Day 207, Quasi-Quarantine: Dolphins-Seahawks Game 4 Review

To continue a recurring theme, the 'Fins are getting closer. Miami was in a dogfight with one of the NFC's top teams until the final stretch, when the Seahawks established some breathing room. 

Not to oversimplify matters, but in games like this one, the bottom line is that one team has Russell Wilson and one team doesn't.

Offense

• This was the game that officially launched the Tua Watch. Ryan Fitzpatrick, frankly, was off for most of the game. He could easily have thrown four first-half interceptions if not for Seattle drops, and he seemed to miss more open receivers than usual. Fitz gonna Fitz, so he did contribute momentum-building scrambles and kept the 'Fins in striking distance, but his performance on a day that saw Miami fall two games under .500 was cause for concern.
• The lack of balance caught up with Miami here, as Fitz had to wing it 45 times and looked a bit dead-armed at times. Is this why the offense makes no attempts to stretch the field anymore?
• To be fair, Fitz got little help from the offensive line, which took a step back in this one. There were very few holes in the running game and Fitz often looked as if he had to throw it a couple of beats earlier than he wanted due to pressure, even though Seattle only had a single sack.
• As much as an offensive guard can, Solomon Kindley continues to stand out as a tone-setter on offense. He's fun to watch for an interior offensive lineman.
• Mike Gesicki was bracketed for much of the game and held to a single catch, taking away a key target for Fitz. Durham Smythe did catch a couple of balls, but as a big, physical tight end, I'd like to see him challenge defenders instead of running out of bounds.

• Matt Breida showed his speed on a 26-yard catch and run of a short pass, but he missed a hole on another run. It seems he's struggling to earn the confidence of the staff, but his playmaking ability is much-needed on an offense with few of them.
• Speaking of playmakers, Lynn Bowden, Jr., made his first Miami appearance, making a 5-yard run on a Wildcat look. The idea that he is at least being added to certain packages adds some measure of hope.
• DeVante Parker continues to show his maturation as a complete receiver, working underneath routes and consistently showing good post-catch ability. His 10 grabs for 110 yards were complemented by Isaiah Ford's four catches for 48 yards.
• Preston Williams continues to struggle, held to a single catch for 15 yards and a two-point conversion. Miami's current one-dimensional, underneath passing game does not play to his strengths.
• I type this every week, but Myles Gaskin had to run much bigger than his size for a hard-earned 40 yards, and he added three catches. Breida had six touches for 48 yards, while Jordan Howard had three touches for -1 yards.

Defense

• Another ugly outing by the linebacking corps, marked by missed tackles. After a strong effort vs. Jacksonville, Kyle Van Noy was missing in action, and it's become clear that this unit performs as well as he does.
• Christian Wilkins occasionally lined up at defensive end, and it would appear that Miami is looking for ways to jumpstart his play.
• Bobby McCain was extremely active on safety blitzes, forcing Russell Wilson to throw the ball away a couple of times. It was good to see the staff trying to manufacture pressure that the defensive front has struggled to provide.
• In general, Chris Carson met little to no resistance until he was past the line of scrimmage on way too many of his runs. As a big back, he's hard enough to bring down without a head of steam.
• Ends Emmanuel Ogbah and Shaq Lawson flashed at times -- especially Ogbah -- but more consistent play is needed across the entire defensive front.
• Zach Seiler continues to steal reps on the defensive interior with his hard play, but Wilkins and Davon Godchaux need to step up in big ways.
• The secondary struggled, but to be fair, Wilson had so much time to throw that Seattle's receivers were going to be open no matter what.

Special Teams

• Shockingly, Matt Haack only had to punt once, pointing up how effective Miami's offense was between the 20s.
• What can you say about Jason Sanders? His bid for the Pro Bowl continued, as he converted all five field goal attempts. His longest was only 45 yards, though, revealing how inept the Dolphins were inside the red zone.
• Jakeem Grant had an 11-yard punt return, but that was the only opportunity. As his role in the base offense expands (3 catches vs. Seattle), maybe Bowden will finally join the return fray.

