Brian Dawkins To Coach Eagles

by Reginald Brown

Blogger, Philadelphia Inquirer

After some years of futility in the City of Brotherly Love, Philly's front office has finally brought back an icon to coach the team.  Brian Dawkins needs no introduction to Philadelphia Eagles fans - he's a Hall of Famer both on and off the field.  However, we do need to know his coaching mentality.

"Same as when I played - tough guys everywhere that want to win.  Simple as that," Coach Dawkins said during his introduction. "Want guys who want to be here and bleed green."

He has a lot to do, holding the 2nd overall pick in the upcoming draft and needing a lot across the board.  Will he consider trading down?

"We need help in a lot of places right now," Coach Dawkins responded.  "If it can help us turn this organization around, I won't be opposed to it."

Philly has missed this fire on the sidelines since Doug Pederson left for Kansas City to replace Andy Reid.  Let's hope he can turn that fire into wins - otherwise, the city may lose its good nature towards him.  Nah, I kid - B Dawg is the best.  But he does need to win quick.

Bob Winuvas Retires After 11 Years With Saints

by Bobby Hebert

Blogger, New Orleans Times-Picayune

After finally getting over the hump in WFL Bowl 65, beating his former offensive coordinator Robert DelMaron and the Cincinnati Bengals 35-21, Coach Winuvas has decided this is the time to step away - on top.

"I'm really gonna miss all those guys in the locker room most.  They were the reason I did what I did for eleven years.  I love every person that has been a part of this organization while I've been here.  It's because of all their sacrifices that we as a group get to celebrate," Coach Winuvas said.

"But it's time for new blood.  This organization needs a fresh mindset and a new direction.  I'm excited to see how it unfolds, but for now, it's time to go fishing."

And with that, Coach Bob Winuvas is now a memory.  Thanks for leaving us a good one, Coach.

Saints Use Bye To Focus on New Offense, Defense

by Bobby Hebert

Blogger, New Orleans Times-Picayune

The 2029 Saints started off the season rattling off 4 straight victories, prompting pundits of the WFL to put the Saints as frontrunners for the WFL Bowl.

Then 3 straight losses exposed some issues for the Saints - lack of vertical downfield strikes, a porous pass defense too soft in the middle of the field, and a lack of ability to generate pressure and turnovers defensively.

The bye week was sorely needed.

Coach Winuvas spent this bye week working the players hard on a change in offensive and defensive philosophies going forward.  While the players protested not getting a week of relaxation, the coaching staff ultimately was shooting for one thing - victories.

"The players are paid to work.  I hate having to work them like this on an off week, but we have to change the culture that has come in the last few weeks," Coach Winuvas said.

Eschewing the normal quick pass, screen attack the Saints have been known for for over two decades, Coach Winuvas has decided to adopt a scheme that attacks the intermediate and deep middle of the field offensively - think of the scheme used by the Packers in the 2020 season for reference.  This should allow playmakers like Lynn Duncan, Kelvin Williams, and Kevonne Windsor at wide receiver to attack more vertically, but it all revolves around veteran dual-threat quarterback Dale Freeman to execute ultimately.

"#8 (Dale Freeman) is ultimately responsible for getting the offense rolling consistently.  We've been good in spots, but we have had way too many lapses lately," Coach Winuvas said of the offense.

The defense is slightly abandoning their sole three man front look in favor of a more versatile scheme that includes more four man fronts.  This will hopefully help confuse the offenses they face - think of the Patriots' multiple looks in the 2020 season as an example of what the Saints are rolling out going forward.

"We have pass rushers that need to get free - they just aren't right now.  We'll keep rolling some three man fronts, but we will integrate a lot more four man fronts to help with pressure and run containment in the middle.  We have been gouged there recently, so hopefully some more big bodies in the middle on early downs will lead to more situations where our pass rushers can just run downhill on third down," Coach Winuvas said of the change.

Veteran defensive end/linebacker Marcus Davenport in particular welcomed the change.

"Glad to get my hand back in the dirt again," Davenport was quoted as saying when he got the new additions to the playbook.  "I was playing up in a two point stance because that was the scheme, but I'm much better, I feel, going with a hand in the dirt.  Maybe me and Cam and Kevin (outside linebacker/defensive ends Curry and Bernadeau, respectively) can get more heat with some first step burst from a bend."

Ultimately, the Saints will find out in week 9 when they face the top passer in the league, Nathan Sims, and the Patriots.  The Saints need a win to keep up with the Falcons in a tough NFC South race now.

Saints Overcome Offensive Lethargy to Beat Rival Falcons

by Bobby Hebert

Blogger, New Orleans Times-Picayune

The Saints hosted their perennial rivals, the Atlanta Falcons, this past weekend.  After a powerful start, the offense proceeded to go to sleep for the second half, leaving their special teams and defense to hold serve and get a last minute 24-21 victory this Sunday.

Dale Freeman resorted to check downs throughout the game after hitting throws to the outside early in the contest.  A fake field goal on fourth down early in the first quarter led to the first touchdown to tight end Derrick Davis and a 7-0 lead.  After a stout third down stop holding Atlanta to a field goal, New Orleans would again drive down the field and find paydirt when Lynn Duncan would break a curl route open and sprint 31 yards to paydirt.

