Day 1,708, Quasi-Quarantine: Holiday Puzzling Is Upon Us

 

This clever puzzle was just complex enough to be challenging, with just the right mix of cool artwork and difficulty level. At 1,000 pieces, it blended similar colors, shapes, and limbs, while giving a nice run-through of the sheer variety of minifigures that Lego has created over the years.

8.5/10, would snap together while listening to Christmas tunes again.

Related: I miss Legos. 😞

Day 1,704, Quasi-Quarantine: Dolphins-Rams Game 9 Review

 

Somehow, some way, Miami went on the road and earned a hard-fought victory against a respected Rams team. Along the way, the 'Fins were flagged exactly once, which represents a crucial turning point -- and also means that the squad clearly needs to draw Ron Robert's crew more often.

The Dolphins ran 15 fewer plays than Los Angeles and struggled on offense, but the defense absolutely refused to give in. Despite respectable defense on both sides, the second half included no punts, five field goals, a touchdown, and a missed field goal.

The performance went a long way toward extending Miami's season and breathing life into faint playoff hopes.

On to the clutch-as-it-gets recap ...

Offense

• Miami managed just 15 first downs and 238 total yards, picking up just 67 yards on the ground and averaging three yards per rush. The bright spots were on third down (six of 13 conversions) and the red zone (two touchdowns in three visits), but it was a sloppy performance overall.
• Tua Tagovailoa was out of the rhythm or much of the game, with poor fundamentals and decision-making that led some observers to question whether he had suffered another concussion on an ill-advised tackle attempt. He did connect on 20 of 28 passes for 207 yards with a touchdown, but he threw an interception, took three sacks, fumbled once, and generally struggled with pocket presence. Tua lost a yard on his only rushing attempt and could have thrown three more interceptions.
• At running back, De'Von Achane got 17 touches but was limited to just 52 total yards, as the Rams did a fine job of limiting big plays. Raheem Mostert got just eight snaps in this one and did not record a carry, though he caught two of three targets for 34 yards. Rookie Jaylen Wright got more run at the position, but picked up just three yards on five carries. The ground game desperately missed fullback Alec Ingold, who missed the game with a calf injury, and the outing seemed to reflect a shift for Mostert, who assumed more of a third-down role. As he's a tone-setter for the offense, it will be interesting to watch whether that remains the case in future weeks.
• Tyreek Hill played 46 snaps despite a self-described torn ligament in his wrist (which he seemed to ascribe to being handcuffed during an early-season traffic violation), and he caught three of four targets for just 16 yards and ran twice for 11 yards. However, he did score his first touchdown in seven games. Jaylen Waddle reeled in three of six targets for 57 yards (55 coming on the first possession of the contest), with a long of 36, but had a massive drop and lost a yard on a carry. The hero was rookie Malik Washington, who had a 17-yard catch, scored his first career touchdown on an 18-yard end-around, contributed on special teams, and displayed strong perimeter blocking. Odell Beckham snared both targets for 17 yards and River Cracraft saw his first action of the season (four snaps), throwing a key block on Washington's score.
• At tight end Jonnu Smith and Durham Smythe both got 25 snaps, with Smith grabbing three of four targets for 45 yards, with a 33-yard catch and run that showed great open-field ability. Smythe had a six-yard catch while Julian Hill failed to come up with his long target -- but did not commit a penalty. Tanner Conner left with a knee injury.
• The offensive line regressed with right tackle Austin Jackson out for this one. He was replaced by Kendall Lamm, who yielded to rookie Patrick Paul for a couple of snaps when Lamm had to leave briefly due to injury. Left guard Robert Jones also left with a knee injury, with Lester Cotton replacing him for 24 snaps. Miami's interior was routinely decimated by the Rams' stout defensive front.