Momentum Plays

• A couple of plays into the game, left tackle Austin Jackson got beat, leading to a bad Fitz throw for a pick that Seattle quickly turned into a score 5 minutes into the game.
• On Miami's next drive, Fitz was whistled for crossing the line of scrimmage before finding G-Sick for a nice gain. The announcers said that the 'Fins should have reviewed the play, as Fitz made a legal throw in this instance.
• On a promising Dolphins drive, Fitz got hot, hitting four nice passes in a row. However, a phantom holding call on Ereck Flowers on a well-constructed screen play followed by an uncalled personal foul on Seattle forced a Miami field goal to make it 7-3.
• Zero pass rush gave Wilson all day on the ensuring drive, and only a rare dropped pass by Tyler Lockett held the Seahawks to a 54-yarder for a 10-3 lead as the fourth quarter ended.
• An uncalled facemask on Seattle followed by another dropped Fitz interception on a terrible throw led to another Jason Sanders three-pointer to make it 10-6.
• A big hit by Jamal Perry jarred a touchdown from Seattle's Greg Olsen, but after Miami declined a holding call on the play, the Seahawks went for it on 4th. A huge sack by Ogbah gave the ball back to the 'Fins and created momentum.
• The following drive related on short throws to the backs and tight ends to move into the red zone, but Fitz missed an open receiver, creating yet another Sanders field goal to make it 10-9 with 24 seconds left in the first half.
• A busted coverage by rookie corner Noah Iggy (I'm not spelling his name every week) led to a wide-open long ball from Wilson to David Moore, covering 57 yards. With zero pressure, Wilson had all day to find a tight end in the end zone with just three seconds left to stake Seattle to a 17-9 lead -- a brutal turn of events that proved to be the play of the game and a devastating gut punch after a respectable first half.
• At the end of a long and potentially game-seizing Seattle drive to start the send half, 'Fins corner Xavien Howard jumped a route by Metcalf to make an end zone interception and give the Dolphins life.
• Miami's next drive featured the full 'Fins brand: underneath passes, desperate dives for first downs, and emotional Fitz runs. Predictably, it faltered in the red zone, so the Dolphins trotted Sanders out yet again to cut the lead to 17-12.
• After an exchange of punts, Miami got underway again, relying on Isaiah Ford and Gaskin to get in scoring range. However, an inexplicable play call that saw Gaskin try to turn the corner on a delayed handoff on 3rd-and-3 led to a FIFTH field goal to make it 17-15 with 8:31 left.
• A textbook Seahawks followed, with Wilson throwing darts, including a back-corner throw to beat Iggy on a play that saw Miami have 12 men on the field anyway. Seattle jumped ahead, 24-15, with 5:24 remaining.
• The Dolphins tried to mount a drive, but right tackle Jesse Davis was beat, leading to an ugly Fitz pick. Missed tackles plagued Miami on the ensuing drive, and when Carson punched it in to make it 31-15 with just 4 minutes left, the game was all but over.
• The 'Fins frantically raced down the field, punctuated by Fitz's shoulder-lowering scramble for a touchdown and a conversion to Williams to cut it to 31-23 with 1:50 left.
• Miami had Carson stopped on a pivotal third-down play on the following drive, but he was randomly given a first down, allowing Seattle to kneel on it the rest of the way.

2020 Schedule

New England 21, Miami 11

Buffalo 31, Miami 28

Miami 31, Jacksonville 13

Seattle 31, Miami 23

Day 206, Quasi-Quarantine, Sounds Of Social Distancing: Music Of Short-Lived Cayetana Built To Last

The indie/pop punk trio Cayetana has been on spin for me for a few weeks now, adeptly summing up our new normal with their frantic urgency.

Powered by Augusta Koch's vocals and guitar, Allegra Anka's bass, and Kelly Olsen's drums, this Philly band emerged on the scene in 2014 with their landmark album "Nervous Like Me." The album included scorchers "Dirty Laundry," "Mountain Kids," "Scott Get the Van, I'm Moving," "Hot Dad Calendar," and "South Philly."

Cayetana first came to my attention when I found a split they were on with another of my favorite recent bands, Camp Cope. "Trails" and "Mesa" were the Cayetana highlights from that work.

The band followed up with "New Kind of Normal" in 2017, highlighted by "Bus Ticket" and "Certain for Miles." Two other standouts for me include a memorable cover of New Order's "Age of Consent" and a live version of "Freedom 1313."

Unfortunately, the trio broke up after a final show in Philly in August 2019. However, these musicians are too talented not to pop up in other bands and projects in the future.

Day 205, Quasi-Quarantine: The Quick-Hitting Impact Of "Citizen: An American Lyric"

"And you are not the guy and still you fit the description because there is only one guy who is always the guy fitting the description."

Claudia Rankine's "Citizen: An American Lyric" is marked by powerful imagery that complements her message in striking ways.

The mix of poetry, news accounts, free-writing, and art in this collection makes for a strong message that meanders at times. Rankine's work is a quick, absorbing read that sucks you in and celebrates the various media that can be called to action to convey a sensibility and identity.

"Sitting there staring at the closed garage door you are reminded that a friend once told you there exists the medical term -- John Henryism -- for people exposed to stresses stemming from racism. They achieve themselves to death trying to dodge the buildup of erasure."

While I didn't feel the author's use of Serena Williams interaction with line judges in tennis was the most pertinent and relatable example of racism, the book itself makes a resonant statement on the status of race relations in the United States.

Rankine's writing joins the catalog of worthy resources that are critical to developing an understanding of not just our current national moment, but the murky backroads that have led us here.

"It is not only confrontation that is headache-inducing; it is also that you have a destination that doesn't include acting like this moment isn't inhabitable, hasn't happened before, and the before isn't part of the now as the night darkens and the time shortens between where we are and where we are going."

Day 204, Quasi-Quarantine: Dolphins-Jaguars Game 3 Review

Seeing the 'Fins pull off a no-stress win on Thursday Night Football while you're at the beach is kind of how I wish more football viewing could go down. The Dolphins moved to 1-2 with a shockingly dominant performance against a team that had surprised many in the first two weeks of the season.

Offense

• It's hard to remember a time when the Dolphins started out a game with two drives as impressive as they did in establishing a 14-0 lead here.
• Myles Gaskin was a workhorse, getting 11 touches combined on Miami's first two drives of the day. I question how long he can hold up to that kind of workload and hope the 'Fins spread the ball around a bit more, but he's emerged as a key cog in the offense.
• Most 'Fins fans have been calling for more Matt Breida, myself included. However, he is half-stepping on some of his runs, and I don't think that's gonna fly behind this work-in-progress offensive line. That may be why he's getting limited work.
• According to the announcers, DeVante Parker was intent on playing even hurt, and he made a number of key grabs and drew a pass interference in the end zone.
• After a shaky start to the season, it was good to see Preston Williams reel in a perfect pass for a score from Ryan Fitzpatrick.
• Jakeem Grant had a 29-yard end-around, a 19-yard diving catch, and 45 yards on kick returns. The more ways Miami can find to get him the ball in space, the better.
• Speaking of the gunslinger, this was peak FitzMagic. He was scrambling, whirling, side-arming, directing traffic, catching his own damn passes, and essentially serving notice that he wasn't going to be stopped in this one.
• Fitz has really gained trust in emerging tight end Mike Gesicki, hitting him with a beautiful look-off TD toss and coming his way several other times in this one.
• Miami's OL is showing signs of jelling, and a dude that stands out as a mauler is rookie Solomon Kindley. If he and Austin Jackson pan out as the early returns indicate, it could be a Richmond Webb-Keith Sims kind of draft for the Dolphins. Those two bring a mean streak that this offense has been begging for for years.

