Day 260, Quasi-Quarantine: One For You, One For Me, One For Our Woke Emotional-Support Butler

I have found the whitest, most American commercial ever.

Day 255, Quasi-Quarantine: When Thanksgiving And Festivus Meet

Turning to "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" for life lessons is never a bad idea. One year, they borrowed the principle of the "airing of grievances" from "Seinfeld's" Festivus in an effort to squash beefs.

It, um. It didn't work.

It turns out that "the best thing to do with a beef is jam it deep down inside and then press forward."

Happy T-Bird Day.

Day 254, Quasi-Quarantine: Dolphins-Broncos Game 10 Review

Miami's five-game winning streak ended with a resounding thud, as the Dolphins were thoroughly outplayed and outphysicaled by a focused Denver squad. The big news will be the benching of Tua Tagovailoa late in the game, but in addition to his tentative play, the 'Fins had no answer for the Broncos' punishing rushing attack. 

The reality is that Miami was fortunate to be in position to tie or win at the end -- and the deeper reality is that, while the Dolphins' rebuilding program is ahead of schedule, the franchise is not in position to skip steps. Denver and Vic Fangio (it happens, but the Dolphins were also massively outcoached in this one) shined a bright light on just how far Miami has to go, and the 'Fins response the rest of the way will be telling.

Offense

• Tua was indecisive throughout, completing just 11 of 20 passes for 83 yards while taking six sacks. He managed a touchdown on a pretty fade to DeVante Parker, but also missed speedy Jakeem Grant deep on a couple of occasions and was nearly intercepted three times (one was overturned by penalty). Tua also was unable to escape the pocket for consequential scrambles as he has done early in his Miami career, and with a lack of offensive firepower at the skill positions, his slow decision-making process sunk the Dolphins.
• Ryan Fitzpatrick came in hot and connected on 12 of 18 passes for 117 yards in limited time. His willingness to make contested throws paid off, and he led the 'Fins to a field goal and a lengthy drive that could have tied the game. However, he was unable to look off the safety, and Justin Simmons picked off his pass to Parker in the end zone to cement Denver's victory. Much was made of the decision to pull Tua, but I was a fan of the move. Tua was clearly not seeing the field well and the offense was desperate for the spark that Fitz customarily provides, as well as his decisiveness.
• Salvon Ahmed couldn't get a ton of traction in the running game, with a 14-yard burst highlight his 43 yards on a dozen carries. He did manage five catches out of the backfield, picking up 31 yards. Matt Breida returned in this one, but inexplicably got just two touches, totaling four yards on his rushes. Patrick Laird contributed an eight-yard catch.
• Parker reeled in six grabs -- many while being hit -- for 61 yards and a score. His nine targets were followed by six for Grant, but the latter caught just two passes for 12 yards (he added a three-yard run on an end-around). Antonio Callaway made his long-awaited Dolphins debut, and he snared a crucial 13-yarder. Malcolm Perry had 23 yards on three grabs, but I'd like to see him get north-south a bit more. Mack Hollins had a catch for nine yards, but his entry into the receiver rotation is a sign that more weapons are desperately needed. Grant is struggling to take on No. 2 receiver duties, and the 'Fins could be in the unenviable position of needing Callaway to be the dependable threat this group needs.
• Gesicki's value rises when Fitz is in the game, and he came up with a 25-yarder almost as soon as Fitz entered the game. Overall, the lanky tight end had four grabs for 43 yards, but no other tight end caught a pass.
• The offensive line was an unmitigated disaster against Fangio's scheme. Left tackle Austin Jackson gave up an unheard-of nine pressures, and former Wolfpack standout Bradley Chubb turnstiled him on seemingly every play. The running game also went nowhere, meaning there was blame to go around for the entire unit, but right tackle Jesse Davis also struggled in a big way.

Defense

• Denver averaged almost six yards a carry, punishing Miami's amoeba fronts with the one-two punch of Melvin Gordon (84 yards, two touchdowns) and Phillip Lindsay (82 yards). Drew Lock was comfortable all day, going without a sack on 30 attempts and keeping the Dolphins off-balance with 270 passing yards. An underrated athlete, he also burned the 'Fins for 23 yards on the ground.
• While Xavien Howard held Jerry Jeudy to just three catches for 37 yards, Miami had no coverage and no answer for Tim Patrick. The big man had 119 receiving yards -- including a 61-yarder -- and was seen running free through the secondary on multiple occasions.
• On the edges, ends Emmanuel Ogbah (three tackles, one for a loss) and Shaq Lawson (two tackles, one QB hit) were quiet, while Andrew Van Ginkel had a couple of penalties, but had a hit on the quarterback and forced a fumble to keep the Dolphins in the game. On the interior, Zach Sieler was his usual steady self, posting three tackles, including one for a loss, while Raekwon Davis continued to show progress, recording three stops in the contest.
• The linebackers struggled to get off second-level blocking by a physical Denver offensive line. Run specialist Elandon Roberts had five tackles, including one for a loss, but Jerome Baker and Kamu Grugier-Hill combined for just three tackles, as the Broncos offensive attack played away from their strengths. Kyle Van Noy notched four stops and two QB hits, but he was targeted in the run game and struggled to shed blocks.
• Eric Rowe led the way in the secondary with 10 tackles -- including seven solos -- and Bobby McCain added six stops, but both were in reactive mode instead of being in a game flow that opens up game-changing opportunities. "X" had one of his best games, posting seven tackles, six solos, a tackle for loss, and two pass breakups, while baiting Lock into yet another interception early in the game. Nik Needham played another solid game, recording four solo tackles and two pass breakups, while rookie Brandon Jones got caught in the wash a few times on his way to two tackles, including one for a loss. Byron Jones had a quiet game with three tackles, but did make a key third-down stop.

