The Dolphins have waived linebacker Mike Rivera injured.
With that blockbuster out of the way let's discuss today's game between the Bucs and Dolphins.
Let's start with the defensive backs situation. Basically, the situation is down to three names -- Nolan Carroll, Will Allen and Tyrone Culver. And it looks like only two will make the team. Today will go a long way in determining which will stay and which will go.
The way I see it, Allen looks like an odd man out right now. Even if he plays well tonight, his $1.5 million salary and the fact he hasn't really played the last 18 months puts him behind the eight ball. Because of his age and salary, the Dolphins can cut Allen and risk losing him to another team.
Because he doesn't play special teams, the chances of him getting picked up are a lot more slim than, say, either Carroll or Culver. And you can always bring him back for the veteran minimum without having to guarantee the salary for the year and also saving around $500,000 in the process.
Obviously, everything changes if Allen plays out of his mind tonight. But otherwise, he's definitely not favored to make the team.
If Allen plays great, obviously Miami can look at Carroll or even Culver. I think the more likely cut would be Carroll because Culver can play both safety, in the nickel package, and on special teams. Carroll doesn't play safety.
On to other matters:
Running back Larry Johnson is expected to play tonight. He might get between 8-12 carries. I'm curious to see if the veteran still has it. I hope he does. I like a comeback story.
But the real issue at running back is not with Johnson or even starter Reggie Bush. The issue involves rookie Daniel Thomas. I've not been impressed with Thomas so far this preseason. Don't get me wrong, I believe he's been fine. But he hasn't done anything special.
More importantly, he has taken anyone's breath away within the Dolphins coaching ranks. They are asking more of him. They welcomed the addition of Larry Johnson.
The fact is if Thomas is going to respond to a challenge, this is the time. He's on notice he must run harder. He just looked up and the team brought in an accomplished player behind him. Hello?
Time to giddyup, rookie.
Obviously, we're looking for consistency from Chad Henne after a good performance last week against Carolina.
We're looking for signs of consistency from the offensive line.
We'll monitor the final WR spot battle between Roberto Wallace, Marlon Moore and the others. Wallace, because of his special teams work, has the advantage.
[Update: Reshad Jones will start ahead Chris Clemons at free safety. Jake Long will not play. Neither will Charles Clay, nor Lex Hilliard, nor Patrick Carter.]
It all gets underway at 7:30. The live blog is in the comments section. See you there.
IMA, thx, LOL! MANDO, answer my previous inquiries man, stop ignoring me!!!!
Posted by: redsky | August 27, 2011 at 09:01 PM
Ray,
the O-line was a major problem last year too.
Posted by: Oregon Dolphin fan | August 27, 2011 at 09:01 PM
With the exception of the slop (all mental errors), they look fast, tough, and generally better than the other team.
Posted by: dishpan | August 27, 2011 at 09:01 PM
are you guys watching the same game? we're beating a decent team's starters.
Posted by: ncfinfan70 | August 27, 2011 at 09:01 PM
Oh Dear. I sense another long season. Poor Chad. I'm going to stock up on Chunky Soup and tea for him. Mr. Sparano maybe you can outsource an oline?
Posted by: Mrs. Henne | August 27, 2011 at 09:01 PM
LIONS 17 PATS 3!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL...
Posted by: DyingBreed | August 27, 2011 at 09:02 PM
Trying to watch the game here in NJ any websites streaming it?
Posted by: mikeNJ29 | August 27, 2011 at 09:02 PM
Ray,
Can't make chicken salad out of chicken....
Posted by: Jon | August 27, 2011 at 09:02 PM
Oregon, I was trying to help those who can't see the game, no harm meant.
Posted by: Dark Matter Bomb
Oh, I know man. I was just poking fun is all.
Posted by: Oregon Dolphin fan | August 27, 2011 at 09:02 PM
Hopefully tonights performance can get everybody on board with Henne as starter this year.
Posted by: BennyV | August 27, 2011 at 09:02 PM
Mando, sorry, U R still busy eating, I lost my head buddy!
Posted by: redsky | August 27, 2011 at 09:02 PM
Oregon:
Got a link to watch online?
Posted by: MaCo | August 27, 2011 at 09:02 PM
can someone please tell me how to find the dolphin game live online because i live in CT.
Posted by: Ryan | August 27, 2011 at 09:02 PM
Henne sucks, too many missed open WR's already
Posted by: cowkilla | August 27, 2011 at 08:56 PM
"Henne is 10 of 12 for 175 yards and 1 TD."
Armando
Oh boy lol
Posted by: LouD | August 27, 2011 at 09:02 PM
http://www.firstrowsports.eu/sport/american-football.html
here for all who want it
Posted by: Poizen | August 27, 2011 at 09:03 PM
Mando...but play-calling this quarter has been Henning-like.
Posted by: IMAWriter | August 27, 2011 at 09:03 PM
Again, that pansy Smith tries to strip instead of TACKLE!
Posted by: Angry Elf | August 27, 2011 at 09:03 PM
DyingBreed
Laughing at the Pats won't help our horrible running game!
Posted by: Mrs. Henne | August 27, 2011 at 09:03 PM
Ugly game. Tons of penalties.
Posted by: DOUG | August 27, 2011 at 09:03 PM
http://www.firstrowsports.eu/watch/80741/1/watch-tampa-bay-buccaneersvs-miami-dolphins.html
Posted by: BennyV | August 27, 2011 at 09:03 PM
http://www.firstrowsports.eu/watch/80741/1/watch-tampa-bay-buccaneersvs-miami-dolphins.html
Posted by: acwalsh8@aol.com | August 27, 2011 at 09:03 PM
Henne play great looks like a different QB but the OL is not helping him and of course, it's the OL again it's ridiculous!! And one more thing I notice the secondary can't catch a cold!!
