The good news? Browns starting RB Peyton Hillis is not playing for the Browns today. Starting RT Tony Pashos is also not playing today so backup tackle Artis Hicks is starting in his place.
So there's that.
The Dolphins have some injuries, as you know, so those players -- Vontae Davis, Roberto Wallace, Tony McDaniel -- are inactive. But there's the healthy scratch that raises eyebrows: Phillip Merling.
Merling, a second-round pick in 2008, will not play today even though he is healthy. So he's obviously not as good, in the coaching staff's eyes, as Igor Olshansky and Ryan Baker who are active ahead of him. Olshansky was signed four days ago.
Call it another instance of a player not playing up to the talent the team believed he would have.
I wrote about that on this blog yesterday. I wrote about it today in my column in The Herald. Bottom line?
I think the Dolphins will beat the Browns today. But I do not believe this win will change a whole lot about what we know of this team. The column explains why.
There is a live blog today. Go to the comments section below for the first quarter festivities.
DC,
Good to hear you enjoyed it. Looking forward to it. Come on Dolphins!!!....
Posted by: Craig M | September 25, 2011 at 01:01 PM
Wow
Posted by: grfdolphin | September 25, 2011 at 01:01 PM
someone know the site to watch the game online?
Posted by: @Russell1286 | September 25, 2011 at 01:02 PM
Internet extremely slow here in Cleveland press box folks so hang in there with me.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | September 25, 2011 at 01:02 PM
What did I say Mando? Tony's taking my suggestion!
Posted by: DC Dolfan | September 25, 2011 at 01:02 PM
Clay starts
Posted by: Armando Salguero | September 25, 2011 at 01:03 PM
Im in FLA, it maybe more interesting watching Cam put up 400yds passing against the Jags than watching the dolphins game!
Posted by: DyingBreed | September 25, 2011 at 01:03 PM
Let's get a quick score.
Posted by: DC Dolfan | September 25, 2011 at 01:03 PM
Ahhh ... the Marshall plan :)
Posted by: Jay-Mo | September 25, 2011 at 01:04 PM
Hilliard, wasn't that Clay's play?
Posted by: DC Dolfan | September 25, 2011 at 01:05 PM
Fasano below average TE front office didn't upgrade
Posted by: 72perfectstill | September 25, 2011 at 01:05 PM
This team is so un-disciplined.
Posted by: Tony Suckrano | September 25, 2011 at 01:06 PM
attitude reflects leadership
Posted by: Tony Suckrano | September 25, 2011 at 01:06 PM
Damn u Bess!
Posted by: DC Dolfan | September 25, 2011 at 01:06 PM
Bess was in first down territory and ran backward to lose the first down.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | September 25, 2011 at 01:06 PM
Welker gets that first down :(
Posted by: Jay-Mo | September 25, 2011 at 01:07 PM
WTF Henne gets the ball to someone for the first down and they run backwards?!
Posted by: The One | September 25, 2011 at 01:07 PM
Take that back peeps. BRANDON FIELDS has been our MVP this year!
Posted by: DC Dolfan | September 25, 2011 at 01:07 PM
You guys miss Cognito's pull where he hit no one on Bush's run loss. Pathetic!
Posted by: DyingBreed | September 25, 2011 at 01:08 PM
There is no way we should lose with Peyton Hillis[sic] is out.
Posted by: Tony Suckrano | September 25, 2011 at 01:08 PM
Will Allen will be the nickel back today.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | September 25, 2011 at 01:08 PM
Gates very unimpressive draft pick so far
Posted by: 72perfectstill | September 25, 2011 at 01:08 PM
Again, it's mental mistakes and people not making a MUST-HAVE play. Story of the Dolphins. Hope defense steps up!
Posted by: DC Dolfan | September 25, 2011 at 01:08 PM
So far this game plan is to play not to lose. I would have came out throwing bombs on every down.
Posted by: Tony Suckrano | September 25, 2011 at 01:08 PM
That was a good throw by Henne to Bess with guys right in his face.
Posted by: mike d | September 25, 2011 at 01:08 PM
link anyone?
Posted by: Mississippi Dol-fan | September 25, 2011 at 01:09 PM
bess, really?