Special teams

• In a game where Miami desperately needed a jumpstart from the kicking game, there was none to be had, despite a near-punt block by the 'Fins. No mistakes were made, and Clayton Fejedelem was great in coverage (and so was Calvin Munson) but the Dolphins couldn't afford a push in this phase of the game, and that's what they got.
• Grant had a single punt return for six yards, while Miami didn't have an opportunity to return a kickoff.
• Jason Sanders did his thing, connecting on two field goals -- including a 53-yarder -- and an extra point.
• Matt Haack was busy, punting six times for a respectable 47.3-yard average, but he had only a single punt downed inside the Broncos' 20-yard line.

Momentum plays

• The Dolphins started the game with a three-and-out that featured a pair of missed deep balls to Grant and resulted in a punt, but good kick coverage contributed to a pick by Howard on a third-down ball across the middle. A Tua interception two plays later was nullified by a holding penalty, and strong running by Ahmed set up a fade to Parker, who showed his toe-drag swag for a Dolphins score and the early 7-0 lead.
• A few drives later, Lock converted a 3rd & 13 with a 14-yard run, and Denver converted the run-heavy drive with a Gordon plunge from a yard out to tie the score at 7-7.
• In the second quarter, Lock found Patrick on an RPO for 61 yards, but good third-down pressure from Van Noy forced an incompletion and a Broncos field goal to make it 10-7.
• On the next drive, a couple of stellar Parker grabs moved the 'Fins into scoring position, but Tua froze and took a sack on third down, leading to a 41-yarder from Sanders to tie it up.
• Despite being pinned deep, Denver responded with a lengthy drive, powered by Gordon bursts. A strong tackle by Byron Jones forced a field goal in the final seconds, staking the Broncos to a 13-10 halftime lead.
• On its first second-half drive, Denver caught a break when a pass to Noah Fant that looked like a fumble was inexplicably not reviewed. The Broncos went for it on 4th & 1 a few plays later, but Raekwon Davis & Co. swarmed the play, giving Miami the ball.
• Later in the quarter, the Broncos converted a 3rd & 8 with a terrible pass interference call on rookie Noah Igbinoghene and a personal foul on Grugier-Hill. That set up a relatively easy touchdown run for Gordon, giving Denver a 20-10 lead as the Miami defense seemed to be tiring.
• After following up another deep miss to Grant with a nice third-down strike to Callaway, Tua was sacked awkwardly by Chubb to force a 4th & 29 punt. The play would be the last one of the day for Tua.
• Miami narrowly missed a punt block after a Denver three-and-out, and Fitzpatrick entered the fray. With strikes to Parker (7 yards), Gesicki (25) and Ahmed (11), Fitz moved Miami into scoring range, but a near interception and another Chubb tackle ended the drive. Sanders crushed a 53-yard field goal to keep Miami within striking distance at 20-13 with 7:51 remaining.
• Denver responded in a big way, powering down the field via the run and aided by an iffy personal foul on Van Ginkel. He redeemed himself by jarring the ball loose from Gordon at the Miami 1-yard line, with Rowe pouncing on the ball to give Miami life. Randomly, the officials originally awarded Gordon a ridiculous touchdown, forcing an overturn on replay.
• Benefiting from a bad personal foul call on Chubb, Miami got out of its own end. Parker converted a 3rd & 11 with a nifty catch and run down the sideline, then Perry added 13 more to set Miami up at the 17-yard line of Denver. After an end zone shot to Gesicki was nearly picked, Fitz was intercepted by Simmons in the end zone with just 1:03 left. Parker was briefly open, but Fitz stared him down, allowing Simmons to make a great play on the ball.
• The Broncos were able to run out the clock, lofting a deep pass on fourth down that was caught as time expired.

2020 Schedule

New England 21, Miami 11 (0-1)

Buffalo 31, Miami 28 (0-2)

Miami 31, Jacksonville 13 (1-2)

Seattle 31, Miami 23 (1-3)

Miami 43, San Francisco 17 (2-3)

Miami 24, New York Jets 0 (3-3)

Miami 28, Los Angeles Rams 17 (4-3)

Miami 34, Arizona 31 (5-3)

Miami 29, Los Angeles Chargers 21 (6-3)

Denver 20, Miami 13 (6-4)

Day 253, Quasi-Quarantine: Special-Edition Kanan Jarrus Rejoins The Resistance

One of the many universe-bending moments in the underrated "Star Wars Rebels" series occurs when Kanan Jarrus is blinded by Darth Maul. The new challenge not only impacts Kanan's temperament -- rendering him more contemplative and serene -- but jumpstarts his ability to mentor Ezra Bridger on his Force path.

