Friday, October 29, 2021

Limerick Friday #524: The Wolfpack Does Wolfpack Things -- Day 594


Injuries starting to stack
Luck that's rather whack
Two best players lost
A memorable season it could cost
This is the way of the Pack

Our best player's a defender
Who looks ready to surrender
A franchise in tatters
Not that it matters
But please don't trade for a sex offender

A world of whining and pleading
Of wanting and needing
Ignorance reigns
Spreading pains
I'll just be over here reading

Another gut punch from the 'Canes
Played with heart but no brains
Keeping Manny Diaz employed
Pack Nation more than annoyed
NC State -- when it pours, it rains

A frantic "Squid Game" ending
Had me text sending
Into sentiment they're tappin'
A second season could happen
Tough to top this mind bending


Thursday, October 28, 2021

Day 593, Quasi-Quarantine: Dolphins-Falcons Game 7 Review


With all the hubbub surrounding Deshaun Watson and the Dolphins after Miami's sixth straight loss, you would have thought that Tua Tagovailoa shit the bed against the Falcons. On the contrary, Tua did his job, and it was the rest of the team that let him down.

Coach Brian Flores was about as angry as I've ever seen him following a game, and for good reason. Miami had twice as many penalties (six) as the opposition, was on the wrong end of some calls, turned the ball over too often, and watched the defense give away yet another game. Which, if you've been paying attention, is pretty much the entire season in a rinse-and-repeat nutshell.

Whether Miami trades for a sex offender or not, make not mistake -- that move will be made almost solely to distract from the woeful and inept job that's been done to run a functioning franchise. 

On to the unhappy recap ...


Offense
  • Miami surpassed 400 yards (413) and eclipsed 100 rushing yards for the first time this year, upping the yards per play to 5.9. The 'Fins made 27 first downs and converted a staggering 7 of 11 third downs, punting just three times and dominating time of possession (34:38-25:22). Turnovers were huge (especially in the red zone), but there have been signs of life and creativity in recent weeks.
  • Tua hit 32 of 40 passes for 291 yards and four touchdowns, running for 29 key yards as well. He did throw two massive and untimely interceptions and struggled with accuracy on some shorter throws, but largely saw the field very well and spread the ball around (10 receivers had a catch). For some reason, Jacoby Brissett once again did not see action in short-yardage situations.
  • Miami actually got some running game going in this one, shockingly. Myles Gaskin had 15 carries for 67 yards, Salvon Ahmed added seven for 26, and Malcolm Brown had three for 10 before being injured after just five snaps. In the passing game, Ahmed added 26 yards on two catches, Gaskin caught four for 10 and a score, and Brown had a catch for -1. With Brown out for an extended period of time, the Dolphins have a chance to diversify this position, but with the team electing to sign Duke Johnson to the practice squad, Miami instead seems intent on collecting as many of the same player as possible.
  • Jaylen Waddle had seven grabs for 83 yards, showed more juice in the open field, and generally seems to be finding his stride. On the other hand, it has hard to describe how poorly Preston Williams performed, with one grab for five yards and at least two drops. Mack Hollins had two receptions for 13 yards and the potential game-winning score, but the fact that he's getting so much run is an indictment of the state of the receiving corps without DeVante Parker and Will Fuller. Despite the fact that Williams is almost unplayable at this point, Albert Wilson was nonexistent in this one (three snaps).
  • Once again, Tua leaned on the tight end spot, and Mike Gesicki came up huge, with seven catches for 85 yards and a touchdown, though he continues to get no respect from the officials on clear holds and interferences. Durham Smythe showed out again with three grabs for 37 yards, while Adam Shaheen pulled in four for 23 yards. Cethan Carter had a nice hit on special teams, but didn't dent from scrimmage, while rookie Hunter Long was back to nowhereseville. If the Dolphins are not actively trying to re-sign G-Sick, the franchise is somehow even more dysfunctional than anyone recognizes.
  • The offensive line largely played much better, giving up a single sack (which felt like Tua's fault) and opening up more rushing lanes, especially on RPO looks. Rookie Liam Eichenberg seems to be settling in at left tackle, despite false start and ineligible-man-downfield penalties. On the other side, Jesse Davis was flagged for a huge hold in the red zone. Former first-rounder Austin Jackson continues to flounder at left guard, called for a hold, beaten routinely with relative ease, and appearing to be at fault for the blocked field goal. While options aren't aplenty, it is a bit shocking that Solomon Kindley is not at least splitting snaps with Jackson at this stage. On the plus side, Austin Reiter got strong reviews for his work as Miami's third different center this season.

Defense
  • The days of this being a defense-driven team are officially over, as the Falcons managed 397 yards and averaged 6.3 yards per play. Atlanta punted just three times and went down the field easily when the game was on the line. 
  • On the edge, Emmanuel Ogbah was credited with a single tackle, but he was a demon, registering a pass breakup, a forced fumble, and two quarterback hits. Andrew Van Ginkel notched six tackles and a quarterback hit, but Jaelen Phillips (just 15 snaps) was largely invisible for the second game in a row, posting a single quarterback hit. Consistent pressure has been a huge problem spot for Miami, and it's a little surprising that practice-squadder Jabaal Sheard has not gotten any run.
  • On the interior, Christian Wilkins recorded six tackles and a quarterback hit, while Zach Sieler added four stops. Raekwon Davis contributed a pair of tackles, but was called for a roughing-the-passer penalty as well. Adam Butler rounds out a solid group, but this was a game where Miami needed an impact play from this crew.
  • Having done their film work and seeing what everyone else does, Atlanta clearly targeted the linebackers in coverage. Jerome Baker had one tackle before departing with an injury, leaving the linebacking corps in shambles. Elandon Roberts had seven tackles and a stop for loss, but Sam Eguaovoen (one tackle), Brennan Scarlett, and Duke Riley (two stops) are not enough to give the 'Fins any hope at this level of the defense.
  • Despite iffy effort throughout, Xavien Howard rallied to notch two solo stops, three pass breakups, and a key interception. On the other boundary, Byron Jones was quiet with four tackles, and Nik Needham helped man the slot with two solo tackles and a fumble recovery. Eric Rowe was relentlessly attacked, however, contributing nine tackles and a pass breakup, but having no answers for Atlanta rookie Kyle Pitts and getting called for an interference penalty. One-time first-rounder Noah Igbinoghene was back on the inactive list with Howard and Jones back in action, while Justin Coleman was only used on special teams.
  • At safety, Jevon Holland had a bit of a breakout game, recording five solo tackles, a sack, a stop for loss, a pass breakup, and a quarterback hit, while also sparking the team with a strong punt return and appearing to cause a fumble on another play (which was somehow not reviewed). Brandon Jones had five tackles, but only one solo, and he got dragged a few times in tackling. Jason McCourty had a pass breakup, but he was a limited participant even before leaving with an injury.

