Live blog of Dolphins versus Bucs

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.

Comments

[IMAWriter]

This is 3rd string football, not too concerned about this, but how can we not be about the penalties and lack of O-Line dominance?

as was said, most of our starters may be sitting next week,. other than maybe 2-3 series.

Interesting, that Long's physical problems were due to an injury against....THE COWBOYS.

They get us coming and going.

[andy]

just tuned in..DB is some kind of psycho troll, ...just wants to pretend he's important when everyone can see what a scumbag loser he is

[ncfinfan70]

I'm not sure murtha is the answer at RT. he sure can't play LT.

[BoulderFinFan]

our d thinks they are top 10 but reality they are barley top 20. And the oline is pathetic. Sparano should have been fired last year. If an oline coach can't get the oline fixed he shouldn't be working

[oscar canosa]

I don't know, we seem to add good personnel every year and we always seem to be drawing back.

[DyingBreed]

FINS72,

IM FROM MIAMI. IM NOT JUST A FAN OF THE TEAM. I HAVE ALSO LIVED IN A FEW OTHER BIG SUPPOSEDLY DANGEROUS CITIES. IM NOT BAD AND DONT CLAIM TO BE.

i LEAVE THE BEING BAD FOR GUYS WHO LOVE GETTING THIER A*SSES KICKED. THAT'S USUALLY HOW IT HAPPENS IN THE INNER CITY!

[finsfan72]

ODIN-

Quit playing...you do not agree with that jackass.

[NewEnglandFinFan]

lame effort IMHO

[The real G]

people who type in caps have sexual inadequacies.

[superPHIN]

O-line looks horrible, running game scary bad....Defense still solid however turnovers are still not happening(dropped two more tonight)...Definately room for Improvement for next weeks cut day!!!

[Oregon Dolphin fan]

finsfan72,

I feel the same way.It seems to me the answer at RT was left in the draft or not pursued in FA.

Odrick was a luxury pick and Thomas too when such a big question marks exists at RT.

All offensive success starts on the offensive line. Great skill players are ineffectual when the line can not block or protect.

[andy]

...and DB posting in all caps while insulting everyone else just shows what a limp d**k troll he is

[odinseye]

72,

I was trying to be sarcastic. I'll try harder next time ;)

[oscar canosa]

Except for Henne, the WHOLE Team was uninspired tonight.

[DyingBuffoon]

Dont feed the monkeys People

the more attention they get

the more he plays with himself fondly

[The real G]

I reiterate what our fearless blog moderator Mando says. Our Head coach was an O line coach. That was his specialty. Why is it so inconsistent? Minus Jake of course. We have a serious problem with the running game. That has to be fixed. This O line is in constant flux going back to last year. WTH?

[redsky]

Ok, call me crazy, but I'm the guy that sees the glass half full! This was a reality check, I think the Dolphins will improve when they get rid of Colombo and the penalties. The Oline needs HELP! Big Time! Henne played well!

[Angry Elf]

Tom Brady's various hairstyle changes over the past 6 yrs was just shown on the CBS game. The announcers seem to be displaying a penchant for buggery.

[superPHIN]

No offensive cohesion at all after that first TD....henne pressured all night....surprised he completed even half his balls after the first series....no way anyone could be happy with the Offense tonight...regardless

[The real G]

LOL at buffoon.

[redsky]

22 rushing yards! Terrible!

[DyingBreed]

WHAT I TAKE FROM THIS GAME IS WE SAW WHAT WE REALLY NEEDED TO SEE MOST. HENNE HAD A VERY GOOD GAME TWO WEEKS IN A ROW.

WHY ARE GIRLS SQUEALING SO MUCH ABOUT THE OLINE? LONG DIDNT PLAY, A ROOKIE CENTER THAT'S PROGRESSING(NO BAD SNAPS), CAREY'S 3RD GAME AT GUARD IN ALMOST 10YRS, AND ONLY ONE STARTER AT HIS ORIGINAL POSITION IN 2010.

