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.
wow!!!
Posted by: ncfinfan70 | August 27, 2011 at 07:52 PM
Ok, BobbyD, Henne too!!!!!
Posted by: redsky | August 27, 2011 at 07:52 PM
boom henne to marshall td
Posted by: nick | August 27, 2011 at 07:52 PM
dusty,
Did the safety drop?
Posted by: PriceMaster | August 27, 2011 at 07:52 PM
Henne to Marshall... TD!!!!
Posted by: NJ-DolFIN FAN | August 27, 2011 at 07:53 PM
TD Play is under review.
Posted by: Dark Matter Bomb | August 27, 2011 at 07:54 PM
That's his main Man.
Posted by: oscar canosa | August 27, 2011 at 07:54 PM
Nice stiff arm.
Posted by: Angry Elf | August 27, 2011 at 07:54 PM
3 step drop and sack. 5 step drop and TD.
I wonder if the coaches can learn something from that?
Posted by: Los Lobos | August 27, 2011 at 07:54 PM
Deep pass on the money. This is a good sign. Grow up false poster ladt
Posted by: ltcdolphin | August 27, 2011 at 07:54 PM
WHUT???? Beast!!!!!!!
Posted by: the real G | August 27, 2011 at 07:54 PM
What a great throw and catch. Man that looked wonderful. Lets go fins
Posted by: Mr. Marcus13 | August 27, 2011 at 07:55 PM
I'm strokin it without the condom now!!! Ooooooh baby Henne!
Posted by: ltcdolphin | August 27, 2011 at 07:55 PM
This is what we needed!!!!
Play to your talent!!!
Posted by: NJ-DolFIN FAN | August 27, 2011 at 07:55 PM
Any good links to watch online?
Posted by: robdmillusa | August 27, 2011 at 07:55 PM
Play stands, TD Miami.
Posted by: Dark Matter Bomb | August 27, 2011 at 07:55 PM
THE BEAST
Posted by: Marc | August 27, 2011 at 07:55 PM
Great play by marshall, but I must tell you EJ Biggers is playing in that situation because Aqib Talib is out tonight.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | August 27, 2011 at 07:55 PM
Man, heck of a storm here in Miami Lakes, I had to switch from HD to analog! Crap! Hope my direct tv stays on....
Posted by: redsky | August 27, 2011 at 07:55 PM
Firstrowsports.eu works.
Posted by: ltcdolphin | August 27, 2011 at 07:55 PM
all scoring plays reviewed, coach. but appreciate the opportunity to see it a few more times, lol.
Posted by: ncfinfan70 | August 27, 2011 at 07:56 PM
Thanks Mando for putting it all in perspective.
Posted by: PriceMaster | August 27, 2011 at 07:56 PM
Guys,
Go to NFL.com and you can buy all the preseason games. $12.00 I bought it week 1. Worth it.
Posted by: NJ-DolFIN FAN | August 27, 2011 at 07:57 PM
Off color remarks not mine. Someone grow up
Posted by: ltcdolphin | August 27, 2011 at 07:57 PM
You got to like that Henne threw that pass after getting sacked a couple of plays before. Shows no fear.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | August 27, 2011 at 07:57 PM
seen enough?
nice 1 henne+bm
ready to eat sept 12th
Posted by: The wolf (carcase), icu, terminal starvation | August 27, 2011 at 07:57 PM
15yd unsportsmen like conduct on Bucs because you cannot challenge a TD play. Miami will kick from the 50.
Posted by: Dark Matter Bomb | August 27, 2011 at 07:57 PM
Let's talk about how Henning and not being able to audible had no effect on Henne's play!! Unleashed Henne = different QB
Posted by: bobbyd12 | August 27, 2011 at 07:57 PM
Way to keep glass 1/2 empty Mando!!!
Posted by: robbyhernz | August 27, 2011 at 07:57 PM
Yessss!!!
Posted by: tmacks | August 27, 2011 at 07:58 PM
SORRY YOU DUMBASS HENNE HATING FAKE FANS CHOKE ON YOUR ON HATER SHCLONGS BIACHES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PASS RIGHT ON THE FREAKING MONEY!!!!!!!!LOL.....................................
Posted by: DyingBreed | August 27, 2011 at 07:58 PM
To early for that Bobby, IMO.