Special teams
  • Jason Sanders had a field goal blocked, but he converted four extra points -- extending his streak to 60 straight.
  • Michael Palardy felt the pressure after a subpar start to the season, having maybe his best game as a Dolphin. He averaged 51.3 yards on three punts, putting one inside the 20-yard line.
  • Clayton Fjedelem was strong on special teams with two tackles, but Riley was whistled for a big hold on a kickoff return.
  • Myles Gaskin was bizarrely asked to run back kickoffs in this one, returning two for 29 yards but generally seeming tentative (unsurprising given his lack of action in this role).
  • Holland was a roller-coaster on punts, giving the crowd a jolt with a 16-yarder but also inexplicably fair-catching one when no one was within 15 yards and electing not to fair catch one when he should have. He's clearly raw in the role, but he brings a certain juice to the kicking game that this team is screaming for.
  • For the second week in a row, Miami may have been jobbed on a punt that touched an opponent. While this week's version wasn't as clear-cut as last week's, it may be further evidence that the football gods appear to be against the 'Fins this year.

Momentum plays
  • On Miami's first drive, Tua hit Waddle to convert a pair of third downs, and Gaskin kept the balance with some strong runs. G-Sick converted another third down with a stellar catch, then Tua drilled a slant to Ford to cap a pretty drive for the early 7-0 lead.
  • After the teams exchanged three-and-outs, Butler missed a tackle in the backfield on a key third-down play. Cordarelle Patterson hammered away with some physical runs, but a Holland sack forced a field goal to make it 7-3.
  • A nifty Tua run jumpstarted the ensuing drive for Miami, and Ahmed contributed three straight touches. However, after a drop by Williams and a fade to G-Sick featured an uncalled pass interference, a 49-yard field goal attempt by Sanders was easily swatted away thanks to some inexplicable blocking technique by the Dolphins.
  • Thanks to a nonexistent pass rush, Atlanta converted a 3rd & 9 on the next drive, then kept feeding tight ends all the way down the field. On 3rd & 3, Matt Ryan rolled to his right to find Calvin Ridley for a touchdown and a 10-7 advantage.
  • After a Waddle snare off an RPO, Williams made his biggest play of the game when he drew a facemask on a catch that was going nowhere. Smythe battled his way for a first down on another grab, but when Tua looked his way in the end zone, a miscommunication led to an easy interception. While the route was iffy by Smythe, he was bracketed by multiple players, and it was a poor decision by Tua to force it to him in the red zone.
  • A Pitts one-hander down the sideline despite an interference flag on Rowe got the Falcons rolling again, and short Ryan passes maneuvered Atlanta into position for a late field goal and a 13-7 halftime lead.
  • Pitts started the second half the same way he ended the first, burning Rowe deep, though this one was questionable in terms of whether he held on to it. When Ryan had all day to find Russell Gage for an easy deep score, Miami deflated quickly, down 20-7. While both Holland and Howard were back in coverage, Howard ran away from the play to avoid making it look like he was beaten, showing the kind of me-first attitude that will likely speed his exit from Miami.
  • The 'Fins had to punt quickly, and a strong return put Atlanta in business again. Pressure from Ogbah forced a three-and-out, though, and Holland's nifty return gave the Dolphins a little life.
  • The running game came to life a bit for the 'Fins, with Gaskin and Ahmed contributing strong runs. A fade to Gesicki overcame a hold on Davis, and the tight end's score (which saw him bowl over a couple of youngsters in the end zone) trimmed the margin to 20-14.
  • An easy Pitts catch converted a 3rd & 10 on the following drive, but Holland drilled Ridley to force a fumble, though it was called incomplete. Solid coverage on the next two plays forced another Atlanta punt, but Holland was drilled this time on his punt return.
  • A hold on Jackson erased a Gaskin third-down conversion, and when a Tua run came up short, Miami punted again. Miraculously, Palardy's kick was ruled not to have bounced off the return man, reinforcing the idea that bad calls and bad luck happen to bad teams at bad moments.
  • Perhaps proving that ball don't lie, X stole the ball from Ridley on a third-down pass, giving the Dolphins an interception. Also proving that nothing is perfect, Howard did not appear to be down when the whistle was blown, and he would have had a chance at a lengthy return.
  • Just when Miami looked to have all the momentum taking over at Atlanta's 32-yard line, Tua threw a brutal -- there is not another word -- interception on the very next play. Yes, Jackson was wrecked immediately, but it was a horrific decision by the young quarterback and the worst decision I've seen him make as a pro.
  • With the ball returned all the way to Miami's 14-yard line, the Falcons scored quickly, with Patterson punching it in after a Davis roughing call. Against all odds, Atlanta had jumped back up by two scores, 27-14.
  • Smythe got the next drive going with a crazy sideline grab that offset a Riley hold on the kick return. Big grabs by G-Sick and Waddle kept the drive going, and Tua converted a 3rd & 6 when he absorbed a big hit from the safety and dove ahead for a first down. Then, Gaskin took a short throw, broke a tackle, and scampered into the end zone to trim the margin to 27-21.
  • A missed tackle by Howard on 3rd & 10 gave Atlanta a key first down, but Ogbah tracked down Ryan on a scramble and jarred the ball loose, with Needham pouncing on it for a huge turnover.
  • A 16-yard catch and run by Ahmed helped Miami convert a 1st & 19 scenario, then Tua paid off a 3rd & 15 with a midfield dart to Gesicki. Tua then found Hollins at the back of the end zone after a long look, pushing the Dolphins ahead 28-27 with 2:27 left.
  • Showing a lack of adjustment, the 'Fins were quickly victimized by 51 yards worth of completions to Pitts on back-to-back plays. A second-down run by Patterson was flagged, but the official inexplicably announced no flag for holding, setting up a key 3rd & 2 play. When Patterson powered through Brandon Jones for an easy first, the Falcons were able to kneel on the ball twice before nailing a 36-yarder with three seconds left to win the game, 30-28.

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

Day 591, Quasi-Quarantine: Where Have All My Friends Gone?

 

Me coming to terms with the new state of chat now that none of my friends work here anymore ...

Reminds me in a big way of the "Seinfeld" episode where George and Elaine suggest he go to the movies alone.



Monday, October 25, 2021

Day 590, Quasi-Quarantine: Combining Forces To Build A Forest Moc -- Day 1


Inspired by this unreal, Lego-commissioned moc by Solid Brix Studios, we decided to create a moc for an as-yet-unnamed forest planet that incorporates elements from the "Mandalorian" as they encounter Imperial troops among the trees.

Stay tuned for more updates as the build evolves ...


Friday, October 22, 2021

Limerick Friday #523: Joining The "Squid Game" Season -- Day 587


"Squid Game" hit the scene
Both touching and obscene
"Gganbu" a masterpiece
Tonight come faster, please
So I can see what happens, I mean

The 'Fins are a joke, I confess
How to escape this fucking mess?
Hope is subliminal
So trade for a criminal?
We're outta ideas, I guess

Red was the start
Tattoo your heart
Years stretched too far
Time caught in a jar
Intrigue at this part

If you wanna be filled with dread
Watch this show, instead
Not TWD
No longer for me
Now it's "Fear the Walking Dead"

Budgets be cuttin'
Ideas, we got nuttin'
Inspiration we lack
Posturing doesn't track
Maybe I'll get help from Button



Thursday, October 21, 2021

Day 586, Quasi-Quarantine: Dolphins-Jaguars Game 6 Review


I take it all back. 

This is rock bottom. 

Finding new and creative ways to lose in a real pillow fight to the worst team in the league is unforgiveable. I mean, if you consider yourself a legitimate team, you don't lose to Jacksonville. Period. 