Defense

• In a tremendous all-around showing, the 'Fins did not allow a touchdown despite three red-zone visits by the home team. The unit posted four sacks, forced two turnovers, and limited LA to just three of 12 third-down conversions. The Rams managed just 327 total yards and 4.8 yards per play, and an inefficient running game (70 yards) led to Matthew Stafford having to throw it 46 times. Overall, this was easily Miami's best defensive performance of the season.
• The return of Zach Sieler made a massive difference quickly, as he registered five tackles, two solos, a stop for loss, a batted pass, and a quarterback hit for a 74.8 grade from Pro Football Focus. His partner on the interior, Calais Campbell, notched three tackles, two solos, a sack, a stop for loss, two batted passes, and a quarterback hit in just 33 snaps, earning a 72.8 PFF mark. Da'Shawn Hand posted three tackles, one solo, a tackle for loss, and a forced fumble, while Neil Farrell pitched in with an assisted tackle and a quarterback hit.
• On the edge, rookie Chop Robinson had his best game, racking up two solos, a sack, a stop for loss, two quarterback hits, and six pressures in a career-high 42 snaps -- good for a 70.7 PFF grade. Emmanuel Ogbah (two tackles, one solo) and Tyus Bower (one solo tackle) were quiet, but Quinton Bell came off the bench to record two solos, a sack, a forced fumble, and a stop for loss in just 13 snaps, earning a 92.1 mark from PFF.
• As usual, Jordyn Brooks led the way on the inside, notching 11 tackles, six solos, and a stop for a loss while playing all 70 snaps and earning an 86.4 grade from PFF. After wresting the starting job from David Long, Anthony Walker proved the coaches right by registering nine tackles, three solos, a pass breakup, and a crucial interception in his 69 snaps. Eliminating the rotation at inside linebacker seemed to pay massive dividends.
• At cornerback, Jalen Ramsey played all 70 snaps, collecting six tackles and four solos on his way to a 75.9 PFF mark. Kendall Fuller had five tackles, four solos, a pass breakup, and a fumble recovery before leaving with a concussion. His departure paved the way for Cam Smith, who tallied four tackles and two solos in 33 snaps. Kader Kohou made three solo tackles from his nickel position, and Siran Neal came on to deliver one solo tackle despite giving up a big play. Despite some injury concerns, the corners were an integral part of an impressive performance from the secondary.
• Jevon Holland's return was massive for the safety group, and he delivered three tackles, two solos, a sack, a stop for loss, and a quarterback hit in 69 snaps, good for a 75.7 PFF mark. Jordan Poyer played all 70 snaps, registering seven tackles, two solos, and a 76.7 grade from PFF. A week after a shaky effort from the safeties, this return to form -- which coincided with Marcus Maye getting zero snaps from scrimmage -- was welcomed.

Special teams

• Jason Sanders connected on all three field goal attempts, with a long of 50, and drilled both extra points.
• Jake Bailey punted three times for a 44.7-yard average, putting one inside the 20-yard line.
• Washington returned three punts for 21 yards, but Miami did not return any kickoffs.
• One-time starters Long and Maye only saw action on special teams, and Duke Riley (23 snaps) and Neal and Bell (22 snaps each) paced the team in special-teams plays. Tindall picked up a pair of solo stops in the kicking game, while Neal committed the team's only penalty when he went out of bounds and failed to return to the field in a timely fashion (this is a personal foul, apparently).

Momentum plays

• Fast starts have eluded Miami all season, but this game represented an exception, as a 19-yard strike to Waddle got things moving, and then a 36-yard connection to Waddle on 3rd & 13 (on a Tua scramble) kept the possession going. An end-around from Washington on the very next play covered 18 yards and staked the 'Fins to an important 7-0 lead.
• Three straight three-and-outs ensued, with Sieler making a 10-yard tackle for loss on his first play after returning from injury and Tua countering with three straight incompletions before a Robinson sack ended the next Rams drive, which started at their own 49-yard line.
• A nine-yard pass to Mostert on 3rd & 6 finally earned the Dolphins another first down, but the drive stalled and Bailey delivered a poor 35-yard punt.
• Los Angeles picked up a quick first down, but Campbell batted a pass at the line that Walker was able to intercept and return for five yards to set up Miami on its own 46-yard line.
• Achane ripped off a 15-yard run to start the drive, but the 'Fins couldn't manage another first down, setting up Sanders to deliver a 50-yard field goal for a 10-0 advantage.
• The Rams managed one first down before punting yet again thanks to a Campbell sack. Unfortunately, the next Miami possession featured a run that lost four yards and an interception that was returned 30 yards and saw Tua get steamrolled while trying to make a low tackle.
• Taking over in 'Fins territory, LA fumbled on its first play, with Hand forcing and Fuller recovering. After a 12-yard connection with Hill, Tua returned the favor, holding the ball entirely too long on a sack that saw him fumble it back to the Rams -- marking the third straight possession ending in a turnover in a contest that was quickly turning weird.
• Los Angeles took possession in Miami territory for the second time in a row, this time picking up an initial first down before settling for a short field goal to trim the lead to 10-3.
• The Dolphins picked up an early first down on an Achane run, but Tua again made a poor decision, taking a 15-yard sack that led to a 51-yard Bailey punt that was downed inside the 10-yard line.
• A string of runs and short passes moved the Rams down the field quickly, with LA barely avoiding another turnover when Bell forced a Stafford fumble on a sack. A 16-yard pass to Puka Nacua got the Rams into scoring position, and a spike led to a 55-yard field goal as time ran out in the first half. Despite a dominant defensive performance, the 'Fins led just 10-6 at intermission.
• The Rams settled into an offensive rhythm on the opening possession of the second half, again mixing runs and passes. A bad snap led to a loss of 13 yards, and a 57-yard field goal attempt drifted wide right.
• Miami took possession at its own 47-yard line, and passes of 10 and 33 yards to Smith put the Dolphins on the doorstep. The 33-yarder featured a number of broken tackles by Smith, who was marked down at the one-yard line. After wasting a timeout, Tua found Hill for an easy touchdown on the next play, extending the lead to 17-6.
• Los Angeles used 11 plays to cover 39 yards on the following drive, highlighted by a 17-yarder to Cooper Kupp on 3rd & 5. Holland dropped Stafford for a 12-yard sack on a 3rd & 7, making it a tougher field goal, but the Rams converted from 53 yards away to make the score 17-9.
• An unnecessary roughness on LA gave the Dolphins a first down, and Tua converted a 3rd & 3 with a 10-yarder to Achane. Facing a 3rd & 9 three plays later (and after a second Miami timeout), Tua found Mostert, who raced 25 yards for a crucial first down. The possession petered out from there, but Sanders connected from 37 yards away to make it 20-9.
• Stafford went to his playmakers on the ensuing drive, hitting Kupp for 19 and 15 yards and Nacua for 21. However, the "D" stiffened in the goal-to-go situation, holding the Rams to another short field goal that trimmed the advantage to eight points at 20-12.
• Tua found Beckham for 11 yards to convert a 3rd & 6 on the following possession, then hit Washington for 17 more. The 'Fins came up short on a 3rd & 6, but Sanders put another 50-yarder through to once more extend the margin, 23-12.
• Another lengthy Rams drive ensued, but it ended in the fifth straight field goal by the two teams. Strangely, Los Angeles elected to kick on third down with 39 seconds remaining, cutting the lead to 23-15.
• A really good onsides kick gave Riley some trouble, but he secured it, allowing Tua to kneel once to secure a much-needed Dolphin victory.