Defense

• Overall, the Dolphins seem to find something in this game defensively. Granted, it came against Jax, but the unit seemed to settle in here and play with a level of physically that has, frankly, been missing.
• This was a game when the free agents finally emerged: Shaq Lawson, Emmanuel Ogbah, and Kyle Van Noy all put their stamp on this contest.
• It was good to see Miami finally generate some pressure, and the 'Fins seemed to seize control of the game when they began blitzing Gardner Minshew consistently.
• After a brutal second game, Noah Igbinoghene made a couple of pivotal third-down stops against Jax. Everyone around the franchise would love to see the first-rounder build some confidence around this effort.
• Interior defender Zach Sieler has been earning more and more reps, and he has consistently flashed with more opportunities. At 6-6, 297 pounds, he could turn into an important piece in this D.
• While this was a better showing, Miami still needs help in the linebacking corps. My sense is they're still having to give excessive reps to guys who are best on special teams at this level.
• I know Eric Rowe is a favorite of the coaching staff, but it feels like he's been a liability in tackling and coverage thus far this year.
• While it was good to see Xavien Howard pull in his first pick in a while, he still seems to be tentative on the field at times. His body language and lack of hustle have stuck out to me on occasion.

Special Teams

• Punter Matt Haack mishit one of his four punts, but he put two inside the 20-yard line. He looks improved from last year.
• Kicker Jason Sanders made all four of his extra points and a 30-yard field goal, continuing his strong start. The best news here was Miami converted so many red zone opportunities into touchdowns that he wasn't much needed.
• Grant's 19-yard punt return was the highlight in the return game, but he did have another nifty return called back on a penalty.

Momentum Plays

• Grant's diving catch of a slightly errant Fitzy throw was a vital play on the opening TD drive.
• After a relatively easy TD counter by Jax to knot it at 7, Fitz had two straight runs -- including a fourth-down effort where he had to lower the shoulder for the first -- on Miami's ensuing touchdown drive.
• Breida drew a shaky pass interference on a circle route, setting up Fitzy's 11 straight completion, a beautiful strike to G-Sick to stake Miami to a 21-7 lead.
• Bobby McCain, Jamal Perry, and Van Noy all dropped potential interceptions, but Miami did force a turnover when Van Noy pulled the triple play of sack, forced fumble, and fumble recovery.
• After Gesicki drew a pass interference in the end zone, Fitz again lowered the shoulder on a QB draw for the score that turned it into a runaway, 28-7.
• Minshew missed a wide-open receiver who would have cut it to 28-14, but pressure by Van Noy on the play forced the mustachioed one to airmail it 5 yards over the receiver's head. Iggy was burned badly on the play.
• The 'Fins got sacks on two of three plays to set up Sanders's field goal and the final points at 31-13.

2020 Schedule

New England 21, Miami 11

Buffalo 31, Miami 28

Miami 31, Jacksonville 13

Limerick Friday #481: The Shore Helped For Sure -- Day 201

A much-needed saltwater break
In a setting you can't fake
The waves roll
Recharging the soul
Healing in the wake

Like grunts in a cave
The ignoramus does rant and rave
No ideas or thoughts on how
Is this who we are now?
Or is there something left to save?

'The Fins have been the pits
Playing like they have the shits
Improvement's on the way
But I just have to say
'Tis a joy to watch Ryan Fitz

Up and to the left it winded
Sickness and helplessness it binded
It sees no party lines
Or logic landmines
'Rona preys on the weak-minded

Crispness in hints
And nip-in-the-air stints
It's just a tinge
No pumpkin spice binge
But enough to give hope imprints

Last time ...

Day 200, Quasi-Quarantine: Current Mood

 

Day 199, Quasi-Quarantine: Dolphins-Bills Game 2 Review

In reviewing Miami's 31-28 loss to Buffalo in the second game of the season, I came away encouraged by the 'Fins progress from the opener. While a Debbie Downer segment of the fanbase is already lamenting a lost season at 0-2, the Dolphins feel closer to being a factor in the AFC East than I would have thought based on reaction and game updates.

Offense

• Continuing the trend from Week 1, the offensive line held up well in pass protection, but receivers got little to no separation.
• Mike "G-Sick" Gesicki is turning into a thing. I would like to see him be more aggressive after the catch, but he has come light years in his ability to make contested grabs.
• Myles Gaskin is slowly growing on me. He's not a flashy, big-play back, but he runs hard for his size and does everything pretty well.
• Slinger Ryan Fitzpatrick looked much better than he did in the season opener, routinely side-arming strikes on crossing patterns underneath and generally keeping the Dolphins in the game. He took a lot of hits in this one, but one word keeps coming to mind: gamer.
• Isaiah Ford is fearless and runs good routes, and his emergence has been not only a pleasant surprise but a needed development considering the depleted Miami receiver corps and the struggles of Preston Williams.
• Miami began to establish the run as the second half progressed. Matt Breida likely needs more touches, but ball security can be a concern with him. Jordan Howard has emerged as the goal-line back, and his hard-running style offers a nice complement to Gaskin and Breida.