But I have to say that were five or six just mind-boggling officiating calls that went against Miami that made you wonder if the fix was in somehow.

Either way, this was the kind of game that costs people jobs, if not careers. In Miamiland, it only seemed to fuel more distractions in the form of Deshuan Watson trade rumors, as coach Brian Flores and general manager Chris Grier throw the kitchen sink at any and all options to save their gigs.

The not-so-happy recap ...


Offense
  • The offense looked more in sync, winning the time-of-possession battle (32:40) to 27:20) for a change and converting nine of 17 third downs. However, the refusal to use Jacoby Brissett in short-yardage situations cost the 'Fins dearly, the play-calling continued to be supremely headshaking, and scoring only 20 points against this defense is a real letdown.
  • Facing a friendly Jacksonville defense, Tua Tagovailoa fired 47 passes in his first game back after fracturing ribs, completing 33 for 329 yards and two touchdowns. He wasn't sacked but did throw a horrific interception and missed high quite a few times. Tua did show some mobility, picking up 22 yards on three rushes on the ground, but he simply must work on sliding. Brissett came in to throw a perfect 25-yard pass on a creative third-and-short play.
  • The bizarre running back rotation continued, with an almost-even split in reps among the three backs. Salvon Ahmed led the way in touches with eight for 37 yards, while Malcolm Brown ran five times for 24 yards (including a 16-yarder) and caught a pass for seven. Myles Gaskin contributed just 14 yards on seven touches, catching two passes and mishandling a couple of others among six targets. The continues to be a position group screaming out for an upgrade.
  • With the top three wideouts (DeVante Parker, Will Fuller, and Preston Williams) out, Jaylen Waddle got 13 targets, snaring 10 for 70 yards and two touchdowns, despite a long of just 14. He did have a false start, but generally played with more energy, perhaps due to the Jaguars' incessant and bizarre chirping. Mack Hollins caught four for 61 and was called for an iffy offensive pass interference call, while Albert Wilson was the only other receiver targeted, collecting two receptions for 14 yards. Hollins and Waddle dominated reps (97% and 93% respectively), with Wilson getting 23 snaps and Isaiah Ford just five.
  • Considering the decimation at receiver, Tua looked for the tight ends early and often, and the group responded. Mike Gesicki owned the Jax secondary, reeling in eight passes for 115 yards, while Durham Smythe had the best receiving day of his career, hauling in five passes for 59 yards. Even Cethan Carter got into the act, catching a pass for eight yards but also committing an incredibly costly holding penalty. Rookie Hunter Long got nine snaps, which is promising.
  • The line held up, giving Tua a clean pocket more often than in any game this season. Left tackle Liam Eichenberg in particular stood out, doing a tremendous job on dynamic pass rusher Josh Allen of the Jags despite a false start. Right tackle Jesse Davis had another rough go, and converted guard Austin Jackson had a false start. The running game was nowhere yet again, with just 17 called rushes netting 55 yards. An inability to get push during clear short-yardage situations continues to be problematic, although horrific play-calling certainly played a role here.

Defense
  • Playing without its top two corners in Xavien Howard and Byron Jones, Miami allowed a player they should have targeted in free agency, Marvin Jones, to cook them for seven catches, 100 yards, and a touchdown. The anemic Jacksonville offense racked up 396 total yards and 21 first downs, though most of that damage was done in the second half. The unit held Jax to 3 of 12 on third downs, but allowed two of three fourth-downs conversions, including the one that set up the game-winning field goal.
  • Andrew Van Ginkel was more active than usual, with six tackles and five solo stops to go with a pass breakup and a quarterback hit. However, his lack of size hurt him in tackling and containment, and one wonders whether he is not better-suited to be a situational pass-rusher due to stamina. On the other side, Emmanuel Ogbah had three tackles, a sack, a batted pass, and a quarterback hit. Rookie Jaelen Phillips took a step back, just assisting on a couple of tackles despite getting his most extensive action with 54 snaps.
  • On the interior, Raekwon Davis had three solo tackles and appeared to be celebrating 4- and 5-yard gains routinely for some reason, while Christian Wilkins impacted with three tackles, a quarterback hit, and a sack/fumble combo that could have been the pivotal play of the early season if his coaching staff had cooperated. Adam Butler (25 snaps) had a tackle and a quarterback hit, while Zack Sieler continues to tail off a bit with a single assisted tackle, though he did offer some good pressures in his 29 snaps. The unit got a boost from Davis's return, but it'll bear watching if that coincides with a loss of reps for Sieler.
  • Jerome Baker was active as a blitzer and notched eight tackles, three quarterback hits, and a huge fourth-down stop as Miami made a conscious effort to limit his coverage responsibilities. Elandon Roberts had four tackles, but none of the intimidating, tone-setting hits he's known for. Sam Eguavoen and Brennan Scarlett were mostly used as rushers. The lack of difference-making plays from this group continues to be immensely problematic.
  • At corner, second-year first-rounder Noah Igbinoghene was forced into action due to injury, and predictably struggled despite four solo tackles. Justin Coleman also collected four solo stops and narrowly missed a game-changing interception. Iggy and Coleman played every snap, with Nick Needham (two tackles) and Eric Rowe (two tackles and a pass breakup) playing more of an even split at nickel. Rowe's play has seemed to tail off alongside his reps (19).
  • At safety, Jevon Holland played every single snap, collecting six tackles, a pass breakup, and a phantom unnecessary roughness call. Brandon Jones had five tackles and one stop for loss, but the lack of dynamic plays in the secondary are contributing to the Dolphins dying a slow death on defense. Perhaps related, veteran Jason McCourty played just 14 snaps in this one.

Special teams
  • Jason Sanders hit two short field goals and both extra points. His kickoffs lacked their customary depth (perhaps by design, as the approach pinned Jacksonville deep once), but he missed a 58-yarder to end the half in ugly fashion.
  • Michael Palardy continues to struggle, averaging just 39.5 yards on four punts despite downing a couple inside the 20-yard line.
  • Waddle returned a pair of kickoffs for 38 yards, looking tentative, and fair-caught a punt when he had plenty of space.
  • Hollins was his usual self on special teams, playing like a maniac and (in Dolphins fan views, anyway) scoring the winning touchdown on a muffed punt in a world where instant replay works.
  • Less a condemnation of special teams than a commentary on how the season is going, but Jacksonville entered this game without a field goal. Some rando off the street kicked three, including 54- and 53-yarders, the former of which miraculously bent in at the last moment.