Once a Padawan himself, Kanan (then known as Caleb Dume) managed to escape Order 66 and hide his Jedi identity. He largely turned his back on the Jedi way until a chance encounter with Ezra led him to re-embrace that part of himself.

All that to say that I had long admired the Lego minifigure version of Kanan that depicted him as blind. Released in 2017 as part of the Phantom set (75170), I was able to track down and secure one separately.

Recently, I liberated Kanan from a downtown office as part of a grab 'n' go adventure. He had been holding it down since March due to the coronavirus, but now he has other missions to run, universes to save, and ways to teach.

Limerick Friday #487: That Time Chess Got Rivetingly Intense -- Day 250

Joined the "Queen's Gambit" hordes
Excitement across chess boards
Drama and emotion, oh boy
Anya Taylor gives me Joy
Just go ahead and give her all the awards

Don't look now
'Cuz I'm not quite sure how
But here come the 'Fins
With 5 straight wins
And no time to take a bow

A party that's cruel and moody
With no concept of duty

Bitches with no spines
Frauds with dripping dye lines
Perfectly embodied by Rudy

Way to right the season, Pack
I take it all back
Bailey Hockman
You really rock man
State's best on the attack

An ongoing attempt at a coup
Jackass clowns, it's true
But with democracy in tatters
It's intent that matters
Republicans, is there a patriot among you?

Last time ...

Day 249, Quasi-Quarantine: Dolphins-Chargers Game 9 Review

Welp, the Dolphins just keep rolling.

Powered by more opportunistic play in all three phases, Miami pushed its winning streak to five games in a somewhat odd game vs. the Bolts. With not many penalties called, a combined 9 of 27 on third-down conversions, and only 553 total yards between the two teams, the game went by very quickly, with a relative lack of drama.

After last week's nail-biter against the Cardinals, that was welcome news for this 'Fins fan.

Offense

• Tua Tagovailoa completed 15 of 25 passes for just 169 yards. He added two scores, but he had less success on scrambles and got away with three passes that easily could've been picked. However, the Dolphins seem much more trusting of the rookie, and the offensive game-calling is getting more aggressive as a result. He did make a tackle downfield on a Chargers fumble return in which he landed awkwardly, but he popped right back up.
• The offensive line struggled a bit with the Chargers pass rush. Ted Karras had a number of uncustomarily poor snaps and guard Solomon Kindley had a false start, but high-priced guard Ereck Flowers had maybe his best game, punishing defenders at the second level.
• Running back Salvon Ahmed has been a revelation thus far, racking up 85 yards on 21 carries and adding a reception for 5 yards. Patrick Laird contributed 19 yards on two carries, while Malcom Perry ran for a six-yarder and DeAndre Washington got his first two carries as a Dolphin, netting just two yards.
• At the receiver position, Jakeem Grant was the story once again. He grabbed four passes for 43 yards and a score, and he's becoming a guy that Tua looks to more and more often. DeVante Parker was relatively quiet with two catches for 31 yards, but Perry emerged with two receptions for 21 yards (he also recovered a blocked punt).
• The tight ends made significant contributions, with Mike Gesicki making two grabs for 40 yards and Adam Shaheen reeling in a 19-yarder that somehow went from an interception into a big gain for Miami. Durham Smythe's role continues to grow, and he converted a key third down on a shovel pass and also caught a touchdown pass.

Defense

• The 'Fins held the Chargers to just 4 of 13 on third downs and largely controlled the game outside of one long TD drive.
• Emmanuel Ogbah contributed yet another sack to go with two batted passes, and Shaq Lawson had five tackles and a couple of pressures. In addition to a big special teams play, Andrew Van Ginkel had five tackles and a QB hit. On the interior, Zach Sieler made five stops -- including two big hits behind the line of scrimmage -- while rookie Raekwon Davis took advantage of more reps in the absence of Christian Wilkins by recording seven tackles (four solo) -- a big number for an interior lineman.
• The linebackers had a busy day, as Los Angeles tried to nullify Miami's blitz packages with an emphasis on the running game. Former Dolphins Kalen Ballage registered 102 all-purpose yards, but this game played to Elandon Roberts's strength, and he responded with seven tackles, though he did get lost in coverage on a Chargers touchdown. Kyle Van Noy added five stops and a quarterback hit, but Jerome Baker was quieter than normal with four tackles.
• In the secondary, Eric Rowe was active as a blitzer, posting two quarterback hits to go with his six tackles. Rookie safety Brandon Jones (five tackles) gets better every week, while Bobby McCain was quiet (two stops). Nick Needham joined the fray with four tackles, a sack, a pass breakup, and a hit on the quarterback, while cornerback Byron Jones had three solo stops -- including a key third-down tackle in the open field -- and a pass breakup. Xavien Howard was at the top of his game again, notching three tackles, two pass breakups, and another interception.

Special Teams

• Grant's confidence on punt returns is soaring, as evidenced by his 57 yards on three returns. He's a threat to bust one every time, and he is delivering great field position to the offense.
• Fellow receiver Parker jumped on an onsides kick to help the Dolphins salt the game away.
• Jason Sanders missed a kick. I mean, what the hell. Beyond that, he connected on three field goals (50, 35, and 49 yards) and two extra points.
• Matt Haack only punted twice, but he averaged 52 yards and he benefited from the great coverage that has become the norm for Miami on both punts and kickoffs, pinning the Chargers at the 4-yard line on one punt.
• The Dolphins kickoff coverage was sublime, forcing the Chargers to start drives on the 7-, 13-, and 18-yard lines after Sanders boots.

