First, let me apologize, as I had a business trip for my other job that didn’t allow me to post anything for the past week. We’re back!

That title is not an outrageous statement. I attended my first ever game at Sun Life on Sunday and witnessed a robbery. There was even video evidence of the robbery, but the ‘police’ brought down the wrong guy.

As I sat and watched replay after replay, it became clearer and clearer that Big Ben DID fumble before crossing the goal line. AND, those replays not only showed white jerseys on top of the ball, BUT they also showed a white jersey coming out of the pile with the ball. On top of all of that, a white jersey HANDED the ball to the official. What more proof did the jury…I mean officials need?!

At least the jury in the OJ case had the excuse that he wasn’t caught on video. WHAT WAS THE REF WATCHING UNDER THE HOOD? Re-runs of Livern and Shirley?! Seriously, I know the ridicule only lasted for a day or two nationwide, but this was one of the worst calls in the NFL in years! And, as a result, the Dolphins are 3-3 and will need a big second half of the year to make the playoffs. Yes, I know, I know, they had other chances, didn’t capitalize on mistakes by the Steelers. All true, and I 100% agree. BUT, when the Dolphins outplay the Steelers, a 5-1 team by the way, and there is video proof of a horrendous call, you can’t help but be ticked off.

On top of all of that craziness, there was a stat book error by the refs. The incorrectly assessed Chad Henne an INT on the last play the Dolphins ran. James Harrison was credited with an INT that literally bounced a yard away from him on the ground, before bringing it. It should have been a fumble and wouldn’t have changed any type of outcome in the game. However, it was another terrible call by the officiating crew that SHOULD be fined or suspended. They were THAT bad.

I might be done ranting for a little while now! Looking ahead, as I’m hoping the team already has, the Dolphins head to Cinncinnati to take on the Bengals (2-4). The Dolphins have been good on the road (3-0) and need this game and the next one in the worst way. Think of this, Phin Nation, the Dolphins have lost to only the 5-1 teams in the AFC. They were in 2 of those games. This team is not far away from being a serious contender.

Phin Nation has been away for a few days, so we apologize for the lack of info. We’ll try to get to everything here in preparation for the Steelers @ Dolphins tomorrow.

Jared Odrick is done for the year. The Dolphins officialy placed the rookie DE on the Injured Reserve list yesterday, ending his season. After an offseason of rehab, hopefully he can come back next year and realize the potential he showed in early 2010.

Onto the game. The Dolphins face a tough test tomorrow, facing one of the best teams in all of the NFL. Luckily for the Dolphins, they are getting the Steelers in Miami. With the weather scheduled to be 86 and hot, the Dolphins primary goal should be to keep the game close, run the ball often and wear down the Steelers in the South Florida Heat.

3 Keys to the Game:
Key #1 – Control the Clock
The Dolphins MUST realize that their strength is controlling the clock and running the football. Yes, the Steelers defense if very good against the run. BUT, the Dolphins must stay committed to running the ball. Even if they are only getting 2 yards a carry, they must do so to wear on the Steelers and use the 1PM kickoff and heat to their advantage. The two games the Dolphins tried airing it out, they lost

Key #2 – Pressure Big Ben
Big Ben is making only his second start of the season and showed some signs of rust last week. They must get into the backfield and into his head, causing him to hurry throws. He’s more mobile than people think and can buy time in the pocket. Cameron Wake and Koa Misi must apply pressure and get hits, if not sacks.

Key #3 – Special Teams
Last week the special teams showed improvement from their embarrassing performance against the Pats. They must continue to show improvement and minimize/eliminate the dumb plays and penalties. Bobby Carpenter’s issues on special teams cost him a job. The Dolphins must protect well in kicking situations and must block well on returns. Maybe this is the week Nolan Caroll breaks one?

My Prediction: Steelers 24- Phins 20 (I hope I’m wrong!)

I’ll be at the game tomorrow, my first ever Dolphins game IN MIAMI. LET’S GO DOLPHINS!!!!

Following their bye week, the Dolphins came out and outplayed the injury depleted Packers. I am not about to rain on the Dolphins parade because Aaron Rogers, a top 5 QB and they beat him. They beat him with a control the clock offense, a pressure defense, and a special teams unit that looked completely different than the one we saw 2 weeks ago.

Chad Henne had a pick, but he stabalized and was effecient, leading the Dolphins to the victory. It seems as the season goes on Henne is really starting to understand how best to target and use Brandon Marshall.

I want to point out that Dan Henning deserves some credit. He returned to the ground game and it paid off. Yes, the Dolphins only averaged 3.8 yards per carry, but he stuck with it. And in overtime, the running game moved the ball down the field on the worn down Packers.

I also want to point out the GREAT play call in the 4th quarter. The Dolphins like to roll Henne and the pocket to the right on a play or 2 every game. The Packers knew that. But the Dolphins had a clever twist to their rollout – they kept Jake Long and Anthony Fasano on the left side and Fasano ran untouched into the endzone for a big 22 yard TD.

The defense had it’s moments of trouble. BUT, they pressured Rogers and Cameron Wake had another coming out party, totaling 3 sacks. Watching Wake play is unbelievable. The guy gets held on almost every play he rushes the QB. He is a truly disruptive force and will be for years to come. The other OLB that will be around for a while is Koa Misi. Misi has 3 sacks on the year and fumble recovery for a TD. These two youngsters have bright futures with the Miami Dolphins.

Dan Carpenter kicked 3 field goals yesterday and the the kick return & coverage units did a great job. Makes you wonder if an earlier coaching change wouldn’t have helped the Dolphins in the offseason instead of 4 games in.

3 road games, all in tough environments, all wins. Granted the Bills are not a good team, but the Dolphins have won AT Minnesota and AT Green Bay in the first 6 weeks of the season. Now, they have to turn their attention to the Pittsburgh Steelers and win a home game. This team knows they are good, now they must show it in front of the home fans. A win on Sunday and the Dolphins will be right back where they want to be. Remember, the early part of the Dolphins schedule was going to be tough, we all knew that. But, if they can win on Sunday and improve to 4-2, the momentum will begin to turn in the Dolphins favor as we head into the winter months.

Alriiiiiiiiiiight Miami!!!

Yesterday every player for the Miami Dolphins took part in practice. Pretty nice to hear considering the team the Dolphins will play on Sunday has a laundry list of injuries.

John Jerry was back working with the first team, as was Channing Crowder, and Jake Long. All 3 should play Sunday. Having Long in there is crucial,especially if Clay Matthews Jr. is able to play Sunday. Long protects Henne’s blind side and there is a big drop off after Long at LT.

Jerry playing should help the Dolphins running attack that has been sporadic this year. While his pass protection still needs work, Jerry is a road grater in the run game.

The biggest return from injury will be Channing Crowder. Crowder has been out all year with his groin injury and appears ready for some playing time on Sunday. Teaming Crowder with a perennial Pro-Bowler like Karlos Dansby, will make the Dolphins run defense and blitzes MUCH better.

Jared Odrick took part in practice but was a limited. I would say Odrick is questionable at best for this week, but if he has no setbacks, he’ll be out there next Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Quote of the Day – Vontae Davis on Donald Driver “He’s old enough to be my dad!”

nerc.gov.jo

Phin Nation is a blog devoted to loyal fans of the Miami Dolphins! We expect to be up and running by the end of the week, just in time to cover the Miami Dolphins/Green Bay Packers game on Sunday!