Day 1,033, Quasi-Quarantine: Dolphins-Patriots Game 16 Review

 

Minus at least four Pro Bowl-caliber starters (not counting players on injured reserve), Miami fought valiantly on the road at New England, but made too many mistakes and absorbed too many bad officiating calls to avert a fifth straight loss. The latest in a series of devastating defeats may have closed the door on the Dolphins' playoff chances for the campaign.

Once again, the 'Fins outgained (333-249) their opponent, gained more first downs (21 to 14), and won the time-of-possession (33:48 to 26:12) battle. However, they were shut out in the turnover battle (2-0), were called for nine penalties, and were on the wrong end of a number of shady whistles, with coach Mike McDaniel falling to 0-4 on replay challenges on the season to boot. With Tua Tagovailoa out due to a concussion, Teddy Bridgewater took over before dislocating his pinkie finger, and that's when Dolphins Nation turned its lonely eyes to seventh-round rookie Skylar Thompson.

With no margin for error, the 'Fins couldn't fade a missed field goal and a defensive score for the Patsies in a two-point game.

On to the why-did-we-ever-believe recap ...

Offense

• Miami did a better job of forcing the run even when there wasn't immediate success. The undermanned unit managed to convert all three red-zone trips into touchdowns and two of three fourth downs into first downs. However, the 'Fins misfired on 10 of 14 third-down efforts and lost two turnovers.
• It was a gutsy effort by Bridgewater, who hit 12 of 19 passes for 161 yards and a touchdown and scrambled once for six yards. He was sacked once and threw a costly interception among his 44 snaps, but made something out of nothing and was nifty sliding around the pocket. After Bridgewater's injury, Thompson came on for 37 snaps, and the 25-year-old connected on 12 of 21 passes for 104 yards and a late score. Despite only being sacked once, he was under constant pressure, but he showed good mobility in extending plays and scrambling for four yards (another first-down run was nullified by penalty). He was inaccurate on a couple of balls -- including a bizarre sideline interception -- but Thompson performed admirably considering the lack of preparation and the size of the moment.
• At running back, Jeff Wilson got 46 snaps, running 15 times for 45 yards and catching three passes (on seven targets) for 31 yards. Raheem Mostert got 17 touches in his 30 snaps, running nine times for 29 yards and grabbing all eight targets for 62 yards and a touchdown. "Angry Mostert" is a thing, as he broke five tackles on one pass he turned into a 25-yard gain, but he was fortunate that his clear fumble was missed by the officials. Playing just six days after thumb surgery, fullback Alec Ingold managed 11 snaps but did not catch his only target on a miscommunication with Thompson. Salvon Ahmed came in for two snaps, contributing an eight-yard catch, but the bigger story was that Miami played Wilson and Mostert in the same backfield on a few occasions. Both quarterbacks proved more adept at finding checkdowns out of the backfield (hence 16 targets to running backs), which added to the RB value, but Wilson missed too many holes and Mostert continues to put the ball on the ground.
• New England managed to limit Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle to just one 20-plus-yard catch among them. The receiving corps also dropped too many balls, making it even harder for the second- and third-string quarterbacks to compete. Hill caught four of seven targets for 55 yards and committed an illegal shift in his 58 snaps, while Waddle reeled in three of five targets for 52 yards  in his 54 snaps. Trent Sherfield was targeted six times in 42 snaps, pulling in only two for 30 yards, while Rivers Cracraft (17 snaps) and Cedrick Wilson (11 snaps) were not targeted. The Dolphins have been struggling to find creative ways to get the ball in Waddle's hands more often, and it is costing the offense a lot of explosive ability.
• At tight end, Durham Smythe had a nine-yard grab in his 42 snaps and Mike Gesicki snared two of four targets for 18 yards and a touchdown in his 30 snaps. Hunter Long got a dozen snaps in reserve.
• With tackles Terron Armstead, Eric Fisher, and Greg Little all out due to injury, the backups did a respectable job until Kendall Lamm also exited the game hurt. Liam Eichenberg returned as the starter at left guard after missing seven games, but he was accorded a 36.0 grade by Pro Football Focus. Right guard Robert Hunt and right tackle Brandon Shell both had false starts, and center Connor Williams had a subpar game as well. All told, Miami surrendered a staggering 21 pressures on 45 pass-blocking snaps, according to PFF.

Defense

• Despite missing a number of key players, the defense bailed out the offense out time and again. The 'Fins limited the Patriots to just 249 yards and 4.4 yards per play, sacking Mac Jones three times but failing to create a turnover. New England converted both red zone trips into touchdowns, but went just 5 of 13 on third down and 0 for 1 on fourth down. Reduced to playing primarily special-teamers in the secondary, miscommunications were understandable but cost the Dolphins dearly down the stretch.
• Once again, Miami relied on stalwarts Christian Wilkins and Zach Sieler (54 snaps each) up front, with Wilkins garnering six tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss, one batted pass, and one quarterback hit. Similarly, Sieler delivered six tackles, a sack, a stop for loss, and a quarterback hit.
• At nose tackle, Raekwon Davis played one of his best games, making three tackles in 41 snaps. John Jenkins added three stops in his 17 snaps, while Josiah Bronson got five snaps in reserve.
• With Bradley Chubb out due to ankle and hand injuries on the weak side, Andrew Van Ginkel took on a larger role, delivering three tackles, a sack, and a quarterback hit in 38 snaps. In his 28 snaps, Melvin Ingram had one solo tackle.
• On the strong side, Jaelan Phillips had three solo stops and a quarterback hit in 53 snaps. His recent tireless play has given the 'Fins an added dimension up front.
• Playing against his former team, Elandon Roberts was everywhere, posting 10 tackles, a sack, a stop for a loss, and a quarterback hit in 41 snaps on the inside. Jerome Baker added five tackles and a pass breakup in his 49 snaps, while Duke Riley earned just five snaps in reserve.
• The 'Fins probably never envisioned starting Kader Kohou and Justin Crossen all 59 snaps as starting corners with the playoffs on the line, but that's where the team found itself with the latest injury to Xavien Howard. In fact, when Jevon Holland exited the game briefly, Miami was without any projected starters in the five secondary spots. Kohou had two solo tackles, a stop for a loss, and a holding penalty, while Crossen had one solo tackle to go with two pass interference flags in a difficult outing. Even Noah Ighbinoghene was forced into action, not recording a stat in his 30 snaps. 
• Eric Rowe contributed just two tackles in his 52 snaps at strong safety, and he was beaten in coverage too often by tight end Hunter Henry. Rookie Verone McKinley is becoming close to unplayable, failing to record a stat in his 10 snaps, while Clayton Fejedelem had a single snap in reserve.
• Holland notched eight tackles -- including seven solo stops -- in a valiant effort at strong safety. Elijah Campbell saw seven snaps in reserve.