2024 Schedule

Miami 20, Jacksonville 17 (1-0)

Buffalo 31, Miami 10 (1-1)

Seattle 24, Miami 3 (1-2)

Tennessee 31, Miami 12 (1-3)

Miami 15, New England 10 (2-3)

Indianapolis 16, Miami 10 (2-4)

Arizona 28, Miami 27 (2-5)

Buffalo 30, Miami 27 (2-6)

Miami 23, Los Angeles Rams 15 (3-6)

Day 1,701, Quasi-Quarantine: Diverse Author List, Late-Century Ennui Mark "The Best American Short Stories 2019"

 

“But the amazing and beautiful thing about the short story is the elasticity of the form. As soon as you complete a description of what a good story must be, a new example flutters through an open window, lands on your sleeve, and proves your description wrong. With every new artist, we simultaneously refine and expand our understanding of what the form can be.”

~Anthony Doerr

I enjoy the writing of the talented Anthony Doerr ("Cloud Cuckoo Land"), so I was curious when I learned he curated "The Best American Short Stories 2019" -- especially after I had a great experience reading the 2018 version.

The set is dominated by themes of the challenges and temptations of adolescence and the vagaries of late-20th-century America, shot through with a haunting paranoia. 

“We set off down a foot-trail, flashlight flickering over cypress knees that looked like Druids kneeled in prayer.”

“I pictured myself shut up in the air-conditioning, sealed off from summer in this twilight house of whispers and swallowed words.”

~ Julia Elliott, “Hellion”

A few of the standouts include Kathleen Alcott’s “Natural Light,” Deborah Eisenberg’s “The Third Tower,” Julia Elliott’s “Hellion,” Manuel Munoz’s “Anyone Can Do It,” and Karen Russell’s “Black Corfu."

“To survive here required one to sip the air; the wide sky belong to the nobles.”

~ Karen Russell, “Black Corfu”

Doerr's curation unveiled a number of brilliant tales, identified and explored by a diverse and talented group of writers. 

“How I feel about Marlene: she could keel over plus die and I’d be happy plus ecstatic.”

~ Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, “The Era”

“I need you to fill that place beside me in which only you fit.”

~ Jim Shepard, “Our Day of Grace”

Day 1,698, Quasi-Quarantine: Dolphins-Bills Game 8 Review

 

Miami did a lot of good things at Buffalo: they racked up more first downs, more yards, and more time of possession, while being more efficient in the red zone. 

They also lost.

While some bad luck happened, the Dolphins committed eight penalties and offered little resistance defensively. The teams combined for 41 points -- and zero punts -- in the second half, imbuing this one with the sense that the team with the ball last would win. That team was the Bills, on the strength of a highly unlikely 61-yard field goal.

On to the progress-doesn't-count-at-this-point recap ...