Momentum Plays

• It seems like Van Ginkel is contributing a massive play every week, and this time it came in the kicking game. His blocked punt set up the 'Fins from the Chargers' 1-yard line, leading to a quick Ahmed touchdown (the play featured massive guard Solomon Kindley at fullback) and a 7-0 lead a little over three minutes into the game.
• An impressive Miami drive ended with a field goal attempt on 4th & 1, but the Chargers jumped offsides, giving the Dolphins a fresh set of downs. DeVante Parker's sprawling, one-handed, left-handed TD grab was overturned (I guess he picked the wrong week considering some of the "receptions" awarded last week), but Tua hit Grant on a pivot route for a touchdown on the next play to push the Miami lead to 14-0.
• The 'Fins were deep in LA territory, on the verge of blowing the game wide open when a poor snap by Karras was kicked around until the Chargers scooped it up and returned it all the way to the Miami 37-yard line. Los Angeles converted two fourth downs, including a Justin Herbert keeper for a touchdown to cut the lead to 14-7.
• After Miami punted, Van Ginkel hit Herbert to force an incompletion, and Grant stumbled to a nifty punt return to give the 'Fins great field position. A few plays later, Sanders converted a 50-yarder for a 17-7 Dolphins lead at the break.
• Following an ugly Miami drive to start the second half, the Chargers put together an impressive, balanced drive, paying it off with a Herbert strike to Hunter Henry to make it 17-14, Miami.
• On the ensuing drive, Miami weathered two near picks for Tua, converting the drive into another Sanders field goal for a 20-14 advantage.
• Ogbah's sack set up a 3rd & 12 for the Chargers on the next drive, and Howard baited Herbert into a deep out that "X" jumped for a pick. His 28-yard return set up a short drive that culminated in a wide-open touchdown for Smythe on a tight end leak play. The two-point attempt failed when Tua couldn't hit Mack Hollins, but the Dolphins were in control, 26-14.
• After a Los Angeles punt and a Sanders missed field goal, the Chargers had a 4th & 1, but a great rush by Ogbah forced an incompletion. Laird's 17-yard run on 3rd & 7 forced the Chargers to start using timeouts, and with Miami content to run clock, Sanders crushed a 49-yarder to put the 'Fins up 29-14 with just 3:59 left.
• The Chargers hit a 28-yarder to Mike Williams on the next drive, and a missed tackle by Needham helped Los Angeles along. Miami brought the house on a third-down blitz, but Herbert easily found Keenan Allen for a 13-yard touchdown that saw Howard jar the ball loose just after Allen crossed the goal line. 
• With the margin cut to a single score, 29-21, Los Angeles tried an onsides kick, but Parker fell on it easily, allowing Miami to run out the remaining 1:57 on three kneeldowns.

2020 Schedule

New England 21, Miami 11 (0-1)

Buffalo 31, Miami 28 (0-2)

Miami 31, Jacksonville 13 (1-2)

Seattle 31, Miami 23 (1-3)

Miami 43, San Francisco 17 (2-3)

Miami 24, New York Jets 0 (3-3)

Miami 28, Los Angeles Rams 17 (4-3)

Miami 34, Arizona 31 (5-3)

Miami 29, Los Angeles Chargers 21 (6-3)

Day 248, Quasi-Quarantine: "Sea Monsters" Offers Up A Melancholic Meditation On Finding One's Identity

" ... to imagine travel is probably better than actually traveling since no journey can ever satisfy human desire; as soon as one sets out, fantasies get tangled in the rigging and dark birds of doubt begin their circling overhead."

In "Sea Monsters," Chloe Aridjis creates a fairy tale-ish, nomadic tale of adolescent questing in her depiction of a 17-year-old girl's search for meaning on a Mexico beach. The novel offers up commentary on communication across language barriers, pervasive wistfulness, and the forfeiture of home, doing so through metaphor.

"'Lugar de Caracoles,' a place of seashells, an attractive thought since spirals are such neat arrangements of space and time, and what are beaches if not a conversation between the elements, a constant movement inward and outward."

There is an emphasis on spirals and the interplay of light to lend context to the journey, and Aridjis finds a way to celebrate ambiguity in this mesmerizing and hypnotic story. Enigmatic characters flow into and out of "Sea Monsters" like the tide, rounding out the world view and perspective of the protagonist, Luisa.

"But that was the problem with mysterious people, I explained, once you spend time with them they're not so mysterious after all, and as I said this the merman smiled, as if promising, no matter what, to remain a mystery."

Music also plays a massive role in the tale, giving Luisa room to both define her challenges symphonically and provide a safe space for her to escape into.

"There are two kinds of romantics, my older cousin had explained, the kind who is constantly falling in love and simply needs a person into whom they can pour every thought, dream, and project, and the kind of romantic who remains alone, waiting and waiting for the right person to arrive, a person who may not even exist."

With a memorable cover and beautiful closing lines, "Sea Monsters" occasionally struggles to forge an identity in the middle. However, even though this does not seem to be a story about anything, maybe it doesn't need to be -- much like a day at the beach that the novel portrays and honors.