Special teams

• Jason Sanders fell to 3 of 11 on 50-plus-yard field goals over the past two seasons when he missed a crucial field goal. He did make all three extra points, but the 'Fins are likely to be faced with a difficult decision on his status in the offseason. For the record, New England's Nick Folk missed an extra point in the contest.
• Thomas Morstead was a field-position weapon, punting four times for a 47.3-yard average and putting all four inside the 20-yard line in a phenomenal performance.
• Mostert returned three kickoffs for a 26.3-yard average, while Wilson was steady on tough punts in the wind, returning three for 13 yards.
• Smythe led offensive players with 14 special-teams snap, while Bethel and Fejedelem played 23 snaps in the kicking game to pace defensive players. Fejedelem recorded a tackle and Campbell was whistled for holding.

Momentum plays

• The 'Fins got a massive break (which they would pay for dearly for the rest of the game) when a clear fumble by Mostert was nullified by the officials ruling that forward progress had stopped. That break was quickly balanced when a deep ball to Hill was ruled out of bounds despite the receiver appearing to have gained control and gotten both feet down. Forced to punt, Miami got a nice tackle from Van Ginkel to pin New England inside its 20-yard line.
• Four bad calls from a crew clearly seeking to make up for a missed call in the Dolphins' favor powered the ensuing Patriots drive. A late flag for holding on a third-down incompletion was followed two plays later by a failed Miami challenge of a New England reception near the sideline that was nearly identical to the Hill play. Another third-down jump ball was nearly intercepted by Holland, but a bad holding call on Kohou continued the possession. Three plays later, on another third down, a blatant pick play that featured Henry blocking a cornerback well before the ball was even thrown was uncalled, gifting the home team an early touchdown. If you want to understand why the Patsies are so hated outside of Boston, just watch this drive on loop.
• The 'Fins went three-and-out after a successful fourth-down run was nullified by a Hunt false start, but Morstead was drilled on the punt, leading to a running-into-the-kicker call that should have been a roughness penalty. Facing another 4th & 1, Miami went for it again, with Wilson powering for the first down. On the subsequent 3rd & 6, Bridgewater found Wilson out of the backfield for a first down, before the quarterback then hit Hill with a beautiful cross-field throw for 19 yards and found Gesicki for 14 more. Two plays later, a short lateral to Hill tied the score when the wideout skirted the sideline behind a great Sherfield block.
• New England responded with a 29-yard strike to Henry on 3rd & 6 and an 18-yard run by Rhamondre Stephenson, but Roberts and Sieler sacked Jones on a 3rd & 1 play to force a punt.
• Five straight touches for Mostert covered 44 yards, highlighted by a short pass that saw the running back break five tackles for a 25-yard pickup. Waddle couldn't come up with a 3rd & 7 throw that he normally catches, however, and Jason Sanders went wide right on a 51-yard attempt that appeared to have been pushed by the wind.
• On the subsequent three-and-out by New England, the officials ignored a clear grounding and a hold on back-to-back plays, then threw a holding flag on Campbell during the punt return.
• Miami picked a couple of first downs, but Bridgewater was sacked by three Patriots after the interior of the line caved in, forcing a punt at the two-minute warning. Morstead responded by delivering a 46-yarder that bounced out of bounds at New England's 2-yard line.
• Damien Harris ripped off an 11-yard run to get the Patriots out of trouble, allowing the home team to run out the clock and head into halftime deadlocked at 7-7.
• The Dolphins forced a three-and-out to start the second half, earning good field position when Wilson made a great running catch of the punt before absorbing a costly hit. Unfortunately, Miami immediately went three-and-out as well, getting another strong punt by Morstead to pin New England at its 10-yard line.
• The 'Fins delivered another three-and-out, and with boos casually cascading down from the home crowd, Wilson made another strong play in fielding the punt at the Patriots' 41-yard line. 
• Bridgewater started the next drive with a 23-yard strike to Waddle, then a nine-yard run by Wilson set up a first & goal opportunity. Two plays later, Bridgewater shot-putted the ball forward while being hit, finding Mostert in the front of the end zone for a short touchdown and a 14-7 lead.
• After an initial New England first down, Baker did not carry the slot receiver deep enough into coverage, and the miscommunication resulted in a 29-yard pickup on a 3rd & 5 play. The Dolphin "D" stiffened from there, forcing a 49-yard Folk field goal to trim the margin to 14-10.
• On a 3rd & 15 play on the following possession, Bridgewater tried to force the action instead of checking down, and he paid the price. Kyle Duggar baited him into an interception, then weaved 39 yards for a score on the return, punctuating it with a nasty stiff-arm of Bridgewater that appeared to exacerbate an existing finger injury for the signal-caller.
• Now trailing 16-14 after the missed extra point, the 'Fins turned to third-string rookie Thompson. A dump-down to Mostert on 3rd & 5 turned into a 17-yard gain, with a roughing-the-passer penalty tacked on. As the fourth quarter began, a mysterious and innocuous illegal shift on Hill negated an 11-yard Thompson scramble on 3rd & 9. On the next play, Hill bobbled a pass thrown behind him, allowing the cornerback to pick it and then actually keeping the corner in-bounds on his tackle attempt.
• After the devastating plays from the offense, the defense came through with another three-and-out, punctuated by a near-interception by Ighbinoghene after Campbell pressure on a Jones deep ball.
• Following the Patriots punt, Thompson made a strong throw to Waddle on 3rd & 6, with a clear helmet-to-helmet hit and/or spearing on Jabrill Peppers -- one of multiple cheap shots by Peppers -- inexplicably going uncalled on the tackle. Miami came up short on a 3rd & 7 pass to Hill, forcing another Morstead punt that was downed at New England's 11-yard line.
• The Patsies got going with a 16-yard screen pass that featured bad Miami body language and an uncalled block in the back on Phillips. Three plays later, Jones used an uncalled hold to find Jakobi Meyers for 25 yards on a 3rd & 5 play that victimized McKinley. Crossen committed pass interference on another underthrown 3rd & 5 pass to Meyers, then on 3rd & goal, Meyers was left uncovered for an easy score -- after a Miami timeout. The miscommunication punctuated an 11-play drive that allowed New England to forge ahead, 23-14.
• Running for his life on all four plays, Thompson checked it down on a 4th & 16 play to hand the ball back to the Patsies.
• New England attempted to run clock on the following possession, but inexplicably went for it on 4th & 4, creating an easy sack by Sieler to give Miami the ball at its 39-yard line.
• Using short passes, the 'Fins moved the ball slowly. Following the two-minute warning, Thompson found Hill for 17 yards on a 4th & 7 play. Two plays later, he found Sherfield for 23 yards, then extended a first & goal play by reversing field before finding Gesicki in the back of the end zone with a well-thrown ball on the run to cut the lead to 23-21.
• A lackluster onsides kick never got a needed bounce, and Henry easily fell on the ball without a Dolphin diving for it or even touching him down. Two New England kneeldowns mercifully ended a fifth consecutive frustrating setback for the 'Fins.