Offense

• The 'Fins collected 26 first downs and 373 total yards, showing excellent balance with 6.2 yards per play. Miami converted four of eight third downs and its lone fourth-down attempt, while turning four red-zone trips into three touchdowns. This side of the ball carried the day and deserved a better outcome. 
• Limited to a short passing game by Buffalo's defensive approach, Tua Tagovailoa was patient and efficient, completing 25 of 28 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns. He averaged 7.7 yards per pass and took a single sack, while carrying twice for three yards. His 76.7 grade from Pro Football Focus was indicative of his focus on taking what the "D" gave him.
• DeVon Achane topped 100 all-purpose yards again, rushing 12 times for 63 yards and a score and snaring all eight targets for 58 yards and another touchdown in 42 snaps. Raheem Mostert posted 88 total yards in just 12 touches and 14 plays, but lost a crucial fumble for the second time in three games. Rookie Jaylen Wright carried six times for 18 yards in his nine plays, while Alec Ingold was limited to 19 snaps due to a calf injury. The backs played a huge role in another strong ground performance, but the turnover was incredibly costly.
• At wideout, Tyreek Hill caught four of five targets for 80 yards in 59 snaps, with a long of 28, while Jaylen Waddle somehow managed to lose four yards on his two catches in 42 snaps, according to all the game box scores. However, he had catches of 12 and seven yards (the latter for a touchdown that tied the score late in the game), and despite having little desire to investigate, I realized that the final-play loss of 23 yards on a lateral was taken from his receiving total. For Odell Beckham, the good news was that he caught his first three passes as a Dolphin. The bad news is that they covered just 15 yards and he saw just 12 snaps. Malik Washington's burgeoning blocking ability allowed him to nearly double Beckham's snaps (23), with Dee Eskridge getting two snaps in reserve. The corps is still missing a physical presence that can make contested catches.
• Jonnu Smith paced the tight ends as usual, reeling in five of six targets for 46 yards in 42 snaps. Durham Smythe had a four-yard catch in his 26 snaps, though he was called for a false start and was put in a difficult position on a failed 3rd & 1 blocking responsibility. With Julian Hill sidelined, Tanner Conner got seven snaps, notable only for a crucial offensive pass interference penalty. The 'Fins remain thin and one-dimensional at this position.
• In easily the best performance of the season by the offensive line, Miami pushed around a stout Buffalo front. Center Aaron Brewer (88.9 PFF grade) and left tackle Terron Armstead (76.2) were the standouts, but the entire unit was tremendous, offset only by false starts on right tackle Austin Jackson and right guard Liam Eichenberg. On a disappointing afternoon, the offensive front offered hope and optimism for the remainder of the campaign.

Defense

• The "D" limited Dolphin-killer Josh Allen to just seven rushing yards, managed to force a rare turnover, and held the Bills to two touchdowns in five red-zone visits. Thus ends the bright spots. 
• With Zach Sieler out again, Calais Campbell played 50 snaps, posting six solo tackles. Da'Shawn Hand notched three tackles, two solos, one stop for loss, a pass breakup, and a quarterback hit in 57 plays, while Benito Jones did not record a statistic in his 35 snaps. Neil Farrell contributed a solo tackle in his 15 snaps, while Brandon Pili was quiet in his 10 plays off the bench.
• On the edge, rookie Chop Robinson started fast, with three pressures in his first five rushes, and ended up with one solo tackle, a sack, a stop for loss, and two quarterback hits in 33 snaps. Playing through a biceps injury, Emmanuel Ogbah had a solo tackle and a stop for a loss in 49 snaps. Tyus Bowser was largely a non-factor yet again, recording an assisted tackle in 32 snaps, while reserves Mo Kamara (five snaps) and Quinten Bell (one) saw limited time. The 'Fins have been decimated at this spot, but desperately need to help Robinson diversify his pass-rush moves.
• David Long was sidelined at inside linebacker, so Jordyn Brooks and Anthony Walker played every snap. Walker registered 10 tackles and four solos, while Brooks tallied seven tackles and four solos. Duke Riley got a single snap from scrimmage.
• At cornerback, Jalen Ramsey had one solo tackle, a pass breakup, and a key interception in his 66 snaps, good for a sterling 90.2 mark from PFF. On the other side, Kendall Fuller racked up five tackles and three solos in 65 snaps, but lost his man in coverage on a fourth-down touchdown pass. Cam Smith continued to struggle, offsetting four solo tackles with pass interference and defensive holding flags in 29 snaps, while Siran Neal played a season-high 13 snaps from scrimmage, notching three tackles and two solos against his former team. Unfortunately, he was called for holding on a third-and-goal stop to give the Bills renewed life. Starting nickel Kader Kohou and reserve Storm Duck were out for this contest, which played a role in some of the secondary issues.
• With Jevon Holland injured, the safeties were borderline dreadful. Marcus Maye had six tackles, three solos, and one tackle for loss in 66 snaps, but missed a number of tackles. Jordan Poyer also played all 66 snaps, pitching in with five tackles, three solos, and a brutal unnecessary roughness penalty that led directly to the winning field goal. Elijah Campbell got a single snap for scrimmage for a position group that was noticeably deficient all game long.

