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.
the buck's mascot looks PISSED!!!
Posted by: nhad | August 27, 2011 at 07:38 PM
I condemn all religious belifs Odin...Chill
Posted by: Marc | August 27, 2011 at 07:38 PM
Interesting to me that Daniel Thomas is on kickoffs on special teams. Hmmm.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | August 27, 2011 at 07:38 PM
Bell drops the pick
Posted by: Dark Matter Bomb | August 27, 2011 at 07:39 PM
Terrible pass by Freeman that Bell should have intercepted but dropped instead.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | August 27, 2011 at 07:39 PM
Great play by Bell...should have held on!
Posted by: redsky | August 27, 2011 at 07:40 PM
Thanks redsky and Marty Woods very helpful appreciate it
Posted by: AJMagg | August 27, 2011 at 07:40 PM
Of course Bell dropped it! Why in the world would he catch it?? Sheesh :)
Posted by: Dolfandave | August 27, 2011 at 07:40 PM
Well, Kevin Burnett cannot stay with kellen Winslow for a first down.
Dolphins defense simply stuggles with TEs.
Still.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | August 27, 2011 at 07:40 PM
Aaaaaahhhhh!!! Dang dropped INT's!!!
Posted by: robbyhernz | August 27, 2011 at 07:40 PM
I see no pass rush what so ever!!
Posted by: ray | August 27, 2011 at 07:42 PM
looked like an easy pick.. .not this again.
Posted by: ncfinfan70 | August 27, 2011 at 07:42 PM
Secondary with dropsies again and is costing us
Posted by: 72perfectstill | August 27, 2011 at 07:42 PM
Sean Smitth is not a good tackler.
Posted by: Dark Matter Bomb | August 27, 2011 at 07:42 PM
Blown assignment by D
Posted by: redsky | August 27, 2011 at 07:43 PM
Cameron Wake is supposed to have peeled off on that RB when the offense overloads to his side and Misi rushes.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | August 27, 2011 at 07:43 PM
Must be a Michael out there or 02 with the last LTC post
Posted by: ltcdolphin | August 27, 2011 at 07:43 PM
Holding on the Bucs
Posted by: Dark Matter Bomb | August 27, 2011 at 07:43 PM
Bucs are eating up clock
Posted by: Dark Matter Bomb | August 27, 2011 at 07:44 PM
SEAN SMITH is not a good ANYTHING!
Posted by: Marc | August 27, 2011 at 07:45 PM
D needs to tighten up, watch for Winslow again!
Posted by: redsky | August 27, 2011 at 07:45 PM
3rd and 15 for the Bucs
Posted by: Dark Matter Bomb | August 27, 2011 at 07:45 PM
Back to reality this week
Playing a good team today
Posted by: 72perfectstill | August 27, 2011 at 07:45 PM
Wake/Taylor!
Posted by: Jim in NYC | August 27, 2011 at 07:46 PM
Offsides Miami. 3rd and 10 Bucs
Posted by: Dark Matter Bomb | August 27, 2011 at 07:46 PM
Incomplete pass by Freeman, 4th and 10 Bucs. Punt coming up
Posted by: Dark Matter Bomb | August 27, 2011 at 07:47 PM
Wake is the only thing I give Tuna credit for.
Posted by: Los Lobos | August 27, 2011 at 07:47 PM
Livas calls for a fair catch. Miami 1 and 10.
Posted by: Dark Matter Bomb | August 27, 2011 at 07:48 PM
Was that a held interception thst did not count
Posted by: ltcdolphin | August 27, 2011 at 07:48 PM
I don't want to play against the Dolphin D on 3rd and long.
Posted by: ncfinfan70 | August 27, 2011 at 07:48 PM
Just a guess here: Henne looks for Marshall on first play.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | August 27, 2011 at 07:48 PM
I know Ireland didn't go up to Canada to get Wake. That was all Tuna.
Posted by: Los Lobos | August 27, 2011 at 07:48 PM
Stupid mistakes!
Posted by: redsky | August 27, 2011 at 07:49 PM
Always the 3rd Game is the most meaningful of the pre-Season.
Posted by: oscar canosa | August 27, 2011 at 07:49 PM
I see its pre-season for the officiating as well. The blindness.
Posted by: Angry Elf | August 27, 2011 at 07:49 PM
Should be a nice move down the field right boys? This is our first team right?
Posted by: Los Lobos | August 27, 2011 at 07:49 PM
Davis had the INT but it was called back because of the offsides on Wake.
Posted by: Dark Matter Bomb | August 27, 2011 at 07:49 PM
Agree Mando. important to get BM the ball early and often.
Posted by: ncfinfan70 | August 27, 2011 at 07:49 PM
TY fins66 perfect!
Posted by: Aisle B Bach | August 27, 2011 at 07:49 PM
Let's not be too critical of Henne today. Give him a chance. Cheer him. Lets send him 1-800-Chocolates to the sideline to know he is loved.
Posted by: Typical Fin Fan | August 27, 2011 at 07:50 PM
Great start for Henne!
Posted by: redsky | August 27, 2011 at 07:50 PM
Henne sacked, 2nd and 16.
Posted by: Dark Matter Bomb | August 27, 2011 at 07:50 PM
The defensive front needs to apply pressure and sacks they can rely on the blitz from the corner or safetys to get sacks! Brady will kill them I'm concern!!
Posted by: ray | August 27, 2011 at 07:50 PM
This won't happen with Long there!!
Posted by: robbyhernz | August 27, 2011 at 07:50 PM
I'd like to share a Bigalo Iced Tea with Mando ;)
Posted by: odinseye | August 27, 2011 at 07:51 PM
FASANO!
Posted by: redsky | August 27, 2011 at 07:51 PM
Henne with a nice pass to Fasano, 23yds. 1st and 10 Miami
Posted by: Dark Matter Bomb | August 27, 2011 at 07:51 PM
Nice pass and catch. Henne to Fasano
Posted by: blism | August 27, 2011 at 07:51 PM
Fasano nice!!
Posted by: NJ-DolFIN FAN | August 27, 2011 at 07:51 PM
Murtha gets pushed into QB on 1st down.
Posted by: ncfinfan70 | August 27, 2011 at 07:51 PM
Marshall Touchdown!!!!!
Posted by: blism | August 27, 2011 at 07:51 PM
good lord Fasano almost dropped that one.
Posted by: Jim in NYC | August 27, 2011 at 07:51 PM
MARSHALL!!!!!
Posted by: redsky | August 27, 2011 at 07:51 PM
HENNE!!!!! HENNE!!!!!!!! TD!!
Posted by: bobbyd12 | August 27, 2011 at 07:52 PM
Guess Henne finally trust Marshall
Posted by: Los Lobos | August 27, 2011 at 07:52 PM
Yeah baby !!! That should shut the Henne haters up.
Posted by: odinseye | August 27, 2011 at 07:52 PM
BEAST MODE!!!
Posted by: Jim in NYC | August 27, 2011 at 07:52 PM
LOVE THE TEMPO!!! There is a God cuz Henning is no longer OC!!
Posted by: robbyhernz | August 27, 2011 at 07:52 PM
Wow I like that the long ball consistency and accuracy!! NICE TD PHINS!!
Posted by: ray | August 27, 2011 at 07:52 PM
Henne to Marshall for 60 yds TD. Marshall leaped up over the ddefender and fought off the safety. Nice Pass and Catch.
Posted by: Dark Matter Bomb | August 27, 2011 at 07:52 PM