Another Atlanta field goal would stretch the lead to 14-3.  An Atlanta field goal would shrink that lead to 14-6.  New Orleans would dive down late in the first half and score its third touchdown on an Alvin Kamara 3 yard run to extend the lead to 21-6.

Atlanta and its quarterback, Ray Goldberg, would run a wonderful 2 minute offense and score late in the first half to shorten the deficit to 21-13.  After the Saints would squander opportunities at the end of the first half and the beginning of the second half, the Falcons would score again behind the arm of Goldberg, and with the two point conversion would make it a 21-21 tie.

The fourth quarter saw both defenses hold stout, and with under 3 minutes to go, Freeman and the Saints would find their run game and get in range for a Wil Lutz field goal and the ultimate game winner, as the Falcons would run out of time trying to get into field goal range.

Dale Freeman went 19 of 24 for 213 yards and 2 touchdowns.  Alvin Kamara ran 16 times for 55 yards and a touchdown, with  Jayden Tanner supplying some power bursts with 4 carries for 33 yards.  Receiver Lynn Duncan and tight end Derrick Davis caught touchdowns from Freeman, with Alvin Kamara (5/47) helping out of the backfield in the passing game.  Defensively, defensive lineman Jarrell Donaldson (4 tackles, 1 sack, 1 FF) and linebackers Timmy Short (3 tackles, 1 sack), Marcus Davenport (2 tackles, 1 sack, 1 FF), and Leonard Burse (3 tackles, 1 INT) contributed mightily to the total team defensive effort.

The Falcons' passing game was led by Ray Goldberg, who went 33 of 39 for 329 yards and a touchdown but also a critical red zone interception to end a promising Falcons' drive in the second quarter.  Javier Glenn had 15 carries for 58 yards, but Goldberg had the lone rushing touchdown on 4 carries and 12 yards.  Receiver Mike Scott tied for the team lead in receptions (7, with tight end Dan Hanks) and led the team in receiving yards (91), but veteran Gerald Charleston (5/69/1) had the touchdown reception.  Defensive back Gabe Mason led the team with 7 tackles, while linebackers Jacquez Clayton (4 tackles, 1 sack) and Enrique Felton (2 tackles, 1 sack) contributed to the Falcons' defense in a losing effort.

"A tough game against a division rival.  Always tough to face Atlanta, and it proved again today.  Our offense has to not go into lulls like it did midway through the second quarter and most of the second half," Coach Winuvas said during the post game press conference.  "Our defense played above their heads today, and they won't always.  We have to keep the pressure on offensively to make it easier on our defense."

The Saints face the Panthers next week.

Saints Score Late to Overcome Packers

by Bobby Hebert

Blogger, New Orleans Times-Picayune

In the 2029 WFL season, there are a few Saints' retreads still around - guys like Alvin Kamara, Marcus Williams, and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson anchor the veteran side of the locker room.  The team still revolves around a quarterback, but instead of Drew Brees from a decade ago, it's now Dale Freeman.  The offense had a tough test to overcome a Packers' squad led by superstar quarteback Jacoby Bailey in week 1, but the weak link - the defense - managed to hold serve and give the Saints offense one last drive to get the winning score and a 31-24 victory.

Freeman went 24 of 28 for 279 yards and 3 touchdowns, including the game winner to receiver Kelvin Williams.  Alvin Kamara still has not lost a step at 34 years old, getting 85 yards on 17 carries.  Running back Jayden Tanner had a touchdown and 25 yards on 7 carries to give Kamara a rest.  Receiving corps were led by rookie tight end Clifford Bibbs, who had 7 catches for 55 yards and a touchdown.  Kelvin Williams (4/78/1) and Kevonne Windsor (3/23/1) had touchdowns as well of the 7 receivers to catch passes from Freeman on the day.  Defensively, Marcus Williams led all tacklers with 8 solo on the day, while Kevin Bernadeau had 3 tackles and the only sack for the defense in a winning team effort.

The Packers were led by Jacoby Bailey's 19/31 for 205 yards and 3 touchdowns.  Braydon Ross ran 17 times for 59 yards to pace the Packers' ground game.  Ross also caught a touchdown on 22 yards and 2 receptions to go with tight end Rahlik McFarland (4/60/1) and receiver Aaron Ridgeway (1/1/1) caught touchdowns from Bailey.  Defensively, rookie linebacker Kevin Glass led the Packers with 9 tackles and a sack, while Ashton McBride got 3 tackles and a sack of Freeman in a losing effort.

"Good team effort today, but next week we face a rival in the Falcons and we need our fans to come out and cheer," Coach Winuvas said of the Packers' win.  "We have a lot of things to work through going into week 2 and beyond, so we will work on training and getting that practice in to get closer to perfection."