Momentum plays
  • The 'Fins got off to a stellar start, with Tua avoiding a sack to find Waddle for a conversion on 3rd & 9, then hitting Gesicki and Waddle for two more third-down conversions. After running for a first, Tua drilled a slant to Waddle to cap a tremendous drive and stake Miami to a 7-0 lead.
  • Brandon Jones took a poor angle on a 24-yard short catch and run on Jacksonville's first play, but Jax tight end Dan Arnold dropped a big gainer on a third-down play to force their first field goal of the entire season to make it 7-3.
  • Tua kickstarted the next drive with another strike to G-Sick, who tried to vault multiple defenders. Gaskin fumbled, but recovered it himself, allowing Brissett to come in and hit Smythe on a perfect throw (and a rare creative play call) on 3rd & 1. The second of back-to-back nice gains by Ahmed was nullified by Carter's holding penalty, and a poor throw by Tua on a promising 3rd & 15 screen to Gaskin forced Sanders to tuck a field goal inside the left upright to push the advantage to 10-3.
  • After a Jacksonville three-and-out, Brown ripped off a 17-yarder to get a promising drive going, but Wilson ran backwards on a short pass to force a third down play that saw G-Sick held without a call.
  • Ogbah's batted pass capped another three-and-out by the defense, and a terrible Jacksonville punt put Miami in business at the Jaguars' 38-yard line. After Tua inexplicably air-mailed a third-down pass when he had a wide-open field for a first-down scramble, he redeemed himself with a strike to Hollins on 4th & 2. Waddle was blatantly held on first-and-goal without a call, and another poor Tua throw to Gaskin forced another Sanders field goal. The 'Fins went up 10 points (13-3), but it felt like -- and would prove to be -- a massive missed opportunity considering field position and the tone of the game.
  • A big run by James Robinson was nullified when Phillips was face-masked by a Jax offensive lineman, but sloppy coverage allowed the Jags to convert. Though the D rallied for another stop, the Jacksonville punt was downed at the 2-yard line.
  • After a heart-stopping, slow-developing play that saw Tua nearly suffering a turnover for a safety or defensive score, Gesicki was screwed (for the first of two times) on a short catch and reach for a first down, with a terrible spot forcing another lackluster punt by Palardy to set up Jax in Miami territory.
  • The Jags converted a 4th & 6 when Rowe was beaten easily, then Iggy was beaten over the top despite solid coverage, with Jones hauling in a perfect, 28-yard Lawrence pass to trim the margin to 13-10 with just 40 seconds left in the half.
  • With the Dolphins out of timeouts, Tua hit Hollins for 20 yards, but an eight-yarder to Brown was a poor decision by Tua, as the back was easily tackled in-bounds. Gesicki dragged his feet on an important sideline pass, but with five seconds left, Sanders horrifically hooked the 58-yard attempt to head into halftime at 13-10.
  • Jacksonville started the second half by converting a 2nd & 15 that saw Holland get beat despite good pressure from Van Ginkel. The drive got worse when Holland was whistled for a laughably ridiculous roughness call as he was attempting to intercept a 50-50 ball. Robinson then broke a tackle by Brandon Jones and powered all the way down to the 1-yard line, punching it in easily on the next play. The Jaguars went up 17-13, and surrendering the lead felt like it took a lot of air out of the 'Fins.
  • Tua converted a third down with a run on the next drive, then hit Waddle to convert another. A back-shoulder gainer to Hollins was called back on a highly questionable offensive pass interference call, and Miami had to punt after Tua threw a jump ball into double coverage that was fortunate not to be intercepted.
  • On the following drive, Robinson took control, running through lackluster tackle attempts, as Jax easily moved down the field on a mix of runs and passes. However, Wilkins made the play of the game for the Dolphins, stunting to sack Lawrence and jar the ball loose at a critical moment, with Sieler pouncing on the loose ball.
  • Inexplicably, Tua vapor-locked on the following play, moving off of a wide-open receiver to throw the ball directly to a defensive back playing underneath a sideline pattern. Because this was seemingly popular to do on a Brissett play, let's try it here: You see Hollins throttling down on a deep in at midfield, which would have been good for about as easy an 18- to 20-yard gain as you'll see. As Tua hits his back foot on his drop, the receiver is as open as you'll see in the NFL. Instead of immediately firing his way, Tua randomly double clutches and throws it directly to a boundary cornerback who is staring him directly in the face.
  • With Jacksonville taking over at Miami's 39-yard line to start the fourth quarter, they targeted Van Ginkel down the field in coverage -- why? -- again. However, Elandon Roberts pressured Lawrence on a 3rd & 2, forcing him to fire wide out and out of the end zone. The Jags elected to go for it on 4th & 2 from the 10-yard line, but Baker sniffed out the run and stuffed it short for a massive turnover on downs.
  • The Dolphins took advantage with Tua hitting G-Sick on back-to-back plays to total 52 yards. A catch and run from Wilson converted a 3rd & 6, then Tua hit Smythe deep over the middle, earning a taunting penalty along the way to set Miami up on the 1-yard line. A short pass to Waddle capped off the drive and put the 'Fins back ahead, 20-17.
  • A Lawrence scramble led to Needham getting beaten for a first down, and Coleman narrowly missed an interception. But pressure from Ogbah and Brandon Jones forced a throw-away and a Jax punt, though Waddle elected to fair catch despite having a ton of room for a return.
  • The drive of the game took place next. A Gaskin catch appeared to convert a 3rd & 1, but an on-field change in decision and then a Miami challenge were not enough to get the play right. On the very next play from scrimmage, Palardy's punt hit the return man and bounded into the end zone, where Hollins grabbed it for a Dolphins touchdown. However, even on another 'Fins challenge, a clear angle where the ball hit the returner's finger went ignored, awarding Jacksonville possession instead of staking Miami to a 27-17 lead.
  • A back-shoulder throw to Jones converted a 3rd & 9 over Iggy, but pressure from Ogbah and Iggy forced another third-down incompletion. However, a 54-yard field goal attempt improbably curved in hard and late, tying the game at 20 with 3:40 remaining.
  • After Brown converted a 3rd & 1, G-Sick was once again screwed on a catch and reach on a 3rd & 6 play. Instead of putting in Brissett to convert the 4th & inches, the Dolphins inexplicably went shotgun and had Tua hand to Brown, who was dragged down short of the first down when Smythe was beaten inside by Allen. Brown's second and third efforts were not enough, handing the ball back to the Jags in Miami territory.
  • An Ogbah sack forced a 3rd & 20, but a short pass somehow netted 12 yards, setting up a 4th & 8. After initially deciding to throw a Hail Mary, Jacksonville reconsidered after a Miami timeout, and with just 4 seconds remaining, managed to snap the ball, drop back, throw a pass, catch it, slide down, and call timeout -- all in four seconds. Despite this not being how time works, the Jaguars still had to convert a 53-yarder with one second left. Improbably, they did so, meaning that a shitty team with a joke of a coach ended a 20-game losing streak over the 'Fins.


Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Day 585, Quasi-Quarantine: Forward-Looking, Hysterical "Scoop" Beats The Competition To The Story


"But isn't it very confusing if we all send different news?"
"It gives them a choice. They all have different policies so of course they have to give different news."

Evelyn Waugh's satirical masterpiece serves as both a withering criticism of journalism and a commentary on the constant state of warfare and subjugation across the world. "Scoop" was written nearly 75 years ago, yet still retains a timeliness that is hard to fathom. 

The brilliance of the cover serves as a hint and teaser for what lies within. A quick and easy read, the book offers a revealing look at what will come to pass for "journalism" in the 21st century.

"CABLE FULLER OFTENER PROMPTLIER STOP YOUR SERVICE BADLY BEATEN ALROUND LACKING HUMAN INTEREST COLOUR DRAMA PERSONALITY HUMOUR INFORMATION ROMANCE VTIALITY"

At moments, "Scoop" manages to capture the essence of a "Mad Men"-style agency dynamic melded with a noirish glimpse of the days when many newspapers fought for traction and readership in a single city.