"I decided I wouldn't tell them a thing, would not tell anyone, what had transpired, I would store it away in some deep chamber, yet even as I promised this to myself I knew it was futile, for regardless of how hard you try to keep memories at bay, after a while even bays erode, sandcastles collapse, and drowned mermaids resurface."

Day 247, Quasi-Quarantine: It's A Very Star Wars Lego Christmas

 

We are all unreasonably excited about the arrival of "The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special." 

It's the little things that are the big things ...

Day 246, Quasi-Quarantine: We All See It, Flo

Welp, Progressive has done it again. Their "Dr. Rick" ad campaign has become a favorite of the entire family, creating a number of oft-used punchlines.

This is what passes for entertainment during a pandemic, folks. Bear with us.

Limerick Friday #486: The 'Fins Are Fun Again -- Day 243

Four in a row
Look out, Buffalo
Coach Flo has an actual plan
That feels pretty good, man
Fun to watch a team grow

Clemson-Notre Dame was bent
No question how much it meant
Had legit Biden-Trump energy
And a lot of political synergy
'Til the Irish had a super spreader event

Not a watcher but a do-ah
Has Dolphins fans doing the hula
Slipperier than thought
Throws a ball easily caught
Welcome to the time of Tua

Heartbreak in the Carter
State couldn't have played harder
But Miami's got a hired gun
A loss, but still pretty fun
So close, just play a little smarter

Enabled by bitches
And traitorous snitches
A demented toddler
Smashing his orange cobbler
Should be in prison digging ditches

Last time ...

Day 242, Quasi-Quarantine: Dolphins-Cardinals Game 8 Review

 

Miami netted its most impressive win of the year, knocking off a hot Arizona team on the road. The victory was even more important because it came in a game that represented the most obstacles the Dolphins had faced in a single game all season. Not only did the 'Fins have to overcome a dual-threat QB at the top of his game in Kyler Murray, they also had to play through a litany of brutal officiating calls that continually gave the home team life. The bottom line is Miami won their fourth in a row despite it all to push its record to 5-3 at the season's halfway point -- smack dab in the middle of the playoff race.

Offense

• The Dolphins took the training wheels off Tua Tagovailoa in this one, and he responded with 248 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 35 yards on the ground. Not only did he connect on 20 of 28 passes and use cadence to draw a couple of offsides penalties, but the kid showed slipperiness in the pocket throughout. He did take three sacks and struggled at times in just throwing the ball away safely, but overall it was a massively impressive performance that only fuels hope for the future.
• Behind Tua, Savon Ahmed gave the team a real boost with 38 yards on seven carries, including a 19-yarder. Jordan Howard was stymied with just 19 yards on 10 carries, but his final-drive runs played a vital role in salting the game away. Patrick Laird had an important 17-yard reception along the way to set up a field goal in the final moments of the first half.
• Preston Williams was off to a big game (4 grabs, 60 yards, one touchdown) before his ankle injury, but DeVante Parker picked up the slack with 64 yards on six catches, while Jakeem Grant contributed four receptions for 35 yards. Mack Hollins made a great grab on his 11-yard touchdown, proving that he can do more than just excel on special teams.
• At the tight end position, Mike Gesicki added 42 yards on three catches, Durham Smythe added a 19-yard catch, and Adam Shaheen ran a nice route to get open in the end zone, but Tua missed him.
• The offensive line struggled at times with a dynamic Arizona pass rush and the running holes were few and far between. When the game was on the line, however, the offensive front dug deep to give Tua just a bit more time to make the needed plays down the stretch.

Defense 

• Murray accounted for 394 total yards and four touchdowns, generally giving would-be tacklers fits all game long. Miami also gave up 178 rushing yards, but most of those came on Murray scrambles.
• In the first half, it felt like every big Arizona play came on a third down, but Miami turned that around in the fourth quarter. Miami again lost the time of possession, which led to a gassed defense in the latter part of the game.
• Emmanuel Ogbah continued doing Emmanuel Ogbah things, posting five tackles, a sack, a pass breakup, a quarterback hit, and a forced fumble that bookend teammate Shaq Lawson returned for a score. Zach Sieler and Christian Wilkins were active, with Wilkins showing his athleticism by making a couple of plays downfield.
• At linebacker, Jerome Baker made seven tackles, but he was laboring out there, and Kyle Van Noy and Kamu Grugier-Hill could never quite nab Murray in space.
• Arizona's Christian Kirk roasted Byron Jones repeatedly (123 yards and a touchdown), but Xavien Howard was stellar on DeAndre Hopkins (3 for 30) despite some head-scratching interference calls. For the most part, Bobby McCain and Eric Rowe struggled, with Rowe having a hard time containing Larry Fitzgerald (four catches, 54 yards). 

Special Teams

• Per usual, Jason Sanders was the story here. He was amazing as always, hitting all four extra points and both lengthy field goals attempts (56 and 50 yards). His 50-yarder not only provided the winning points, but set a team record as his 20th straight made field goal.
• Matt Haack was just OK, averaging 41.7 yards on three punts, with one placed inside the 20.
• Noel Igbinoghene saw action on returns, taking back two kickoffs for 36 yards. Grant added a 15-yarder, plus a 10-yard punt return.
• It should be noted that Ogbah got a hand on the Arizona field goal, but it still went through. 

