Brandon Marshall Expected Back for Miami, but is That Enough?
by Chris Pokorny on Dec 2, 2010 10:59 AM EST
in General News
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PrintThe Cleveland Browns take on the Miami Dolphins this Sunday, a team that is sometimes just as difficult to read as the Jacksonville Jaguars are. On an overall scale, I would rate the Dolphins as the better team because of their defense, which ranks sixth in the NFL in yards allowed this season.
The issue with Miami is their offense. Wide receiver Brandon Marshall is expected to return this week, but even with him in the lineup, that has not exactly made a significant difference when it comes to putting points on the board.
In six of the team's games this year, the Dolphins have scored 15 points or less. That includes the game two weeks ago when they were shut out by the Chicago Bears (although to be fair, that came with Tyler Thigpen making a spot start).
In most of their other games, the Dolphins have averaged around 20-23 points. That isn't bad, but for the amount of yardage they can put up at times, you almost expect that their point totals would be higher. The issue is that while Chad Henne and company can move the football, they do not have an identity down in the red zone and resort to kicking too many field goals. This is evidenced by the fact that Dan Carpenter has made 26 of 31 field goals this season. He leads the league in makes and attempts. When it comes to extra points, Carpenter is second-to-last in the NFL, only in front of the Carolina Panthers.
Last week, the Dolphins arguably played their best game of the season when they defeated the Oakland Raiders on the road by a score of 33-17. With that type of score, surely the Dolphins broke out of their red zone slump, right? Let's take a look at each of Miami's three touchdowns:
- 29 yard touchdown pass from Henne to Cobbs
- 57 yard touchdown pass from Henne to Moore
- 45 yard touchdown run by Ricky Williams
The Dolphins had their success against Oakland as a result of "the big play." I know the Panthers and Jaguars ripped off some big plays late against our defense, but I'd like to think we can correct those issues with better tackling as opposed to better coverage, which is what Oakland failed at.
What strikes me as interesting from the Raiders game though is that again, the Dolphins struggled to get the ball into the end zone when they got into the red zone. Miami had a great drive just before halftime, starting with 5:29 left in the period. They had a 1st-and-goal from the 8-yard line with over a minute to play. That's where things stalled again. The first play was a one-yard loss by Ricky Williams. Second down was a four-yard completion to the tight end. Third down was an incompletion. Miami kicked a 23-yard field goal.
In the fourth quarter, Miami put together another long drive, starting with 10:51 left in the game. They had a 1st-and-10 at the 15 with over five minutes to go. They ran the ball three straight times for eight yards, and had to settle for a 25-yard field goal.
I'm not trying to nitpick one game for Miami -- I understand that teams don't score 100% of the time when they enter the red zone. If I went back and reviewed other games though, I would find similar results for Miami. They can't punch it in, and if the opposing team happens to finally score on their defense, Miami finds that they are on the wrong side of the scoreboard when the final whistle blows.
The Dolphins' Wildcat had been unsuccessful this season, but they featured it more heavily against the Raiders and had some success. Based on that, I imagine they won't hesitate to include it in the gameplan against Cleveland as they try to stay competitive in the Wildcard race.
Oh, and before I finish, here is one more nugget for you:
The Dolphins are 5-1 this season on the road. At home? They are 1-4. I'm guessing home-field advantage won't have much of an impact on this game.
Who do you think will come out on top this week?
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Alright wise guy, who’s the traitor!??!?!
Anderception [an·der·cep·tion] -noun
1. the logical end result of a Derek Anderson pass
I’m starting Chad Henne this week, so partially me. Although I have yet to vote.
ROHC THE SOHC.
by SpecialBrownie on Dec 2, 2010 12:27 PM EST up reply actions
Oof. I hope you’re league is really deep.
by JulioBernazard on Dec 2, 2010 1:09 PM EST up reply actions
You think I’m starting him by choice?
I started Campbell last week… who didn’t even play.
ROHC THE SOHC.
by SpecialBrownie on Dec 2, 2010 1:16 PM EST up reply actions
Surely Derek Anderson is available instead?