The novel was a bit difficult to follow at the start and struggled to find its rhythm, but the persistent hilarity ("Assistant Director of Public Morals" as a title made me giggle) quickly consumes the reader, making it difficult to put down.

" ... A barely intelligible film about newspaper life in New York where neurotic men in shirt sleeves and eye-shades had rushed from telephone to tape machine, insulting and betraying one another in surroundings of unredeemed squalor."

Monday, October 18, 2021

Day 583, Quasi-Quarantine: Forging Ahead With The Playable, Affordable Mandalorian Forge

 

For massive fans of "Star Wars: The Mandalorian" and, well, Legos, the Armorer's Mandalorian Forge (#75319) is another essential set.

Featuring just 258 pieces, this is a simple-but-highly-functional build, well-priced for combining with the Mandalorian Starfighter, the Razor Crest, and other Mando-themed sets.


Highlighted by the mythosaur logo over the entrance, this set has a lot of clever stickers and printing, helping to bring a very straightforward build to life.

The detailing is slick, with the detachable, rotating exhaust hood with melting pot and flame elements serving as the centerpiece. The core is surrounded by cool machinery and storage, including some hidden compartments and a host of accessories -- hologram, beskar bars, and a thermal detonator -- that dramatically add to the playability.


The most compelling aspect of this set for many -- including our building crew -- is the two brand-new minifigures in the epic Paz Vizsla and The Armorer. Throw in an updated Din Djarin and two jetpacks and you have a winning minifig combo, though there are no capes, despite some conjecture that The Armorer would come with the trademark furry cape.

All in all, it's always gratifying to see Lego appealing to everyone with a variety of price points, and this is a highly affordable and playable set that can be easily built out with other components to create mocs, missions (stay tuned for those), and scenes. 


Friday, October 15, 2021

Limerick Friday #522: Triangle Media Is A Joke, Volume Infinity -- Day 580


An offseason of UNC 'jobs
From local journalist snobs
The Cheaters actually blow
But you wouldn't know
From the excuses of media knobs

If you need a fright
You'll be afraid of light
Dramatic tension, lord
When you get on board
And watch "Into the Night"

Longtime SNL fan
Even in the days of also-rans
But Kardashian a step too far
A no-talent fake "star"
Lorne, get your shit together, man

They just couldn't cover
Despite hopes on hover
Had no defensive plan
To slow down that man
Not sure how the Colts recover

A rhythm hard to find
Even for a comedic mind
Patton Oswalt was rusty
But his sets still make things dusty
He's kind of one of a kind


Thursday, October 14, 2021

Day 579, Quasi-Quarantine: Dolphins-Buccaneers Game 5 Review


Without putting too fine a point on it, this game represents Miami's rock bottom to this point. For a change, the offense worked fine for most of the game, but the defense looked like it had not prepared for the contest at all. The Dolphins are not built to be able to win a shootout, so having a defense-focused coaching staff get dominated to this extent was demoralizing on every level. 

Perhaps most disturbingly, the lack of effort was very apparent, and some of the players that Miami absolutely needs to play like All-Pros are simply not getting it done.

Besides that, it was a pretty fun game.


Offense
  • Miami managed 301 total yards, but just 39 rushing yards and 17 first downs, with two avoidable turnovers. The team was dominated once again in time of possession (37:07 to 22:53), which is certainly connected to the fact that the 'Fins had only 12 called runs (somehow even less than a week prior). The Dolphins converted just two of seven third-down attempts, and the unit lost rhythm when the defense routinely allowed Tampa Bay to pound out lengthy drives.
  • Jacoby Brissett played his best game in aqua and orange, turning in a winning effort if he were on a team with a semblance of complementary pieces. He hit 27 of 39 passes for 275 yards and two touchdowns, somehow avoiding six or seven sacks while generally delivering stellar passes. He fumbled once on a blindside strip sack where he had nowhere to escape and was credited with an interception when Jaylen Waddle bump-set a pass directly to a cornerback.
  • At running back, Myles Gaskin was back as the favored son, reeling in 10 catches for 74 yards and two touchdowns while running it five times for 25 yards. Salvon Ahmed had four touches for 21 yards, while Malcolm Brown was not involved in the game at all. Gaskin constantly churned out the five or six yards needed to sustain drives, but the lack of explosion and the laughable lack of dedication to the running game is killing the Dolphins offense.
  • Preston Williams led the way for a depleted wide receiver corps, doing his damage early with three catches for 60 yards. He was targeted five times, with a long of 34 yards plus a seven-yard run, but his inability to stride out for a perfect deep ball from Brissett and general lack of involvement as the game progressed severely undermine his performance. Waddle had two catches for 31 yards on six targets and added a two-yard run, but dropped yet another pass, turning this one into a pick for bonus points. Mack Hollins added a 10-yard catch and Isaiah Ford added another for three yards, but surprisingly, Albert Wilson was shut out and played only 12 snaps. Having no DeVante Parker or Will Fuller certainly limited things, but Williams filled in admirably and Brissett made the most of his options.
  • As usual, the tight ends were led by Mike Gesicki, who turned seven targets into four catches for 43 yards, with a long of 23. Durham Smythe hauled in two catches for 23 yards, with a 21-yarder late, while Adam Shaheen had two receptions for 15 yards. Miami still needs to find out what it has in Hunter Long, but this was the best all-around game for this unit on the season.
  • The offensive coaches (whoever they may be) have no faith in the Miami rushing attack, making the 'Fins predictable. The offensive line gave up three sacks, but Brissett avoided countless others with amazing pocket presence. Liam Eichenberg (tackle) and Austin Jackson (guard) were both victimized on the left side of the line at times, but with both playing new positions, they performed admirably. Similarly, new center Greg Mensch was solid, but at right tackle, Jesse Davis is bordering on unplayable and serious thought needs to given to Robert Hunt kicking out from guard to tackle and playing former starter Solomon Kindley at right guard.