 
Momentum Plays

• After a Miami three-and-out to start the game, Ogbah knocked the ball loose from Murray. Lawson did a nice job waiting for the right bounce to scoop, then got a crucial block from rookie safety Brandon Jones on the way to the end zone for the game's first score.
• The Cards tied it up at 7, and on the ensuing drive, Tua suffered a sack that would have set up a 3rd-and-27 or so. Instead, Arizona was whistled for a facemask for an automatic first down, and a few plays later, Howard punched it in for a 14-7 'Fins lead.
• 'Zona quickly struck back on a 56-yarder to Kirk that saw Jones get burned, but the next Miami drive featured a mix of passes and Ahmed runs. Preston Williams took a 3rd-and-7 pass and leaped over a defender for a touchdown, injuring himself in the process but staking the Dolphins to a 21-14 advantage.
• With the shootout officially on, the defenses rose up briefly, with Arizona's Andy Isabella catching a first-down pass, but back-tracking to set up a fourth-down punt. Laird's 17-yard catch and run set up a 56-yard field goal from Sanders to establish a 24-17 Miami lead at halftime.
• On the second-half kickoff, Van Ginkel forced a fumble with a big hit on the return, but after a massive pile-up, Arizona retained possession. 
• The Cardinals followed with a drive that featured a number of horrific officiating calls, including a dropped interception by Byron Jones that was somehow, almost randomly, called a touchdown for Arizona after the tight end finally ended up with the ball 4 yards out of bounds. The score was tied at 24, and Brian Flores was apoplectic.
• With the help of another ridiculous pass interference penalty, Arizona converted a fourth down, then scored on another Murray run to go ahead 31-24.
• Tua made two tremendous runs in key spots to set up a fade to the little-used Hollins to tie the score at 31 and cap a 93-yard drive that took over 6 minutes and was needed to give an exhausted defense a rest.
• After converting one fourth-down on another Murray run, Arizona had another fourth down thanks to a nice tackle by Jones. The Cardinals tried to catch Miami off guard with a run by Chase Edmonds, but Elandon Roberts and Howard made a great stop to earn the ball back for the Dolphins with just 5:15 remaining.
• Miami's next drive was highlighted by a tremendous catch by Gesicki and a strong catch by Grant to set up 4th and 1. Instead of going for it in a shootout, Flores elected to kick the field goal, and Sanders paid it off with a 50-yarder for a 34-31 lead. It was a controversial decision at the time by Flo.
• The defense gave up a big gainer to Kirk on the Cards' drive, but a bad throw by Murray on 3rd and 1 set up a fourth down and the decision to try a field goal. Somehow, the 49-yarder came up short, giving the ball back to the Dolphins.
• Howard's 8-yard run on first down gave Miami a lot of options, and a Tua keeper netted a first down and resulted in victory formation.

2020 Schedule

New England 21, Miami 11 (0-1)

Buffalo 31, Miami 28 (0-2)

Miami 31, Jacksonville 13 (1-2)

Seattle 31, Miami 23 (1-3)

Miami 43, San Francisco 17 (2-3)

Miami 24, New York Jets 0 (3-3)

Miami 28, Los Angeles Rams 17 (4-3)

Miami 34, Arizona 31 (5-3)

Day 240, Quasi-Quarantine: The Allowance Of Hope

 

I'm allowing myself to believe that it's going to be slightly easier to be a student, parent, and citizen someday soon.

Today is not that day.

But tomorrow is inevitable.

Day 239, Quasi-Quarantine: Simple But Sleek, Anakin's Podracer A Welcome Addition To The Fleet

To me, the standout scenes of "Phantom Menace" involved the Boonta Eve Classic podrace that featured a young Anakin Skywalker navigating the canyons around Mos Espa, the treacherous Sebulba, and his own dialogue.

The 20th anniversary edition of Anakin's Podracer set (75258) is an homage to this unforgettable race. This 279-piece set makes clever use of Lego Technic pieces to feature big engines, extending flaps, and a clear handle that allows for both play and display.

The build comes with a small Anakin Skywalker minifigure with a wrench, as well as a rare Padme Amidala minifigure with "updated wig element" and blaster. 

As a bonus, the set comes with a retro Luke Skywalker figure and display stand, complete with X-wing pilot suit, blue lightsaber, and 20th anniversary logo signage.

This set is well-designed and represents a sleek design at a more-than-fair price point -- which is becoming a rarer and rarer find in the Lego universe. 

We look forward to challenging Chewie to harrowing races in his modified Wookiee prodracer.

 

Limerick Friday #485: A Week That's Aged Us All -- Day 236

Democracy from the rubble
Justice on the double
In honor of John Lewis
Who proved we could do this
Hope lies in good trouble

Liars and crooks
And racist rooks
Spreading their cheeks
And rolling over meek
Wait for the history books

McConnell, a spineless bitch
Used Trump to get rich
Not when, but how
The question now
Who bends you over now, Moscow Mitch?

Gutless Lindsey Graham
Looks like a jaundiced ham
Tosses Trump's salad
Lies about what's invalid
Plots the next Republican scam

No magic potion
For exhaustion and emotion

Put on your coat
And count every vote
This is democracy in motion

Last time ...