Dawgs By Nature - Covering the Cleveland Browns on SB Nation.
by Chris Pokorny on Dec 2, 2010 1:18 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
there’s 29 of em so I assume Rocland, Champ64, and 27 Phins fans.
his pick sexes put us over the top
by North Coast Flea on Dec 2, 2010 12:48 PM EST up reply actions
I watch the Browns every week at a Steelers/Dolphins bar in Tallahassee. Should have a lot of fun this Saturday. Me and a NYJ fan almost got in a physical altercation the week we played the Jets. Dolphins fans are so lame I guess that hating them comes before hating your actual opponent for NYJ.
Moisture is the essence of wetness.
OT: Apparently, Rotoworld likes dropping memes into their updates.
It wasn’t just because the Bucs were disappointment in Piscitelli’s attitude and his level of play. Piscitelli had “grown disgruntled” in Tampa and requested a new start elsewhere. The Bucs understandably found no takers.
ROHC THE SOHC.
by SpecialBrownie on Dec 2, 2010 2:36 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Not the original reason for my post, but sure.
ROHC THE SOHC.
by SpecialBrownie on Dec 2, 2010 4:44 PM EST up reply actions
Are you kidding? They are prolly paisanos slurping up spaghetti noodles from the same plate.
Note to Bill Byrne "Because you aren´t Texas and you´ll never be Texas"
We are going to mess up Lebron and Miami tonight and then pound the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Cleveland is a city of winners now that Lebron is gone, and Miami is still the most indifferent sports town in the country.
Figured I’d sneak this question in here
(thought about a FanPost but figured it would be too OT / out of line…).
(I’ve been a Cavs fan for a while – not a hard core fan / used to root for the Bulls being from Illinois / lately rooting for Cavs because of the ‘underdog’ factor but not really that much into the NBA)
Couple of questions for any Cavs fans who are interested in weighing in:
1. How do you feel about LBJ, and his decision to leave Cleveland for Miami?
2. If LBJ had not done the ESPN ‘The Decision’ show, and instead had done a low key announcement about deciding to leave and play for Miami, how much difference would it make in the way you feel about him (and his decision)?
"Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing." -- Vince Lombardi
by burntorangeandbrown on Dec 2, 2010 6:57 PM EST up reply actions
1. I hate him as much as art modell. If that doesn’t explain it, I don’t think I can explain it.
2. Not much.
"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein
by rufio on Dec 2, 2010 8:40 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Well, I know enough about Modell to get the gist of your answer.
Thanks – interesting perspective.
"Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing." -- Vince Lombardi
by burntorangeandbrown on Dec 2, 2010 9:14 PM EST up reply actions
1. He’s a quitter, he talks a big game, then folds when it counts.
2. It would make a huge difference, what he did was classless, but I don’t want a quitter on my team either way, so if he’d have moved on like every other free agent ever than I would not be nearly as pissed as I am. Probably what bothers me most is that he left his teammates and the FO in the dark as much as he did his former fans, while it would seem like Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh already knew.
his pick sexes put us over the top
by North Coast Flea on Dec 3, 2010 11:56 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
1. He lost my respect when he quit during the playoffs last season. The decision only reinforced that fact.
by Bernie19Kosar on Dec 3, 2010 1:02 PM EST up reply actions
Cavs had no drive, offense was playing like complete and utter shit, and the defense was getting exposed. I stopped watching 5 minutes into the second half.
ROHC THE SOHC.
by SpecialBrownie on Dec 2, 2010 11:20 PM EST up reply actions
The game just made me sick. I felt like these guys had absolutely no heart or passion throughout the game. They were too focused on being all chummy with LeBron during the game rather than making EASY shots. I mean, what the hell was up with LeBron chatting and joking with the Cavs bench? Seriously, save it for the end of the game. (Although Mo snubbing him was great and LeBron’s reaction of confusion was too.)
The fans showed more passion than the team did. I feel bad for the people who spent $250 to watch that mess.
I don’t feel confident with Delhomme. As much as I like him as a person and wish that his hefty contract would translate into performance, I am nerveous of him as our QB.
