Day 1,658, Quasi-Quarantine: The Mets Just Need To Win One Game Against Atlanta. One.

 

Three teams. Two wildcard spots available. 

Three scenarios:

• If the Mets sweep today's doubleheader against Atlanta, the Braves are eliminated.
• If the Mets split today's doubleheader against Atlanta, the Diamondbacks are eliminated.
• If the Mets are swept in today's doubleheader against Atlanta, New York is eliminated.

I think we all know how this one is going to play out, right?

.....

Right?

Day 1,655, Quasi-Quarantine: Dolphins-Seahawks Game 3 Review

Every long-suffering Miami fan knew this game was going to be hard to look at. I'm not sure any of us realized just how bad it was going to be.

Coach Mike McDaniel's team seemed not to have practiced at all during its mini-bye, getting flagged for 14 penalties and playing a generally uncompetitive game on the road in Seattle. If the 'Fins were interested in excellence or accountability, they would have cut Julian Hill and Anthony Walker and fired special teams coordinator Danny Crossman after this game, but Feel-Good Mike doesn't really roll like that.

On to the questioning-every-element-of-the-franchise recap ...

Offense

• The 'Fins managed just 13 first downs, misfired on 11 of 12 third downs and all three fourth-down attempts, did not score a touchdown on either red-zone trip, and managed just 205 total yards (3.7 yards per play). In a game that screamed for a run-heavy approach considering the signal-caller situation, Miami ran it just 18 times for 65 yards (3.6 yards per carry). If there was a silver lining, it was that the Dolphins did not commit a turnover despite taking six sacks.
• Skylar Thompson turned in a timid, skittish performance, connecting on 13 of 19 passes for just 107 yards. Despite hearing a lot about his mobility being a differentiator, he did not tote the ball once, absorbed five sacks, took a number of avoidable hits, and predictably left the game with a rib injury. Tim Boyle -- recently elevated from the practice squad -- came on to complete seven of 13 passes for 79 yards, rushing for six yards and taking a single sack. Boyle at least appeared to play with confidence, but most observers believe the fourth quarterback on the roster, Tyler Huntley, will be the starter in the next game.
• DeVon Achane led the way again at running back, with 14 touches for 58 yards, though he was called for a chop block at one point. Rookie Jaylen Wright showed some burst on his two carries for 17 yards, but oddly did not receive enough touches. Jeff Wilson carries three times for 14 yards, while fullback Alec Ingold ran once for a loss of two yards and caught all three targets for 16 yards. He added an assisted tackle and an illegal-formation penalty. As noted, the game plan did not include nearly enough run calls nor a commitment to the process.
• It was a lost day for the wide receivers, due to quarterback ineptitude and a myopic offensive plan. Tyreek Hill reeled in three of five targets for 40 yards and Jaylen Waddle snared four of five targets for 26 yards, but both were relegated to underneath targets. Former Seahawk Dee Eskridge contributed a 30-yarder on his lone target, but reserve Erik Ezukanma was targeted twice with a catch in his first action of the season and Braxton Berrios could not come up with his lone target -- meaning he has now played three games this year without a reception.
• The tight end room had another brutal performance in what was been a season-long theme. Julian Hill caught both targets for 24 yards, Jonnu Smith grabbed two of three for 18 yards, and Durham Smythe hauled in one of two for three yards (including one in the end zone that he probably should have reeled in), and Tanner Conner added one catch on two targets for a single yard. Conner added a solo tackle and Hill contributed an assist, but penalties were the story of the day: this unit accounted for five penalties. Hill was whistled for a staggering four (two holding and two illegal motion) and Smith was called for an illegal shift. In a season rife with disappointment, the abysmal play of this group ranks pretty high on the list.
• The offensive line has been an easy target this year, and deservedly so in most cases. In this one, however, the line held up reasonably well, though indecision at quarterback led to some sacks. Guard Liam Eichenberg (fale start) and tackle Austin Jackson (illegal formation) were called for penalties, but Kendall Lamm came off the bench to earn a 74.9 grade from Pro Football Focus as something of a bright spot. Injuries and game-planning are certainly compounding this unit's struggles.

Defense

• In an impressive effort, this side of the ball did its part, limiting Seattle to 21 first downs, stopping them on eight of 11 third-down tries, forcing two turnovers, and coming up with three sacks. The Seahawks did score touchdowns on both red-zone visits, but overall the 'Fins "D" -- despite a number of in-game injuries -- played well enough to win.
• Zach Sieler was a monster on the interior, posting three tackles, two solos, a sack, a stop for loss, a pass breakup, a quarterback hit, five pressures, and an interception -- all good for an 86.5 grade from PFF. Calais Campbell somehow bested that mark, earning a 91.1 PFF grade after notching three tackles, a solo, a stop for loss, a sack, a pass breakup, two quarterback hits, and five pressures. Da'Shawn Hand was active in the rotation, recording five tackles, three solos, a sack, a stop for a loss, and one quarterback hit.
• On the edge, Emmanuel Ogbah had three tackles, two solos, a stop for a loss, and a quarterback hit, while Jaelan Phillips added two assisted tackles, a pass breakup, and a quarterback hit. Chop Robinson completed a relatively quiet day for the outside linebackers, recording one solo stop.
• At inside linebacker, Jordyn Brooks registered nine tackles, three solos, and a quarterback hit, while David Long picked up two solo stops before leaving with injury. Walker added three tackles and two solos in 16 snaps off the bench, while Duke Riley had a single snap from scrimmage.
• Jalen Ramsey's performances continue to climb, as he earned a 79.3 PFF grade after contributing five tackles, three solos, and two stops for losses. Kendall Fuller had three tackles, two solos, and a pass breakup before departing, while Kader Kohou picked up four tackles, three solos, a pass breakup, an interception, and a facemask penalty. Reserves Storm Duck (five tackles, two solos) and Siran Neal (one solo stop) got extra time after Fuller's injury.
• At safety, Jordan Poyer recorded nine tackles and five solos and Jevon Holland added four solos. Marcus Maye is starting to see more scrimmage time, earning 19 snaps and collecting three tackles and two solo stops.