Cohen, Mack Lead Bears to #1 Seed

by Dick Singletary

Blogger, Chicago Tribune

After a 31-10 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, the Chicago Bears have locked up the #1 seed in the NFC, and holding home field throughout the playoffs.  Tarik Cohen led the way for the Bears' offense with 13 carries for 133 yards and 2 touchdowns.  Tyrod Taylor, the embattled quarterback, threw for 232 yards and 2 touchdowns but also 2 interceptions, 1 of which did lead to a Chiefs' touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Khalil Mack had 5 sacks of Patrick Mahomes and was a force that could not be stopped by the Chiefs' offensive line.

"Mack was lighting it up and was the leader of our defense.  The rest of the guys played just as well to help him out, but Mack was a terror," Coach Winuvas said durnig the post-game press conference.

At 14-1, the Bears face the division rival the Minnesota Vikings in week 17.  Coach Winuvas was asked if he was planning to rest anyone in preparation for the playoffs.

"We will be resting our starters to help with injury issues.  The only guys that will see limited action will be Tarik Cohen, Khalil Mack, Leonard Floyd, and Akiem Hicks.  Everyone else is gonna be suited up but not starting.  We want to have as full a roster going into the playoffs as we can," Coach Winuvas said.

With a limited roster going into week 17, will the Bears be able to upset the Vikings, as odd a statement as that is involving a 14-1 team?  Coach Winuvas, when he was GM of the Miami Dolphins, is used to having subpar starting talent.  If anyone could find a way to eek out a win and keep the Vikings out of the playoffs, it would be Coach Bob Winuvas.

Luke Falk - From Practice Squad to Starting QB

by Dick Singletary

Blogger, Chicago Tribune

Tyrod Taylor had a terrible first game under new head coach Bob Winuvas.  And apparently, one game was all the head coach/general manager needed to make a decision on the remaining games of the season.

"We informed Tyrod after watching the Cowboys' tape that he would see second team reps.  We went out and picked up young man Luke Falk - we studied his limited tape and felt like he could come in and maek a difference for us," Coach Winuvas said.

With a short week, Luke Falk may be operating with a limited playbook against a division rival in the Green Bay Packers.  Can the young man get it done and get the Bears locked as the NFC North champions?  Or will the Bears have to find another signal caller to get the job done?

Coach Winuvas Back on Sidelines in Chicago

by Dick Singletary

Blogger, Chicago Tribune

Coach Winuvas is back on the WFL sidelines, and he has gone from the outhouse to the penthouse. as it was.

As a general manager in Miami, Bob Winuvas was playing with the deck stacked against him.  He made some solid moves to acquire what talent (and picks) he could, but ultimately the Dolphins are in full rebuild mode.  The itch to coach a team rather than build a team was always in the rumor mill, but Bob Winuvas squashed all those rumors....until Chicago let their head coach go after violations of WFL rules and regulations.

At 12-0, the Bears surprisingly had to struggle to get someone on the phone to coach their team.  When all their options were burned, they called up Miami's front office and asked Bob Winuvas to coach.  He said yes.

As a defensive-minded head coach, the now Chicago head man has by far his most talented defense he's ever coached - led by linebacker Khalil Mack.

"I mean, this defense is a legit top 3 defense in the WFL.  Khalil Mack, Kyle Fuller, Eddie Jackson, Akiem Hicks - difference makers at every level of the defense.  All we need is the offense to get us 20 points a game," Coach Winuvas said during his introductory press conference.

The offense, however, does leave a bit to be desired.  The quarterback position is the weakest part of this roster, with veteran Tyrod Taylor in as the starter at this point.  There is depth and talent at all other spots, however.  With a huge question mark at the most important position, however, can Coach Winuvas get this team deep into the playoffs and work on a more permanent solution in the offseason?

Early Report Card - Defense Shines, Offense Falters

by Dan Fiedler

Blogger, Miami Herald

Week 5 sees the Dolphins working light, as the bye week blues hit.  At an early stage, it's still a bit of a reach to come to some conclusions.  But....we can see some trends developing, both good and ill.  We'll go over some of the good (and the bad) here.

GOOD:  Defense has played their role well

Through 4 games, Miami (shockingly) is top 10 in all 4 team tracked categories - points allowed per game (21.0, 8th in the league), yards allowed per game (273.8, tops in the WFL), passing yards allowed per game (179.8, tops in the WFL), and rushing yards allowed per game (94.0, tops in the WFL).  With a hodgepodge of players on defense for the most part (excluding a player we will discuss later in this article), the team defense has played their hearts out for head coach Brian Flores.  It's a great sign, as the team is working to be a defense-first style of team that plays tough and tenacious every play.

BAD:  Offense has shown inconsistencies

To be fair, it's hard to be tough on this crew.  There are a LOT of young players on this side of the ball.  Only 1 starter (left tackle Cordy Glenn) is 29 years old; Glenn is the oldest starter on the offense.  With a 22 year old quarterback in Josh Rosen starting, and an average age of 25.8 years old in the starting 11, there's LOTS of young players that are hungry for an opportunity.  There's also a lack of experience throughout the lineup on that side of the ball, which leads to inconsistent play.  This is a team building with youth on the offensive side of the ball, and with that decision comes....growing pains.  Ranking in the bottom of the league in most team-based offensive categories (22nd in offensive points per game, 31st in total yards per game, 30th in passing yards per game, and 31st in rushing yards per game), this team has to get better there, and they will with reps and time.  Miami fans, be patient - these kids are learning.