Defense
  • Five weeks in, the harsh reality has set in: Miami has one of the worst defenses in the NFL. Perhaps most disturbingly, the three highest-paid defenders -- Xavien Howard, Byron Jones, and Jerome Baker -- were specifically TARGETED by the Bucs, repeatedly and to great effect. When your best players are not only not helping, but actively hurting your efforts, the scheme is broken. The 'Fins were brutalized for 558 total yards and 33 first downs, and that's despite Blaine Gabbert handling the last drive of the game. Despite getting Tampa into 2nd & 10 seemingly all game long, the Dolphins allowed conversions on eight of 11 third downs and forced just ONE Bucs punt.
  • While Jaelen Phillips continues to ascend (four tackles, a sack, and a quarterback hit), his counterparts on the edge are disappearing. Emmanuel Ogbah had one tackle, while Andrew Van Ginkel contributed three tackles and one stop for loss. Miami continued to exhibit next to no pass rush, and -- as I've been saying since training camp -- the 'Fins are short at least one pass rusher, making the decision to pass on Melvin Ingram and other veterans even more questionable.
  • On the interior, Raekwon Davis was back, notching four tackles, while Zach Sieler played below standards with three tackles and a (horseshit) late hit call. Christian Wilkins took a step back from his above-average play this season, making a pair of solo tackles and hitting the QB once. Adam Butler flashed with a couple of pressures, but the defensive gameplan in this one was trash, and this unit -- like all of them -- suffered for it.
  • On the next level of defense, Baker led the linebackers with seven tackles, six solo stops, a sack, and two quarterback hits, but was repeatedly victimized in coverage. Elandon Roberts tallied three stops, one tackle for a loss, and a pass breakup, while Sam Eguavoen had a tackle and a quarterback hit. Brennan Scarlett had one solo tackle, and the size of his role serves as a weekly reminder of how bereft of talent Miami truly is at linebacker -- which the franchise has largely ignored in recent years.
  • At cornerback, Byron Jones was playing hurt, so his performance needs to be considered in that context. He had four tackles and was beaten often by Mike Evans. Nik Needham had four solo stops but was flagged for illegal hands to the face and was the trail man way too often, while Jason McCourty continues to be a progress stopper despite three tackles. The good news? Justin Coleman played just 12 snaps, contributing one solo tackle. The bad news? Howard's lackluster effort featured four tackles and a pass breakup, but he was burned constantly by Antonio Brown, was flagged for holding, and generally played like he wanted to be anywhere else. His pathetic "ole" attempt at a goal-line tackle was symbolic of the entire day, and it would not surprise me at all if the 'Fins tried to get what they can for a player who clearly does not want to play for this franchise. Also, here's the weekly milk-carton reference to Noah Igbinoghene.
  • Jevon Holland led the way at safety with seven tackles and five solo stops, jumping offsides at one point but playing all but two snaps after recording just 19 snaps a week ago. Brandon Jones saw more action as well, posting four tackles, while Eric Rowe had two solo stops as part of a rough day that saw him targeted a lot and committing a key pass interference penalty.

Special teams
  • Jason Sanders converted a 23-yard field goal and hit both extra points and delivered touchbacks on every kick. You can't ask for more from him; if only he could block.
  • Michael Palardy had a tough day, averaging just 38.5 yards per punt and landing a single kick inside the 20-yard line. He did handle a high snap nicely at one point.
  • With Jakeem Grant gone to the Bears, Miami had zero returns. Side note: This game featured zero returns by either team. What is the actual point of kickoffs in the NFL anymore? Talk amongst yourselves.

Momentum plays
  • Two big strikes from Brissett to Williams got the game off to a fine offensive start for the Dolphins, but Waddle's dropped touchdown pass coincided with an offensive pass interference penalty on Gesicki (side note: Miami may be the only team in the NFL ever called for pick plays), forcing the 'Fins to settle for a short Sanders field goal and a 3-0 lead.
  • A mix of runs by Leonard Fournette and a deep shot to Mike Evans set Tampa Bay up, and the Bucs paid it off when they isolated Baker on running back Gio Bernard on a third-down play. Tampa scored easily, grabbing a 7-3 advantage.
  • The Dolphins countered with three straight touches for Gaskin and took advantage of a holding penalty on the Buccaneers that kept Waddle from bursting free for an easy touchdown (if he would have theoretically caught it). Brissett then hit Gaskin on a perfect wheel route for an easy touchdown and a 10-7 lead.
  • The Bucs responded again, beating Howard and Byron Jones with strikes to Antonio Brown, Evans, and Fournette. Baker's monster third-down sack ended the drive, however, forcing a 42-yard field goal to start the second quarter, knotting the score at 10.
  • After a three-and-out, Tampa Bay struck quickly, with Tom Brady throwing a perfect third-and-short crosser to Brown as he was being hit by Eguavoen, and Brown easily outracing Howard for a 63-yard touchdown and a 17-10 advantage.
  • Miami followed with a clutch third-down conversion to G-Sick, but Waddle couldn't pull in another third-down pass. With the game quickly becoming a track meet, Flores somewhat inexplicably chose to punt on 4th & 3 near midfield, and Palardy responded by shanking the punt to avoid even the advantage of pinning the Bucs deep.
  • Tampa Bay benefited from a pair of iffy spots on a sustained drive that featured a lot of Fournette and isolation routes on Baker. In the red zone, Rowe was whistled for an interference on third down, and when Brown beat Howard yet again for an easy score to culminate a death-by-1,000-cuts drive, the Buccaneers were up 24-10 and the game was effectively over.
  • Brissett hit Waddle for a nice catch and run to jumpstart another drive, but Eichenberg and Jackson were beaten on the same play, collapsing the left side and allowing a strip sack that gave the Bucs the ball back in their territory. A strike to Evans (over Byron Jones again) and a Brady scramble set up a 60-yard field goal that was short and left, sending the teams into intermission with the score 24-10.
  • After an initial Tampa first down, Miami got a big stop to force a punt to start the second half.
  • Brissett responded with a simply incredible drive, finding G-Sick on a big gainer, converting a third-down pass to Waddle while in the grasp, avoiding a pair of sacks to find Gaskin, and firing a perfect on-the-move strike to the end zone that was dropped by Williams. A pass interference on the play resulted in a first down, and Brissett found Gaskin with a third-down touch pass to finish off an impressive drive and trim the margin to 24-17.
  • The Miami defense immediately got the Bucs to 3rd & 10, but Howard's terrible coverage allowed another big Brown gainer. A Phillips sack gave the Dolphins renewed hope, but a 14-yard screen pass on 2nd & 15 set up an easy conversion on the following play as Godwin beat Needham. Baker and Holland missed tackles on a short pass to Fournette, and Howard capped off maybe the worst drive of his professional career with an embarrassing business decision at the goal line instead of legitimately trying to tackle Fournette. The Buccaneers extended their lead to two touchdowns, 31-17, effectively ending Miami's hopes.
  • A beautiful Brissett deep ball was misplayed by Williams to force a three-and-out, allowing the Bucs to drive the field easily again, culminating in Brady dropping a perfect deep ball down the chimney to Evans, who beat Byron Jones for a 38-17 advantage.
  • Brissett hit Ahmed twice for 17 yards to kickstart the following drive, but Waddle dropped another ball, essentially deflecting it to a waiting cornerback for a gift interception.
  • Beginning deep in Miami territory, Tampa Bay hit a deep ball and then Brady found Evans so open in the middle of the field that it is literally unclear who was trying to cover him. Evans essentially walked in without much Miami effort, a very symbolic play that punctuated an embarrassing performance at 45-17.
  • Brissett hit Smythe on a good intermediate pattern, but Davis got turnstiled yet again at right tackle for an easy third-down sack, forcing another Palardy punt.
  • Gabbert came in to put the finishing touches on the blowout, aided by a horseshit roughing-the-passer call on Sieler. Inexplicably, the Bucs went deep on third-and-short up four touchdowns, hitting a long one over McCourty. Gabbert threw on another third down to keep the drive alive, but then Tampa mercifully kneeled on it three times to finally end the devastating contest.

Wednesday, October 13, 2021

Day 578, Quasi-Quarantine: Surprisingly Tender, "Billy Summers" Marks Another Evolution Of The King


"The idea -- no, the conceit -- that he only kills bad people will stretch just so far. There are good people sleeping in the houses on this very street. He's not going to kill any of them, but he supposes he'll kill something inside them when they find out why he was really here.
"Is that too poetic? Too romantic? Billy thinks not. A stranger came, and he turned into a neighbor, but here's the punchline, he turned out to be a stranger all along."