Special teams

• Jason Sanders missed a 57-yard field goal, but made a 23-yarder for the lone Miami points.
• Jake Bailey punted six times, averaging 46.2 yards per boot and placing three inside the 20-yard line, with a lone touchback.
• The 'Fins showed some signs of life in the return game, with Achane running back a kickoff 32 yards, Berrios adding a 31-yarder, and Eskridge contributing a 28-yarder. Berrios also sprang a 44-yard punt return, a welcome contribution in a bit of a lost year for him to date.
• Elijah Campbell had a solo tackle -- and here ends the good news for the third phase. The Dolphins were called for a stunning five penalties on special teams alone, with Campbell and Walker picking up illegal-formation infractions ... Walker for the THIRD STRAIGHT GAME. Ramsey was called for holding, while Riley was whistled for unnecessary roughness.
• Despite the small sparks on returns, Crossman should have been fired more than a year ago, and that hasn't changed. Miami is consistently and dramatically outplayed in this phase of the game.

Momentum plays

• A 39-yard kickoff return set up Seattle in good position, and an 18-yard pass from Geno Smith to Tyler Lockett moved the Seahawks into Miami territory. The defense stiffened at that point on the strength of a Hand sack, but Jason Myers drilled a 56-yard field goal for the first points of the game.
• Achane took a short pass for 22 yards on the ensuing possession, but a nine-yard run by Wright was followed by failures on 2nd & 1 and 3rd & 1. McDaniel passed up an opportunity to convert a 4th & 1, opting instead for a 57-yard Sanders attempt that was way wide left.
• Taking over at its own 47-yard line, Seattle quickly picked up two first downs before Smith hit D.K. Metcalf for 22 yards. The 'Hawks punched it in from four yards out on the next play, moving ahead 10-0.
• After an exchange of penalties, the 'Fins turned a 2nd & 1 into a 4th & 19 after a negative-yardage run followed by a sack.
• A strong Bailey punt pinned Seattle deep, and a 3rd & 15 from the 5-yard line should have ended up in a Sieler safety. Instead, the officials allowed the play to continue, and Smith's pass sailed high, was deflected by the receiver, and landed in the hands of Kohou, who returned it two yards to the Seahawks' 6-yard line.
• A costly illegal motion on Julian Hill helped Miami gain two yards in four plays, forcing a short field goal to make it 10-3 despite the incredible field position.
• It took Seattle exactly one play to score again, as Smith hit Metcalf for a 71-yard touchdown that effectively ended the game after a single quarter at 17-3.
• An initial first down on a 10-yarder to Waddle set up another punt three plays later.
• The Seahawks converted a 3rd & 5 on a seven-yarder to Lockett, then hit back-to-back passes of 16 and 15 yards to move into Dolphin territory. A key holding penalty stymied the next set of downs, and Myers missed wide left from 53 yards to give the 'Fins a reprieve.
• A 13-yard run by Achane put Miami near midfield, but a sack helped force another Dolphin punt. The 'Hawks returned the favor after a 17-yard pass to Lockett, with a Sieler sack leading to a Seattle punt that Berrios returned 44 yards to set the visitors up in Seahawk territory.
• One of the worst drives in the history of football ensued, with the 'Fins managing to lose 29 yards in three plays, thanks to penalties on four straight plays. Seattle couldn't quite match the feat, losing only nine yards on their own three-and-out.
• An initial 17-yarder to Tyreek Hill led to some small hope that Miami could steal points before the half, but a baffling sequence of calls and brutal time management led to Thompson being blindsided for a sack-fumble to run out an awful first half.
• A rejuvenated Miami team came out of the locker room and immediately -- just kidding. They went three-and-out after another sack.
• Campbell's third-down sack forced a Seattle three-and-out, and another 17-yarder to Tyreek Hill got the 'Fins going briefly. Thompson left with an injury, and after an Ingold fumble on 3rd & 1 created a 4th & 3, Boyle misfired for Berrios to turn the ball over on downs.
• The Seahawks took over in Miami's territory, but went three-and-out after a couple of penalties. Another Julian Hill penalty submarined the Dolphins' next possession, leading to yet another three-and-out.
• Seattle picked up three straight first downs, but a 3rd & 22 pressure by Campbell led to a deflected pass that was plucked out of the air by Sieler, setting the 'Fins up in Seahawk territory.
• A hard-earned initial first down seemed to settle the offense a bit, as Boyle hit tight ends Smith (13 yards) and Hill (11) to set up first & goal from Seattle's 3-yard line. Two ill-fated Achane runs got a single yard, and Smythe couldn't reel in a third-down toss in the end zone. The 'Fins elected to go for it, but Boyle threw incomplete for Achane to turn the ball back over to the home team.
• The 'Hawks responded with an 11-play, 98-yard drive to salt the game away against a gassed Dolphin defense, with a 10-yard run extending the margin to 24-3.
• The 'Fins got a couple of first downs, but a series of penalties set up back-to-back incompletions to Ezukanma to give the ball back to Seattle on downs. The Seahawks mercifully ran out the clock to end the contest.

2024 Schedule

Miami 20, Jacksonville 17 (1-0)

Buffalo 31, Miami 10 (1-1)

Seattle 24, Miami 3 (1-2)

Day 1,647, Quasi-Quarantine: Dolphins-Bills Game 2 Review

 

Miami hewed close to recent history by finding a way to lose to Buffalo for the 12th time in 13 meetings. The 'Fins did their part by committing six more penalties (somehow, the Bills were called for just one, for five yards) and three more turnovers than the visitors, falling by three touchdowns despite outgaining, outsnapping (running 30 more offensive plays), and outpossessing (36:19-23:41) Beefalo.

Of course, the dominant storyline coming out of the contest was the health of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who suffered the latest in a string of terrifying concussions and left the game amidst a hurricane of questions about his immediate and long-term future. The reality is Miami is extremely fortunate to be 1-1 instead of 0-2, and now has to cope with the loss of Tua, an aging and poorly designed roster, and a coaching staff that has lost 11 of its last 12 games against winning teams.

On to the make-it-fucking-stop recap ...

