Dolphins @ Seahawks

[4XPIPS]

Long travel for the Dolphins, who will be with out Tua for good reason. Seahawks are -4.5 and the O/U 41.5.

Both teams dealing with injuries, I have not heard if K9 will be back or Fant either, but there has been talks about starting Christian Haynes at guard considering how our interior guards have not faired well recently.

I am excited to see Tyrice Knight play more if Dodson or Baker are still nursing their injuries. Knight did get caught up on a screen play in the Patriots game and cost the Hawk's defense a big loss, but did come up with the key tackle to stuff the Patriots in OT. He is a sure tackler, and if he can get into better position as time goes on I still believe he will be a pivotal part of this Mike Macdonald defense going forward.

I have a feeling this game will turn into somewhat of a shoot out. I think Geno since the 2nd half of the Broncos game and forward is on fire, and he has the hot hand right now and I know Macdonald and Grubb want to run the ball, but Geno is primed for a good game.

Hawks 41
Dolphins 17

[River Dog]

Yeah, I see where the Fins have put Tua on injured reserve, meaning that he'll miss at least 4 games. For his sake, I hope he's seen his last contact football game.

You're quite bold in your prediction, Hawks scoring 41 points when we haven't scored that many in two games combined. Even if K9 is healthy, we'll struggle to run the ball, so I can't see us getting 100 yards rushing.

In all likelihood, with their starting QB out and given our susceptibility to the run, the Fins will pound the rock and keep scoring low.

Hawks 20, Fins 17.

[Irish Greg 2.0]

Check your math, we have scored 49 points (26 and 23) in the first two games :>

I agree though, I think 41 might be high. Dolphins will run the ball a lot to take the pressure off of Thompson, and Achane is a speedy guy who can break some runs. Our run defense needs to be much more sound this week.

We HAVE to put the game in Thompson's hands.

Bills moved the ball at will against them in their last game, and then went conservative in the 2nd half. They probably could have scored 40+.

It will be interesting to see how former Seahawk LB Jordyn Brooks plays against us.

[jshawaii22]

This is our 3rd game against weak QB's... we better take advantage as we move to the REAL part of the schedule after this week.
Fins D is higher rated ( #3) after 2 games then we are (#5), and I think our D is very improved compared to last 2 years.

We will score 20-24 points again and win by 3 -6 points. 23-17 is my early prediction. Vegas has us 5 1/2 fav.

[River Dog]

Check your math, we have scored 49 points (26 and 23) in the first two games :>

Ahh, my bad. I forgot to carry a one.

[4XPIPS]

Yeah, I see where the Fins have put Tua on injured reserve, meaning that he'll miss at least 4 games. For his sake, I hope he's seen his last contact football game.

You're quite bold in your prediction, Hawks scoring 41 points when we haven't scored that many in two games combined. Even if K9 is healthy, we'll struggle to run the ball, so I can't see us getting 100 yards rushing.

In all likelihood, with their starting QB out and given our susceptibility to the run, the Fins will pound the rock and keep scoring low.

Hawks 20, Fins 17.

If the start of the this season hasn't told us anything at this point, that everything that was expected isn't the case(well maybe not for the Panthers) and this applies to the entire league. I don't think our offense comes without it's struggles with this offense line.

But this is my take on it, and it revolves around Geno. When Geno was sacked on the very first play of the season, and threw a pick under pressure on the very next play, I believe he realized right away how poor the blocking is up front. Geno and Grubb made adjustments and have been improving since with or without a running game. Geno has made it known he wants an extension and he playing for one. He had a career high in completed passes against the Pats, and could have had more if there weren't for drops. This was against a well coached defense on the road. He is primed for a huge breakout game because our run game isn't firing off right now.

The other part is JSN, and JSN is improving as well and I believe he is in for a breakout game as well. JSN is creating space and causing havoc in the short passing game, if he didn't have that big drop we may have ended the game before OT started. I agree I am being bold with 41 points, but the game is at home where our defense plays better, and the crowd is going to be a huge factor for an opposing backup QB. Our defense will be going up against a fast shifty type of running game, and I think our defense is built to stop this type of running. Our run defense is weaker against the bigger and north to south type of runners. I don't think it's unrealistic for us to put up big numbers in this game on offense. When the wheels fall off in games that the Dolphins typically lose, they usually lose in double digits. Last season when the Dolphins were on the losing end in their 6 games they lost on average of 14.5 pts. Dolphins want to pass the ball, and use their speed, but this will be a rough outing for the them.

[4XPIPS]

This is our 3rd game against weak QB's... we better take advantage as we move to the REAL part of the schedule after this week.
Fins D is higher rated ( #3) after 2 games then we are (#5), and I think our D is very improved compared to last 2 years.