2022 Schedule

Miami 20, New England 7 (1-0)

Miami 42, Baltimore 38 (2-0)

Miami 21, Buffalo 19 (3-0)

Cincinnati 27, Miami 15 (3-1)

New York Jets 40, Miami 17 (3-2)

Minnesota 24, Miami 16 (3-3)

Miami 16, Pittsburgh 10 (4-3)

Miami 31, Detroit 27 (5-3)

Miami 35, Chicago 32 (6-3)

Miami 39, Cleveland 17 (7-3)

Miami 30, Houston 15 (8-3)

San Francisco 33, Miami 17 (8-4)

Los Angeles Chargers 23, Miami 17 (8-5)

Buffalo 32, Miami 29 (8-6)

Green Bay 26, Miami 20 (8-7)

New England 23, Miami 21 (8-8)

Day 1,032, Quasi-Quarantine: Taking A Lego Crack At Building The Iconic Boba Fett Helmet

My first crack at a "made for adults" Lego set came when I put together Luke's Red Five Helmet, and I was pleasantly surprised by the look and feel of the headpiece build.

After being gifted the Boba Fett Helmet (75277), we set about constructing the legendary bounty hunter's head. The 625-piece build was cleverly designed, and the end result is borderline stunning.

While I still prefer the playability of traditional sets, the clean presentation of this helmet has me rethinking the viability of these builds. The movable scanner is a nice touch here, and the complete package is a fitting tribute to the rekindled moment that Boba Fett is having these days.

Kudos, Lego, you magnificent bastards -- you've done it again.

Day 1,031, Quasi-Quarantine: The Week When Football United

 

During what may be the only week when it's OK to cheer for the Bills, our flag footballers got a last-second conversion from the kid on the far right to win, 20-19.

The kid on the far right also helped create the #3 stickers to honor Buffalo safety Damar Hamlin, who is recovering from going into cardiac arrest during a recent game.

Cool tribute. Cool moment. Cool game.

Limerick Friday #570: The Wolfpack Starts The Year Off Right -- Day 1,028

 

Started on a 20-2 spurt

Pounded them into the dirt 

Pack Nation went mad

Over a beatdown so bad

It made Coach K's back hurt

Ocean mist and no cares

Puzzles and Uno dares

But after a torn ACL fear

My workout this year

Is carrying Mo up the stairs

Incompetence and politics

A quite frightening mix

Republicans are in shambles

Full of illiterate rambles

Destroying our country for kicks

Let's be clear

Working in fear

Is no way to lead

Or get what you need

Stop typing and have a beer

End of the year always tough

Lotsa ego-trip stuff

A break was needed

Shutdown proceeded

But wasn't nearly long enough

Last time ...

Day 1,027, Quasi-Quarantine: Dolphins-Packers Game 15 Review

 

Despite holding a 10-point first-half lead and limiting Green Bay to just 4.6 yards per offensive play, Miami couldn't withstand a second-half collapse. Tua Tagovailoa threw three fourth-quarter interceptions and Jason Sanders missed a field goal, allowing the Packers to mostly sit back and watch the Dolphins beat themselves. The fourth consecutive loss further fed feelings of desperation around the franchise as a once-sure-thing playoff bid slipped further away.

In the second-coldest home game (46 degrees) in Miami history, the 'Fins were outcoached (Mike McDaniel largely abandoned the running game and missed a challenge that would have overturned a long first-half catch), lost the turnover (4 to 1) and penalty (8 to 5) battles, and were beaten soundly in the third phase. A while back, I pointed out that it was more than possible that Aaron Rodgers could steal Miami's soul on Christmas Day, and though his role was marginal, it most definitely happened.

On to the I-called-it-weeks-ago recap ...

Offense

• On the one hand, there is not a ton to complain about when the unit averages 8.4 yards per play. Miami racked up 376 yards, but made just two trips to the red zone. After running for 58 yards in the first half, the 'Fins ran for just 24 in the second, despite averaging 4.6 yards per attempt. The turnovers torpedoed the team's momentum, and they are so out of character for Tagovailoa that one has to consider the impact of the concussion that he was diagnosed with in the days after the contest.
• While Tua hit 16 of 25 passes for 310 yards and a score, it's becoming clear that teams are getting a read on him based on comments from opposing coaches and analysts. While the signal-caller has become adept at moving back-seven defenders with his eyes, he is throwing without being positive that the misdirections are working -- thus the trio of crunch-time picks. Tua also was sacked twice, fumbled twice, and ran once for no gain. That he entered the concussion protocol following the game has to be factored in as context when assessing his late-game performance.
• At running back, Jeff Wilson outsnapped Raheem Mostert (30-26), which is likely a response to Mostert largely being responsible for two turnovers. Mostert started off hot and ended up with 45 yards on just eight carries, with two catches for four yards. He had a crucial fumble and all indications were that he was at fault for one of Tua's fourth-quarter interceptions when he ran the wrong route. Wilson rushed nine times for 37 yards with a long of 12 and a touchdown, adding a three-yard catch. Fullback Alec Ingold was targeted twice without a catch in his 27 snaps, and generally looked a bit off as he deals with injury.
• Leading the wideouts, Jaylen Waddle (40 snaps) made the most of his six targets, reeling in five for 143 yards and an 84-yard touchdown. Tyreek Hill (37 snaps) added four catches for 103 yards on his six targets, with a 52-yarder to set up Wilson's score. Trent Sherfield was the only other wideout to earn a target, and he made the most his two, converting a pair of third downs with 25 yards in receptions in his 22 snaps. Cedrick Wilson (13 snaps) and Braylon Sanders (seven) were not targeted in limited action.
• As per usual, Miami largely ignored its tight ends, with Mike Gesicki playing just 12 snaps and earning two targets -- one good for 24 yards and the other resulting in a game-clinching interception. Durham Smythe got 32 snaps and caught an eight-yard pass on the play that likely caused the Tua concussion. Hunter Long got four snaps, but did make a key block on the Wilson touchdown.
• Up front, the line played all 50 snaps together and did an admirable job against an active Green Bay pass rush. Left tackle Terron Armstead, center Connor Williams, and right guard Robert Hunt were all whistled for holding, though Hunt did recover a Tua fumble. Left guard Robert Jones was noticeable on a couple of second-level blocks on first-half running plays. Williams, in particular, seems to be fading a bit down the stretch, as he followed his holding flag with a bad snap that resulted in a fumble that Tua had to fall on. All in all, however, the offensive line played winning football, and it felt like the game plan could have leaned more heavily -- instead of less -- on the running game in the second half.