Offense

• The Dolphins picked up 20 first downs and 351 yards on offense, converting seven of 15 third-down attempts. However, the home team turned the ball over three times (one was a pick-six, for good measure), misfired on four of five fourth-down attempts, averaged just 4.7 yards per play, and failed to score a touchdown on three of four red-zone visits. Coach Mike McDaniel's predictable playcalling and highly questionable personnel groupings have come under fire from just about every direction.
• Prior to his injury, Tua struggled mightily, connecting on 17 of 25 passes for just 145 yards and a touchdown. He threw three interceptions, was sacked once, and ran twice for 17 yards, earning a Pro Football Focus grade of just 48.0 in 55 snaps. Backup Skylar Thompson didn't fare much better, hitting eight of 14 attempts for 80 yards and absorbing a sack for a 43.9 PFF mark in 21 snaps.
• Despite coming into the game with questions about whether he'd even play, halfback DeVon Achane was a freaking workhorse, tallying 29 touches for 165 yards and a touchdown in 47 snaps, according him a 76.0 PFF grade. In further evidence of coaching malpractice, he was left in the game well past the point when it had been decided, putting an already-injured player in line for a lot of needless punishment. Rookie Jaylen Wright was ineffective in 18 snaps, rushing five times for a total of four yards on his way to a 57.4 PFF mark. A lack of short-yardage imagination put Alec Ingold in position to rush twice for two yards in 24 snaps, tagging him with a 41.7 grade from Pro Football Focus. Jeff Wilson caught both targets for 12 yards in his 11 plays, but left the game injured. The offense sorely missed Raheem Mostert's gliding style in this one.
• At receiver, the news was unexpectedly bleak. Jaylen Waddle caught all four targets for 41 yards in 55 plays, but Tyreek Hill reeled in three of six targets for just 24 yards in 52 plays for a 58.5 PFF mark. Braxton Berrios was targeted once without a reception in 34 plays, meaning he now has more tackles (one) than catches this season. Robbie Chosen also picked up a tackle in this one, but it was after an interception that came on a miscommunication he had with Tua, and he would go on to grab one of four targets for five yards in 17 snaps. Newcomer Grant DuBose caught his first pass as a Dolphins (a 13-yarder in 26 snaps), but failed to catch another target and turned a third into an interception when the ball hit him while he wasn't looking and deflected to a defender. The 'Fins are not adjusting well to extra attention for Hill and Waddle, and a lack of depth -- compounded by poor drafting -- in the receiving corps is dragging down the entire offense.
• The tight ends fared better than they did in the season opener, but not by much. Jonnu Smith made the most of his 32 snaps, nabbing six of seven targets for 53 yards and adding an assisted tackle on his way to a 73.3 PFF grade. Durham Smythe's disappointing performances continued, as he caught an eight-yarder and picked up a 47.6 PFF mark (somehow, a dramatic improvement on Week 1's 29.4 grade) in 33 snaps. Julian Hill committed his weekly required false start and didn't catch either target in 28 snaps, but a solid blocking effort earned him a 69.8 PFF grade. Tanner Conner got three snaps from scrimmage without a statistic, leading one to wonder whether he would better used in a wide receiver capacity.
• The offensive line was assigned a pass-blocking grade of 30.5, its lowest since October 2022. Left tackle Terron Armstead (holding penalty) and left tackle Robert Jones (50.2 PFF mark) both left with shoulder injuries, with reserve Kendall Lamm earning the best PFF grade at 73.2. Center Aaron Brewer picked up a 72.6 PFF mark, though right guard Liam Eichenberg committed two false starts and right tackle Austin Jackson had a false start in his worst outing in recent memory (27.2 PFF grade). Without Tua's quick release around to bail them out in upcoming weeks, expect this unit to be further exposed -- if that's possible.

Defense

• The ineptitude of the Miami offense was so bad that Buffalo hardly had to do anything to win -- and they didn't. The 'Fins "D" held the Bills to just 13 first downs and 247 total yards, limiting them to three of nine third-down conversions (Beefalo did not convert its lone fourth-down attempt). The Dolphins didn't register a sack nor a turnover and allowed touchdowns on both red-zone trips, but Bills QB Josh Allen did next to nothing -- making the loss even that much more painful.
• Up front, Zach Sieler posted two tackles, one solo, and a stop for loss in 35 snaps, earning a 74.3 PFF grade. Calais Campbell was limited to just 23 snaps, contributing a solo stop and a batted pass on his way to a 52.8 mark from PFF. Emmanuel Ogbah (one solo tackle in 28 snaps) and Da'Shawn Hand (one solo stop in 24 snaps) were non-factors, while Benito Jones (16 snaps) and Brandon Pili (nine snaps) were similarly quiet in reserve.
• Off the edge, Chop Robinson had the best game of his early career, notching two tackles, one solo, and a stop for loss in 24 snaps, being assigned an 83.1 grade by PFF. Jaelan Phillips did not record a statistic in 23 snaps (41.0 PFF mark), while Quinton Bell picked up two tackles and one solo stop in 16 snaps. The good news here is that Miami should be well-rested at this spot and we're one week closer to Bradley Chubb returning.
• Jordyn Brooks stood out in the middle, racking up six tackles, four solo stops, and one pass breakup in 45 snaps, earning a sterling 92.2 grade from PFF. His partner at inside linebacker, David Long, notched 11 tackles, nine solos, and two stops for losses in 45 snaps, though some struggles in coverage and working his way through blocks led to a 61.8 PFF mark. With Miami dominating in time of possession, reserves Duke Riley and Anthony Walker did not receive any snaps from scrimmage.
• At cornerback, Kyle Fuller led the way, recording four tackles, two solo stops, and a pass breakup in 41 snaps (71.1 PFF grade). Kader Kohou struggled mightily in the slot, making two solo tackles in 27 snaps and earning a dismal 37.2 mark from PFF. Likewise, Jalen Ramsey scuffled for the second week in a row, notching three tackles and one solo stop in 41 snaps (55.7 grade by PFF), while Storm Duck got four snaps off the bench. Though Ramsey's performance is less concerning based on past performance and his recovery from an injury, Kohou's back-to-back lackluster efforts are cause for dramatic concern in a secondary that is underperforming generally.
• The story isn't any better at safety, where Jordan Poyer (four tackles, three solo stops, and an unnecessary roughness penalty in 41 snaps) received a 55.1 mark on the heels of last week's 42.2 grade. Jevon Holland collected four tackles and one solo stop in a quiet game, earning a 51.8 PFF grade for his 41 snaps of work. Marcus Maye (two assisted tackles, 73.2 mark from PFF) and Siran Neal each played four snaps in reserve. Overall, Poyer has looked a step slow and taken a number of poor angles through the first two weeks, bringing up the possibility that Maye might offer more upside at the position in future contests.