WE'LL GET LONG BACK AND THERE STILL NEEDS TO BE COHESION BUILT. ONLY TIME CAN CURE THAT YOU NINNIES. IF COLUMBO CONTINUES TO LOOK TERRIBLE HE WILL BE REPLACED.

I LOOK FOR UP AND DOWN PLAY FOR AT LEAST THE 1ST 4-6 REGULAR SEASON GAMES. THEN I EXPECT THE OLINE PLAY TO BEGIN TO LEVEL OUT. QUIT BEING SUCH CHICKEN LITTLE CHICKEN SH!TS. YOU'RE GROWN A*SS MEN! LOL...

[PriceMaster]

Hey Mando,
Let's blame the whole loss on Henne :D

[odinseye]

People have a drink and let some persective sink in.

Going in our two biggest question marks were QB and O-line. QB being the biggest.

So far this pre season, Henne threw one real bad pick and only forced a couple. To me, in this new offense, he seems to have progressed from week to week. This is good.

The O-line will get a giant boost from Longs return, but it won't be enough. We need to find a right tackle like nobody's business.

With our starters it wasn't really all the bad despite the o-line. If we get those two picks(and we will, sooner or later, I hope-doh!)and Marshall holds on to the that pass, we had the Bucs starters on the ropes.

We're not there yet, but please people, a little perspective will go a long ways right about now.

[finsfan72]

Odin-

I know buddy, just kidding. Where do these doom and gloomers get such crazy ideas? And how do they live with themselves?

[72perfectstill]

22 total yards rushing by fins--Yikes!

[perro]

dissapointed

[DyingBreed]

DUMBA*SSES,

IF THIS INCLUDES YOU THEN LISTEN UP TOO. ITS PRESEASON. THE BUC DEFENSE WASNT GAMEPLANNED FOR!

[IMAWriter]

I think this was a bad game from both teams.
Maybe the lack of 2-a days is causing this?
NE apparently didn't look so good either.

I think the lack of practice is a sort of equalizer...for now.

I'd look for some sloppy football the first couple of weeks, a few big upsets, who knows, maybe our Fins can do it, bit as aZ said, the O-Line could be the killer.

Boy, do wee need Long...and a RT.
I'm not giving up on this bunch, and I'm sure y'all feel likewise. TGIPS...thank Gawd it's Pre Season.

'Nite to all...yeah, even YOU DB. Putz.

[peace]

DyingBreed

Why do you bother posting to the very same people you continually offend?

Go away.

Nobody, as in nobody, cares a hoot what babble you have to say. You sound like you are talking down from some high pedestal when in fact you are a sniveling rodent.

Just go away now.

[NewEnglandFinFan]

Replace -- cut Columbo now

[DyingBreed]

IMAWRITER,

WHY DONT YOU CHANGE YOUR SCREEN NAME TO IM A DUMBA*SS, IT'S FAR MORE ACCURATE!!!@! LOL...

[superPHIN]

I agree odin,

Still in retrospect....there were more things wrong tonight than positives good.....Penalties for one thing were extremely horrible tonight..more so than the last two games....too many mistakes mentally and absolutely no running holes whatsoever....get that cut wire ready cuz we got some work to do before week one.

[Oregon Dolphin fan]

odinseye | August 27, 2011 at 11:04 PM

True that. Columbo!?.

[NewEnglandFinFan]

O line was/is just brutal and that is unacceptable in year 4 of the regime.

[The real G]

Glad to see you can interact with adults as a grown man DB. I lived in Miami before you were born. Moot point.

peace out

[odinseye]

PS: I smashed my computer tonight-LOL!

I thought it was computer loading slow and I finally had enough. BLAMO!

Then I came on the blog and saw it was happening to everyone-Doh!

Oh well, I could be ebarrassed, but, F-ck it, it felt liberating. I'll bet that computer won't load slow anymore!

AwwwwwwRight Miam........ah.........HENNE!!!!