Defense

• A battered unit played more than respectably against one of the best quarterbacks of all time, but playing with house money, Green Bay's YOLO approach wore Miami down. The Dolphins stopped the Packers on 10 of their first 12 third-down attempts, but the visitors ended up converting 3 of 5 fourth-down efforts -- after entering the game just 8 for 23 on the season in such situations. Despite Green Bay having 20 more offensive plays than the 'Fins, the Packers were held to 301 yards and 4.6 yards per play, with Miami limiting them to touchdowns on two of five red-zone visits.  The "D" deserved a better outcome, but too often this season, the unit hasn't come up with the game-turning fourth-quarter play it needs to preserve victory.
• As a longtime skeptic of Christian Wilkins as a difference-maker, I have to acknowledge his stellar play at defensive end this season. In 63 snaps, he recorded five tackles and a pair of batted passes. His partner in crime, Zach Sieler, delivered three tackles and a stop for a loss in his 59 snaps, while Justin Zimmer played four snaps in reserve.
• At nose tackle, Raekwon Davis notched three tackles in 41 snaps, with his biggest contribution coming on special teams, when he stopped a fake punt attempt cold. John Jenkins did not record a stat in his 22 snaps, but he offset an offsides penalty by drawing a holding call.
• Bradley Chubb was limited to 28 snaps on the weak side, but he contributed a tackle, a quarterback hit, and a number of key pressures -- including one that led to an interception -- despite being injured. Melvin Ingram only played 13 snaps, failing to record a stat.
• Jaelan Phillips collected six tackles in his 55 snaps, but he picked up another questionable roughing-the-passer penalty, leading one to wonder whether he is becoming a target of officials at this point. In 33 snaps, Andrew Van Ginkel had two solo tackles, including a big stop for loss in space in a goal-to-go situation.
• In the middle, Elandon Roberts had a strong outing, picking up seven tackles, a sack, a stop for loss, and a quarterback hit in 51 snaps. Jerome Baker made three solo stops in 64 snaps, and depth continues to be an issue in this spot. Duke Riley played just seven snaps, while Sam Eguavoen played two snaps in goal-line situations, giving up a passing touchdown and failing to stop A.J. Dillon on a goal-line tackle attempt.
• Kader Kohou and Xavien Howard both played 64 snaps at cornerback, with Kohou earning his first career interception to go with five tackles and two pass breakups. Howard had four tackles, a stop for loss, and a pass breakup, while Keion Crossen registered a tackle and a pass breakup in his 18 snaps. Kohou bounced back nicely after a difficult first half in which he was targeted extensively.
• At strong safety, Eric Rowe was active in his 53 snaps, recording six solo tackles, a sack, a stop for loss, a pass breakup, and a quarterback hit. Verone McKinley added a solo tackle in 14 snaps.
• Playing all 66 snaps, Jevon Holland posted eight solo tackles and a stop for a loss at free safety. Elijah Campbell played five snaps in reserve. While Holland has been strong in his sophomore campaign, his lack of game-changing plays (one interception, one forced fumble) has been noticeable in the back end of the defense. 

Special teams

• I've been reluctant to join the chorus in calling for Jason Sanders to be replaced based on previous excellence, but this game may speed his departure from Miami. On the plus side, he connected on two fields (including a 46-yarder) and two extra points. On the down side, he missed a massive field goal again, played a role in surrendering a 93-yard kick return, and hit an awful squib kick to give Green Bay great field position. Trust in Sanders has eroded, and that usually spells the end of a kicker's tenure. 
• Thomas Morstead didn't see much action, with just a single punt that went for 46 yards and was downed inside the 20-yard line.
• Mostert attempted to offset the big Green Bay return, but averaged just 19 yards on his six kickoff returns, and remains much too tentative in the role. Ingold had an eight-yard return on an end-of-half squib kick.
• In the positive column, the Dolphins did snuff out a fake punt and allowed no return yardage on punts.
• Justin Bethel and Clayton Fejedelem led defensive players with 21 special-teams snaps, and each contributed a pair of tackles, although Fejedelem was called for holding on the opening kickoff. Smythe paced offensive players with 13 snaps in the kicking game.
• The reality is that Miami has been one of the worst special-teams units in the league under coordinator Danny Crossman, and the braintrust has to be under immense pressure to upgrade the role following the season. 