GOOD:  Jadeveon Clowney trade paying dividends immediately

Look, I was definitely not a fan of losing a stud offensive lineman in Laremy Tunsil.  I questioned general manager Bob Winuvas' decision on this one when the deal was first announced.  However...by acquiring Cordy Glenn in a separate deal to stem the dropoff in quality from Tunsil, Clowney has enjoyed helping the Miami defense achieve the lofty goals described above.  Leading the team in tackles (17 solo) and sacks (7) and wrecking havoc in both the pass and run defense, Clowney has been a breath of fresh air under the tutelage of defensive coach Brian Flores.  However...will contract negotiations (Clowney is going to want the moon this offseason) turn into a huge drama for the Dolphins?  Or will they get a new lynchpin for their defense that can anchor the team for 4-5 years down the road?

GOOD:  Bob Winuvas' trades in general....surprisingly

Most of Bob Winuvas' trades, when first made, caused some head scratching by fans and pundits alike.  However, what Bob Winuvas has done has given the team a lot of pass rushing depth and flexibility for Coach Flores' hybrid scheme.  Guys like defensive lineman/linebacker Carl Nassib (a good power rusher that plays good run defense), linebacker Tyus Bowser (a young up and coming speed rusher), Deon Cain (a solid young wide receiver who has been a light on the offense as he was last Madden season), Jadeveon Clowney (mentioned above), and veteran tackle Cordy Glenn (to help relieve the issue of trading Tunsil) come in.  Losing receivers Kenny Stills and Albert Wilson, as well as defensive tackle Davon Godchaux, hurts, but with 11 picks in the upcoming draft, Miami is trying to get younger and talented now, while creating potential competition with draft picks in the 2020 WFL draft.

OVERALL GRADE (EARLY):  B+

No one expected Miami to be supremely competitive this season.  If Miami front office brass had to be honest, they didn't either.  This was an anticipated tank job for a top pick.  And Miami could falter and see a losing streak post-bye week.  But at this stage, Miami is playing legit defense and just enough offense to win games.  At 2-2, they are able to be a player in the AFC East, especially when New England has no Tom Brady for another 7 weeks.  This is the year a new champion of the AFC East could be crowned - and with the Dolphins playing lights-out defensively, you know the saying - "Defense wins championships."

Rosen Mauled in Loss to Chargers

by Dan Fiedler

Blogger, Miami Herald

Josh Rosen, through the first four weeks at least, has been kept relatively clean with an offensive line that is....subpar.  I hate to say it that ugly, but I have to call a spade a spade in this job.  However, with an elite pass rusher in Joey Bosa coming into town, the Miami offensive line was completely overwhelmed, giving up 7 sacks (4 to Bosa) and getting Rosen buried in a 24-14 loss at Hard Rock Stadium this past Sunday.

Miami started the game off with the football, and had a very solid first drive, despite a sack or two from the Chargers' defense forcing a Jason Sanders 28 yard field goal halfway through the first quarter to get a small 3-0 lead.  Phillip Rivers would lead the Chargers' offense down the field with electric efficiency, including a solid flat pass to Melvin Gordon to gain 39 yards and put the Chargers at the 2 yard line.  However, Rivers would force a throw into double coverage, and veteran safety Rashad Jones would pick him off late in the first quarter.

With the second quarter starting with a pedestrian 3-0 score, the Chargers would get the ball back and make up for its' initial mistake.  Phillip Rivers would throw a jump ball into the end zone with 3 Miami defenders and Chargers' wide receiver Mike Williams.  Inexplicably, Williams would come down with it, and give the Los Angeles Chargers a 7-3 lead.

"How the holy heck did he get that?  Can someone explain that to me?" Coach Flores said after the game.  "I watched the replay - I still have no clue."

The next Miami offensive drive would see Josh Rosen assaulted by the Chargers' front seven, specifically Joey Bosa.  The talented young defensive end would be planted in the Dolphins' backfield all game long.  "I was beginning to wonder if he was actually on our team, as often as he was in our backfield," Coach Flores said of the pressure.  Los Angeles would make another late drive in the second quarter, but a very long field goal from 61 yards out by Michael Badgley would again give the ball back to Miami.  Rosen would get enough time to engineer a drive within range for Jason Sanders to hit another field goal from 42 yards out to lighten the deficit to 7-6 in favor of Los Angeles.

The next play for Los Angeles on offense would have Rivers throw another interception, this time to Xavien Howard.  Rosen would attempt to move the ball down the field, but a third Joey Bosa sack in the first half saw an enraged Coach Brian Flores call time out, yell out to the field, and send veteran reserve tackle Bobby Hart (signed earlier in the week) check in at right tackle.  Rookie sixth round tackle Isaiah Prince trotted to the sideline, where he got an earful (and then some) from the head coach.