Special teams

• Jason Sanders hit both field goals and all three extra points.
• Jake Bailey punted once for 37 yards and was forced to make the tackle on a strong return, resulting in a net boot of eight yards.
• Eskridge had 22- and 33-yard kickoff returns, while Washington lost a yard on his only punt return when he inexplicably caught the punt and started immediately running backwards.
• Neil and Bell led the way with 20 special-teams snaps, with Riley seeing 19 snaps in the third phase.

Momentum plays

• The Dolphins forced a three-and-out but an initial first down was followed by a Buffalo sack caused by Tua dropping a snap that put the 'Fins behind the chains. A poor punt by Bailey covered just 37 yards and was returned for 29, setting up the home team at Miami's 37-yard line.
• The Bills converted a 3rd & 6 with an 11-yard pass, but Ogbah dropped Allen for a seven-yard loss on the ensuing 3rd & 3. Tyler Bass hit a 40-yard field goal for the first points of the game and a 3-0 Buffalo lead.
• Miami converted a 3rd & 11 with a 17-yard Mostert catch and run, with 15 yards tacked on due to an unnecessary roughness call. Two touches for Achane earned another first down, but Mostert was stuffed and lost a yard on 3rd & 1. Sanders drilled a 39-yard field goal to knot the score at 3.
• A mix of short passes and runs moved the Bills deep into visiting territory, but a slant pass from Miami's 11-yard line was behind receiver Keon Coleman, and Ramsey was able to make a tremendous, falling interception.
• Buoyed by an incredibly rare forced turnover, the 'Fins went to the ground game, with Mostert carrying four straight times for 27 yards. Achane earned a first down with a 10-yard jaunt on 3rd & 1, and the Dolphins continued to keep Buffalo off balance with a good blend of runs and passes. Achane churned for five yards to convert a 3rd & 2, then took a well-executed screen 14 yards for a touchdown. The drive was Miami's best of the year, covering 97 yards in 14 plays, and staked the visitors to a 10-3 lead.
• The Bills responded with a 12-play possession that covered 39 yards. Aided by two defensive penalties on Miami, the home team faced a 3rd & 13, but an Allen scramble covered 14 yards for a painful first down. Back-to-back holding calls on Buffalo nullified an Allen touchdown romp, and three straight incompletions created a field-goal opportunity on 4th & 30. Bass connected from 49 yards away with two second remaining to trim the halftime advantage to 10-6.
• The 'Fins went to Mostert on three straight plays to start the second half, covering 29 yards -- but resulting in a fumble on a tremendous punchout and recovery by Buffalo.
• The home team continued with short passes until Ty Johnson ripped off a 17-yard run and Khalil Shakir reeled in a 13-yard pass. The Dolphins stiffened from there, forcing a 4th & goal from the one-yard line. Allen got little to no pressure and Fuller lost Mack Hollins in the back corner of the end zone for an easy touchdown. The extra point was missed, making the Buffalo lead 12-10.
• Tua found Smith for 15 yards, then an offsides call converted a 3rd & 3 for the 'Fins. The signal-caller found Hill on the sideline for a 28-yard pickup, but a third-down pass to Smith came up short and would have been wiped out by a Conner penalty anyway. Miami settled for a 23-yard field goal and a 13-12 advantage.
• Two plays later, another defensive breakdown led to a relatively easy 63-yard touchdown on a basic swing pass to running back Ray Davis, who had a ton of room and easily eluded Maye for the score. Allen found Coleman to convert the two-point try, making the score 20-13, Bills.
• A pair of Wright carries covered 12 yards to get Miami going on the following possession, then Tua found Hill for 27 yards. The quarterback then scrambled for exactly four yards on 4th & 4, with the spot of a first down upheld on a replay challenge. Tua connected with Smith for 13, then Achane took it in from eight yards out, knotting the score at 20.
• Buffalo countered again, with Allen finding James Cook for 11, Coleman for 21, and Shakir for 14 on three straight plays that saw Miami's defense on skates. The Bills converted the next two third downs -- including one on a defensive holding by Neal on an incompletion -- then Allen found a reserve tight end on a two-yard Hail Mary that was an awful decision by the quarterback and incredibly fortunate to find Buffalo hands. Bass's extra point caromed in off the right upright (27-20), serving up back-to-back plays that symbolized much of the Dolphins' season.
• The 'Fins answered yet again, powered by a 12-yard Achane run and a 19-yard Hill reception. Tua hooked up with Waddle for his first catch, covering 12 yards on a 3rd & 7. An Achane 18-yard catch and run set up Miami in a goal-to-go scenario, and Tua found Waddle again two plays later for a seven-yard touchdown to tie the score at 27 after Miami passed up an opportunity to go for two.
• The Bills set out on their fifth straight scoring drive, converting a 3rd & 14 after a Robinson offsides call and an unnecessary roughness call on Poyer on an incomplete deep ball. Buffalo converted a 3rd & 3, but three straight incompletions by Allen forced a 61-yard field goal attempt into the wind by a shaky Bass. Predictably for the 'Fins, Bass made it easily to push Beefalo ahead, 30-27.
• With five seconds remaining, the Dolphins tried a lateral play, but Waddle somehow managed to lose 23 yards after getting a toss from Achane, ending another heart-breaking loss for Miami.

