half was all about bad coaching as well.

KC/Buffalo
I didn't watch the entire game, but whenever I see the Chiefs I want Miami to load up on offense. Their defense isn't special, Buffalo certainly has a better D, but they can score at will. Sometimes it seems like KC likes playing from behind. They are so good that they need to be challenged. I think TB has the edge on defense so maybe it will be a close SB.

TB/GB - I thought TB should have had an offensive pass interference call given on Godwin's long catch down the middle of the field, he blatantly used his elbow to lever the DB's head and thus totally off balance him which is the only reason Godwin was able to make the catch. I was surprised nobody called in on commentary to be honest! That movement the other way from the DB draws a flag 100% of the time.

Defence is hard enough nowadays with PI without giving the WR such leverage imo,