Special teams

• In a quiet game for the Dolphin specialists, Jason Sanders connected on his only field goal -- a 34-yarder -- and an extra point, while Jake Bailey punted a single time for 48 yards, placing it inside the 20-yard line.
• Miami did not record a single kickoff or punt return.
• Elijah Campbell recorded one solo tackle in the kicking game, while Walker committed an illegal-formation penalty for the second straight week.

Momentum plays

• They were all made by Buffalo. I'm not writing about those.
• Also, this was as devastating a regular-season outcome as I can remember, figuring injuries into the equation. I'm not interested in reliving. 

2024 Schedule

Miami 20, Jacksonville 17 (1-0)

Buffalo 31, Miami 10 (1-1)

Day 1,644, Quasi-Quarantine: A Rough Weekend For ... Let's See ... Yup, All Of My Favorite Teams

 

The Mets lost MVP candidate Francisco Lindor to a back injury with two weeks remaining in the season and in the midst of a hotly contested playoff race. He is likely to miss a significant number of New York's remaining games.

The Dolphins lost quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to a terrifying concussion a couple of weeks after signing a $212 million contract. He should probably never play football again.

NC State lost sixth-year signal-caller Grayson McCall to an unspecified (likely also a concussion) injury headed into a trip to Clemson. His return is at least partially contingent on the performance of true freshman C.J. Bailey.

Three days.

Three teams. 

Three most important positions. 

Three stiff drinks needed.

Onward.

Day 1,641, Quasi-Quarantine: Dolphins-Jaguars Game 1 Review

 

The 'Fins were on the verge of having an awful opening day, with its star receiver arrested just outside the stadium and the visiting in-state team on the verge of opening up a 17-point lead. However, safety Jevon Holland came up with a timely "Peanut Punch" near the goal line to thwart a Jacksonville touchdown, setting the stage for Miami to hit a field goal with no time remaining to eke out a victory.

The Dolphins overcame 103 yards in penalty yardage to run 15 more plays than the Jaguars on their way to dramatic advantages in yardage (+133) and time of possession (33:10-26:50).

On to the well-that-was-scary recap ...

Offense

• The best thing Miami did was avoid any turnovers, though it misfired on both fourth-down attempts (going eight for 16 on third downs) and scored on one of two red-zone visits. The running game is a concern, as the 'Fins averaged just 3.2 yards on 25 rushes.
• Tua Tagovailoa was a little off early, missing a layup touchdown to Tyreek Hill and finishing 21 of 37 for 338 yards and one touchdown. He averaged 9.1 yards per attempt, but was sacked three times. Tua did manage an 11-yard scramble at a key moment as part of a 77.8 grade from Pro Football Focus.
• At running back, DeVon Achane got the most snaps (37), racking up 17 touches for 100 yards and a touchdown. Raheem Mostert (31 snaps) ran just six times for nine yards and caught two of three targets in an uncharacteristically quiet game. Key running game contributions came from Jeff Wilson (five carries, 26 yards in 11 snaps) and Alec Ingold (two carries for eight yards and a single target in 29 snaps). 
• Hill shook off the pregame controversy to bust out for 130 receiving yards on seven receptions (12 targets). He played 50 snaps, earned an 80.2 PFF grade, and overcame being called for a holding penalty to turn the game around with his 80-yard score. Jaylen Waddle led the wideouts with 51 snaps, reeling in all five targets for 109 yards, with a long of 63 and a PFF mark of 78.2. Braxton Berrios (26 snaps, 51.1 PFF grade) was targeted twice without a reception, while newcomer Grant Dubose (13 snaps, 53.2 mark) and Robbie Chosen (12 snaps, 52.6 grade) did not record statistics in limited action. Clearly, the Dolphins are going to need more from reserve receivers the rest of the way.
• In a rough game for the tight ends, Julian Hill led in snaps (42), contributing a six-yard catch and a false start. Durham Smythe also committed a false start among his 30 snaps and did not record a reception on three targets, with at least two drops. Jonnu Smith (20 snaps) did not play his expected role, committing an offsides penalty and contributing a seven-yard catch on two targets. This unit included the two lowest-rated offensive players by PFF in Smythe (29.4) and Smith (38.4).
• The offensive front of Terron Armstead (left tackle), Robert Jones (left guard), Aaron Brewer (center), Liam Eichenberg (right guard) and Austin Jackson (right tackle) played all 71 snaps. Jones got called for two holding penalties, and the entire unit seemed to struggle in run blocking. Armstead (87.4 PFF grade) and Jackson (81.7) received the two highest offensive grades on the team, with Eichenberg earning an 80.1 mark and Brewer coming in at 70.2.