At times, "Billy Summers" feels like a Frankenstein of stitched-together short stories, and while the wisdom of that approach hangs in the balance through much of the novel, the end result is another Stephen King winner. 

There are issues with chronology and how procedural the story gets in spots, but the tension and frantic pacing carry the day as a hired killer tries to navigate his extrication from the game. 

" ... That's why I'm walking today and Johnny isn't. Simple as that. God doesn't have a plan, He throws up pickup sticks."

King plays with a tender melancholy as he builds Billy's relationships with wildcards in the wake of a traumatic childhood and origin story. 

"He talks about thousands of cars with their windshields shining in the sun. He says they were smashed beauty. He is unpacking his life in the back seat of this stolen car and her heart breaks."

The entrance of Alice into the story dramatically alters the tone and thrust. Her presence introduces elements of the 1994 movie "The Professional," starring Natalie Portman, and the Billy-Alice relationship propels the denouement and conclusion.

"He gave her the mountains and the stars, not to own but at least to look at, and that means a lot."

In a playful mood, the author can't resist nods to other King masterpieces, and the ending plot twist is beautifully rendered. Some readers may wish he had stuck to a consistent throughline, but the amalgamation works for this long-time fan, creating a multifaceted book that speaks to several audiences.

"She stands looking across the gulf of cold air between this side and that, hands in her pockets, thinking she could create worlds. Billy gave her that chance. She is here. She is found."

Tuesday, October 12, 2021

Day 577, Quasi-Quarantine: Inviting Ganch Onto The Broader Clone Ranch

 

Drawn to his distinctive helmet, we pieced together clone commander Ganch (CC-4572) despite never having seen him in canon.

The leader of the 612th Attack Battalion, Ganch worked closely with Jedi Master Bolla Ropal (before they were killed by Cad Bane), Jedi General Keelyvine Reus, and Padawan Tyzen Xebec. 

According to "The Clone Wars" web comics "Act on Instinct" and "The Valsedian Operation," Ganch was a key figure in conflicts on Devaron and Ukio before becoming a victim of neural scrambling and attacking his own crew prior to being rendered unconscious. 

Modeled after gunfighter Doc Holliday (!), Ganch featured a mustache and goatee, plus three large scars that lent him some personality among clones, along with his fondness for animals.


For our purposes, we equipped him with a red backpack and coloration and added him to our Red Squad, alongside Thorn, Fox, and another Coruscant Guard. Giggle-inducing name aside, Ganch is a worthy addition to any and all clone missions and "Bad Batch" collaborations.

Friday, October 08, 2021

Limerick Friday #521: Management During "The Great Resignation" -- Day 573


Posturing and rants
Performative pedants
It's self-serving reeking
And cliche speaking
No wonder they're scattering like ants

Driving over every curb
In your suburb
Work-at-home mommies
These Karens and Connies
Bible study minivans do perturb

A cheat and a liar
A fraud and a crier
You hire this piece of shit
You git what you git
When your coach is Urban Meyer

A hobbled pup
Eating from a hand's cup
Limping and yelps
While we say, "Welps ...
"Again, it's time to pay up"

A weekly kick in the rear
No plan, it would appear
Draft and free-agency busts
As a legacy rusts
It's past time to go, Chris Grier


Thursday, October 07, 2021

Day 572, Quasi-Quarantine: Dolphins-Colts Game 4 Review


Just four weeks into a new campaign, the 'Fins found rock bottom against a massively depleted and thin Colts squad. Miami's third straight loss was a head-scratching affair, made even worse by the fact that it came at home on Don Shula Day, with a number of legends in attendance. Indianapolis did not even play that well (eight penalties) and still won handily, with even commentator Jay Feeley piling on with a number of pointed comments about Miami's ineptitude in drafting and offensive playcalling. On a day when the 'Fins needed to put Indy's lack of depth and stamina to the test in the South Florida heat, the visitors dominated time of possession (37:09-22:51). 

Firings, cuts, and lineup changes should all be on the table, and trading Jakeem Grant to the Bears for a future late-round pick should not really count. Coach Brian Flores is in the midst of the first big crisis of his career in Miami after playing with house money for a couple of seasons. With all the draft capital spent and the investment supposed to be paying off, the 'Fins are arguably in worse shape than ever, putting general manager Chris Grier on the hot seat and Flores not far behind.

Offense
  • Miami was an unmitigated disaster on this side of the ball, recording 13 first downs and just 203 total yards. The Dolphins were just three of 11 on third down, and every time it seemed to be gaining momentum, a penalty, drop, or negative-yardage play occurred.
  • Jacoby Brissett hit 20 of 30 passes for 199 yards and two touchdowns, but he was sacked three times and fumbled once. Running for his life much of the time, he threw some great balls on the run, though he did check down a couple of times when bigger plays were possible down the field.
  • The running backs accounted for just 27 rushing yards on 11 carries, with a long run of four yards. Malcolm Brown had 23 yards on eight carries and added one catch for four yards, and he dominated action over Salvon Ahmed (five touches, 13 yards) and Myles Gaskin (two carries, three yards). Brown was on the field for 35 snaps, while Gaskin (12) and Ahmed (five) combined for just 17. With the state of pass blocking in Miami, the 'Fins are simply never going to win a game that features 13 designed rushes.
  • DeVante Parker was targeted nine times, reeling in four for 77 yards and a touchdown. He had a long of 42 yards and drew two pass interference calls, but arguably could have been credited with three drops and overall was not aggressive until late in the game. Jaylen Waddle had three catches for 33 yards, with a long of 18, while Albert Wilson had one reception for 11 yards. Will Fuller V had a key third-down conversion, but finished with just one catch for six yards before leaving with a broken finger. In his final game as a Dolphin, Grant touched the ball four times, with three resulting in either negative yardage or a fumble.
  • At tight end, Mike Gesicki was targeted six times, pulling in five for 57 yards and a touchdown. It's clear that G-Sick and Brissett have chemistry, but help is needed: Durham Smythe caught two balls for six yards and Cethan Carter played a single snap. Third-rounder Hunter Long remained on the inactive list, but that needs to change if Miami is to succeed with such a short-passing, ball-control attack.
  • The offensive line took another step back, with the tackle play helping Colts bust Kemeko Turay notch a pair of sacks. Left tackle Austin Jackson gave up six pressures, according to Pro Football Focus, to go with an illegal hands to the face that nullified a deep pass to Fuller. He and rookie Liam Eichenberg may eventually become serviceable starting tackles in the league, but both are taking their lumps right now and give Miami almost no chance to succeed offensively. With no time to throw nor semblance of running lanes, it is past due time for Jackson to be benched or moved inside, along with other changes. Of course, all of this should have been sorted out in training camp, which would have avoided the 'Fins having to potentially move three or four players (with center Michael Dieter being put on IR) in the middle of an NFL season.