Defense

• The two biggest and most pervasive issues for the 'Fins continued to be a nonexistent pass rush and poor tackling.
• Rookie nickel Noah Igbinoghene got eviscerated by Stefon Diggs in this game. It appeared he was unfairly matched up with Diggs at times, and the results were somewhat predictable but still devastating.
• Buffalo ran a lot of pick plays, especially on underneath routes. I was (un)surprised that at least a couple weren't called.
• High-priced corner Byron Jones was hurt somewhere within the first couple of plays, immediately causing problems in the Miami secondary.
• It was discouraging and embarrassing to see Buffalo doing pretty much anything it wanted offensively.
• Josh Allen was inaccurate -- as is his trademark -- but his receivers were so open that his off-the-mark throws still resulted in first downs in seemingly every third-down situation.
• For laughs, Allen also trucked like three of our defenders on a run at one point, pouring whiskey in the wound.
• End Emmanuel Ogbah had a number of pressures and did record a sack, but Allen extended way too many plays.
• The unit seemed to settle in as the game progressed, but missed chances at sacks and turnovers haunted this game. Giving up two fourth-quarter touchdowns in a very winnable game shows how much work is yet to be done.

Special Teams

• Punter Matt Haack had a big game, uncorking a 63-yarder at one point that dramatically shifted field position. He pinned Buffalo inside the 20-yard line with three of his five punts, averaging 52.4 yards per kick.
• Jason Sanders absolutely crushed his 52-yarder just before halftime, then added a 45-yarder later, in addition to converting both extra points. Sanders is quietly becoming on of the AFC's top kickers.
• Jakeem Grant couldn't do anything with his two punt return opportunities. I hope we're getting closer to Lynn Bowden Jr. getting a shot in this area.

Momentum Plays

• After a stellar punt pinned the Bills deep early in the game, Buffalo responded with a shockingly easy 97-yard drive that served as a bit of a gut punch to the visitors.
• The game coverage was interrupted by a power outage during a key replay review of a 26-yard Preston Williams catch, with the broadcast returning with the score 14-7 (missing a TD for either side).
• After the 'Fins stopped Buffalo on 3rd-and-10 that could have been an intentional grounding by Josh Allen, a phantom holding call extended the Bills drive.
• A long field goal just before the half miraculously got the Dolphins within a touchdown at 17-10 despite the contest feeling a blowout in Beefalo's favor.
• After cutting the lead to 17-13, Miami had a first-and-goal from the Bills 1, but Williams dropped a fourth-down touchdown that would have swung the game. Gutting.
• A few plays later, Kyle Van Noy dropped into a passing line and nearly grabbed a pick on the Buffalo 10-yard line.
• Despite dominating the third quarter, Miami couldn't quite grab control of the game.
• Following an uncalled late hit on Fitzpatrick (there were a couple of these), Howard powered in to establish a 20-17 Miami lead.
• After Van Noy was exposed in pass coverage for a long first down, Ogbah missed a sack, allowing the Bills to make a miraculous catch for the go-ahead TD, 24-20.
• A dismal Miami "drive" followed, leading to an immediate punt and a controversial catch by Diggs that was somehow upheld on replay, setting up the play of the game:
• The 'Fins massively priced cornerback Xavien Howard dropped a gift interception with 3:17 left. Allen misfired on a long throw, leaving X to run under a balloon for a game-turning pick, but the ball -- and the contest -- slipped through his hands.
• Soon after, Howard coasted on Buffalo's game-clinching touchdown after Bobby McCain blew a coverage to hand the score to the Bills. Ugly look by two of the vets that Miami is counting on in the defensive backfield.

Day 198, Quasi-Quarantine: Distinctive Major Vonreg's TIE Fighter A Good Representation Of Quirky "Star Wars Resistance"

Major Vonreg's TIE Fighter (set 75240) is marked by its striking colors and revolutionary wing design, making it an essential addition to the First Order starfleet.

Checking in at 496 pieces, this set comes from the silly and somewhat underrated "Star Wars Resistance" cartoon. While the fighter itself sets itself apart by its sleek design and clever spring-loaded shooter functionality, the minifigures are what elevate this set to a near must-have.

Four minifigures are included, led by the pilot himself, Major Elrik Vonreg, who features an eye-catching new helmet design. An older-era General Princess Leia is a surprising -- though welcome -- addition, and she does play a small role in the 'toon.

The star of the show is also present -- the goofy but driven Kazuda "Kaz" Xiono, highlighted by a unique, two-toned hair elements that is a first for Star Wars Legos. His irrepressible sidekick, the pert R1-J5 droid, Bucket, is along for the ride as well.

Opinions on "Star Wars Resistance" vary, and perhaps for that reason, this is one of only two available Lego sets connected to the series. However, the dynamic nature of the TIE and the eccentric minifigures that come with it make this a worthy consideration for any collection.

Day 197, Quasi-Quarantine: Coastal Puzzling Continues

 

Another trip to the coast, another random puzzle.

This 500-piecer depicts New York's Coney Island. As a hand-me-down, it had the customary infuriating missing piece. It also didn't pose as much of a challenge as I would have preferred, but that can also be good at times.

6/10, would solve beach side of a Monday night again.

Day 195, Quasi-Quarantine: Beach Break Hiatus

 

Scooter & Hum has been on break for the past week, partaking in a much-needed beach vacation ...

Limerick Friday #480: A Heartfelt Thank You For Libraries -- Day 187

The library's open door
A bright spot in a culture war
With government in dishevel
This is the only level
You can even trust any more

Ignorance that threatens belief
That's our corruptor-in-chief
When stupidity reigns
Reality drains
Under our liar-in-thief

'Twas mind-bending on the fly
Cancelled with no reason why
A cliffhanger wouldn't stand
So filmed a love note for fans
"Sense8"'s emotional goodbye

Today, I'm a Dad and a friend
Plus a teacher, spouse, and worker on end
The role changes by hour
As I try to power
Through 'rona's demanding trend

Playmakers we lack
And can't get a sack
On the disappointment flow
And this is how you know
Football's officially back

Last time ...