Momentum plays

• To start the game, a pair of Mostert bursts went for 14 and 17 yards, with a 14-yard strike from Tua to Hill mixed in. However, a deep ball for Hill fell incomplete when pass interference was uncalled, forcing the 'Fins to settle for a 46-yarder from Sanders to take the lead at 3-0.
• Keisean Nixon immediately responded, racing 93 yards with the ensuing kickoff to set up a goal-to-go opportunity for Green Bay. However, Rodgers took a Roberts sack despite having plenty of time to get rid of the ball, and Holland nearly came up with a third-down interception off a dropped pass. The Packers were forced to settle for a 36-yard Mason Crosby field goal to tie the game.
• One play later, Tua hit Waddle on a deep cross, and the wideout picked up a strong block from Hill to skirt down the right sideline for 84 yards and a touchdown to quickly make it 10-3.
• Green Bay targeted Kohou on a pair of slants that went for 31 yards, and on a 3rd & 8 play, the Packers got away with a pair of uncalled holds to allow Rodgers to scramble for 12 yards and a first down. A clear offensive facemask was initially called before the flag was randomly picked up on the very next play, but two more stops by the defense ensued. On fourth and goal, Eguavoen somehow lost 60-year-old tight end Marcedes Lewis, and Rodgers hit him easily for a devastating touchdown to tie the score again.
• On the next drive, Wilson busted loose for a dozen yards and Tua hit Hill for 18 more. However, a late flag on an apparent Williams hold was followed by a bad Williams snap that Tua had to fall on. On 3rd & 21, Gesicki was dramatically overpowered on a block attempt, leading to an incompletion on a tunnel screen, forcing Morstead's lone punt of the afternoon.
• On the final play of the first quarter, Rodgers went after Kohou again, hitting Allen Lazard for 42 yards on a well-thrown ball. However, Phillips ran down Rodgers on another scramble attempt after the signal-caller avoided a Baker sack, forcing a 4th & 2. The Packers went for it, but Rodgers missed Christian Watson -- who had a step on Kohou -- on a deep ball, giving the ball back to the Dolphins.
• A 13-yard Mostert run was nullified by another late flag, this time a hold on Armstead. Tua then found Gesicki for 24 yards, with an uncalled late hit to boot. Two plays later, Tua rolled out and delivered a beautiful deep strike to Hill for 52 yards. Wilson punched it in from a yard out on the next play to push Miami ahead, 17-10.
• A hold on the following kick return by Green Bay drew a mock cheer from the crowd after a series of flags against the home team. Miami forced a three-and-out, and after Davis stuffed a fake punt, the Dolphins had tremendous field position at the Packers' 20-yard line.
• After a first-play hold on Hunt, Tua threw a 12-yard dart to Waddle. Tua was sacked on the following play, not seeing a wide-open Hill in front of him, setting up a 3rd & 14 that he converted with a 15-yard strike to Sherfield. The quarterback again held the ball too long, resulting in a sack and fumble that Hunt fell on. On 3rd & goal, a pointless short pass to Mostert got two yards, causing Miami to settle for a short Sanders field goal. The kicker was knocked down on the kick, but no call was made, making the score 20-10 'Fins.
• The Dolphins forced another three-and-out, punctuated by a clear hold on Sieler that went uncalled and Howard dropping an interception.
• Taking over at their own 41-yard line, Tua hit Smythe for eight yards, but on the next play, Mostert coughed up the ball, giving the Packers life.
• The 'Fins got a huge third-down stop by Sieler, but Watson held on to a 4th & 1 throw despite a jarring hit by Rowe. The Green Bay luck continued when two more pass breakups somehow eluded Miami defenders to hit the turf harmlessly, and then a 46-yard field goal barely tucked inside the left corner of the upright and crossbar to trim the margin to 20-13 at halftime.
• The Packers put together an 11-play drive to start the second half, converting another 4th & 1 on a Rodgers sneak and then getting a 3rd & 9 conversion when Rodgers had forever to find a running back who was finally left uncovered. Rodgers then avoided a Roberts sack and lofted a 31-yard pass to Lewis, who was awarded a catch even though the ball clearly hit the ground and Miami didn't challenge it. Two hard Dillon runs resulted in a touchdown that evened the score at 20.
• On the following possession, Mostert ripped off a nine-yard run on a 4th & 1 play from Miami's own 34-yard line. Tua then hit Waddle for 24 yards before nearly throwing an underhanded interception. After Armstead was beaten on a 3rd & 8 play that forced a Tua throwaway, Sanders missed well right on a 48-yard attempt.
• Three straight Rodgers completions covered 28 yards, but on a 3rd & 15 play, Chubb hit Rodgers as he threw, and Kohou pulled in an end-zone interception on a deep pass intended for Lazard, who was trying to draw a penalty instead of trying to catch the ball.
• One play later, Tua fired too high for Hill, giving Jaire Alexander an easy interception that he returned for 23 yards.
• After a ridiculous roughing-the-passer penalty on Phillips gift-wrapped a Green Bay first down on a 2nd & 15 play, Dillon fumbled on the next play, but Wilkins was being held and unable to fight for the loose ball. Somehow, no Dolphin defenders were in the vicinity, allowing the Packers to once again avoid a crucial turnover. Another third-down pressure by Chubb forced an incompletion and a short Crosby field goal to push Green Bay ahead, 23-20.
• On the next drive, Waddle climbed the ladder for a 16-yard grab, then Sherfield reeled in a 10-yarder to convert a 3rd & 7. Tua found Hill for 19 more, but two plays later, the quarterback fired for Mostert, who continued his route instead of stopping, handing the Packers another interception.
• Two plays later, Howard was beaten for a 22-yard gain, but the defense stiffened again, forcing another short field goal to extend the advantage to 26-20.
• Down a touchdown, Tua took only two more plays to throw the game-clinching interception. His third pick of the quarter came when he didn't read the cornerback undercutting Gesicki on an out route. Hill was wide open underneath and the throw had very little zip to it, leading one to wonder how the concussion Tua was later diagnosed with impacted the late-game play.
• Three straight kneeldowns cemented the 'Fins' fourth straight setback.

2022 Schedule

Miami 20, New England 7 (1-0)

Miami 42, Baltimore 38 (2-0)

Miami 21, Buffalo 19 (3-0)

Cincinnati 27, Miami 15 (3-1)

New York Jets 40, Miami 17 (3-2)

Minnesota 24, Miami 16 (3-3)

Miami 16, Pittsburgh 10 (4-3)

Miami 31, Detroit 27 (5-3)

Miami 35, Chicago 32 (6-3)

Miami 39, Cleveland 17 (7-3)

Miami 30, Houston 15 (8-3)

San Francisco 33, Miami 17 (8-4)

Los Angeles Chargers 23, Miami 17 (8-5)

Buffalo 32, Miami 29 (8-6)

Green Bay 26, Miami 20 (8-7)

Day 1,026, Quasi-Quarantine: It Was Batter Up Time For Our Latest Beach Puzzle

Over the recent holiday break, we unexpectedly found a couple of puzzles on sale, giving us a worthy pastime during some recuperation time at the beach.

With an MLB theme, we found a willing child-sized participant -- and anything we can do to get a kid interested in a puzzle instead of a tablet, we'll do.

At 500 pieces at a time with multiple baseball and football options, the puzzles were manageable and engrossing. Much like children themselves.

8/10, would puzzle out again on a lazy day at the beach.

Day 1,025, Quasi-Quarantine: On The Precipice Of A New Year

 

May 2023 be gentle as an ocean.

With more crests.

And fewer troughs ...

Day 1,013, Quasi-Quarantine: The Latest "Star Wars" Lego Advent Calendar Reveals Put Everything On Ice

 

With five-day segments dedicated to the Clone Wars, Tattooine, and eclectic lightheartedness, I wasn't sure what to expect from the fourth five-day stretch of "Star Wars" Lego Advent Calendar reveals.