"When you gear protection to that side, and guys still can't execute - change has to happen.  Bobby (Hart) went in there and helped stabilize that side of the line a bit more.  Isaiah (Prince) is a young guy - he'll bounce back.  He's got a lot of potential," Coach Flores said after the game in an attempt to save some of Prince's hide.

With :16 left in the first half, Rosen would make his first (and worst) mistake when he threw into double coverage and Casey Heyward would snake the football away and run 72 yards for a pick 6 and a 14-6 lead.  "We had a chance to take the lead via field goal there.  Josh has to learn to be more patient - I know he was beaten up today, but limiting turnovers has to be our priority if we want to win games right now," Coach Flores said of the play.  The first half would end with the Los Angeles Chargers having a 14-6 lead.

The Chargers would get the ball to start the second half, and run a solid, long drive.  The Dolphins' defense would stall out the Chargers' offense deep in their own territory and force a Michael Badgley 29 yard field goal to extend the lead to 17-6.  Josh Rosen would come out in the second half with some inaccurate throws (presumably from the massive punishment he took in the first half) and pressure coming in his face.  However, Rosen would persevere and get the Dolphins into the red zone and the end zone ultimately with a 4 yard pass to Jakeem Grant.  A successful 2 point conversion would see the Dolphins push the deficit to 17-14.

The Dolphins' defense would stiffen up in the fourth quarter in an attempt to help the team get the victory.  Getting the ball back for the offense with under 4 minutes to play, Miami would attempt a comeback but would see Josh Rosen throw his second interception of the day, this time to Desmond King (who made a great read on the play, to be fair).  Three plays later, with just over 2 minutes to go, Phillip Rivers would find tight end Hunter Henry from 5 yards out to extend the lead to 24-14.  Rosen would try one last drive to get the Miami offense going, but a turnover on downs would end the day for Miami.

Josh Rosen would get sacked 7 times while completing 15 of 29 passes for 178 yards and 1 touchdown to go with 2 interceptions.  Kalen Ballage and Kenyan Drake (8/35 and 7/22, respectively) did little to help Rosen out on offense against a stout Chargers' defense.  DeVante Parker had 4 catches for 65 yards to lead the corps, while Jakeem Grant (2/25) had the only touchdown receiving.  Defensively, Xavien Howard and Reshad Jones had interceptions, while Jadeveon Clowney, Tyus Bowser, and Daeshon Hall had sacks of Phillip Rivers on the day.

Phillip Rivers went 10 of 16 for 195 yards and 2 touchdowns to go with 2 interceptions.  Melvin Gordon had 11 carries for 41 yards on the ground.  Mike Williams (3/53) and Hunter Henry (2/15) had the touchdowns for Rivers and the Chargers' offense.  Defensively, Uchenna Nwosu, Jerry Tillery, Melvin Ingram, and Joey Bosa (4 sacks) each had at least 1 sack of Rosen on the day, and Bosa led the team with 5 tackles in the victory.

"We have a bye week to figure out our protection schemes.  We have to get that fixed going forward - every team now has a blueprint to beat our offense.  It's up to the coaching staff to overcome that," Coach Flores said during the post game.  "Still too many errors on both sides of the ball - missed tackles, missed assignments - that need to be corrected.  We are better than we'd thought we would be at this point, but we definitely have improvement to make."

At 2-2, the Dolphins rest a week before taking on the Redskins in week 6.  The Chargers (4-0) will head home to host the division rival Broncos (0-4) next week.
 

Rosen Lights Up Cowboys' Secondary in Road Win

by Dan Fiedler

Blogger, Miami Herald

Josh Rosen has had his share of good and bad moments in his first season in Miami as the Dolphins' lead signal caller.  This game saw mostly good from Josh, who went for over 300 yards and 4 touchdowns in a 31-24 victory over the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium this past Sunday.

Miami would start poorly, with their first offensive series ending quickly when receiver Davante Parker would catch a solid post route and immediately put the ball on the turf after a big hit from safety Karl Joseph.  Dallas linebacker Jaylon Smith would recover the fumble, and Dallas would drive down the field with a solid balance of run and pass. Dallas quarterback Walter Graham would find venerable veteran tight end Jason Witten from 9 yards out to take an early 7-0 lead midway through the first quarter.

Josh Rosen would answer quickly, as the second play from scrimmage saw Josh find young receiver Deon Cain on a curl route.  Cain would break the tackle of cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, bulldoze safety Xavier Woods, and rumble 66 yards for a touchdown and a 7-7 tie.  The defenses would hold serve for the remainder of the first quarter.

Miami would take the first drive of the second quarter and find paydirt once again, as Rosen would hit Kenyan Drake on a touch pass jet sweep on a third down play to score from 20 yards out and Miami gaining a 14-7 lead.  Dallas would drive down the field quickly to attempt to answer the touchdown, but would stall out in a drive and have to rely on kicker Brett Maher to hit a field goal from 57 yards out to shrink the lead for the Dolphins to 14-10.