Day 186, Quasi-Quarantine: Digesting Ray Bradbury's Timeless "The Illustrated Man"

 

"And so you think maybe that's why we're going out to the stars, eh, Martin? Looking for our lost souls, is that it? Trying to get away from our evil planet to a good one?"

"The Illustrated Man" features the familiar Ray Bradbury themes so many have gravitated (pun intended) to: outer space, insanity, obsession, and escape. Bradbury weaves them all into this short-story collection that serves as an examination of man's interaction with environment and the lengths he will go to to pursue an open-ended fate. 

Among the many highlights, "The Man," "The Long Rain," and "The Rocket Man" were  thought-provoking and intriguing, while "The Fox and the Forest" and "The Marionettes, Inc." were eerie, even if a little easy to see coming. "Zero Hour" was stellar and "The Illustrated Man" ended things on a "Tales of the Crypt"-ish note. 

"In the flashes of powdery illumination they could see armies of raindrops, suspended as in a vast motionless amber, for an instant, hesitating as if shocked by the explosion, fifteen billion droplets, fifteen billion tears, fifteen billion ornaments, jewels standing out against a white velvet viewing board." 

However, it is unquestionably "The Other Foot" that carries the day in this collection. A highly controversial and powerful commentary on race relations (especially for the early 1950s), "The Other Foot" is a compelling look at how a political landscape might translate to another planet. 

"Dad was always listening or singing or watching things on all sides of him, holding onto things as if the world were a centrifuge going so swiftly that he might be flung off away from us at any instant." 

Visually, many of these tales lend themselves to on-screen representation, and indeed, that was the case with a few. While the oft-repeated consideration of the sterility of space may not appeal to everyone, Ray Bradbury is an accomplished and deft writer who is at his best in these short stories.

That's why these tales somehow remain resonant and contemporary -- even nearly 70 years after they were written.

"Perhaps there is a chance for us to escape, to run for centuries into a wild country of years where they will never find and bring us back to burn our books, censor our thoughts, scald our minds with fear, march us, scream at us with radios ..." 

Day 185, Quasi-Quarantine: Dolphins-Patsies Game 1 Review

In reviewing the Dolphins 21-11 loss at New England to start the 2020 season, I captured a few notes along the way. Here's my equivalent of an "emptying the notebook" offering.

Offense

• Ryan Fitzpatrick was eminently Fitzpatrickian. He made some daring throws and some morale-boosting scrambles, but he was a little tentative early on and his fundamentals looked off. Two of his three picks came on uncalled -- and fairly overt -- New England interferences, but that made them no less devastating. He did lead back-to-back strong drives in the second quarter, one of the reasons why Miami easily out-gained the Pats in the first half.
• DeVante Parker looked good before he got hurt, but Preston Williams, coming off an injury, looked rusty. He ran a handful of bad routes and had a hard time fighting for the ball through contact. Williams gives the Dolphins another imposing presence, but he has to play to his size in order to re-earn Fitzpatrick's trust.
• Others have noted the general lack of separation from Miami receivers, and that's an ongoing problem. This is among the reasons why the 'Fins need to find a way to get the ball to (or hell, in some cases, activate) guys like Jakeem Grant, Malcolm Perry, and Lynn Bowden Jr. Opt-outs have depleted the Miami receiving corps, and right now, the unit is too one-dimensional.
• Parker left the game with a hammy in the second half. The Dolphins simply can't afford to lose him at this point -- and I'm not sure I thought I'd ever write such a thing.
• On the plus side, Mike Gesicki looks much more comfortable on the field, both receiving and blocking. He made a couple of contested grabs, and Fitzpatrick has no qualms with throwing it his way even when he's covered.
• The offensive line also showed significant promise. Center Ted Karras had some iffy moments, but that was to be expected early on, and the rookies all held up, ensuring Fitzpatrick generally had a good amount of time to throw. This was a welcome -- and slightly surprising -- change.
• The running back rotation was ... weird. Myles Gaskin looked faster and ran harder than last year, and he dominated snaps overall, partially based on New England's scheme. Jordan Howard ran for a TD but was otherwise quiet, and Patrick Laird and Chandler Cox were on the field more than expected. For unknown reasons, Matt Breida was largely uninvolved, robbing the offense of a much-needed speed threat and, well, playmaker.

Defense

• The defensive effort was hamstrung by poor tackling and bad angles. To some extent, this is not a shock due to an abbreviated training camp and zero preseason games, but New England did not suffer the same issues -- a troubling sign to start the campaign.
• Even more troubling was the sense that Miami was largely unprepared defensively for this one. It was certainly an inauspicious debut for first-time defensive coordinator Josh Boyer.
• Overall, Miami was woefully out-physicaled at every level, a concern that many hoped would be solved by opening up the checkbook this offseason.
• Shaq Lawson, one of the biggest free agency signings, played really poorly and was repeatedly targeted on zone scheme runs. This was an ugly start to his tenure with the Dolphins.
• On the other side, Emmanuel Ogbah pressured the pocket a handful of times, forcing a Christian Wilkins sack at one point. Wilkins had some splash plays and generally looked improved from a season ago, and he was in the middle of a postgame fracas with Scam Newton.
• Jerome Baker was very active -- in all the good and bad ways. He got lost in coverage a few times, took some bad angles, and was hit with a pair of personal fouls. However, he also recorded a sack, forced a fumble that resulted in a Miami possession, and was the one 'Fins linebacker who brought energy.
• Overall, the Miami 'backers struggled a lot with eye discipline against New England's RPOs. Elandon Roberts, in particular, looked shaky.
• Xavien Howard looked tentative on the field, and high-priced corner Byron Jones did not have his name called often, though there was a play where he allowed a completion when he could have made a play on the ball. Corner Jamal Perry had a good hit at one point, and rookie Brandon Jones was in on a lot of stops despite looking a bit undersized for a safety.
• Generally, the 'Fins defensive backs were poor in run support. This has to improve as the season progresses or teams are just going to avoid the well-regarded Miami corners and simply run the ball all game long.
• Overall, the defense looked gassed midway through the third quarter. Their spirit seemed broken by repeated instances of New England running predictable third-down plays that resulted in easy first downs.