Posted by: Dark Matter Bomb | August 27, 2011 at 07:58 PM
http://www.firstrowsports.eu/watch/80741/1/watch-tampa-bay-buccaneers-vs-miami-dolphins.html
Posted by: CanesRUS | August 27, 2011 at 07:58 PM
Mando, C'mon Man, don't put a damper on that TD by playing Devil's advocate! Enjoy the moment guys!
Posted by: redsky | August 27, 2011 at 07:58 PM
this is a much more aggressive and effective offense than some people were expecting. beautiful throw and catch.
Posted by: ncfinfan70 | August 27, 2011 at 07:59 PM
exactly right robbyhernz
Posted by: Dave | August 27, 2011 at 07:59 PM
heh heh, DyingBreed is in mid-season form already
Posted by: tjh | August 27, 2011 at 07:59 PM
armando if henne continues like this i expect a good write up :-)
Posted by: nick | August 27, 2011 at 07:59 PM
Sorry I'm late folks! I'm here to guide you. Please follow me now!
Posted by: DyingArrogance | August 27, 2011 at 07:59 PM
You got to like that Henne threw that pass after getting sacked a couple of plays before. Shows no fear.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | August 27, 2011 at 07:57 PM
=============================================
He should have thrown it. It sounds like Marshall was 1 on 1. Not watching but listening. Is that not the play to make given Marshall is a top 5 WR? Shouldn't he give his #1 WR the benefit of the doubt in 1 on 1?
Posted by: Los Lobos | August 27, 2011 at 08:00 PM
Gain of 1, 2nd and 9
Posted by: Dark Matter Bomb | August 27, 2011 at 08:00 PM
Swallowing is high in protein. I'm game.
Posted by: ltcdolphin | August 27, 2011 at 08:00 PM
Firstrow guys is in HD if u can't watch the game
Posted by: pafinsfan86 | August 27, 2011 at 08:00 PM
HENNE HATERS CHAD HAS A MESSAGE FOR YOU:
WHO'S YOUR DADDY CREAM PUFF BIATCHES!!!!!!!!!! LOL.............................
Posted by: DyingBreed | August 27, 2011 at 08:01 PM
Blount runs for 4. 3rd and 5
Posted by: Dark Matter Bomb | August 27, 2011 at 08:01 PM
Solia seems to be overpursuing
Posted by: Marc | August 27, 2011 at 08:01 PM
You got to like that Henne threw that pass after getting sacked a couple of plays before. Shows no fear.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | August 27, 2011 at 07:57 PM
Dan Henning was a joke!!!!! Henne >>>>> Sanchez
Posted by: CanesRUS | August 27, 2011 at 08:01 PM
C'mon D, fumble or INT would be good!
Posted by: redsky | August 27, 2011 at 08:01 PM
I hate this new kickoff rule. we don't want the other team on the 20. we want them on the 2. kickers should be fined for touchbacks.
Posted by: ncfinfan70 | August 27, 2011 at 08:01 PM
Man I am really liking what I'm seeing from Kevin Barnett so far.
Posted by: Jim in NYC | August 27, 2011 at 08:02 PM
No Allen on nickel!!! Bye-bye Allen..
Posted by: robbyhernz | August 27, 2011 at 08:02 PM
incomplete, goor pressure from the D. 4th and 5 Bucs, punt coming up.
Posted by: Dark Matter Bomb | August 27, 2011 at 08:02 PM
You should know better than to impersonate other people while I'm here. Got your ip address. Know who you are. deleted your comments.
Do it again, you'll be banned.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | August 27, 2011 at 08:02 PM
DEF!!!! NICE!!!
JT's legs look young!!
Posted by: NJ-DolFIN FAN | August 27, 2011 at 08:02 PM
Holding on the Phins, Reshard Jones.
Posted by: Dark Matter Bomb | August 27, 2011 at 08:02 PM
Henne completed a pass in PreSeason. You see! I told you. I TOLD YOU. Henne MVP here we goooooo.... you doosh haters. LOL...
Posted by: DyingArrogance | August 27, 2011 at 08:03 PM
1st and 10 Phins.
Posted by: Dark Matter Bomb | August 27, 2011 at 08:03 PM
Dave, robbyhenz, what I wrote about Biggers is FACT.
If FACTS bother you and you think they are glass half empty moments, you're probably in the wrong place.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | August 27, 2011 at 08:03 PM
Jason T. is having an impact early boys and girls.
Posted by: perro | August 27, 2011 at 08:04 PM
That Burnett must have a shining Bulb.
Posted by: oscar canosa | August 27, 2011 at 08:04 PM