[finsfan72]

Nice game by Brandon Marshall-

2 catches for 90 yds. Too bad @ the fumble.

[DyingBreed]

Odin,

I think I did a great job of pissing off the dumba*sses tonight. While I kept the dumba*sses busy focusing on me it temporarily limited thiers dumba*ss posts about the team! LOL...

[superPHIN]

Brandon Fields gets Dress rehearsal game MVP!!!

[finsfan72]

Odin-

Don't let him drag you into his shitpile.

[socalfan]

Don't think we can judge a pre-season game when the second half we didn't have our starters on for most of it. I wish our corners and safeties could catch the fricken ball. That would make a huge difference! Still no running game and Of-line looks like it needs an overhaul.. Sparano is great at that!

[PriceMaster]

If that loser Kolb was able to get $25mil then Henne should be able to get $100mil.

[odinseye]

P.S.S. I hate when my computer loads slowly when I'm pullin my pud too.

[DyingBreed]

Marlon Moore made a decent case to fight for being one of the final 53 with 2 catches for 41yds(1 a 23yd catch). Wallace was shutout tonight.

[BLACKECEROTE]

John Jerry needs to get cut tomorow!

[DyingBreed]

fins72,

I didnt consider you a dumba*ss until tonight. But dumba*sses due try and fight fights that are not thier fights. Right or wrong dumba*ss? LOL...

[odinseye]

DyingBreed you killed em.

Henne will shut these people up this year.

Valhalla!

[morphin]

My biggest concern is the #2 OL,the starting unit needs to stay healthy. I live in the Bucs region and know they were going to game plan and give full effort. The coach canceled two days off and had full practice so not surprised they were full go. The starters were good except for a couple of big mistakes. The fumble by B Marsh and the JT penalty that nullified a safety. If the OL can stay healthy I still believe the FINS can have a winning record in 2011.

[DyingBreed]

VALHALLA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[PriceMaster]

Marshall + Hartline + Bess + Gates + Wallace + Moore. That looks good to me.
F U C K the (TE)tightend position.

[BLACKECEROTE]

No excuses for the O'Line ..but the bucs coach is also the D-cordinator and he had his boys ready to shut out the fins running game..

[DyingBreed]

morphin,

Be very careful, you could be labeled a troll here for saying positives about our team! LOL...

[NewEnglandFinFan]

FO whiffed on J. Jerry huh? How is that even possible?

[odinseye]

....get that cut wire ready cuz we got some work to do before week one.

Posted by: superPHIN | August 27, 2011 at 11:09 PM

I hear you superPHIN, I should have prefaced that post with: THAT WAS UGLY-lol!

It was ugly for sure and a lot of work has to get done quickly. Still, as important as a position as QB is, I came away with a good feeling. In the middle of that mess, our most important player came away with a solid performance.

The other things should be a little easier to fix than QB. I myself am feeling a little better each week with Daboll and Henne.

To the cut and paste above: I never, in all my years of being a Phin Fan have seriously "scoured" other teams rosters looking for possible cuts. I like playing Armchair GM, but this is ridculous. About a week ago I started looking at rosters from teams we've made trades with in the past.

Right Tackle any one!

[superPHIN]

Will allen is most likely out after tonight...cant see miami picking him back up unless its dirt cheap...

[finsfan72]

DB-

I tried to tell you earlier, you don't know me to be calling me names. You're embarrassing yourself and you might be biting off more than you really want.

The best thing you can do is go to bed and sleep it off, dude.

[finsfan72]

Didn't see ALoco in here tonight- wonder which alias he was using?

[odinseye]

P.S.S. I hate when my computer loads slowly when I'm pullin my pud too.

Posted by: odinseye | August 27, 2011 at 11:15 PM

LOL-That's the Fake Odinseye I know and Love!

ROTFLMAO-Good One!

[odinseye]

Well I'm off to clean the lint out of my navel.

Then I might be down for some good ol whackin.

My subscriptions almost up at SexyAlterBoys.com

Valhalla!