Welcome to Hoth.

Hoth elements have always lent themselves easily to the holiday calendar, and Lego really leaned into the theme here:

Day 16: Weapons Rack

Day 17: Snowtrooper

Day 18: DF-9 Turret

Day 19: AT-ST

Day 20: Hoth Laser Cannon

As Jay's Brick Blog pointed out, the designers had a little bit of fun varying the traditional weapons rack design, and the snowtrooper features a person of color, always a welcome addition.

The turret and laser cannon offer playability options and are cleverly built, but it was the AT-ST mini-build that was the standout here.

While some may have been hoping for more minifigures at this point, I'm thrilled with the focus on the ice planet and the scene-building opportunities Lego is creating with these reveals.

Headed down the stretch, I'm hopeful that a surprise or too may lay in wait in the final few days of the calendar!

Day 1,012, Quasi-Quarantine: Dolphins-Bills Game 14 Review

 

In what was as difficult a loss as I can remember as a 'Fins fan, Miami dropped its third straight, losing on the road at the gun to Buffalo. With everything on the line, the Dolphins were undone by horrifically predictable play-calling and found themselves on the wrong end of a series of bad officiating calls. Throw in constant unpenalized snowballs being thrown on the field -- DURING actual plays -- and it was clear that the officials lost complete control of the game and were intimidated by the crowd into a number of brutal flags and no-calls.

On to the make-the-hurt-stop recap ...

Offense

• The good news is that Miami found a running game in this one, racking up 188 yards on the ground against the league's No. 4 rush defense coming in. Averaging 7.5 yards per carry, a highly compelling case could be made that the 'Fins needed to be running the ball much more often. Sure, the visitors put up more than 400 offensive yards and showed more physicality than normal for a finesse team, but Miami scored a touchdown on just one of three tips to the red zone. Most damagingly, they were 5 of 14 on third down, including failing five times on six 3rd & short (three yards or less) situations. Of those six occasions, the 'Fins threw on five of them, only converting on the one time they actually ran it. If the Dolphins continue to be the NFL's worst team in such situations -- as they are now -- they have no chance to be a contender in January.
• Tua Tagovailoa was better than he was in the previous two games, connecting on 17 of 30 passes for 234 yards and two scores. He was hurt by drops, but he was also sacked twice, fumbled once, and threw multiple interception-worthy balls. Tua had a seven-yard run at one point, but he tripped himself on a play that should have resulted in a much larger gain.
• In the backfield Raheem Mostert was, quite frankly, a revelation, having his best game in a Miami uniform by rushing for 136 yards on just 17 carries. He added a 20-yard catch on two targets among his 45 snaps, and he was a step away from breaking four other runs. With Jeff Wilson inactive, Salvon Ahmed looked fresh in his 14 snaps, rushing six times for 43 yards and a touchdown. Alec Ingold contributed a two-yard run (for a first-down conversion) and a seven-yard catch on two targets in his 32 snaps, adding a number of crucial blocks. Mike McDaniel's reluctance to lean more on the run game in crucial moments was among the puzzlers of the contest, and his stubbornness has turned into one of the stories of Miami's late-season slide.
• Jaylen Waddle came up big in the elements in his 41 snaps, catching three of seven targets for 114 yards, including a 67-yard touchdown. Tyreek Hill was hard on himself for his nine-catch, 69-yard performance in 49 snaps, which included a touchdown grab and a dropped score among his 13 targets. Hill was in good company on the drop front, as Trent Sherfield dropped a touchdown and was shut out in his 32 snaps. Cedrick Wilson made a clutch 21-yard catch on his two targets in 13 snaps, while rookie Braylon Sanders was targeted once and couldn't come up with a catchable deep ball in his 13 snaps. In difficult conditions, Tua needed more help from his supporting cast than he got.
• At tight end, Durham Smythe featured with some key blocks and a recovery of a Tua fumble in his 38 snaps, though he did lose two yards on his only catch. Mike Gesicki contributed a five-yard catch in his 12 snaps, while Hunter Long didn't record a statistic in his six snaps. While it's clear that McDaniel intends not to change the trajectory of a lost season for Gesicki, a more creative coach would recognize the need to find the big man in the seam to take pressure off of Hill and Waddle.
• In a gutsy effort, left tackle Terron Armstead led the way despite toe, knee, and pectoral injuries, helping the unit surrender just four pressures on 33 pass snaps. Neither he, left guard Robert Jones, nor center Connor Williams gave up a pressure, though right guard Robert Hunt had two costly false starts. Playing all 59 snaps together, the offensive front deserves a lot of credit for the success on the ground -- hopefully a harbinger of things to come as the team enters must-win territory.

Defense

• One could argue that a depleted defense did its part, forcing four straight punts and a pair of Josh Allen fumbles down the stretch. However, they surrendered 29 first downs and 446 total yards and allowed conversions on 8 of 14 third downs. The unit also committed three penalties in four snaps at one point, and most costly, gave up four touchdowns on five red-zone trips by the Bills. While it's true that injuries have decimated the defense -- especially in the secondary -- the reality is that the 'Fins have become one of the worst defenses in the league at the worst possible time. In this one, the added reality became clear that they are not built to withstand bad officiating on top of everything else.
• At defensive end, Zach Sieler bordered on the dominant at times, posting five tackles, a sack, two stops for losses, and a pair of quarterback hit in his 65 snaps, while Christian Wilkins tallied six tackles and a fumble recovery in his 69 snaps. Justin Zimmer saw three snaps in reserve.
• Raekwon Davis (25) and John Jenkins (23) nearly split snaps at nose tackle, with Davis recording two tackles and Jenkins adding one.
• In 56 snaps on the weak side, Bradley Chubb had two tackles, a quarterback hit, and a forced fumble, while a tailing-off Melvin Ingram did not record a stat in his 22 snaps.
• On the strong side, Jaelan Phillips recorded three tackles, a sack, three quarterback hits, and a vital forced fumble in his 60 snaps, setting the tone up front for Miami. Andrew Van Ginkel was graded as the Dolphins' best player by Pro Football Focus, notching four tackles and a stop for loss in his 15 snaps. One has to wonder whether Van Ginkel finally starts to earn more snaps over Ingram as the 'Fins try to manufacture big plays any way they can down the stretch.
• Jerome Baker led the way in the middle, collecting six tackles in 69 snaps. While Elandon Roberts and Duke Riley each played 33 snaps, Roberts was the more effective player by light years, picking up five solo tackles and a stop for a loss despite missing a couple of tackles and committing a shaky unnecessary roughness penalty. Riley continued his recent poor play, contributing a pair of solo tackles, appearing to blow a coverage assignment on an easy Buffalo touchdown, and having a number of missed tackles. Though Channing Tindall may not be ready for consistent snaps as a rookie in a playoff run, the fact that he can't earn time over Riley is a bit of a concern at this stage.
• At corner, both Xavien Howard and Kader Kohou played all 78 snaps, with Kohou earning an 80.3 PFF grade on the virtue of seven solo tackles and a pass breakup, offset by flags for both holding and pass interference. Howard had four solo stops, but continued to look a step slow and appeared to make some business decisions in tackle situations. Keion Crossen was forced to play 37 snaps despite a knee injury, making six tackles. Noah Ighbinoghene was thrust into action after a number of inactives, and he recorded two tackles in 33 snaps, though he was beaten on some throws late. For a secondary held together by Band-Aids and bubble game, the unit played reasonably well against one of the league's top quarterbacks.
• With Eric Rowe out, Verone McKinley saw the most action at strong safety, making four tackles in a below-average performance. Clayton Fejedelem had a solo tackle in his eight snaps in reserve.
• At free safety, Jevon Holland gutted out 67 snaps despite a stinger that necessitated a neckroll, compiling four tackles and a pass breakup while making a strong play on Allen as a spy deep in Buffalo territory. Elijah Campbell was inactive, allowing Justin Bethel to see action from scrimmage for the first time in a few games. He contributed a pair of tackles, but was beaten by Bills tight ends on a couple of occasions. Fair or not, Miami simply needs more from Holland as one of its best defensive players  at this stage.

