Got Dolphins Questions?

1. I wouldn’t say Ricky has become an afterthought. After all, it’s his presence that allows the ‘Wildcat’ formation to work so well. If it was an average, run-of-the-mill RB coming across the line in motion just before the snap, the formation probably wouldn’t be as successful as it has been. But with that said, I think he’ll continue to get 10 to 15 carries a game and will probably end the season with 500-600 yards rushing.

2. Jake has had his ups and downs. But over the past 2 games, he’s looked much improved. As to how the Fins will deal with Mario Williams, that’s the key matchup of the game. The Dolphins must neutralize Mario if they want to continue with their efficient passing game of the past 2 weeks. To answer your question, though….no. I don’t think they will use Fasano to chip Mario. I have a feeling this is going to be a “show-me” week for Long. It’s time for him to step up and have a #1 pick kind of game.

3. Well it’s really not that “gimmicky” as some in the media are trying to lead you to believe. It’s a single-wing formation, which has been around for ages. Ronnie takes the snap in shotgun formation. Pennington is split out wide as a receiver. Jake Long moves over to the right side and covers Vernon Carey, creating an unbalanced line. Ricky starts in the slot to Ronnie’s left and then goes in motion. Ronnie lifts up his leg at the right time to signal the snap from center just before Ricky reaches him. Ronnie then has an option to hand if off to Ricky on a “sweep-esque” type play or keep it himself and find a hole in the line, usually up the middle or to the right behind Carey and Long. But beware – Ronnie can throw it. And there are some other things that can be done out of it – such as a throw behind the line from Ronnie to Pennington, who could then chuck it downfield. And that’s just one more possible wrinkle.

The key, though, is execution. Defenses can know it’s coming – but if executed perfectly, the offense will gain at least 4 to 5 yards with an opportunity for a big play if the back (usually Ronnie) can break a tackle or two.

I had a feeling that some of you guys from our community over at TP would find their way over here.

I’ll say at least 1!

1. Jason Ferguson was the former NT for the Cowboys (most recently). Miami acquired him in a trade this past offseason. He’s primarily a run-stuffing nose tackle. He does eat up blockers and free up the linebackers to make plays against the run. But he also makes plays from time to time. He already has 2 tackles for loss in 4 games for the Dolphins. Is he better than Hampton? Eh…it’s hard to say. The way I see it, he’s an older, more veteran version of Hampton.

2. Jake has had his ups and downs. But he’s progressing very nicely and I’m 100% confident that he’ll be a very good LT for years to come. Some "experts" think he would be better suited for right tackle, but those who say that aren’t watching the Miami’s games this season. He has given up 2 sacks. One was in his first game back in week one, surrendered to Bryan Thomas of the Jets. He also was credited with allowing a sack last week to Marques Harris. But it was a split sack between Harris and another Charger defender. And I believe that the sack he allowed wasn’t exactly his fault, but the fault of either a TE or RB missed assignment. Regardless, this week will be the big test for Long. And keep in mind that he is yet to play against a team that runs a 4-3 defense – at least at the pro level.

3. I’d say it’s closest to the play of James Harrison – but better. Listen, you may call me crazy, but Joey is playing as good as he ever has. He’s already matched his 2007 sack total of 5.5 and he has been involved in a sack in 3 of Miami’s 4 games. And a lot of this revitalization is due to Porter being used now in a 3-4 system in the same way he was used in Pittsburgh. Last year, he was forced to play 2nd fiddle to Jason Taylor – Taylor was the primary pass-rushing OLB. And due to injuries and whatnot, the Fins even had to abandon the 3-4 at times. But now he’s back in a true 3-4 defense and he’s playing as good as he ever has.

4. Ugh! It was just a perfect storm. To start off, Arizona’s receivers are exactly the kind that have always given this team fits: big and physical. Also, Chris Crocker was the starting FS for the first two games. Since then, Renaldo Hill has replaced Crocker and the defense has improved dramatically against the pass. In the two games in which Crocker started, the Fins surrendered 11.9 yards per pass attempt. In the two with Hill as starter, they’ve surrendered just 5 yards per attempt. Hill is the QB of the secondary, making the reads and calls at the line of scrimmage. Against Arizona, communication was the key problem. But that issue has seemingly been solved.

…I double posted somehow. lol

srry if that offended any of you…im trying to get better

if i didn’t think you were a lil kid, i would beat the @#*&$%# out of you. no crying after the fins lose

I assume you’re acquainted with him now. Suck it.

1. It’ll probably be used all season long – in specific situations. I don’t see why they wouldn’t at least pull it out once or twice per game just to see what happens. They’ve had too much success not to at least run a few plays per game out of the formation.

2. Great question. I’m going to surprise some and say that Coach Sparano has had a bigger effect. After all, he’s the one game-planning week in and week out. And he’s the one instilling a sense of toughness and confidence to this team.

3. I think he’ll make it through the season. To be honest, substance abuse is not even on my mind right now. Ricky has matured and knows he can’t afford one more mistake. And I think Ronnie’s emergence as the primary back will keep Ricky’s carries down and keep him healthy.

4. Hopefully none. But realistically, I wouldn’t be shocked to see him give up one. I would be surprised if he gave up more than 1 simply because he has too much natural talent and Pennington has done a great job this year at moving around in the pocket and getting rid of the ball before defenders can get to him.

Thanks for the questions and good luck tomorrow. Let’s hope for an injury-free game!