Day 235, Quasi-Quarantine: "Utopia Avenue" Dodges Florid Writing To Tackle The '60s

 

"Fame molds itself onto your face. Then it molds your face. Fame brings you immunity from the usual rules. That's why the law doesn't like us. If a freak with a guitar doesn't have to abide by the rules of the great and the good, why should anyone? Problem is, if fame is a drug, it's hard to kick." 

There was a lot to absorb in "Utopia Avenue," a twisting, turning tale of the pursuit -- and attainment -- of music stardom in the 1960s. David Mitchell doesn't shy away from any of the massive issues of that, or any time, spending time on pretty much every significant social issue of the era. 

It's clear that his book is painstakingly researched, with largely believable cameos from a load of famous musicians and people. I felt Mitchell bordered on gratuitous overindulgence with some of these name-drops, but his weaving, careening style (mostly) makes it work. 

"I asked if I could ever learn to play like that. 'No,' he told me, 'because' -- I'll always remember this -- 'you haven't lived my life and the blues is a language you can't lie in.' But if I wanted it enough, he said, then one day I'd learn to play like me."

On the downside, Mitchell's characters tend to speak in soliloquies, with meticulously worded diatribes about a host of worldly affairs. The story also features a few characters -- led by Bruce -- who could barely be considered even one-dimensional, and intriguing entries to the tale just as quickly shuffle off the stage without mention.

"A brain constructs a model of reality. If that model isn't too different from most people's model, you're labeled sane. If the model is different, you're labeled a genius, a misfit, a visionary, or a nutcase. In extreme cases, you're labeled a schizophrenic and locked up."

After a relatively shocking twist at the end, the postscript redeems much of the book for me. Mitchell's passion for music shines through, and in total, it's enough to gloss over the bumps and gaps. 

"She looks back one last time, the way you're warned against by myths and fairy tales. She waves from the gateway and she's going, going ... gone. A person is a thing that leaves."

There's a lot to love about "Utopia Avenue" -- a book that struggles to not take itself too seriously but begs the reader to do the same.

At 574 pages, it can be a bit of a slog at times. However, I can attest that reading it primarily on a beach-front deck eases the work.

And let's just say my personal glossary of British slang has grown exponentially.

"All that it cost us to get here was worth it."

Day 234, Quasi-Quarantine: Dolphins-Rams Game 7 Review

The Dolphins put on a master class in defensive football and dominant special teams to put away the Rams, 28-17. Miami's third straight win pushed the team to 4-3 and over .500, a significant achievement and a real sign of positive progress for coach Brian Flores. 

Somehow, the 'Fins won convincingly despite Los Angeles having 23 more first downs and dominating in yardage and time of possession, forcing Miami to play 88 plays on defense. Flores & Co. won't be able to count on defensive and special teams scores every week, so let's hope that the offense can get things figured out in the next crucial stretch.

Offense

• It must be said that Miami had eight (8) first downs and 145 offensive yards in this game.
• Well, Tua Tagovailoa played. That might be the best we can say of this performance. He didn't break 100 yards passing, barely reached 50% completions, and had a key fumble deep in his own territory. On the plus side, he had a couple of nice balls, looked mobile on sprintouts, and took a few big hits and got up. To be fair, his receivers also didn't help him with a number of drops. It was not a full measure of what we can expect because the game got out of hand so quickly, but let's just say it was a rocky first start.
• Per usual, Myles Gaskin got a lot of work. He had 18 carries (for just 47 yards) and added a team-leading three receptions. He scored a touchdown, but that was offset by a fumble deep in Miami territory and a damaging drop on a third-down play. Matt Breida continued to be sparsely used and Jordan Howard remained inactive, yielding to Malcolm Perry, who had a couple of Wildcat looks. Perry was dropped by Aaron Donald for a 5-yard loss, but he did add a 10-yard grab later.
• The offensive line held up fine against a formidable Rams defensive front. However, Miami did resort to a very conservative game plan and a variety of rollouts to offset pressure. In addition, there were almost no running lanes for the Dolphins backs.
• The team's top two receiving threats, DeVante Parker and Mike Gesicki, combined for two catches for 11 yards (Parker made a great grab on Tua's first career touchdown pass). Preston Williams was targeted a lot by Tua, but he had some very costly drops and continued to run iffy routes. Isaiah Ford had an important third-down conversion late in the game, but overall, Miami's offensive game plan mostly consisted of trying to run out the last 35 or so minutes.
• Jakeem Grant was the difference in this one. He had a 15-yard catch to set up a touchdown and then added a 44-yard kickoff return to set up Miami with great position on another drive. He largely salted the game away with his scintillating 88-yard punt return for a score.