Special teams

• Jason Sanders continued his resurgence, connecting on all three field goals -- with a long of 47 yards -- and both extra points.
• Thomas Morstead punted four times for an average of 41.8 yards per kick, placing three inside the 20-yard line and crushing a 59-yarder that was downed at the 1-yard line after some fortuitous bounces. He also drew a roughing-the-punter call at a vital moment as well.
• Cedrick Wilson only contributed fair catches on punts, but that was important in the snowy conditions. Mostert had a 28-yard kickoff return to begin the game on a strong note.
• Smythe led offensive players with 14 special-teams snaps, while Bethel and Fejedelem paced defensive players with 25 snaps each in the kicking game. Tindall had a solo tackle on special teams and Crossen was called for a declined offsides on the final field goal. 
• For a change, Miami was not overwhelmed in the third phase in this one and created advantageous field position on a number of occasions, which played a significant role in giving the 'Fins a tremendous chance to win the game.

Momentum plays

• To start the game, Mostert followed a strong return with 18 yards on back-to-back runs. However, a false start on Hunt led to a 3rd & 11 play that saw Tua have to throw it out bounds to end the opening drive. 
• A pair of Buffalo holding calls on the punt forced the home team to start on its own 7-yard line, and the Dolphins forced a punt after giving up two first downs.
• On the next possession, Ingold converted a 3rd & 1 with a tough inside run, then Tua hit Waddle for 15 yards. Mostert powered ahead to convert a 4th & 1, but Tua held the ball for too long and took a sack on a strange 3rd & 1 call. He coughed the ball up, but Smythe pounced on it, allowing Sanders to hit from 39 yards away for a 3-0 lead.
• The Bills wasted no time regaining the lead, using a 45-yard pass from Allen to Dawson Knox and a 13-yard pass to Devin Singletary to set up a 14-yard scoring toss to Quintin Morris, who beat Holland on the play for a 13-7 advantage.
• Mostert ended the first quarter in high style, breaking four tackles on a 67-yard jaunt down the sidelines, drawing a horsecollar at the end to set up first and goal from the 4-yard line. Back-to-back dropped touchdowns by Hill and Sherfield forced the 'Fins to settle for a costly short field goal to trim the margin to 7-6. The drive was marred by fans throwing snowballs at Dolphins players during actual game play, which was somehow ignored by the officials until a McDaniels complaint forced the refs to finally address the crowd with a warning.
• Buffalo responded with a 12-play drive that featured an improbable 3rd & 17 conversion. Kohou later had Singletary stopped in the hole on a 3rd & 1 play, but eventually got run over. Two plays later, Riley lost Nyheim Hines in coverage, creating an easy dumpoff touchdown for a 14-6 Buffalo lead.
• After an interference on Hill went uncalled, Waddle went up high to beat Tra'Davious White for a 32-yard catch on 3rd & 5. Hill converted the next two third downs with tough 6- and 14-yard catches, then Ahmed paid off the possession with a nifty 11-yard run for a score, using a solid Jones block along the way. The touchdown pulled the 'Fins within a point at 14-13.
• Another devastating 12-play drive ensued, with Buffalo converting three third downs and getting a pair of suspect penalties on Ighbinoghene and Howard to sustain the possession. With no time remaining on the clock, Allen fired across his body while he was going out of bounds on a hit by Chubb, and his unlikely prayer was answered when James Cook pulled in the pass just past Baker's coverage. The demoralizing score sent the Dolphins into the locker room trailing 21-13.
• To make matters more difficult, Buffalo received the second-half kickoff, but Miami forced a three-and-out after a Sieler turned a 2nd & 1 into a 3rd & 4 by splitting the double team to drop Singletary.
• Three players later, lightning struck for the 'Fins, as Waddle executed a deep cross and then made the safety look like he was standing still to race 67 yards for a touchdown that silenced the crowd. Tua fired high for Waddle on the two-point conversion, however, making the score 21-19, Bills.
• Miami was victimized by another playground play when a clear false start was uncalled and Allen lofted the ball deep under pressure for a 21-yard gain to Knox. Buffalo was called for holding and false start on subsequent plays, leading to another 3rd & 17 that they couldn't convert this time.
• After the punt, the Dolphins got a first down on two tough runs by Ahmed, and on a 2nd & 9 play, Tua spun away from a sack and saw an open field in front. With Smythe maneuvering in front as lead blocker, what looked like a significant gain ended quickly when Tua inexplicably tackled himself and fell down two yards short of a first down. A predictable out to Waddle was nearly picked off, forcing a Morstead punt that was downed by Bethel at the Bills' 1-yard line.
• Holland made a tremendous play as a spy by tackling Allen on a 3rd & 9 scramble, but Miami chose not to pressure the punt out of Buffalo's end zone, giving up a 46-yard net boot instead.
• Taking over at midfield, the Dolphins promptly went three-and-out when Tua failed to dump the ball off to Mostert on a blitz and took a sack instead. However, Morstead took a wicked hit on the punt, earning a roughing-the-punter penalty to retain possession. An 11-yard run by Ahmed set up a 20-yard touchdown toss to Hill that saw White burned again, finally pushing Miami ahead 26-21.
• An impressive kickoff return by Hines gave Buffalo strong field possession, and the Bills were then somehow not called for either grounding or illegal touching on an Allen pass that was clearly both of those things. Allen missed a deep ball to an open Stefon Diggs, leading to yet another Bills punt.
• Headed into the fourth quarter, the Dolphins went three-and-out again when Tua again threw a highly predictable 3rd & 3 toss to Hill that easily could have been a pick-six. A poor 34-yard punt by Morehead gave Buffalo great field position at its own 49-yard line.
• On the first play of the next drive, Allen held the ball long enough for Phillips to loop around on a pass rush and jar the ball loose. Wilkins pounced on the fumble, giving Miami the ball on its own 47-yard line with a phenomenal chance to seize control of the contest.
• After an 11-yard run by Mostert, the 'Fins once again shit the bed on 3rd & 1, with a lazy throw to Smythe, who was easily dropped two yards behind the line of scrimmage on another awful play call by McDaniel. Sanders drilled a 47-yard field goal to make the score 29-21, but the missed opportunity loomed as something that would come back to haunt the visitors.
• A designed Allen run resulted in another fumble when Chubb jarred the ball loose, but the ball bounced straight to an offensive lineman. Cook had a 16-yard run that saw Riley miss another tackle, then another Allen draw went for 44 yards when McKinley took a terrible angle. Yet another keeper by Allen led to the refs to call a bad roughing-the-passer penalty on Roberts, which led to more snowballs that did not draw flags. Van Ginkel nearly jarred the ball loose on another quarterback run, but on 3rd & goal, Bethel was beaten by Knox for an easy touchdown. The next horseshit call came on the two-point try, when the ball was knocked free for a fumble as Allen extended toward the goal line. Despite not having a definitive view, the refs predictably gave the home team two points to tie the score at 28 with nine minutes remaining.
• With the snow creating near-whiteout conditions, Hill reeled in a sliding 13-yard grab, then Wilson went full Randy Moss to haul in a 21-yarder over a helpless defender. After a predictable throw to Hill lost three yards, Waddle was clearly held on a 3rd & 12 throw, but -- again, predictably -- no penalty was called. Hines nearly muffed the punt, but held on to give the Bills possession on their 7-yard line.
• A Sieler sack led to a loss of seven, but Ighbinoghene and Howard were beaten easily on successive plays for a big Buffalo first down. Kohou gave up the next 3rd & 3, then the Bills turned to Singletary, who rushed three straight times for 19 yards. On a 3rd & 6 play, Allen threw deep off his back foot, with a bail-out, 21-yard pass interference called on Kohou. Three straight runs set up a 25-yard field goal by Todd Bass with two seconds remaining. Despite the flurries, Bass converted easily to cap a monumental 15-play, 86-yard drive and give the Bills a 32-29 victory.