Defense

• New coordinator Anthony Weaver's defense came up big (especially) in the second half, limiting the visitors to just 267 total yards, recording three sacks, stopping Jacksonville on eight of 10 third-down tries and its lone fourth-down attempt, and forcing the game-changing turnover. While Miami struggled against the run at times and allowed two touchdowns on three red-zone trips, it made the key plays with its back against the wall and held Jax scoreless in the second half.
• Along the defensive line, Zach Sieler was active as always, notching three assists in 46 snaps, though his production is sure to increase. Calais Campbell made an immediate impact, notching a sack and a tackle for loss on his first two plays as a Dolphin and going on to make another solo tackle and a quarterback hit in 35 snaps, for a strong 74.1 mark from PFF. Da'Shawn Hand added a solo and assisted tackle in 19 snaps, while reserves Benito Jones (eight snaps, 29.6 PFF grade) and Brandon Pili (five snaps) did not record statistics in limited action. 
• Jaelan Phillips played much more than expected at outside linebacker, recording two tackles, one sack, a stop for loss, three pressures, two quarterback hurries, and one quarterback hit in 34 snaps, earning a 73.1 PFF grade. Emmanuel Ogbah started on the other side, posting four tackles, two solo stops, a sack, a tackle for loss, two quarterback hits, and two quarterback pressures. Despite that output in 40 snaps, his overall play landed him a 56.8 mark from Pro Football Focus. Quinton Bell had one solo tackle and a stop for loss in 16 snaps (72.6 PFF grade), while Chop Robinson was called for offsides in his 16 snaps (receiving a 57.1 mark from PFF). This unit is likely a work in progress until Bradley Chubb returns, Phillips works himself back to full health, and Robinson gets adjusted to the pro game, with improvement in run support needed.
• At inside linebacker, Jordyn Brooks and David long complemented each other well, each playing 53 snaps. Long notched eight tackles, including seven solos, on his way to a 76.6 PFF grade, while Brooks added three assists and a solo tackle. Reserves Anthony Walker, Duke Riley, and Channing Tindall were limited exclusively to special-teams snaps.
• Kyle Fuller led in snaps (53) at cornerback, collecting six tackles and four solo stops as part of a 65.3 grade from PFF. Jalen Ramsey struggled at times in his return from injury (55.9 mark from PFF in 41 snaps), with three assisted tackles and pass-interference penalty in the end zone, but he played a key role in a massive fourth-down run stop. Kader Kohou was also subpar at the nickel (41.1 PFF grade in 47 snaps), though he supplemented his four solo stops with a pivotal fumble recovery in the end zone. Storm Duck had two solo tackles in eight snaps as a reserve, earning a 66.3 PFF grade.
• The safeties were led as usual by Holland, who tallied three tackles, two solos, a pass breakup, and a game-turning forced fumble in his 53 snaps, good for a 72.2 grade from PFF. Newcomer Jordan Poyer had a rough outing in his 53 snaps, racking up six tackles, four solos, and a facemask penalty to end up with a 42.2 mark from PFF. Marcus Maye got three snaps in reserve, failing to record a statistic.

Special teams

• Jason Sanders missed one of his three field-goal attempts badly, but came through in the clutch with his game-winning 52-yarder. He added two extra points for good measure.
• Punter Jake Bailey was instrumental early in the game, averaging 49.5 yards on four punts, placing three inside the 20-yard line. He had a long boot of 57 yards.
• Braxton Berrios struggled in the return game, picking up just two yards on two punt returns, while Hill chipped in with an 11-yarder.
• Bell, Riley, and Siran Neal were in for 20 special-teams plays, while Julian Hill and Elijah Campbell added 17 apiece. Robinson was in for 13 snaps in the third phase, with Tanner Conner, Duck, and Wilson earning 10 plays apiece. Campbell and Conner picked up solo tackles, while Walker was called for an illegal-formation penalty.

Momentum plays

• Miami got the ball first and converted a 3rd & 13 with a 39-yard catch and weaving run by Achane, but had to punt four plays later.
• The Dolphins forced a three-and-out when Campbell followed a sack with a tackle for loss, and Jacksonville punted after Poyer nearly picked off a third-and-long pass.
• Hill converted a 3rd & 2 with a catch and 10-yard tightrope run. On the next play, however, Tua missed a wide-open Hill streaking for the end zone, and two more incompletions -- including a drop by Smith -- set up a punt that pinned the Jaguars on their own four-yard line.
• Jacksonville ripped off a 17-yard run on the first play when Ramsey missed a tackle, then Trevor Lawrence found Dolphins killer Gabe Davis for 20 yards. An end-zone pass interference on Ramsey set up the visitors for a 1-yard touchdown run by Travis Etienne, capping a 96-yard drive and staking the Jags to a 7-0 lead.
• The ensuing brutal three-and-out by Miami featured illegal formation and holding penalties, though Bailey delivered a 57-yard punt to flip the field.
• The Jaguars picked up an initial first down, but a big drop by Christian Kirk on 3rd & 9 forced a 67-yard punt that Hill could only return 11 yards.
• A catch by Waddle in traffic was followed by roughing-the-passer and offside penalties, moving Miami into Jacksonville territory. However, Tua double-clutched on a 4th & 3 pass that could have ended in a pick-six, giving the Jags the ball back at their own 45-yard line after the incompletion.
• Jax quickly picked up a first down on the ground, then Lawrence found Kirk for 30 yards down the seam on a 3rd & 8 play that saw Kodou and Poyer victimized. Poor tackling helped set up the Jags with a first down on Miami's 13-yard line, but the Dolphins stiffened, forcing a 3rd & 11. However, Ramsey and Poyer were beaten again, this time on a 14-yard touchdown pass to Brian Thomas, Jr. With 6:21 remaining in the half, the visitors suddenly led, 14-0.
• An initial 16-yard catch and run by Achane got the next drive moving, and Tua had a key 11-yard scramble on a 2nd & 10 play. He then hit Waddle for 20 yards on 3rd & 8 and followed with a 10-yard dart to Hill on 3rd & 6 just before the two-minute warning. Achane was surprisingly marked short on a second & goal catch, but paid off the drive with an inside handoff on the next play to cut the margin to 14-7 with 1:04 left in the half.
• A missed hold on a Phillips rush set up an 8-yard pass to Roberts, followed by a 20-yard connection with Davis, who beat linebacker coverage. Miami held from there, but Jax drilled a 53-yard field goal with no time left to extend the advantage to 17-7.
• Good third-down coverage forced a three-and-out on Jacksonville's opening possession of the second half, and the 'Fins picked up a first down before going backwards on a second hold on Jones and a third-down sack of Tua, leading to another punt.
• The Dolphins forced another three-and-out thanks to a holding penalty and third-down pressure from Phillips and Sieler, then took advantage of another possession with a 63-yard first-play strike to Waddle, who was surprisingly caught from behind. Three plays later, Tua took another sack after Jackson was badly beaten, pushing the 'Fins out of field goal range.
• Another tremendous punt pinned Jax at its own three-yard line, but another Bigsby dash for 26 yards -- eluding Holland along the way -- got the visitors out of trouble. Kohou was torched by Davis for 22 yards, then Etienne added a 12-yard grab when Miami was unable to provide any semblance of pressure. A facemask on Poyer set up the Jaguars with a first down at the 'Fins 13-yard line, and Etienne burst through the line, headed for an easy score until Holland punched the ball loose, with Kohou pouncing on the fumble in the back of the end zone.
• Revitalized by the massive turnover, the Dolphins struck immediately, as Tua reset in the pocket and hit Hill on a crosser. The wideout got to the sideline and outraced everyone -- punctuated by a tremendous "Oh, he's a ghost!" call by announcer Kevin Harlan -- for a lighting bolt that trimmed the margin to 17-14.
• Campbell appeared to force and recover a Jacksonville fumble on the ensuing kickoff, but the Jaguars retained the football on what was a highly confusing play. Four players later, the entire Miami defense reversed field to hammer Etienne at the line on a criss-crossing rush attempt on 4th & 1, promptly handing the ball back to the offense.
• Despite taking over at the Jaguars' 30-yard line, the 'Fins went nowhere. The brutal sequence was punctuated when Sanders missed wide left by about a million yards on a 42-yard field goal try.
• Jax got an initial first down, but another key Kirk drop on a third down led to another punt.
• Waddle drew a 20-yard pass interference penalty, then Hill reeled in a 21-yard catch while absorbing a big hit. Wilson came in to cover 23 yards on three straight runs, and Ingold converted a 3rd & 1 with a six-yard burst. A Julian Hill hold stymied the drive, however, forcing another Sanders field goal attempt. This one was good from 37 yards away, deadlocking the game at 17.
• Back-to-back sacks by Ogbah and Phillips forced another three-and-out by Jacksonville, but an awful punt return by Berrios lost five yards.
• Tua found Waddle for 13 yards just after the two-minute warning, then hit Achane for 10 more. On 3rd & 1, Ingold almost broke a run, but managed two yards for a first down. After the Jags attempted to ice Sanders with a timeout with four seconds remaining, the kicker coolly delivered a 52-yarder to give the 'Fins a 20-17 victory.