2024 Schedule

Miami 20, Jacksonville 17 (1-0)

Buffalo 31, Miami 10 (1-1)

Seattle 24, Miami 3 (1-2)

Tennessee 31, Miami 12 (1-3)

Miami 15, New England 10 (2-3)

Indianapolis 16, Miami 10 (2-4)

Arizona 28, Miami 27 (2-5)

Buffalo 30, Miami 27 (2-6)

Limerick Friday #627: Weeks Of So, So Many Losses -- Day 1,697

Racism won

Plus love of the gun

We chose the criminal zoo

Time to look somewhere new

America had a solid run

Still not over the Mets

Almost as good as it gets

A season to remember

Even in November

Do it again next year, lets

So many now gones

Dikembe to James Earl Jones

Pete Rose bid adieu

Fernando Valenzuela, too

Childhood memories called home

6-3 is OK, I guess

Two L's by 10 points or less

The Scooters are back

For talent, we don't lack

Kinda missed fantasy, I confess

By the Final Four run, we're haunted

Not the football team we wanted

Early oil we did leak

But improving week by week

Let's finish strong and undaunted

Last time ...

Day 1,695, Quasi-American: America Just Out Here Petting Bears

There's a metaphor here for half of the American electorate, but I'm happy to just celebrate it as a light moment in a dark day. 

I'm hearing this quote roughly 53 times a day, so I went and looked it up.

It's worth it. 

Day 1,694, Quasi-Quarantine: "Welcome To The Hyunam-Dong Bookshop" Is A Much-Needed Feel-Good Read

“If people started to believe that there’s something in life that only people who read can discover, stories in this world that only people who read can tell, wouldn’t more of them be seduced to peel back the pages of a book?”

A sweet and tender tale of a neighborhood bookstore and the people who give it life, "Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop" is a book to escape the headlines with.

Documenting the ripple effects of a Seoul bookshop with soul, Hwang Bo-Reum explores the importance of neighborhood and  community -- and what's possible when small-business owners decide to value connection over commerce.

“Ideas like ‘team’ and ‘family’ function to reframe the workplace as a field of ethical rather than economic obligation, binding workers more tightly to the goals of the organisation.”

The author's cast of characters are all struggling with identity, purpose, and the pursuit of happiness, and finding each other in the construct of a bookstore helps them find the answers -- fleeting though they may be -- they need in the moment.

"Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop" is an endearing book with a big heart, a quick read that will leave you smiling without realizing why. 

“Isn’t that what life is about? Forging forward with the answer you have – stumbling along the way and picking yourself up – only to one day realise that the answer you've held on to for a long time is not the right one. When that happens, it’s time to look for the next answer. That’s how ordinary folks, like herself, live. Over our life span, the right answer will keep changing.”

Day 1,690, Quasi-Quarantine: Dolphins-Cardinals Game 7 Review

 

Amidst a lot of competing opinions and a press appearance that reflected poorly on him, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa returned to much fanfare, and the team seemed bolstered by his presence. The Dolphins put up an almost-unheard-of 27 points, was penalized just twice, and committed zero turnovers.

And still somehow lost.

Despite having a nine-point fourth-quarter lead at home, Miami fell by a point on a last-second field goal. It's a game you just can't lose. No way, no how.

On to the that-was-another-coffin-nail recap ...