Posted by: Big I | September 25, 2011 at 01:09 PM
anyone have the link? I'm in Orlando guys...
Posted by: FB | September 25, 2011 at 01:10 PM
Misi, nice hold on the ankle.
Posted by: DC Dolfan | September 25, 2011 at 01:10 PM
Yeremiah Bell on the blitz. Picked up. First down.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | September 25, 2011 at 01:11 PM
Eh ... even Ben Watson makes that play :(
Posted by: Jay-Mo | September 25, 2011 at 01:11 PM
cant get off the field as usual. And TE gets a 1st.
Posted by: DC Dolfan | September 25, 2011 at 01:11 PM
TE again no QB pressure
Posted by: 72perfectstill | September 25, 2011 at 01:11 PM
God we suck so bad. Can't even stop anybody.
Posted by: Tony Fumblano | September 25, 2011 at 01:11 PM
Surprise they are going to go after Carroll all day...
Posted by: mike d | September 25, 2011 at 01:12 PM
NICE PLAY ROOKIE!!! WILSON!!!
Posted by: DC Dolfan | September 25, 2011 at 01:13 PM
Loving the Jimmy Wilson pick
Posted by: The One | September 25, 2011 at 01:13 PM
I knew Jimmy Wilson needed to play more!!
Posted by: Big I | September 25, 2011 at 01:13 PM
Meh, even i could have made that play.
Posted by: Benny Sapp | September 25, 2011 at 01:13 PM
Hey ... hey ... he held on! A momentum changer, leggo!
Posted by: Jay-Mo | September 25, 2011 at 01:13 PM
link please?
Posted by: Mississippi Dol-fan | September 25, 2011 at 01:13 PM
What foreign thing just occurred? Was it an eclipse? Was dis our defensive player catch the ball?
Posted by: grfdolphin | September 25, 2011 at 01:13 PM
These boys might give cleveland a run for their money.
This might turn out to be the ugliest game of the week.
Posted by: Tony Suckrano | September 25, 2011 at 01:13 PM
WILSON!
Posted by: cosmodo | September 25, 2011 at 01:13 PM
Wow Jimmy Wilson is out best DB he actually can hold onto INTs
Posted by: The One | September 25, 2011 at 01:14 PM
Jimmy Wilson with first career interception of his career. That is also the first interception of the year by a Miami DB.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | September 25, 2011 at 01:14 PM
Hey! What is that thing called when the Defense catches the QB's throw?
Jimmy Wilson just somehow caught one. I can't remember the Iast time I've seen that happen.
Posted by: mike d | September 25, 2011 at 01:15 PM
Yes!!! Jimmy Wilson!!! What a success story!
Posted by: dj starface | September 25, 2011 at 01:15 PM
Also the first reception that led to a first down for Miami in 9 quarters!
Posted by: Jay-Mo | September 25, 2011 at 01:15 PM
Your welcome, guys.
Posted by: Jimmy "OJ" Wilson | September 25, 2011 at 01:15 PM
Armando, the stadium is empty
Posted by: tony in miami | September 25, 2011 at 01:15 PM
Henne is throwing the ball well with the pressure he is facing
Posted by: The One | September 25, 2011 at 01:16 PM
Uh oh...red zone. Let's see what happens.
Posted by: Tony Suckrano | September 25, 2011 at 01:16 PM
http://www.firstrowsports.tv/watch/82767/1/watch-cleveland-browns-vs-miami-dolphins.html
Posted by: Jeff F., Long Island, NY | September 25, 2011 at 01:16 PM
Touchdown!!!
Posted by: The One | September 25, 2011 at 01:17 PM
Live near NYC anyone have link to game on computer? I know last week there was one going
Posted by: MiamiD20 | September 25, 2011 at 01:17 PM
GREAT PLAY CALL!!!
Posted by: DC Dolfan | September 25, 2011 at 01:17 PM
JIMMY WILSON WILL BE CUT MONDAY. HE'S TO GOOD TO PLAY HERE!
Posted by: DyingBreed | September 25, 2011 at 01:17 PM
TD!!!!
Posted by: blazzin ace | September 25, 2011 at 01:18 PM
that was a hell of a screen play..nice call there
Posted by: Big I | September 25, 2011 at 01:18 PM