2024 Schedule

Miami 20, Jacksonville 17 (1-0)

Day 1,639, Quasi-Quarantine: May The Force Ghost Be With You, James Earl Jones

His Darth Vader shaped so many of our childhoods.

His Terrance Mann shaped how so many of us view the sport of baseball.

James Earl Jones passed away recently, but his voice will live on forever.

Godspeed, good sir.

Limerick Friday #626: Fantasy Football Drags Me Back In Like Michael Corleone -- Day 1,634

At long last a fantasy draft

At many of the picks, I laughed

It's been a minute

Feels good to be in it

I believe I have skills in this craft

The summer went by in a flash

School has hit with a crash

New routines and friends

Oh, the feelings it sends

Along with emotions that smash

The verge of another season

The 'Fins now give us reason

To hope against hope

But will fate say "Nope"

Despite all the talent we're teasin'?

Lack of leadership skills

Leads to errors and spills

Awful promotions and hires

Though it sickens and tires

Should I die on these hills?

Against all odds and bets

They've put on the jets

Eyes on a wildcard spot

And whether you like it or not

Here come the fucking Mets

Last time ...

Day 1,632, Quasi-Quarantine: Alighting From The Crow's Nest For Long Enough To Puzzle

 

Maintaining a long-standing beach-trip tradition, we tackled a couple of more puzzles on our latest visit to the OBX.

The newcomer was this tremendous 1,000-piece puzzle from Cavallini Papers & Co. that featured vintage images of national parks. 

The 20 x 28 puzzle came in a handy 10-inch tube with a bag inside for the pieces, making cleanup and storage easy.

The end result was a beautiful collection that served the purpose of making me want to visit more national parks.

9/10, would cobble together in Kill Devil Hills again.

Day 1,625, Quasi-Quarantine: Extrasensory Perception, Visions, Covid Combine To Propel "You Like It Darker" Into Another King Short-Story Masterpiece

 

“Well, I tell myself, we call it a gift and we call ourselves gifted, but gifts are never really earned, are they? Only given. Talent is grace made visible.” 

~ “Two Talented Bastids”

Bookended by the strong opener "Two Talented Bastids" and the emotional "The Answer Man," "You Like It Darker" is Stephen King summoning his fastball in yet another short-story collection. Filled with Easter eggs from his entire oeuvre, this book balances quick burns ("The Fifth Step," "Willie the Weirdo," "On Slide Inn Road," "Red Screen") with novellete-length stunners like "Danny Coughlin's Bad Dream," "Rattlesnakes," and "The Answer Man."

“The stars we see at night are just eternity’s first inch.”

~ “The Dreamers”

"You Like It Darker" balances an emphasis on dreams and visions with insights on mortality and toxic masculinity. The specter of Covid overhangs much of the work, lending an air of isolation and paranoia to the festivities.

“He wonders if he could change his name, ditch his family, and get a job at some little bank in an Australian town. Learn to call people mate and say g’day.” 

~ “On Slide Inn Road”

The author manages to pay tribute to Flannery O'Connor ("On Slide Inn Road") and H.P. Lovecraft ("The Dreamers"), while hat-tipping his own works like "The Shining" and "Doctor Sleep" ("Danny Coughlin's Bad Dream"), "Duma Key" ("Rattlesnakes"), and "Tommyknockers" ("Two Talented Bastids").

“What had Jim the bridge keeper said? Dusk, you know. Real things seem thinner then.”

~ “Rattlesnakes”

Along the way, he combines interesting concepts ("Finn"), potentially misplaced entries ("Judge Judy"), and familiar republications ("Laurie"), maintaining the ability to hit you hard in just eight pages ("The Fifth Step") or drag you along at high intensity for 151 ("Danny Coughlin's Bad Dream").

King varies his locations from his trademark Northeast, roaming to the Midwest, Ireland, New York City, and Florida. His customary stellar character-building is ever-present, giving fans of this format yet more evidence that better short-story writers would be difficult to find.

“You like it darker? Fine. So do I, and that makes me your soul brother.”