Posted by: ray | August 27, 2011 at 09:03 PM
No chance BennyV,
The haters are going to hate. That is just what they know and what they do.
Posted by: Oregon Dolphin fan | August 27, 2011 at 09:04 PM
www.firstrowsports.eu
Doesn't work with internet explorer.
Posted by: Juggernutz | August 27, 2011 at 09:04 PM
POIZEN I F*ckin LOVE YOU!
Posted by: mikeNJ29 | August 27, 2011 at 09:04 PM
Henne haters are straight up stupid.
Posted by: odinseye | August 27, 2011 at 09:04 PM
Those fools asking for a link every week, did it ever occur to you to save the link or write it down? Hullo? Get a clue!.
Posted by: Mrs. Henne | August 27, 2011 at 09:05 PM
Miami D looking pathetic during Bucs 2 min offense..
Posted by: Dan | August 27, 2011 at 09:05 PM
DYING BREED, thx for the Pats updates, I, for one appreciate them.
Posted by: redsky | August 27, 2011 at 09:05 PM
Maco,
sorry man.
http://www.firstrowsports.eu/watch/80741/1/watch-tampa-bay-buccaneersvs-miami-dolphins.html
Posted by: Oregon Dolphin fan | August 27, 2011 at 09:05 PM
ONLY HERE IN DUMBERVILLE CAN A QB GO 10 FOR 12 175YDS 1 TD AND NO PICKS AND STILL BE CALLED GARBAge!!!!!!!!!!!! lol....
Posted by: DyingBreed | August 27, 2011 at 09:05 PM
Wow, that was a very big hole on the goal line for Graham. Yikes!
Posted by: Armando Salguero | August 27, 2011 at 09:05 PM
Sean smith wont tackle for nothing
Posted by: Mr. Marcus13 | August 27, 2011 at 09:05 PM
Henne missed 1 open receiver. Hartline in the corner of endzone on goal line 3rd down sack. He's looked good thus far. 10/12 175 1td
Posted by: DOUG | August 27, 2011 at 09:05 PM
does that link also work for the regular season?
Posted by: Dan | August 27, 2011 at 09:05 PM
you need to let the game load, and adds will pop up every now and again to try and get you to click there, let them run their course and it will work
Posted by: Poizen | August 27, 2011 at 09:05 PM
Jesus Sean Smith is soft for a guy that size.
Posted by: Jon | August 27, 2011 at 09:05 PM
That was way too easy
Posted by: jlwesq | August 27, 2011 at 09:05 PM
Little to easy
Posted by: bobbyd12 | August 27, 2011 at 09:05 PM
Does anyone have a link please
Posted by: nate | August 27, 2011 at 09:06 PM
Did anyone touch Graham?
Posted by: redsky | August 27, 2011 at 09:06 PM
Bad series for the Defense.
.
.
Posted by: Cooz | August 27, 2011 at 09:06 PM
Well blocked screen play. We will see the Dolphins run screen plays this year? I hope so!
Posted by: Oregon Dolphin fan | August 27, 2011 at 09:06 PM
Hi Mando !!!
Posted by: odinseye | August 27, 2011 at 09:06 PM
What defense?
Posted by: dishpan | August 27, 2011 at 09:06 PM
Good thing Henne is on tonight. The defense has already punched the clock.
Posted by: Angry Elf | August 27, 2011 at 09:06 PM
link 1 works in the link i posted....like someone said....let it load and it works.
Posted by: acwalsh8@aol.com | August 27, 2011 at 09:06 PM
Jugger...download a real browser...safari, or FireFox
Posted by: IMAWriter | August 27, 2011 at 09:06 PM
Bell got blown out. No fill by LB's!
Posted by: grfdolphin | August 27, 2011 at 09:07 PM
Hope we are holding back on d
Posted by: qbclub13 | August 27, 2011 at 09:07 PM
wow, D, looked good at beginning of the game...really collapsed in final drive. Brady will pick that apart if they don't get settled. For a team that prides itself on the basics, they have looked terrible at tackling tonight.
Posted by: Dan | August 27, 2011 at 09:07 PM
nate scroll back to see link
Posted by: LouD | August 27, 2011 at 09:07 PM
D was playing better last year!
Posted by: redsky | August 27, 2011 at 09:07 PM
Henne playing better QB lately. Now he needs to play better DL, and DB, and RT, and RG.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | August 27, 2011 at 09:08 PM
WTF can smith please make a tackle. Man I guess they are done for the night, because it doesnt seem like they are even trying on D any more.
Posted by: Mr. Marcus13 | August 27, 2011 at 09:08 PM
Reggie Bush shutdown can be attributed to the Bucs familiarity with him, and the terrible O-line. Colombo must go.
Posted by: DOUG | August 27, 2011 at 09:08 PM
Last week this link was flawless. this week it's buffering every 30 seconds, sometimes more. refreshed twice, exited and re-upped. No help.
Posted by: IMAWriter | August 27, 2011 at 09:08 PM
Mando, great point! Amazing how Henne is the LEAST of Miami's concerns right now...
Posted by: Dan | August 27, 2011 at 09:08 PM
I mean the game link.
Posted by: IMAWriter | August 27, 2011 at 09:09 PM
Pats players getting testy now. Brady knocked down again and o-line takes personal foul at end of play.
Posted by: LouD | August 27, 2011 at 09:09 PM