Josh Rosen would commit a mistake on Miami's next drive, throwing into coverage (a common problem this season for Rosen) and finding Dallas cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (who regained some face for missing a tackle earlier in the game).  Dallas would make Miami pay for that error, with Walter Graham finding Ezekiel Elliott out of the backfield for a 32 yard touchdown pass and a 17-14 lead with just under 2 minutes to play.  Miami would answer in kind, as Josh Rosen would lead a 2 minute drill and finish off with a 42 yard touchdown pass to Kalen Ballage with under :10 left to take a 21-17 lead into the half for Miami.

The first drive for Dallas out of the second half saw some ball bounce luck affect the team.  Walter Graham would throw a jump ball up on a 3rd and 23.  Three Miami defenders would tip the ball into the air and fall down amongst themselves, and the ball would bounce to Dallas wide receiver Randall Cobb.  Cobb would have no other Miami defenders to catch him (they were all on the ground), and would score a 90 yard touchdown and Dallas would take a 24-21 lead.

Late in the third quarter, Josh Rosen would make his second mistake of the contest, again throwing into man coverage and finding Dallas cornerback Jourdan Lewis.  Miami's defense, however, would stand firm and force a Dallas punt to start the fourth quarter.  Rosen would lead another Miami offensive drive, and would find Kalen Ballage out of the backfield in the flat.  Ballage would break some tackles and rumble 22 yards to score his second receiving touchdown on the day, and Josh Rosen's fourth touchdown pass.  Dallas would get two more offensive drives, but could not answer Miami's score.  Miami would take the ball back with just under 4 minutes left in the game and would finish the game off with a Jason Sanders field goal from 21 yards out to finalize the score at 31-24.

For the Dolphins, Josh Rosen has his good and bad moments, going 18 of 27 for 329 yards and 4 touchdowns to go with 2 interceptions.  Kalen Ballage would carry the ball 15 times for 69 yards in the run game, while also contributing 2 catches for 64 yards and 2 receiving touchdowns.  Deon Cain (5/99) and Kenyan Drake (2/37) also had receiving touchdowns on the day.  Defensively, 4 different players had sacks on the day - Jadeveon Clowney, Raekwon McMillan, Akeem Spence, and Charles Harris.  Safety T.J. McDonald had an interception on the day via a hail mary attempt by Walter Graham at the end of the first half.  Jadeveon Clowney would also get 6 tackles on the day to lead the Dolphins in that department.

For the Cowboys, quarterback Walter Graham went 13 of 21 for 232 yards and 3 touchdowns to go with a single interception.  Ezekiel Elliott had 7 carries for 56 yards in the run game.  Zeke Elliott had 3 catches for 50 yards and a touchdown in the receiving game, and Randall Cobb (3/112) and Jason Witten (2/29) had touchdowns as well.  Defensively, linebacker Jaylon Smith led the Cowboys' defenders with 7 tackles.

"We have to limit our mistakes.  Josh has to limit turnovers for us to succeed.  Otherwise, we executed well.  We'll go back, look at the tape, and correct any issues hopefully in time to take on the Chargers," Coach Brian Flores said after the contest.

At 2-1, Miami looks to surprise teams with a 3-1 start as they head home to host the Los Angeles Chargers.  Dallas (0-3) will head to New Orleans to face the 3-0 Saints.

"The Call"

by Dan Fiedler

Blogger, Miami Herald

"Those men out there fought like a unit to get that win.  We had momentum on our side, the crowd was humming late - we owed it to ourselves and to the Dolphins' fans to get the victory.  Ultimately, we didn't get the job done.  But those guys played their guts out against a supremely talented Patriots' team and, even with mental errors, we were close.  Close isn't good enough for this coaching staff and this team, however.  The Dolphins deserve a winner.  That's what we're here for."

After a 1 point loss to the Patriots on a failed 2 point conversion at home this Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium, the Dolphins have nothing to hang their heads about.  Against a supremely better opponent and perennial AFC East champion New England, the Dolphins lost 24-23. The game started with a huge defensive mental lapse for the Dolphins, as Julian Edelman was left inexplicably wide open on a switch route, and with one juke would head to the house for a 70 yard touchdown and a 7-0 lead with only :15 off the clock.

"Terrible set up by the defense.  We slept on that one.  We did better the rest of the game, but that was a terrible way to start," Coach Flores said after the game.

The Dolphins' offense would go balanced on their first offensive set, and would find modes of success.  Near midfield, Josh Rosen would see Jakeem Grant cut over the middle on a slant route.  Grant would skitter through the Patriots' defenders for 52 yards and a touchdown to tie the game at 7.

The second Patriots' series would see the offensive line dominate in the run game. However, the series would stall out and force a Stephen Gostkowski 40 yard field goal to retake the lead, 10-7.  Miami's offense would commit its first mistake of the day when Josh Rosen would force a pass into tight man coverage, and safety Duron Harmon would pick Rosen off.

"We'll review the tape afterwards, but Josh knows better than to make that decision," Coach Flores said after the game.  "Josh has to take care of the football better than he did today.  He knows that, though."

The Patriots would drive back down the field, and inside the 5 yard line, Tom Brady would find Julian Edelman in the back of the end zone to extend the Patriots' advantage to 17-7.  Miami's next possession would hold onto the ball a bit, but ultimately see another bad Rosen decision as he would force another ball into tight man coverage and see linebacker Don'ta Hightower pick it off.  "Another time where Rosen needs to know the play isn't there and to throw the ball away," Coach Flores said.