Day 1,618, Quasi-Quarantine: "The Berry Pickers" Uses The Northeast As Backdrop For Tale Of Loss, Identity, And Redemption

“When we arrived from Nova Scotia, midsummer, a caravan of dark-sinned workers, laughing and singing, travelling through their overgrown and rusting world, the local folks turned their backs, our presence a testament to their failure to prosper.”

This melancholy tale has a bit of everything, from kidnapping to grief to redemption to murder to hope to rage to abuse to faith to racism. Amanda Peters uses short, staccato sentences to propel the pace, giving a great story the space it needs to overpower suspect prose.

“There is a code among the dying: let the living speak. They have longer to atone for it.”

Some readers may question the sheer number of tragic coincidences that impact a single family, and it can be difficult to determine the motivations and mindsets of certain characters. Yet "The Berry Pickers" is deeply emotional and absorbing, making it one of the rare books that makes a saccharin, tidy ending both acceptable and welcomed.

“The dash saddens me. The simplicity misses so much. It doesn’t allow for all the downs that bring a person low or the joys that lift them up. All the bends and turns that make up a lifetime are flattened and erased. The dash on a tombstone is wholly inadequate.”

Day 1,617, Quasi-Quarantine: Miami Foregoes Need To Triple Down On Skill-Position Speed On Day 3 Of The Draft

Somewhat surprisingly (and perhaps shortsightedly), Miami loaded up on skill-position players on the draft's third day, landing a running back (Tennessee's Jaylen Wright) and two wideouts (Virginia's Malik Washington and USC's Tahj Washington). In between, the 'Fins landed an edge rusher (Colorado State's Mohamed Kamara) and a safety (California's Patrick McMorris), which fit much better into the "need" category than the other three selections.

The pluses: Wright was assigned a third-round grade and deemed the No. 83 overall player by draft analyst Dane Brugler, though Miami grabbed him with the 120th overall pick, in the fourth round. He's seen as an explosive, speedy (4.38 seconds in the 40-yard dash) home-run hitter, which makes him a scheme fit.

Kamara is intense (described as an inspirational captain) and productive (30.5 career sacks), with a high-effort style that lends itself to a rotational role at a position of need due to injury.

Assigned a third-round grade by Brugler, Washington may have simply been too good to pass up by the Dolphins in the sixth round -- Brugler had him as the No. 90 player in the draft and Miami got him 184th overall. He was second in the nation in receiving yardage (1,426 overall) and a team captain with only four drops in three seasons. Importantly, Dolphins draft guru Simon Clancy tabbed Washington as the best prospect at the East-West Shrine Bowl.

A former running back, McMorris is described as having good play recognition, physicality (6-0, 207 pounds), and versatility. That's the extent of the good news on this sixth-rounder (198th overall).

The 'Fins landed another small wideout Washington (5-9, 174 pounds) in Tajh, who was rated as a fifth- or sixth-round pick by Brugler but landed 241st overall, in the seventh round. One of Caleb Williams's favorite targets, he can stretch the field vertically (five 50-plus-yard catches to lead the conference), is strong after the catch, is durable, possesses return skills, and had a single drop as a senior.

The minuses: At 5-10, 210 pounds, Wright is viewed by some as inclined to avoid contact and was an afterthought in the receiving game. Miami also traded a third-rounder in 2025 for this selection, despite already having Raheem Mostert, De'Von Achane, Jeff Wilson, Chris Brooks, and Salvon Ahmed in the backfield.

Kamara will be 24 years old by the time the season starts, so his ceiling is perceived to be limited. He has been described as undersized (6-1, 248 pounds) and stiff, with struggles in the run game and with avoiding penalties.

Washington is another wee 'Fins receiver (5-8, 191 pounds) who is challenged to overcome jams, lacks long speed, and does not have much experience on special teams. Granted, there appeared to be some conflicting analysis of the wideout in his scouting report, so the minuses for Washington would appear to be debatable.

McMorris was rated as a priority free agent by Brugler based on a lack of impact plays (two interceptions in the past two years), poor angles, iffy technique and balance, questionable range, and shaky tackling. That's ... a lot to overcome.

Like Malik, Tajh Washington is described as struggling against physical coverage, with a poor catch radius, short arms, and small hands. If he is to perform in the slot -- his most likely role -- he would need to improve his patience in route-running, according to analysts.

The bottom line: While the best-player-available approach is usually the right one, did Miami really need to triple up on skill-position players when the only offensive lineman taken (Patrick Paul) is described as an extreme project? The Dolphins also had seven picks and did not take a single defensive tackle -- despite losing Christian Wilkins in free agency -- nor a cornerback, despite an aging and depleted corps.

In addition, the 'Fins loaded up on undersized players again, despite the team's well-documented struggles against physical opponents when the weather gets worse late in the season. 

It's also important to note that the Dolphins surrendered a third-round pick next year to take Wright, though the team is likely expecting compensatory picks after losing some key players in free agency. 

The early impression is that Miami will come out of this draft without a starter -- technically, Chop Robinson could start early in the campaign due to injuries to both Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb -- for the third year in a row (obviously, never a good sign). With so much of the salary cap tied up in so few players, general manager Chris Grier is digging himself a big, big hole by struggling to replenish departing talent via the draft.

Day 1,616, Quasi-Quarantine: Still Stuck Up On That Crow's Nest

 

Up here, I'm still up there.

'Til next time ...

Limerick Friday #625: The OBX, Ever On The Horizon -- Day 1,606

No matter how long it took

Can't wait for that ocean overlook

The view is the best

From atop the crow's nest

With a cooler and a book

Frauds abound

Ineptitude astounds

Voluntary attrition

The desired condition

But man these fuckers just stick around

Football races near

As camp hits its gear

Hope mixed with dread

At the season ahead

But still just glad it's here

Barnacles cling

Try to horn in on a thing

Don't contribute shit

But want the credit

Easy to see this approach's king

Salt in the air

Wind in your hair

The waves roar

The beach does restore

As you let go of every care

Last time ...