Special teams

• Jason Sanders had his lone kick tipped but he still made it easily, even from 46 yards.
• The sixth-round pick at long-snapper had a couple of snaps that were wide, but overall got the job done.
• Grant is just not a good punt returner, and if Bowden can't take that job, the 'Fins are officially a nightmare.

Momentum plays

• Despite a golden opportunity, Miami was unable to recover the muffed punt after an unsuccessful opening drive.The Dolphins also batted down a few Newton passes, with a couple staying in the air long enough for Miami to have come down with an interception. The bottom line is the 'Fins aren't built to out-execute or out-talent teams, and simply must find a way to force momentum-changing turnovers.
• Julian Edelman dropped an easy throw downfield to represent one of the only ways the Dolphins were able to slow down New England.
• Erick Flowers was whistled for a phantom holding call late in the first half (a classic occurrence when the Patsies are being threatened), but Grant made a tough catch and run to overcome the refs -- only to have Fitz throw a gutting pick with 31 seconds left in the half.
• Newton was the beneficiary of a ridiculous roughing-the-passer call in the third quarter. Clearly, controversial players need only go to New England to start getting phantom calls.
• After Miami cut the lead to 14-11, New England immediately countered with an end-around to Edelman that went for 20+, then tacked on 15 to the end of the play thanks to an egregious late hit by Baker. You could almost hear (especially with no fans in attendance) the air sucked out of the Dolphins' collective lungs.
• The Patsies made almost no effort to throw the ball in crunch time, running for first downs even on third downs longer than 3 yards. From a coaching and playing standpoint, that had to be brutal to endure.
• New England played almost 46 minutes without a penalty called. That is hard to do even in a season played under the current circumstances.

Day 184, Quasi-Quarantine: Head-Shaking Decisions By The 'Fins Come Home To Roost

 

After a surprising finish to the 2019 season, a $145 million spending spree in free agency, and a glut of draft picks, Miami became a bit of a media darling in terms of 2020 prospects.

Under the surface, though, the mind-numbing approaches that have been so very on-brand for the 'Fins persisted.

First off, the Dolphins set the market for way too many players. Second, Miami seemed to exclusively target players who had previously been largely considered busts (Ereck Flowers, Shaq Lawson, Emmanuel Ogbah, etc.) but had recently put together a season showing flashes of potential. And third, the team had to double down on positions where horrific drafting had left the depth chart barren.

Lost in the shuffle of this excitement was the fact that the Dolphins jettisoned both coordinators without explanation or justification after last season, while retaining a general manager who has played a major role in an almost incomprehensible series of bad draft classes.

Speaking of the draft, the 'Fins loaded up on high-potential players, some of whom could be considered projects. I understand the approach from a long-term standpoint, but there were some legitimate concerns that were pinpointed at the time and were borne out in reality.

First, Miami drafted a long-snapper. And not even with the final pick. In the sixth round. I can't even.

Second, the Dolphins traded up to take productive defensive end Curtis Weaver in the fifth round. However, two weeks before the season started, the 'Fins inexplicably cut him instead of putting him on IR. Multiple teams put in claims for him, and Cleveland promptly signed him -- and put him on IR.

Now, yes, maybe Weaver was disappointing on some level. However, cutting him before he ever plays in even a preseason game doesn't speak to proactivity, it reeks of roster mismanagement.

And finally, the team flat-out cut young quarterback Josh Rosen, a little over a year after giving up second- and fifth-rounders for him. In this new era of shifting rosters, high-potential signal-callers are a prized commodity, especially for a franchise that has a way-past-his-prime graybeard and an injury-prone rookie. The move makes less than no sense, no matter what justification the team may have provided.

Compounding matters, Miami then flipped a fourth-round draft pick to the Raiders for third-rounder Lynn Bowden, Jr. It may be unfair to label Bowden a bust before his first game, but when the team that drafted him immediately sends him out the door for a lower-level pick, that's not a great sign. Also, Bowden is a player without a defined position who was deemed a character risk in the draft process, headed to South Beach for a franchise that doesn't like to feature its playmakers.

The result of all this? The Dolphins were physically dominated by a suspect New England team in its first game, being largely uncompetitive in the contest. Lawson, Ogbah, and the rest of the high-priced defensive additions were outclassed in an embarrassing way, while Bowden was inactive, Ryan Fitzpatrick dead-armed his way to three picks, and Tua sat watching.

In summation, this is a microcosm of how bad teams stay bad. Sure, it's only one game into a new season -- but it's also a continuation of two decades of a trend that shows no signs of dissipating.

Day 183, Quasi-Quarantine: The Fearsome Kylo Ren Command Shuttle Is A Masterpiece

The Kylo Ren Command Shuttle is as intimidating as a completed set as it is as a collection of unopened bags of Legos pieces.

This 1,005-piece set (75256) represents Kylo's personal starship from "The Rise of Skywalker." It's an intricate build, occasionally requiring adult supervision. The build has exceedingly clever and delicate mechanisms for some of the functionality, and the result is well worth the extra time and attention.