The Dolphins' defense would hold the Patriots' offense to a punt, however, and the Miami offense would attempt to push into field goal range with under 4 minutes in the first half.  However, penalties and poor execution would see a failed 65 yard attempt by Jason Sanders to end the first half 17-7 in favor of the Patriots.

The second half would see Miami's offense again stumble, as Josh Rosen would make his third bad decision of the contest and throw into underneath coverage and linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley would intercept the Rosen pass.  "Josh will be watching film this week for sure," Coach Flores said in angered tones after the third time being asked about Rosen's decision making.

Tom Brady and the Patriots' offense would attempt to seize the opportunity to go for the jugular of the Dolphins. However, a pass into the end zone would see Miami safety Minkah Fitzpatrick pick the ball off for a touchback.  Two plays later, Kalen Ballage would hit a hole made in the middle of a Patriots' blitz, and he would turn on the afterburners, juke a safety in the open field, and weave his way for a 70 yard touchdown and a 17-14 deficit.

"Kalen (Ballage) hit that hole through the blitz beautifully.  He made one guy miss, and then that was that," Coach Flores said after the game.

New England's next offensive possession would see a solid drive end with tight end Matt LaCosse would get the ball ripped from his arm by linebacker Kiko Alonzo, and cornerback Eric Rowe would recover the loose ball.  The offense of Miami would drive down the field, despite Rosen's struggles in throwing the ball.  Extending into the fourth quarter, Miami's offense would stall in field goal range and see Jason Sanders kick a 50 yard field goal to tie the game at 17.

New England would again drive down the field.  Tom Brady would find running back Spencer Ware in the flat and Ware would scamper 14 yards for the touchdown and a 24-17 lead.  Miami's next offensive series would stall, but New England, in another attempt to go for the jugular, would be forced to punt back to the Dolphins at the 2 minute warning.  Josh Rosen would work some solid 2 minute offense, but after 3 incomplete passes, Josh had to find his top receiver Davante Parker on a 4th and 10 conversion with 1:42 left.  With 0:42 left, tight end Mike Gesicki would fight his way to the 1 yard line on a 17 yard pass from Josh Rosen.  The next play would see running back Jeremy Hill power in from a yard out to take the score to 24-23.

Then came what Dolphins' fans are saying is "The Call".  Strong I, Y Trail.  However, Josh Rosen would throw an incomplete pass to a slanting Devante Parker in coverage, ending the Dolphins' day at 24-23.

For the Patriots, Tom Brady was Tom Terrific, going 12 of 16 for 208 yards and 3 touchdowns to go with 1 interception.  Spencer Ware ran the ball 14 carries for 107 yards.  Julian Edelman had 5 catches for 120 yards and 2 touchdowns in the receiving game.  Defensively, lineman Michael Bennett had the only sack of the day to go with interceptions from Ja'Whaun Bentley, Don'ta Hightower, and Duron Harmon.  Kyle Van Noy at linebacker led the team with 5 tackles.

For the Dolphins, Josh Rosen went 16 of 29 for 223 yards and 1 touchdown to go with 3 interceptions.  Kalen Ballage had 12 carries for 103 yards and a 70 yard touchdown.  Jakeem Grant led the receivers with 3 receptions for 71 yards and a touchdown.  Defensively, safety Reshad Jones led the team with 5 tackles and a sack.  Jadeveon Clowney made his 4th sack of the year in this contest also.

The 1-1 Dolphins travel to Dallas to play the 0-2 Cowboys, while the 2-0 Patriots take on the New York Jets in Foxboro next week.

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Trades Ahoy!

by Dan Fiedler

Blogger, Miami Herald

So new general manager Bob Winuvas certainly didn't waste any time standing pat on the roster as is heading to the preseason.  With some bold moves, the former defensive minded head coach has molded some pieces in his image, and with a defensive head coach in Brian Flores at the helm, here's hoping these moves ultimately work out in Miami's favor.  Let's look at each one and give a hot take on them:

Trade 1:  WR Albert Wilson to the Buccaneers for OLB/DE Carl Nassib and a 5th rounder (Bucs)

HOT TAKE:  So a loss in the receiving room with the Dolphins' leading receiver last season for a borderline starting linebacker (backup to Jerome Baker and Kiko Alonzo, at this point) and a low end pick?  Initially, not a great idea.  But bear in mind that Brian Flores wants versatility in his multiple front scheme, and Nassib definitely brings that as a converted outside linebacker who started his career as a defensive end.  At 270ish pounds, Carl is big enough to play a 4-3 DE that can run stuff, and athletic enough to play an outside linebacker in the three man front schemes.  While not ideal, he's a versatile chess piece that the general manager has had luck with: "I've seen this guy sack, strip the ball, and recover it once a season for about 3 years.  He's a legit 'worker monster' - he's not a monster, per se, but he will outwork anyone to get the job done.  That's what we want." - Bob Winuvas on the trade.