When was the last time we played all three Florida teams in Florida in one season?
The saga continues.
It’s less than Carolina is paying him, and I’d pay that much for a mentor to Colt.
"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein
^
his pick sexes put us over the top
by North Coast Flea on Dec 6, 2010 11:55 AM EST up reply actions
I don’t feel confident with Delhomme. As much as I like him as a person and wish that his hefty contract would translate into performance, I am nerveous of him as our QB.
This, x1000!
Never underestimate the powers of Josh Cribbs.
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 5, 2010 9:14 AM EST up reply actions
As a Cavs fan, that was embarassing. Also, my opinion is that it made a huge difference that “The Decision” was the way it was. There were cheers for Z tonight, because he did itthe right way.
As for the Browns, I hope Rob Ryan goes against his gut feelings and has the guys sit back in coverage. If we can limit big plays and hold them to field goals, we’ll be in the game until the end. Assuming Delhomme doesn’t throw some anderceptions, that is.
by Legoman0721 on Dec 3, 2010 12:22 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Jake is ready to wreak chit on the Dolphins. I am willing to attribute the picks to rust and he will revert to the JD we saw in the preseason.
Note to Bill Byrne "Because you aren´t Texas and you´ll never be Texas"
The sun will shine, rose petals will cover the field and leprechauns will climb out of Mangini’s arse.
Ye damned whale!
by elsandito on Dec 3, 2010 11:21 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Aside from one play last week, JD was killing it. The one play was huge, but there was only one terrible play. The pick to Beason was excusable, IMO, and the kind of play that is going to happen if you pass the ball.
"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein
It’s true that JD still has it physically and intellectually. He makes half a dozen poor decisions each game. Any one of those decisions is convertible into a game losing back breaker. He can still win you a game if the other team fails to convert any of these chances.
Ye damned whale!
I have yet to see him make a half-dozen decisions as bad as throwing in to double coverage in the flat on the sideline. We can live with a QB throwing 1-2 INTs per game, but they have to be INTs like the Beason one where Jake just didn’t see the MLB and it would have been a great play had he not been there.
Turnovers are going to happen, you can’t play scared of them.
"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein
Well said.
Just one thing: “We can live with a QB throwing 1-2 INTs per game”
Surely you don’t really mean this literally.
"Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing." -- Vince Lombardi
by burntorangeandbrown on Dec 4, 2010 4:12 PM EST up reply actions
Why not?
Dawgs By Nature - Covering the Cleveland Browns on SB Nation.
by Chris Pokorny on Dec 4, 2010 8:50 PM EST up reply actions
Partly knee jerk reaction on my part I guess.
Let me re-phrase my response:
I think can live with an average of 1 interception per game – lets say maybe average 1.2 interceptions.
I don’t think we can live with 2 interceptions per game.
"Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing." -- Vince Lombardi
by burntorangeandbrown on Dec 4, 2010 9:41 PM EST up reply actions
BTW – down below in this thread I made a (optimistic :) prediction for the game, but I qualify with the following statement:
Jake has hopefully "shaken the rust off" and will throw no more than one interception
I think this is really all I’m getting at. Interceptions have been a problem for Jake. We can’t give him a pass if he continues throwing 2 interceptions per game.
"Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing." -- Vince Lombardi
by burntorangeandbrown on Dec 4, 2010 9:46 PM EST up reply actions
If we are throwing for 300 yards and 2-4 TDs per game we absolutely can. More risk (turnovers) than we are used to is tolerable, we just need more reward at the same time.
"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein
Name a single NFL team with a record over .500 that has averaged over 1.5 interceptions per game this year.
"Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing." -- Vince Lombardi
by burntorangeandbrown on Dec 6, 2010 10:05 AM EST up reply actions
Indy is very close to that, 3 picks from 1.5, and sitting at .500.
his pick sexes put us over the top
by North Coast Flea on Dec 6, 2010 11:58 AM EST up reply actions
Indy is averaging 1.25 picks per game.
They are 0-4 in games when Manning has thrown more than one pic.
"Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing." -- Vince Lombardi
by burntorangeandbrown on Dec 6, 2010 12:16 PM EST up reply actions
NYG are even closer, 1 pick from 1.5 and sitting at 8-4. BTW I don’t know what you’re arguing about Indy 15 picks, 12 games, 3 more would be 1.5 a game. N’yorlins are 2 picks from 1.5 a game and sitting at 9-3.
his pick sexes put us over the top
by North Coast Flea on Dec 6, 2010 12:44 PM EST up reply actions
Not trying to pick sides here, but notice the two teams you chose are high octane, high scoring teams. The Browns are neither of these and lack the offensive explosiveness to make up for those turnovers like those two can. The Colts are 4th in points scored, NO is 8th, we on the other hand are 26th.
But with the hypothetical that Rufio put above, absolutely. If you can score and move the ball, then TO’s are somewhat negated by your points.
"They kept throwing it at me. I don’t know why. They just kept trying, and I just kept knocking it down." -- Joe Haden
I don’t know what you’re arguing about
This (from rufio above):
If we are throwing for 300 yards and 2-4 TDs per game we absolutely can (live with 2 interceptions per game from Delhomme or whoever)
The teams that are winning are keeping the interceptions under 1.5 interceptions per game, and most are averaging 1.25 or less per game.
I’m simply arguing that we cannot win if we are averaging ~2 interceptions per game, as rufio seems to imply.
Maybe I’m just nitpicking.
Maybe what rufio really means is that we can get away with having an occasional game with multiple interceptions. I’d go along with that.
"Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing." -- Vince Lombardi
by burntorangeandbrown on Dec 6, 2010 12:57 PM EST up reply actions
I meant with my example of Indy, it seemed like you were arguing something there. Either way, I agree with Rufio, if we’re throwing for 300ypg and 2-4 TDs we easily can. Especially when you add Hillis in to that equation.
his pick sexes put us over the top
by North Coast Flea on Dec 6, 2010 2:01 PM EST up reply actions
Your thoughts on Delhomme’s performance pretty much match mine precisely. (High fives)
Dawgs By Nature - Covering the Cleveland Browns on SB Nation.
by Chris Pokorny on Dec 4, 2010 8:51 PM EST up reply actions
Man, I am really trying to absorb the comments of you two wise football minds here and drink the Delhomme Kool-Aid beside you. I’m still finding it pretty unpalatable, though.
Colt throws those picks, I chalk it up to youth and lack of NFL experience. Seneca throws them, I think lack of first team reps and starting action. Jake does it, after long experience in the league and a chronic problem with the very same issue, and I say…. OH, WHAT THE EFF, DELHOMME?!??!
Ahem. I think I can feel that migraine starting already. Maybe I should use the Kool-Aid to wash down a handful of Excedrin?
Never underestimate the powers of Josh Cribbs.
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 5, 2010 9:30 AM EST up reply actions
All we are saying is that turnovers happen. We can’t be successful with a QB who is so afraid of throwing an INT that he doesn’t make plays.
Some coaches actually get upset if their QB is not throwing enough interceptions because this means he is being too risk-averse.
One pick-non-six isn’t going to kill us. One pick-six might.
"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein
it’s also worth pointing out that our other QBs aren’t immune to these types of decisions.
"An intelligent man is sometimes forced to be drunk to spend time with his fools" -Hemingway
by notthatnoise on Dec 4, 2010 10:37 PM EST up reply actions
Speaking disparagingly of a pretty spiffy offensive roster. Trying to predispose them through predefining them…We lose.
You are like the Dr Suess of football or something.
his pick sexes put us over the top
by North Coast Flea on Dec 4, 2010 9:09 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
What? You mean there are people other than me up there?
by mooncamping on Dec 4, 2010 1:58 PM EST up reply actions 6 recs
Thought Colt could make it back by game day. 0 confidence in Delhomme as I’ve said multiple times, despite his occasional nice drive. Miami has a real defense with real CBs.
Also I have no idea what Mooncamping just said.
by BuenosAires_Dawg on Dec 3, 2010 12:02 PM EST reply actions
I have to agree with you with regards to both Colt and Delhomme. When a rookie can take an offense and create high scores against two top notch teams and beat them and then a veteran BARELY beats one of the worst teams in the NFL right now…I’m scared!