2022 Schedule

Miami 20, New England 7 (1-0)

Miami 42, Baltimore 38 (2-0)

Miami 21, Buffalo 19 (3-0)

Cincinnati 27, Miami 15 (3-1)

New York Jets 40, Miami 17 (3-2)

Minnesota 24, Miami 16 (3-3)

Miami 16, Pittsburgh 10 (4-3)

Miami 31, Detroit 27 (5-3)

Miami 35, Chicago 32 (6-3)

Miami 39, Cleveland 17 (7-3)

Miami 30, Houston 15 (8-3)

San Francisco 33, Miami 17 (8-4)

Los Angeles Chargers 23, Miami 17 (8-5)

Buffalo 32, Miami 29 (8-6)

Day 1,011, Quasi-Quarantine: Powerful "The Water Dancer" Wages Internal War Between Real And Surreal

 

"As you will soon see, finding freedom is only the first part. Living free is a whole other."

"And freedom mean the right of a man to do as he please, not as we supposed. And if you have not been as we supposed, you have been as you were supposed to be."

Ta-Nehisi Coates took a decade to write his debut novel, and "The Water Dancer" appears to be the marriage of painstaking research and an emphasis on the supernatural. The result is a novel that tries to blend history and surrealism, to mostly positive effect.

"Bored whites were barbarian whites. While they played at aristocrats, we were their well-appointed and stoic attendants. But when they tired of dignity, the bottom fell out. New games were anointed and we were but pieces on the board. It was terrifying."

Hiram Walker is the protagonist, charged with balancing the Tasked (slaves) and the Quality (slavemasters) by having feet and blood in both worlds. Hi is imbued with special powers that he doesn't fully understand and struggles with the dichotomy of having a photographic memory yet no recollection of the loss of his mother.

"I didn't get to say farewell. I have so rarely been afforded the right of farewell."

As he joins "the Underground," he encounters characters both fictional and real and both fully realized and one-dimensional. The tale challenges the reader to find a personal balance between what to understand as reality and myth -- and how closely the two lived to one another in the era depicted. 

An abrupt ending robs the story of some impact, but "The Water Dancer" overcomes all challenges with a unique, powerful, and important depiction of love, hate, and identity in the dying days of the antebellum South.

"My part has been to tell the story of the slave. The story of the master never wanted for narrators." 

~Frederick Douglass

Day 1,010, Quasi-Quarantine: Playful And Creative Are The Themes For The Next Five "Star Wars" Advent Calendar Reveals

 

While the first five days paid tribute to the Clone Wars and the second five days primarily honored Tattooine, the third five days was a bit more eclectic, balancing lighthearted humor with impeccable mini-builds.

Day 11: V-35 Landspeeder

Day 12: Summer Vacation Darth Vader

Day 13: Darth Vader's Sandcastle

Day 14: B-Wing

Day 15: TIE Interceptor

This landspeeder version is a faithful representation of the one included in the dream-build set, Mos Eisley Cantina (75290), while both Darth Vader and his sandcastle (and his volleyball) were part of the Lego Star Wars Summier Vacation from August.

The B-Wing is an iconic, crowd-favorite spacecraft, and the hyper-clever TIE Interceptor is a really nuanced build. The indispensable Jay's Brick Blog played a big role in helping me ensure I built things the right way, since the included instructions are not always easy to view.

Kudos to the Lego team for threading the needle here on offering enough for both kids and adult builders. Every day is a revelation, so I can't wait to see what the team comes up with down the stretch!