Defense

• Miami forced Jared Goff to throw 61 passes, which is a victory in and of itself. The arc of the game was vital to the Dolphins because the Rams were having their way in the running game. The 'Fins confused Goff all day long and were able to hit him eight times.
• Up front, Emmanuel Ogbah is, frankly, playing at a Pro Bowl level. He had a sack that forced a fumble-recovery touchdown, but he was also in Goff's face on seemingly every play. On the other side, bookend Shaq Lawson also had a sack and two quarterback hits. Zach Sieler was active on the interior, posting three QB hits, and Christian Wilkins notched five tackles and an interception when he fooled Goff by dropping into coverage.
• Andrew Van Ginkel had three tackles and a tipped pass that would have resulted in an interception if he hadn't dropped it. Of course, he also had a fumble recovery that he returned 78 yards for a touchdown. His intensity and sneaky athleticism were on display all day long.
• Jerome Baker led the linebacking corps with 13 tackles, a pass breakup, and a quarterback hit. He was joined by Elandon Roberts, who played his most physical game, marked by two absolutely massive hits to go with his four overall tackles and two stops for losses. Kyle Van Noy continued his strong play with nine tackles, two pass breakups, and a fumble recovery that he nearly returned for a touchdowns.
• The Dolphins trusted Xavien Howard and Byron Jones to handle single coverage to support some exotic blitz schemes, and the duo held up. Uncharacteristically, Howard dropped two interception chances that he usually comes down with. Nik Needham quietly registered 10 tackles on a day when Miami needed every defensive back.
• Do-everything Eric Rowe is really coming on, and he put together maybe his best performance in a Dolphins uniform. In addition to seven tackles, he knocked away five (5) passes and secured an interception. Amazingly, he also dropped two other picks, including one that would have been a sure-thing pick-6.

Special Teams

• As mentioned, Grant was the story here. He was much more decisive, and that paid off with two tremendous returns that played a huge role in the outcome of the game.
• Matt Haack pinned the Rams inside the 20 on five different occasions. His net 63-yarder flipped the field in a big way, but he did have a couple of iffy boots in the mix.
• Jason Sanders had a quiet day, with no field goal attempts and hitting all four of his extra-point tries. For some reason, Miami had him try to place his kickoffs inside the 10 instead of relying on his customary touchbacks.

Momentum Plays

• On Tua's second play, he got lost in the pocket, had the ball jarred loose by Donald, and then got absolutely body-slammed by Michael Brockers. The Rams ran three straight times for a touchdown and an early 7-0 lead.
• Haack's 63-yard punt flipped field position, leading to a Wilkins interception and a short Miami drive for the tying score.
• After Gaskin's fumble gave the Rams the ball at the Miami 7-yard line, the defensive responded with a huge Roberts hit followed by a fumble forced by an unblocked Ogbah and housed by Van Ginkel for a lead that the 'Fins would never relinquish.
• After an unsuccessful ensuing drive by Los Angeles, Grant's lightning-fast, franchise-record-setting punt return broke the game open at 21-7.
• Rowe's pick -- caused by a Baker hit on Goff -- stymied a promising Rams drive, and after two Preston Williams drops ended the following Miami drive, Lawson's sack led to a fumble that Van Noy returned to the one-yard line. Gaskin punched it in for a 28-7 lead for the Dolphins.
• The Dolphins frantically tried to run out the entire second-half clock. After an uneventual third quarter, the Rams finally found a formula that worked, mixing inside runs with quick hitters to defeat pressure before miscommunication in the secondary led to a wide-open score for Robert Woods to make it 28-17, Miami.
• On the next Los Angeles possession, Goff pushed his streak to nine straight completions, but a key Rams drop led to a 48-yard field goal attempt that turned into a woeful knuckleball that flew wide left into the camera bay.
• Gaskin ran it six times in a row to set up a Haack punt that was fair-caught at the 5-yard line to effectively end the game for the Dolphins.

2020 Schedule

New England 21, Miami 11 (0-1)

Buffalo 31, Miami 28 (0-2)

Miami 31, Jacksonville 13 (1-2)

Seattle 31, Miami 23 (1-3)

Miami 43, San Francisco 17 (2-3)

Miami 24, New York Jets 0 (3-3)

Miami 28, Los Angeles Rams 17 (4-3)

Day 233, Quasi-Quarantine: Take Back The Planet

I am the poor white, fooled and pushed apart

I am the Negro bearing slavery's scars

I am the red man driven from the land, 

I am the immigrant clutching the hope I seek - 

And finding only the same old stupid plan

Of dog eat dog, of mighty crush the weak

 

~Langston Hughes

"Let America Be America Again" 

1936

Day 232, Quasi-Quarantine: "Hunter" Guides The "Bad Batch" Away From Normalcy

Last week, we discussed "Crosshair," one of the mercurial "Bad Batch" in the "Star Wars: Clone Wars" universe. This week, let's take a look at "Hunter" -- sergeant and commanding officer of Clone Force 99.

Hunter's mutation involves enhanced senses that make him essentially a walking map. Because he can feel electromagnetic signals, he can track down enemies and sniff out traps with uncanny accuracy.

"Well, maps can be wrong. Hunter never is." ~Tech

Reportedly based on the character of Billy Sole from the movie "Predator," Hunter comes with a DC-17 blaster, an E-5 blaster rifle, modified armor, a tracker backpack, and a knife for close-quarters combat.

The sergeant's role often involves quelling conflicts between the Bad Batch and "regs," or regular clone troopers. He bonded quickly with Echo in the last episode of the Bad Batch mini-arc in the final season of "Star Wars: Clone Wars."

"Your path is different. Like ours. If you ever feel like you don't fit in with them, well, find us."