(LBJ has pet dolphins in his olympic swimming pool)
Lesson: don’t screw around with emily or her team. She WILL make you pay.
"Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing." -- Vince Lombardi
by burntorangeandbrown on Dec 3, 2010 3:25 PM EST up reply actions
Uuhh F@#K you uh WHALE! And uuhh F@#K uh Dolphhhin!!!
Anderception [an·der·cep·tion] -noun
1. the logical end result of a Derek Anderson pass
Anderception [an·der·cep·tion] -noun
1. the logical end result of a Derek Anderson pass
by Simmsinns on Dec 3, 2010 3:27 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
LOL!
Beautiful
"Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing." -- Vince Lombardi
by burntorangeandbrown on Dec 3, 2010 3:30 PM EST up reply actions
haha, that episode was hilarious
by Monsters of the Midway on Dec 4, 2010 9:00 AM EST up reply actions
are you a vegetarian?
"An intelligent man is sometimes forced to be drunk to spend time with his fools" -Hemingway
Not now. I just care a lot about animals.
I may try to be one eventually, though. And SB, there’s nothing wrong with choosing not to eat meat. It’s actually healthier for you if you follow the vegetarian diet correctly rather than eat meat.
You can be just as healthy eating meat too.
And if you just don’t salivate over a marble steak, I have no hope for humanity.
ROHC THE SOHC.
by SpecialBrownie on Dec 4, 2010 2:49 AM EST up reply actions
People were designed to be omnivores, not stick to a strictly carnivorous or herbivorous diet. Ex. molars weren’t meant for grinding up that tough fibrous tissue and canines weren’t meant for catching the all elusive carrot.
his pick sexes put us over the top
by North Coast Flea on Dec 4, 2010 9:13 AM EST up reply actions
I have confidence in the Browns D against the Miami offense.
I feel good about the Browns being heavy favorites on special teams.
The o-line must protect Jake from having to morph into a mobile QB.
Jake has hopefully “shaken the rust off” and will throw no more than one interception.
Browns 28 – Miami 10
"Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing." -- Vince Lombardi
by burntorangeandbrown on Dec 3, 2010 5:54 PM EST up reply actions
Cribbs is our Ace in the hole. We need him back / healthy asap.
"Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing." -- Vince Lombardi
by burntorangeandbrown on Dec 3, 2010 7:45 PM EST up reply actions
I like your outcome more than mine! I am praying you are right! Jake I am afraid may not move the team.
I’m basing my score on the Browns accomplishing the two points I mention before my score.
If they fail on either of those fronts (the o-line or Jake…), Miami probably wins a close one.
"Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing." -- Vince Lombardi
by burntorangeandbrown on Dec 4, 2010 9:49 AM EST up reply actions
I think we score more than 10.
"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein
10, first came on 10/10/10 vs. Atlanta, then again the next week vs. Pittsburgh.
Anderception [an·der·cep·tion] -noun
1. the logical end result of a Derek Anderson pass
We scored 10 on 10/10/10? Really?
his pick sexes put us over the top
by North Coast Flea on Dec 4, 2010 12:05 PM EST up reply actions
How did we not notice this when it happened.
by DisplacedBuckeye on Dec 4, 2010 2:04 PM EST up reply actions
Probably because we had just got stomped.
"Quote goes here."
by Adrock2099 on Dec 4, 2010 3:22 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
10 on two losses, and 14 on two losses.
"There are a lot of Steelers fans around the city so I hope people go to work and kick those Steelers fans.’’ - Josh Cribbs.
by TheDriveStillHurts on Dec 4, 2010 11:18 AM EST up reply actions
I think we score 2 TDs, but yeah, we lose tomorrow.
by BuenosAires_Dawg on Dec 4, 2010 1:28 PM EST up reply actions
yeah, unfortunately i think we go down tomorrow.
by DontCallMeJoey on Dec 4, 2010 6:41 PM EST up reply actions
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