We will score 20-24 points again and win by 3 -6 points. 23-17 is my early prediction. Vegas has us 5 1/2 fav.

Fins D is ranked 3rd by yards only? In certain categories they are worse or middle of the road. I know this is just two weeks, but I think our defense is better in categories that count. Keep in mind they have not played a road game yet.


Defensive NFL Rankings
yards avg per game
Dolphins #4 257 yds
Hawks #6 271 yds
points allowed by defense
Dolphins #24 6 tds 2 fgs
Hawks #13 3 tds 5 fgs
passing defense
Dolphins #5 139 yds/game
Hawks #2 129 yds/game
rushing defense
Dolphins #15 118 yds/game
Hawks #21 142 yds/game
scoring defense
Dolphins #23 24 pts/game
Hawks #12 20 pts/game *(3 teams tied here)
redzone defense TD Rate
Dolphins #30 80%
Hawks #12 37.5% *(3 teams tied here)
3rd down defense
Dolphins #7 26.3%
Hawks #17 32.4%

Giving up yards is fine by me as long as we don't give up TDs and hold teams to FGs, and keep the scoring down.

[Aseahawkfan]

Be nice if K9 were back by this game. I don't think the run defense will be solid again until Mike drafts the backers he wants. LBs and D-line make the run defense. LBs make the kill on the RB the majority of the time as the lines lock up with each other. If our run defense gets gouged, means the backers aren't tracking the runner and making the kill well or the blockers are beating your D-line to get to the second level. We don't want either of those happening too often. I hope Mike is working on shoring up the run defense this week. It wasn't great against New England.

[4XPIPS]

I don't think the run defense will be solid again until Mike drafts the backers he wants..

I agree with your first part about K9.

But what do you mean by "again"? When have we ever been solid against the run, not in recent years? Not to nitpick what you are saying but I do believe Mike Macdonald will work on stopping the run better, and get better as the season progresses. I don't think this will have to wait till next year after we draft, for this all to be corrected. I agree with you the run defense isn't great, and needs to get better.

[NorthHawk]

It’s only 2 games with a new scheme and coaches. It’s going to take a while to work out the bugs on both the players and coaches.

[NorthHawk]

Of more concern is the injury report. DK has a hand issue.

Via Brady Henderson of ESPN.com, other players who missed practice included running back Kenneth Walker III (oblique), defensive end Leonard Williams (knee), linebacker Boye Mafe (knee), linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (knee), linebacker Jerome Baker (hamstring), safety K’Von Wallace (shoulder), and tight end Brady Russell (shoulder).

Limited in practice were tight end Pharaoh Brown (foot), tight end Noah Fant (toe), tackle George Fant (knee), receiver Tyler Lockett (thigh), linebacker Derick Hall (hip), and cornerback Devon Witherspoon (hamstring)

Did any of these players play much in the preseason?

[4XPIPS]

Of more concern is the injury report. DK has a hand issue.

Via Brady Henderson of ESPN.com, other players who missed practice included running back Kenneth Walker III (oblique), defensive end Leonard Williams (knee), linebacker Boye Mafe (knee), linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (knee), linebacker Jerome Baker (hamstring), safety K’Von Wallace (shoulder), and tight end Brady Russell (shoulder).

Limited in practice were tight end Pharaoh Brown (foot), tight end Noah Fant (toe), tackle George Fant (knee), receiver Tyler Lockett (thigh), linebacker Derick Hall (hip), and cornerback Devon Witherspoon (hamstring)

Did any of these players play much in the preseason?

I mean one drive in the final preseason, but it was more of a walkthrough formality if anything. This will become the norm to start every season going forward as more and more teams will not play their star players, hence "bubble wrap" them. However, we have already seen so many injuries because of this. Last season Walker missed 2 games with the same injury, so not sure what is up with his oblique. The DK thing, I am not too worried about it as it maybe just day to day.

[River Dog]

K9 didn't practice yesterday, so it appears likely that he won't play again on Sunday. We also signed RB Brittain Brown, a teammate of Walker's at UCLA, to the practice squad. It sounds like we might be expecting the worst.

Others that didn't practice yesterday were George Fant, Uchenna Nwosu, and Tryel Dodson. Metcalf didn't practice, either, but it doesn't sound like its serious.

[River Dog]

K9 is almost certainly out as he's listed as doubtful and hasn't practiced all week. George Fant and Nwosu are both out. LB Jerome Baker is listed as doubtful. Derrick Hall and Boye Mafe are both questionable, so we might be a little thin at LB/Edge.

Might want to hedge our bets.