Day 1,605, Quasi-Quarantine: Overwhelming Grief, Immersion Drive Dystopian "Prophet Song"

“ … She can see that the world does not end, that it is vanity to think the world will end during your lifetime in some sudden event, that what ends is your life and only your life, that what is sung by the prophets is but the same song sung across time, the coming of the sword, the world devoured by fire, the sun gone down into the earth at noon and the world cast in darkness, the fury of some god incarnate in the mouth of the prophet raging at the wickedness that will be cast out of sight, and the prophet sings not of the end of the world but of what has been done and what will be done and what is being done to some but not others, that the world is always ending over and over again in one place but not another and that the end of the world is always a local event, it comes to your country and visits your town and knocks on the door of your house and becomes to others but some distant warning, a brief report on the news, an echo of events that has passed into folklore …”

A claustrophobic dystopian tale, "Prophet Song" makes a not-so-very strenuous leap from contemporary society into totalitarian terror. Paul Lynch's chosen setting is Dublin, but it could be so many cities and states in the current political climate.

“We are both scientists, Eilish, we belong to a tradition but tradition is nothing more than what everyone can agree on – the scientists, the teachers, the institutions, if you change ownership of the institutions than you can change ownership of the facts, you can alter the structure of belief, what is agreed upon, that is what they are doing, Eilish, it is really quite simple, the NAP is trying to change what you and I call reality, they want to muddy it like water, if you say one thing is another thing and you say it enough times, then it must be so, and if you keep saying it over and over people accept it as true – this is an old idea, of course, it really is nothing new, but you’re watching it happen in your own time and not in a book.”

After her husband is disappeared by the National Alliance Party (NAP), Eilish Stark gradually switches into survival mode as she must protect her four children -- ranging in age from infancy to 16 years old -- as well as her father, who is descending into dementia.

“He lifts his face and she sees the eyes of a man who has not slept and is met with pity for him, for what is known by the telling of the hands, how the man has been trained for the rules of the game but the game has been changed so what now is the man?”

“History is a silent record of people who could not leave, it is a record of those who did not have a choice, you cannot leave when you have nowhere to go and have not the means to go there, you cannot leave when your children cannot get a passport, cannot go when your feet are rooted in the earth and to leave means tearing off your feet.”

Lynch eschews punctuation to build stellar pacing and an immersive style that puts you both in front of and behind enemy lines -- if only you knew who the enemy was from day to day. The shifting perspectives and lengthy sentences drag you along almost against your will, into a foreboding new reality that is exhausting in its relentless tragedy.

“Your father is with you all the time, she says, even while he’s gone, that is the meaning of the dream, your father came home to remind you that he is always here with you because your father is always alive in your heart, he is here with you now with his arm around you, and he will always be here because the love we are given when we are loved as a child is stored forever inside us, and your father has loved you so very much, his love for you cannot be taken away nor erased, please don’t ask me to explain this, you just need to believe it is true because it is so, it is a law of the human heart.”

While some have taken issue with Lynch's stylistic approach and have alleged that the conclusion feels forced, I found both choices added to the novel's pervasive sense of anxiety, paranoia, and terror. "Prophet Song" is relentless, as bureaucratic entanglements and the profiteers lurking around every corner make family, society, and state less and less recognizable as the descent quickens.

“It is the body that breathes the mind, this is what she thinks, it is the heart that beats the man until the man is beaten and she finds herself reaching out for his hand, whispering, I never wanted you to be anybody else.”

The end result is a stunning achievement, managing to combine both sublime prose with essential reading.

“She looks for Molly’s eyes and cannot find the right words, there are no words now for what she wants to say and she looks towards the sky seeing only darkness knowing she has been at one with this darkness and that to stay would be to remain in this dark when she wants for them to live, and she touches her son’s head and she takes Molly’s hands and squeezes them as though saying she will never let go, and she says, to the sea, we must go to the sea, the sea is life.”

Day 1,604, Quasi-Quarantine: Quaint New Bern Was Almost Impossibly Endearing

 
A recent trip to a film festival led me to discover New Bern, North Carolina, way later than I should have.

Cobblestone streets, early-20th-century architecture, backyard bluegrass wafting on a twilight breeze ...

And bears.

Many painted bears.

The second-oldest town in North Carolina (!), New Bern was founded by settlers from Bern, Switzerland. Apparently, Bern is "the old Germanic word" for bear, so -- naturally -- the animal become the symbol of New Bern.

Alas, my stay was short, but I couldn't resist one last picture of the Neuse River (the longest river in North Carolina and the widest river in America at its mouth!) before a very-early-morning departure.

I'll definitely be back to do some further exploring ...

Day 1,602, Quasi-Quarantine: Multitasking At The Marriott

 

A recent travel opportunity landed me in New Bern, where I somehow found myself doing all of the following:

• Creating a social media presence for a local film festival
• Preparing remarks as a member of a board of directors
• Providing notes on a screenplay
• Starting a new book
• Enjoying an oat soda

Two of those things aren't exactly out of the ordinary for me, but all five at once along the banks of the Neuse River represented a bit of a departure.

I've had worse days "off."

Stay on that grind, Scooter!

Limerick Friday #624: Queens Reigns In Another Dominant Subway Series -- Day 1,592

The Bronx got a little cranky

Enough crying for their own hanky

Into which they did weep

As they thought about a season sweep

The Mets did own every Yankee

Naked inanity

And lack of humanity

The vibe of work

Is a goddam jerk

Default fucking insanity

Training camp is here

With every injury fear

Tua's holding in

Get out that ATM PIN

Almost time for that football beer

Some scenes were rad

Others definitely dragged

"The Acolyte" never coalesced

A case of more meaning less

This is one that Disney gagged

Life often deranges

With many emotional ranges

Never too old to express

The art you hold in your chest

And always make tiny changes

Last time ...

Day 1,591, Quasi-Quarantine: Lookalikes Frost And Landry Both Put The Fail In Midwest Football

 

At some point (probably at the end of a 3-2 game between Nebraska and Iowa), I was struck by solid doppelganger candidates:

Scott Frost (left):

Made things really weird for Nebraska football

Jesse Plemons (right):

Made things really weird on "Friday Night Lights" and "Breaking Bad"

Frost went on to be fired by Nebraska. Plemons went on to marry Kirsten Dunst.

I think there's a clear winner here.