Trade 2:  WR Kenny Stills to the Ravens for OLB Tyus Bowser and a 4th rounder (Ravens)

HOT TAKE: So another head scratcher - depleting an average talent but deep set of receivers in exchange for young but inexperienced pass rushers and picks?  Bowser has the skills to rush the passer, but at 240 pounds, may be too small to use every down.  As an 3-4 style outside backer or edge rusher on pass downs in sub packages, though, Bowser can be successful if he gains more experience and skills.  The pick is a nice add too, boosting an already stout package of picks in the 2020 WFL Draft.

Trade 3:  4th round pick (acquired from Tennessee) to the Bengals for OT Cordy Glenn

HOT TAKE:  A solid pickup for a tackle that can still get it done in pass protection, although older at 29 years of age.  Cordy Glenn can be a valuable mentor for all the young offensive linemen on the Dolphins' roster at this time.  Age and injuries have sapped his All-Pro capabilities, but Cordy still has the awareness and ability to get the job done against most WFL pass rushers.

Trade 4:  3rd round pick to the Colts for WR Deon Cain and the Colts' 6th round pick

HOT TAKE:  You move a few older wide receivers with talent to get a younger wide receiver with talent.  I like this move - the payment was a little steep, but getting a lower end draft pick in round 6 sort of makes up for it.  With another third rounder in their pocket via another deal (the next one), this is a good pickup.

Trade 5:  DT Davon Godchaux to the Rams for the Rams' 3rd round pick in 2020 Draft

HOT TAKE:  Miami is going for youth and control of contracts - Godchaux is still young but only under contract through next season.  With a third round pick, the Dolphins could potentially pick up a replacement-level value at a fraction of the price.  A good saavy move to boost the roster for next year, though up the middle run defense could suffer.  This tells me the coaching staff like what they got in first rounder Christian Wilkins.

Trade 6:  OT Laremy Tunsil and the Dolphins' 2nd round pick in 2020 to the Texans for OLB/DE Jadeveon Clowney

HOT TAKE:  Let's be real - THIS is the pick you read the rest of the article for, am I right?  The Dolphins needed an elite level pass rusher.  The Texans needed offensive line help.  This was a perfect match.  The Dolphins have the cap space next year to sign Clowney to the deal he wants, and with Xavien Howard at cornerback locked down, adding to that Minkah Fitzpatrick, Jerome Baker, Raekwon McMillian, and the aforementioned Wilkins...the Dolphins have legitimate talent at all 3 levels of the field - defensive line/pass rush, linebackers, and secondary.  This could be a fun unit to watch grow up right before our eyes led by the elite-level talent of Clowney.  Losing Tunsil hurts immensely, but to get a talented player, you have to give up talent.  Kudos to Bob Winuvas, Brian Flores, and that whole Dolphins' organization for stepping up and getting a deal done.  Now the GM just has to not screw up Clowney's contract extension...

So there you have it - overall I give these moves a solid B grade.  With what Bob Winuvas had in the stable, he got a ton of value for.  And with 12 picks in the upcoming draft...the Dolphins are about to get a whole lot younger, or a whole lot more aggressive in moving around the board to get the players they want.

WR Cain and GM Winuvas - Perfect Match?

by Dan Fiedler

Blogger, Miami Herald

Last season, then head coach Bob Winuvas had a love affair with a player - no, not THAT kind of affair.  Rookie sensation Deon Cain was a member of the Colts when the ball coach was there, and after a season away from each other, the coach and player reunited in Arizona for a season.  Both seasons saw Deon Cain catch over 120 balls for over 1800 yards and a total of 16 touchdowns between both seasons.  So what to do but have an encore now that the ex-ball coach is now just a general manager?

Miami gave up a 3rd round pick in the 2020 WFL Draft to obtain Cain and a 6th rounder from the Colts.  While head coach Brian Flores was skeptical given the losses in the receiver room via trade (more on that in another article), the general manager has a simple statement - "Give the kid one game, and if he doesn't impress, you do what you have to do."

And impress he did.  Cain led all Dolphins' receivers in yardage with 100 on the dot on 6 catches (also a team lead for the game, though tied) in a 27-13 win over the Ravens this past Sunday.  He consistenly showed ability to create separation against Marlon Humphrey, one of the better young cornerbacks in the league and a stalwart in the Ravens' secondary.

"I thought he performed well - better than expected," Coach Brian Flores said during the post-game press conference.  "(General manager) Bob (Winuvas) said to trust him on this pickup, and I did.  He (Cain) paid dividends week one.  Let's see if Deon can maintain that consistently week in and week out.  That's what we have to have to get this team where it needs to be."

Miami is happy early on, considering most experts didn't think the Dolphins would win more than 3 games this season with the roster talent they had.  With Bob Winuvas in the front office, however, that talent pool is getting larger and working harder in practice to succeed and prove the experts wrong.  At 1-0, it's still way to early to claim success; however, Brian Flores and the Dolphins' brass have to be very pleased with their preparation and execution in week 1.  As a fan, here's hoping that execution continues week 2 against a very tough and dominant Patriots' squad.