[4XPIPS]

What a wacky week 3 in the NFL, anything can happen today. Vikings look legit, smoking the hot Texans. Eagles vs Saints a total of 27 pts, who saw that over/under. Steelers are 3-0, beating the Chargers. Broncos on the road beat the Bucs. Crazy start..

Well let's go Hawks, and I feel this offense will have an explosion today.

[4XPIPS]

Well at least we are getting the solid Jason Myers this year!

[4XPIPS]

Surprised they did not call horse collar, or tackle out of bounds on Tyrice Knight.

[4XPIPS]

CLINICAL!!! Geno in sync, Zach running tough! TD!

[Oly]

Not often we see that stupid of a play by Geno.

[4XPIPS]

Not often we see that stupid of a play by Geno.

BUT A WAY TO ANSWER BACK WITH A BOMB TO DK!!!!!

[4XPIPS]

Is it me or do the Dolphins look very unprepared this game? I know the noise is a factor, but so many procedure issues on offense and special teams. I was under the impression this team was well coached.

[Oly]

Is it me or do the Dolphins look very unprepared this game? I know the noise is a factor, but so many procedure issues on offense and special teams. I was under the impression this team was well coached.

I think it's also hard to prepare on offense when you're being led by not just a backup, but what looks like a bottom-tier backup and in such a hostile venue.

And on defense...I dunno. I don't see a ton of talent on their D, and certainly not enough to cope with such an explosive offense like the Hawks. I agree the Hawks are outcoaching the Phins, but I think the other issues are more important.

[4XPIPS]

I think it's also hard to prepare on offense when you're being led by not just a backup, but what looks like a bottom-tier backup and in such a hostile venue.

And on defense...I dunno. I don't see a ton of talent on their D, and certainly not enough to cope with such an explosive offense like the Hawks. I agree the Hawks are outcoaching the Phins, but I think the other issues are more important.

Holy Moly! Dolphins are imploding, and they can't even do the basic stuff right.

[Oly]

Holy Moly! Dolphins are imploding, and they can't even do the basic stuff right.

And trying to take the Hawks with them. This has been ugly by the Hawks, and hideous by the Phins.

[4XPIPS]

And trying to take the Hawks with them. This has been ugly by the Hawks, and hideous by the Phins.

Dolphins trying to set the record for most penalties accepted

[4XPIPS]

The game is becoming unwatchable with all these penalties.

[River Dog]

The game is becoming unwatchable with all these penalties.

Yeah, and it's not like the refs are flag happy. I haven't seen very many that weren't pretty obvious. It's just a sloppily played game.

[4XPIPS]

I feel like every time the Seahawks run a stretch play with ZC, they get flagged for holding. I think Grubb is going with the up tempo short passing to move the offense.

[River Dog]

This is still just a two-score game, and we have a whole quarter left to go. We'd better damn not blow this thing.

[4XPIPS]

This is still just a two-score game, and we have a whole quarter left to go. We'd better damn not blow this thing.

good goal line stand! Tim Boyle actually looks better than Skylar. Need to get a scoring drive going and put this away.

[4XPIPS]

Bout time, good job Zach!

[4XPIPS]

Well when it mattered most the defense clamped down and didn't give up a TD. They were getting gashed for early runs between the 20's, but when it came to the redzone defense Mike Macdonald knows how to dial it up. Sloppy game, it got real ugly and boring at times with all the penalities, but in the end a win. Looks like we had some key injuries. L Williams went out, but came back in. Murphy had to be taken to the locker room, so hopefully it isn't too serious. Spoon didn't have his best game, but that is his playing style to be aggressive. All in all it was a win, and we should be proud of this team, the coaches and where we are!

[Spohawk5092]

a million flags, not always pretty but I didn't think we would be 3-0 already. Very nice.

[Aseahawkfan]

3-0. Still haven't played a top QB, but nice to see domination of a team missing their starter rather than making the backup look like a star.

[4XPIPS]

3-0. Still haven't played a top QB, but nice to see domination of a team missing their starter rather than making the backup look like a star.

I see your point against opposing QBs. However, nothing is a given in this league and being 3-0 is very difficult. We are doing this with the youngest NFL coach, also rookie Head Coach, and first time OC in the NFL. It's far from perfect, but we just find a way to win. I think our defense is good enough to battle with a top tier QB and keep it close. The Steelers are 3-0 and Fields has thrown 1 TD pass for the entire season thus far, but it doesn't matter because it's all about finding a way to win. So, yes I agree with you.

[Aseahawkfan]

Lions in Detroit should be a nice test next week to determine how real we are as contenders.

[4XPIPS]

Lions in Detroit should be a nice test next week to determine how real we are as contenders.