The shuttle's wings can straight, tilt, and retract in insanely cool ways. The cockpit is formidable-looking and advertised as capable of holding three minifigures, but that would be a rather tight fit. Two spring-loaded shooters amid a myriad of nonfiring cannons rounds out the build.

The set comes with six minifigures, highlight by Kylo Ren and two of his Knights of Ren. General Pryde and a First Order Stormtrooper are uninspired inclusions, but a striking red Sith Trooper is a nifty addition to the group.

The shuttle is inarguably expensive ($130, even on backorder), but even at that price point, it's one of the better Star Wars Legos builds in recent memory. From look and feel to complexity to included minifigures, I feel the franchise knocked this one out of the park.

Limerick Friday #479: Joshy Rosen, We Hardly Knew Ye -- Day 180

For 'bout a minute we were posin'

Thought we'd found a chosen

But then we reckoned

We pissed away a fifth and a second

For three games of Josh Rosen

We all wear sweats and Lycra

Trading laces for Velcro

Now it's words we're heeding

Escaping into reading

And now my fiction's gone micro

Teams that seem untenable

And best described as complainable

We throw around promotions

For going through the motions

Is any of this sustainable?

For a football jersey they'll pay

Then curse the player all day

Booing acts of unity

Hypocrisy with impunity

Football's back -- yay?

Hate did hold sway

The world changed in every way

Heroes were identified

As a nation cried

Thinking of NYC today

Last time ...

Day 179, Quasi-Quarantine: Celebrating Football's Return With 21st Legion, Colts Battalion

Painting blank Legos clone trooper helmets has been a bit of a godsend during quasi-quarantine, providing a time-consuming activity that allows for creativity.

We've discussed the 13th Legion, Dolphins Battalion project previously, but with the NFL season (amazingly) upon us, we felt it was time for an update that honors my building partner's favorite team: 

NC State Midwest, also known as the Indianapolis Colts.

Powered by Wolfpack heroes Nyheim Hines, Jacoby Brissett, and now Philip Rivers, the 'Shoe is poised for big things in 2020. This helmet celebrates that potential, and as an initial foray into a Colts design, we're happy with it.

Indy's minimalist brand pattern lends itself to this type of translation, but I'd like to get more detailed with the horseshoe itself and continue to explore how best to represent the facemask.

This'll do for now.

Football is back. Go, sportsball.

Day 178, Quasi-Quarantine: "Space Force" Shites The Bed, Which Is A Problem In A No-Gravity Setting

When it comes to the "Space Force" TV show, the burning question for me has to be a universal one:

How is it possible to make this show unfunny considering the cast that has been pulled together?

I mean, Steve Carrell, Fred Willard, Patrick Warburton, Jimmy O. Yang, Ben Schwartz, Dan Bakkedahl, Don Lake, Larry Joe Campbell, John Malkovich, Lisa Kudrow ... the list goes on and on. 

Yet, the show? Unwatchable.

I think I made it through three episodes before I threw in the towel. I was expecting so much more, Netflix. I don't know how you F'd this up, but it's massively disappointing. The concept was there (real life masquerading as comedy masquerading as a reality show), but the follow-through was oy.

Maybe real life really is funnier than farce?

Day 177, Quasi-Quarantine: Ho-Hum Droid Gunship A Rare Miss In The Lego Universe

I'm generally a fan of any set that includes Yoda. Toss in a Wookiee (this time, a notable Chief Tarfful), and you've got my attention.

Unfortunately, that's where the good news ends with the Droid Gunship (set 75233). Despite the presence of our little green Jedi and a blinged-out Wookiee, this build was a resounding disappointment.

Checking in at 389 pieces, this set is from the "Revenge of the Sith" movie. Besides the two minifigures, it includes two battle droids with distinct green markings to represent combat on the planet of Kashyyyk.

In its defense (pun intended), the gunship features an impressive array of weaponry. Non-firing directional cannons are supplemented by eight flick missiles and a couple of stud shooters, to go with a lowering landing gear to facilitate ground assaults.

There are a couple of clever aspects to the ship itself, but overall it is a clunky build that doesn't stay together great (as evidenced by the picture above, which omits a number of pieces that fell off during normal play). The gunship has a sleek profile, but it is a plain design without unique features or functionality.

Bottom line: It's a really plain and, frankly, boring set, making it expensive for what you actually get. Overall, this is one of my least-favorite Star Wars Lego sets, a disappointing build for a brand that has set such a high bar.

Limerick Friday #478: Virtual School Is Back With A Vengeance -- Day 173

There were a few tears

And technology fears

To school's new normal we adjust

In adaptability we trust

Aided by patience and beers

Chris Combs repped the Pack

And he was loved back

His ALS battle was long

Raised money and stayed strong

Bravery he didn't lack

We're all feeling beat

Weighed down by oppressive heat

And headlines from dystopia

Describing fascist xenophobia

Can America be saved from defeat?

The dominant pitcher of his day

Threw up K after K

Even when the Mets traded him (whoa)

Fans wouldn't let go

RIP Tom Terrific, the Scion of Shea

Escape plans aplenty

There's no way to put this gently

Go-bags are needed

Worst scenarios heeded

America in 2020

Last time ...

Day 172, Quasi-Quarantine: Painting Up The Artistic Sabine Wren

Dabbling in our helmet-painting hobby, we decided to tackle the visually stunning Sabine Wren, known for her colorful helmet designs and murals.

Once a weapons builder at the Imperial Academy, Sabine moved on to bounty hunting when those munitions were used against her own people of Mandalore. She was deemed a traitor and ostracized from her clan, eventually leading her to find a home and family as Spectre-5 on the "Star Wars Rebels" crew.