Defense
  • Indy featured a balanced attack, putting up 349 yards and 20 first downs. The Colts turned the home-field advantage on its head, pushing around Miami in the ground game in the final three quarters to seize control of the game. The larger issue is that every time the team needs a stop after the offense miraculously puts together a drive, the defense lets the team down by giving up a devastating score.
  • On the edge, Emmanuel Ogbah continued his push for a new contract, posting four tackles, a sack, and a quarterback hit. On the other side, Andrew Van Ginkel notched six tackles and two stops for losses, while Jaelen Phillips had his best game as a pro. In just 29 snaps, the rookie was seemingly everywhere, recording two tackles, three quarterback hits, and half a sack, which was offset by a pair of key third-down penalties: an offsides and a phantom facemask call. Miami has been in dire need of a third pass-rusher, and it's clear that Phillips needs more snaps going forward in an effort to emerge as that guy.
  • On the interior, Christian Wilkins continues to play really good football, collecting seven tackles, two stops for losses, and a quarterback hit. Veteran John Jenkins was also extremely active with seven tackles, while Adam Butler was quiet in his 33 snaps. Zach Sieler came back to earth a bit in this one, making a single tackle and missing a sack on Carson Wentz on a pivotal third-down play late in the game.
  • Elandon Roberts led the linebacker group with six tackles, while Jerome Baker (four tackles, a pass breakup, and a quarterback hit) and Sam Eguavoen (two tackles, half a sack) were active. Brennan Scarlett had a pair of stops but also committed an unforgiveable penalty when he jumped offsides on a punt to sustain a Colts drive. It's time to admit that Miami needs help at this level of the defense, as the play just has not been what the 'Fins need.
  • Playing a hybrid role, Jason McCourty had eight tackles in a staggering 70 snaps, while Nik Needham chipped in with six stops, a pass breakup, and a late pass interference call that was declined. Xavien Howard had his second meh game in a row, posting five tackles and a pass breakup, but being beaten a handful of times and exhibiting poor body language. Byron Jones was injured after a solo stop and a pass breakup, which cleared the way for Justin Coleman to come in with three solo tackles and a stop for a loss in the red zone. The reality is that the offense's struggles demand more from the defense, and with All-Pros like "X" playing average and Jones now injured, the 'Fins need much more than Coleman, who has been close to a disaster this year. If only there was a young former first-rounder on the squad ...
  • At safety, Eric Rowe had seven stops playing a nickel-type role, while newcomer to the rotation Elijah Campbell contributed a solo tackle. After two sacks but some coverage issues against Las Vegas, Brandon Jones was relegated to two snaps, while promising rookie Jevon Holland only got 19 snaps. It's really difficult to understand how reps are being allocated in the Miami secondary at this point.

Special teams
  • Jason Sanders drilled a 38-yarder and a pair of extra points, but he did knock a kickoff out of bounds for a costly, momentum-killing penalty.
  • Michael Palardy put three of his five punts inside the 20-yard line, averaging 47.8 yards per kick. One of his punts did sneak into the end zone for a touchback on an opportunity to pin the Colts deep, however.
  • Jakeem Grant was enough of a disaster in the third phase that he was traded two days later. He fumbled one punt, managed to lose a yard on another, and generally made poor decisions in the return game. He did have one 14-yard punt return, but Grant contributed a lot to Indy punter Rigoberto Sanchez being named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week after posting a 46.8-yard net average on four punts.
  • The one redeeming effort on special teams may have been long-snapper Blake Ferguson's recovery of a muffed punt to give the 'Fins some semblance of life.

Momentum plays
  • A promising Miami drive to start the game was stymied when Jackson's penalty erased a big-gainer to Fuller, but former Pack standout Nyheim Hines fumbled the punt, allowing Ferguson to pounce on it for the Dolphins.
  • Despite a 1st & 5 situation, the 'Fins had to settle for a Sanders field goal after a bad snap, a nowhere run, and an incompletion to Shaheen.
  • An Ogbah sack forced an Indy punt, but Grant allowed the ball to bounce all the way inside the Miami 15-yard line. The Dolphins moved into long field goal range, but Flores passed it up to pin the Colts at the 1-yard line, with Mack Hollins downing a beautiful Palardy punt.
  • The defense made another stop, and a solid Grant return gave the 'Fins the ball at midfield. However, Parker made a poor adjustment on a throw and a pass to Fuller was tipped at the line. When Palardy failed to pin the visitors deep, Miami was robbed of any potential momentum on a crucial exchange.
  • Sensing some air going out of the Dolphins and the crowd, the Colts went to the run, establishing Jonathan Taylor. Miami got the stop near midfield, but Scarlett's offsides served as a turnover, converting a punt into a first down for Indy. Wentz immediately hit Mo Alie-Cox for a big gainer, then Taylor burst off the left side, stiff-armed Rowe and McCourty, and leaned into the end zone for a 7-3 lead.
  • A three-and-out for Miami gave it right back to the Colts, who converted a fourth-and-inches from their own 27-yard line. On a 3rd & 8, Needham made a strong open-field tackle on a Taylor screen that looked well blocked, but Taylor made a poor cut.
  • The half ended when Brissett was sacked for a second time by Turay.
  • A huge Taylor run jumpstarted the second half, as the big back easily juked McCourty and raced down the sideline. After a Phillips offsides turned a 3rd & 11 into a 3rd & 6, Wentz hit Michael Pittman, who ran over Coleman for a third-down pickup. On third-and-goal, the Colts ran a quasi-pick play, and Rowe made a poor effort to allow an easy Alie-Cox touchdown that staked Indy to a 14-3 advantage.
  • After another Miami three-and-out, the 'Fins allowed 14 yards on a 3rd & 15, but the Colts decided to punt this time. However, Grant muffed the punt, setting up the Colts at Miami's 18-yard line.
  • Aided by an Indy holding penalty, the 'Fins defense held, forcing a Rodrigo Blankenship field goal to give the Colts a 17-3 lead.
  • After a Dolphins first down, Brissett avoided two sacks before finally having the ball jarred loose, allowing Darius Leonard to pounce on it for Indianapolis to start the fourth quarter.
  • Starting at Miami's 30-yard line, Wentz missed a wide-open Zach Pascal on 3rd & 5 -- the wideout may have scored -- to force another Blankenship field goal to make it 20-3.
  • Down 17 points, Brissett started airing it out, hitting G-Sick and finding Parker deep twice for a catch and a pass interference call. On fourth-and-goal, Brissett stepped up in the pocket and hit Gesicki for a touchdown to cut the lead to 20-10.
  • Sanders inexplicably deposited the ensuing kickoff out of bounds, destroying any momentum Miami may have created with the score. The Dolphins defenders looked to have given up at that point, with Pascal roasting Howard for a big gainer and Phillips getting whistled for a didn't-happen facemask penalty to convert a third down. Alie-Cox then outjumped Rowe for a thorough Mossing that pushed the lead up to 27-10 and effectively salted the game away.
  • Brissett hooked up with Parker for another deep ball to kickstart another drive. Parker dropped an easy touchdown, but made up for it a play later when he reeled in a fourth-down pass in the back of the end zone to cut the margin to 27-17.
  • Indy's Jack Doyle jumped on a half-hearted onside kick attempt, then outfought Needham for a long third-down catch. When Wentz somehow sidestepped Sieler's sack attempt on two hurt ankles to convert a 3rd & 14 with a shot to Pittman, it was clear Miami had nothing to give defensively.  The Colts showed some mercy by kneeling on the ball three straight plays to end the contest.