It will be. I think we are far from being contenders at this point. A win would seriously create an argument of how good we are, but these games against the Lions are classic shoot outs for some reason, hence why I think it got a primetime showing. If we can get a win against the Lions, which will not be easy, I think the talk about the Seahawks in the NFL will start ramping up.

[River Dog]

It was a pretty sloppy game on both sides. 11 penalties on each team, and that's not counting the ones that were declined. Not many were questionable, either. Geno had a couple of huge brain farts. Not sure what he was thinking when he took that grounding penalty that put us in 3rd and long when all we needed was a FG to make it a 3-score game. We have a huge problem at right guard. Bradford is giving up sacks and drawing flags. We're allowing too much inside pressure.

But a win is a win. I'll take it. We're 3-0 and our defense is playing great. As ASF said, next week will be our first big test. I was thinking that Miami would be that first test, but once Tua went down, it tipped the odds in our favor. The Lions are a solid team with a veteran QB and good receiving corps. Adian Hutchinson is a beast. It will be our first Prime Time game, on Monday Night Football.

[4XPIPS]

It was a pretty sloppy game on both sides. 11 penalties on each team, and that's not counting the ones that were declined. Not many were questionable, either. Geno had a couple of huge brain farts. Not sure what he was thinking when he took that grounding penalty that put us in 3rd and long when all we needed was a FG to make it a 3-score game. We have a huge problem at right guard. Bradford is giving up sacks and drawing flags. We're allowing too much inside pressure.

But a win is a win. I'll take it. We're 3-0 and our defense is playing great. As ASF said, next week will be our first big test. I was thinking that Miami would be that first test, but once Tua went down, it tipped the odds in our favor. The Lions are a solid team with a veteran QB and good receiving corps. Adian Hutchinson is a beast. It will be our first Prime Time game, on Monday Night Football.

I question if this referee crew was trigger happy at times. Some of these calls were borderline unnecessary on both sides. I know the old saying that " you can call holding on every play" but doesn't mean you have to call on every play. The one call that sticks out, and they got it completely wrong was the "illegal motion" call on the left tackle against the Dolphins that was clearly just a false start. The refs let it play out, and Skylar got sacked, when the Dolphins WRs didn't even run routes because it appeared to be a false start and should have been blown dead. I don't think the Dolphins would have done much the following play, but because the play was actually a false start on the left tackle, most of the players stop playing. Seahawks got a cheap sack out of it, but clearly a blown process by this ref crew.

[River Dog]

It was a pretty sloppy game on both sides. 11 penalties on each team, and that's not counting the ones that were declined. Not many were questionable, either. Geno had a couple of huge brain farts. Not sure what he was thinking when he took that grounding penalty that put us in 3rd and long when all we needed was a FG to make it a 3-score game. We have a huge problem at right guard. Bradford is giving up sacks and drawing flags. We're allowing too much inside pressure.

But a win is a win. I'll take it. We're 3-0 and our defense is playing great. As ASF said, next week will be our first big test. I was thinking that Miami would be that first test, but once Tua went down, it tipped the odds in our favor. The Lions are a solid team with a veteran QB and good receiving corps. Adian Hutchinson is a beast. It will be our first Prime Time game, on Monday Night Football.

I question if this referee crew was trigger happy at times. Some of these calls were borderline unnecessary on both sides. I know the old saying that " you can call holding on every play" but doesn't mean you have to call on every play. The one call that sticks out, and they got it completely wrong was the "illegal motion" call on the left tackle against the Dolphins that was clearly just a false start. The refs let it play out, and Skylar got sacked, when the Dolphins WRs didn't even run routes because it appeared to be a false start and should have been blown dead. I don't think the Dolphins would have done much the following play, but because the play was actually a false start on the left tackle, most of the players stop playing. Seahawks got a cheap sack out of it, but clearly a blown process by this ref crew.

Agreed with the cheap sack on that obvious false start penalty. I don't understand why the booth didn't call down to the refs and correct them on that one.

It seems to me that there were a lot of penalties called in multiple games yesterday. I was watching the Cowboys-Ravens, and the Cowboys got three first downs via penalty on their last scoring drive, one of them being a complete horsechit roughing the passer. The Ravens ended up with 13 penalties called on them. The Niners had 111 yards assessed against them in penalties in their loss to the Rams.

The ones that irritate me the most are the roughing the passer penalties. In the case of the Ravens-Cowboys game, I don't know what they expected the defender to do. I don't want to see PF penalties become reviewable as it slows down the game, but there needs to be more involvement from upstairs to get these calls right. It really effects the quality of the game, at least for me, when there are these blatantly bad calls that are allowed to stand.