Dodging Ezra's crush and incessant stormtroopers, she evolved beyond a hipster demolitions expert with graffiti tendencies to emerge as a Mandalorian warrior with a claim on the Darksaber.

Since she's one of our favorite rebel characters, Sabine is a popular choice for new helmet designs (two of those shown in these pics). We haven't quite nailed the right look or execution, but we'll get there.

After all, we have nothing but time ...

Day 171, Quasi-Quarantine: Fifth Season Of "Better Call Saul" Finds Emotional Depth In Character Dynamics And Origin Stories

Every season, I think Bob Odenkirk can't possibly top his previous performances on "Better Call Saul." And every season, he further cements his status as a national treasure.

In the dual roles of Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman, Odenkirk climbs in, digs in, rolls around, has fun, and explores every depth. In season 5, he channels drama, gravitas, comedy, romance, and spy thriller in a genre free-for-all that features him at his absolute best.

His effort is complemented by the work of Rhea Seehorn as Kim Wexler, the conflicted amalgam of competing personality types and career aspirations. This season revealed a bit more of her origin story and what drives her seemingly disastrous decision-making, which both humanizes her and reinforces the reasons why it's difficult not to fall even more in love with her.

This season created space for Jimmy and Kim to share more intimate moments. As a fan, it was good to see that relationship extend beyond the transactional, business-partner nature of years past. While major questions have been raised about whether either is "good" for the other, their dynamic more firmly served as the backbone of this most recent season.

Of course, no review of "Better Call Saul" is complete without mention of Mike Ehrmantraut. Portrayed by the incomparable Jonathan Banks, Mike's basset hound face reveals and hides so much emotion. The depth of his story was explored much more intensely in this season, to great effect, and Banks represents reason #408 why the casting of this show is unparalleled.

In terms of the season's arc itself, the intensity and drama is dialing up in a big way. While the finale required a bit of suspension of disbelief, the eighth episode, "Bagman," is an all-time great episode that represents probably the best hour of television I've seen in 2020.

Of course, the brilliance of the fifth season is not without a sense of impending melancholy. There is a bittersweet feeling involved when you know the chronology of "Better Call Saul" and "Breaking Bad" are getting closer and closer to one another. And while you know the former has a finite end date for that reason, I can't wait to see how the two eventually meet up -- and how "Better Call Saul" plants its flag as one of the iconic dramas in the history of television. 

Day 170, Quasi-Quarantine: Political Commentary, Oppressive Questions Mark Distinctive "Free Fall"

"I have understood how the scar becomes a star, I have felt the flake of fire fall, miraculous and pentecostal. My yesterdays walk with me. They keep step, they are grey faces that peer over my shoulder."

My love for William Golding -- and particularly his master work, "Lord of the Flies" -- is well-documented. Far from a one-hit wonder, the author also created the strong "Pincher Martin," among other notable titles.

Golding's "Free Fall" is full of contradictions and weighty considerations, tackling the massive themes of poverty, war, pedophilia, religion, abuse, and misplaced love. Golding seeks the location of the bridge between the rational and mysterious worlds as part of a broader exploration of free will and "inexplicable good and evil."

"Cause and effect. The law of succession. Statistical probability. The moral order. Sin and remorse. They are all true. Both worlds exist side by side. They meet in me."

The book is described as fairly intensely autobiographical for  Golding, and the questions he wrestles with resonate across the generations more than 50 years after publication. 

That is not to see that humor doesn't abound ("monocular homunculus" is as funny a lewd reference that I've ever heard). In addition, the story serves as a primer on British slang of the 1950s.

The protagonist, Sammy Mountjoy, attempts to examine his life in pursuit of the moments that robbed him of free will, that subjected him to both good and evil, and that assigned blame or exoneration to his actions.

"I am not a man who was a boy looking at a tree. I am a man who remembers being a boy looking at a tree." 

Sammy's desperate pursuit of Beatrice is beautifully rendered, before it devolves into a craven exploit.

"She had such clear eyes, such untroubled eyes, grey, honest because the price of dishonesty had never been offered to her. I looked into them, sensed their merciless and remote purity. She was contained in herself. Nothing had ever come to trouble her pool."

" ... now I saw the very water of sorrow hanging honey-thick in eyelashes or dashed down a cheek like an exclamation mark at the beginning of a Spanish sentence."

But the main question quickly becomes: how do we behold and view our protagonist? Should we pity Sammy? Dislike him? Alternately, he's a bully, communist, skeevy creeper, stalker -- and worthy of compassion. In a word, he's complicated, making him a quintessential Golding character.

"We were both deeply committed elsewhere and we both recognized without a moment's doubt that we should never let each other go. I cannot remember how much we said of this or how much we felt."

Is Sammy simply a product of his environment or has he nurtured immoral actions along the way? Is he redeemable or captive to his own fate? By virtue of his horrific childhood -- built upon mental, emotional, and physical abuse by nearly every authority figure he ever encountered -- was he ever afforded the possibility of overcoming a stumbling path?

"I was not an ordinary man. I was at once more than most and less. I could see this war as the ghastly and ferocious play of children who having made a wrong choice or a whole series of them were now helplessly tormenting each other because a wrong use of freedom had lost them their freedom."

These queries and more form the backbone of this novel, another entry into the canon of one of the English language's most notable writers.

"'An honest man. And you haven't found one.'"
"'No. Of course not.'"
"'What if you find one?'"
"Philip paused with the door open. There was darkness and a glint of rain. He looked back at me out of his raw eyes from a long, long way away."

"'I shall be disappointed.'"