Offense

• The unit picked up 22 first downs and 377 total yards, going 11 of 15 on third down and turning three of four red-zone trips into touchdowns. The 'Fins rushed for 150 yards, averaging a stellar six yards per carry. The offense did not test Arizona deep (Tua averaged just 5.8 yards per pass), but this was a winning performance on this side of the ball.
• Tua connected on 28 of 38 passes for 234 yards (just 72 after halftime) and a touchdown, taking a single sack and rushing three times for 13 yards, including a slide that produce a huge cheer from the home crowd. On the down side, he fumbled three times and turned one of those mishandles into a crucial safety that turned the contest in the Cardinals' favor. Coach Mike McDaniel seemed intent on ensuring Tua got rid of the ball quickly, with the signal-caller throwing the ball over 20 yards in the air just twice. Despite the ball-security issues, the offense overall was worlds more in sync with Tua at the helm.
• At running back, DeVon Achane looked tremendous, carrying 10 times for 97 yards (with a long of 47) and snaring six of eight targets for 50 yards and a touchdown. He earned an 81.6 grade from Pro Football Focus for his 38 snaps, showing a much better ability to get yards after contact. Raheem Mostert toted the ball nine times for just 19 yards, but turned two of those attempts into touchdowns, adding an 11-yard grab (on two targets) in his 30 snaps. Rookie Jaylen Wright was an afterthought again, carrying twice for 18 yards in only three snaps. Fullback Alec Ingold contributed a three-yard run and caught all three targets for 19 yards in his 27 snaps, which featured strong blocking again in the run game. With so few snaps to go around, Miami would likely be wise to flip Jeff Wilson at the trade deadline as part of trying to find more snaps for Wright somewhere.
• Perhaps no Dolphin was more excited to see Tua back under center than Tyreek Hill, who was targeted nine times, grabbing six for 72 yards in his 57 snaps. Jaylen Waddle snared four of six targets for 45 yards, but had another costly drop in his 56 snaps. Malik Washington (16 snaps) and Odell Beckham (11 snaps) were not targeted, leading to further questions about why Beckham is even on the roster. Reserve Dee Eskridge had a six-yard reception on his lone target in four snaps. Somehow, some way, Miami's No. 3 receiver spot remains catchless seven games into the campaign.
• At tight end, Jonnu Smith saw his usage wane, as he reeled in four of six targets for 20 yards in 43 snaps. Julian Hill caught three balls for 11 yards, but fumbled into the end zone on one of his 21 snaps. Durham Smythe continued to see his reps decrease (to 19), though he remains a key blocker in the 'Fin running attack.
• The line had three of the top five PFF scores on offense, with center Aaron Brewer (80.9), left guard Robert Jones (79.0), and left tackle Terron Armstead (75.1) leading the way. Right tackle Austin Jackson was called for a hold, but did join Jones in recovering fumbles. The front allowed just two pressures thanks to quick passing, and played a pivotal role in unlocking the ground game.

Defense

• The Dolphins are tied for the third-fewest turnovers in the league (five) and second-fewest sacks (six) through seven games, and that inability to make momentum plays was on full display in this one. In addition to forcing no turnovers nor sacks, the unit allowed 22 first downs and 389 total yards (6.3 yards per play). The Cardinals converted seven of 13 third downs and turned three red-zone trips into two touchdowns. Quarterback Kyler Murray roasted the 'Fins to the tune of 307 passing yards and 19 more on the ground.
• With Zach Sieler out due to a midweek eye injury, Calais Campbell had to play more, and he contributed five tackles, three solos, and a pass breakup in 43 snaps, good for a 77.8 PFF mark. Da'Shawn Hand got 55 snaps, contributing four tackles and three solos, and Benito Jones saw his playing time rise to 44 snaps (three assisted tackles). Brandon Pili added a solo tackle in his 17 snaps, while someone named Neal Farrell also played 11 snaps, but you'd only know this because his only stat was a defensive-holding flag. The lack of depth and talent was on full display with Sieler missing from the defensive front.
• On the edge, the struggles continued despite the return of Emmanuel Ogbah (three tackles, two solos, a stop for a loss, and a pass breakup in 42 snaps). Tyus Bowser registered two solo stops in 42 snaps, while rookie Chop Robinson chipped in with one solo tackle, a stop for loss, three pressures, and three missed tackles in 36 snaps. Robinson is still looking for the first sack of his career, which is emblematic of the subpar play coming from this position group.
• Stalwarts Jordyn Brooks (66 snaps) and David Long (64 snaps) continue to carry the load at inside linebacker, with Duke Riley coming in for just four snaps to spell the duo. Brooks posted nine tackles, five solos, and a quarterback hit, while Long recorded nine tackles and six solos, though he was noticeably caught out of his position on a few plays. The inability of youngster Channing Tyndall to develop is likely contributing to Brooks and Long playing entirely too many snaps while they are tired.
• At cornerback, Kendall Fuller notched two solo stops and a pass breakup in 66 snaps, earning a 77.8 PFF grade. Jalen Ramsey racked up four tackles, three solos, and a pass breakup in his 66 snaps, but too often his frequent blitzes were ineffective, removing Miami's best pass defender from the play. Second-year man Cam Smith saw his first action of the campaign, making four solo tackles in 35 snaps, though he was targeted five times and gave up five receptions, 63 yards, and a touchdown. Reserve Siran Neal came on for two snaps.
• In 66 snaps, Jordan Poyer racked up eight tackles, three solos, and a pass breakup, but for the second week in a row he could not reel in a potential pick. Marcus Maye struggled in his 49 snaps, contributing just an assisted tackle, while Jevon Holland was limited to 17 snaps, though he collected four solo stops. With the front applying very little pressure, the secondary had to cover for entirely too long, leading to predictable breakdowns.

Special teams

• Jason Sanders drilled both field goals -- including a 53-yarder -- and all three extra points in a strong performance.
• Jake Bailey punted just twice, averaging 46 yards with one touchback and one placement inside the 20-yard line.
• In the first game without return man Braxton Berrios (season-ending knee injury), Eskridge contributed a 35-yard kickoff return, while Washington had punt returns of 19 and six yards.
• Neal and Quinton Bell paced special-teamers with 21 snaps each, with Riley adding 20 snaps and Anthony Walker making a solo tackle in the third phase.

Momentum plays

• Tua's return started quickly, with Achane rushing for 11 yards and the signal-caller finding Ingold for 16, but a sack and fumble ensued. Tua found Tyreek Hill for 21 yards on back-to-back passes to convert a 2nd & 17, and a Mostert third-down touchdown run pushed the Dolphins ahead, 7-0.
• Miami forced a three-and-out, then reeled off another sustained drive, sparked by third-down conversions on passes to Smith and Eskridge. A Jackson holding call put the 'Fins behind the chains, and they eventually settled for a 53-yard Sanders field goal and a 10-0 lead.
• The home team had a 22-3 play advantage at that point, but the Cards responded. Murray found rookie Marvin Harrison for gains of 25 and eight yards, then paid off the drive with a third-down touchdown toss on a play that saw the QB scramble for an extended period of time.
• Another Smith third-down catch gave Miami a conversion, but the drive was stymied after that, with Bailey's 56-yard punt going into the end zone for a touchback.
• Arizona put together an 11-yard drive, but it only covered 38 yards, leaving the Cardinals to pin Miami at its five-yard line with a nice punt.
• Backed up on 3rd & 9, Tua delivered a 10-yard strike to Waddle to sustain the possession. He then found Hill for 30 more on a beautifully timed deep ball on 3rd & 2. Two plays later, the quarterback connected with Achane for 16 yards, but the the Dolphins disappointingly stalled out inside the 10-yard line, leading to a 25-yard field goal and a 13-7 halftime advantage after a half-hearted three-and-out by 'Zona.
• The Cardinals jumpstarted the second half with a 37-yard connection to tight end Trey McBride -- who tormented Miami all day -- but ended up facing a 2nd & 30 after a tackle for loss and a penalty. Murray completed a pair of short passes that covered 15 yards, allowing Arizona to boot a 57-yard field goal to trim the margin to 13-10.
• The 'Fins appeared to seize control on the next drive, powered by a 47-yard run by Achane that saw him churn through a number of tacklers. A 13-yard Tua scramble converted a 3rd & 9, and a beautifully executed screen to Achane covered the final 12 yards of the possession to stake the home team to a double-digit (20-10) advantage.
• A three-and-out solidified Miami's position, but Tua mishandled a shotgun snap, tried to bat it illegally, and surrendered a safety that cut the margin to 20-12.
• The visitors used a 13-yard run by James Conner and a 17-yard pass to McBride to get moving again. Murray converted a 3rd & 6 with a nine-yard pass, then layered a 22-yard pass to Harrison for a touchdown, with Ramsey trailing in coverage. The Cardinals went for two, but Brooks sniffed out a Conner run to keep the score at 20-18.
• In what was becoming a back-and-forth affair, the Dolphins answered again. Tua drilled a 20-yarder to Waddle, then Mostert ripped off a 13-yard run. Another Waddle connection for 15 yards converted a 3rd & 5, and Mostert took a third-down carry six yards into the end zone for a touchdown to extend the lead to 27-18.
• The first play of the following possession was a bizarre one, with Murray fumbling after being hit by Campbell, recovering the ball himself, and firing it incomplete to save a nine-yard loss. Murray threw incomplete for Harrison on 3rd & 4 to seemingly end the possession, but the ball was ruled complete for 16 yards on replay (on a highly questionable ruling). Given new life, 'Zona took advantage, as Murray found Harrison for 22 and McBride for 16 to set up a two-yard touchdown jaunt by Conner, making it 27-25.
• The 'Fins went to the ground game for an initial first down, then Smith converted a third third-down play when his 12-yard catch that was initially ruled short was challenged and changed to a first down. However, the Dolphins would gain only another yard before punting, though a well-executed Bailey punt was down at the 11-yard line.
• Arizona fashioned a methodical 13-yard play that would extinguish the remaining 5:08, using an initial 17-yard pass to McBride on 3rd & 1. The Cards easily converted a 1st & 20 on the strength of an 18-yard pass to Harrison and a 17-yard run by Conner. Murray coolly converted a 3rd & 4 with a seven-yard run after the two-minute warning, allowing the visitors to run the ball three times to extinguish Miami's timeouts. A 34-yard field goal with no time remaining delivered a devastating -- and potentially season-ending -- defeat to Miami by the final score of 28-27.

2024 Schedule

Miami 20, Jacksonville 17 (1-0)

Buffalo 31, Miami 10 (1-1)

Seattle 24, Miami 3 (1-2)

Tennessee 31, Miami 12 (1-3)

Miami 15, New England 10 (2-3)

Indianapolis 16, Miami 10 (2-4)

Arizona 28, Miami 27 (2-5)