The Worst Kind Of Hangover

What do Ted Ginn, Jr and this statue have in common? They're both busts, of course.

There are three major and three minor reasons the Dolphins dropped the ball against the Saints. Here they are in all their gory detail.

I don't like calling individuals out, but on this day there are some sombreros being worn.

The Three Major Reasons

1. Ted Ginn, Jr.


Maybe his family can start playing more?

Well, Teddy... What can we say? You're a Miami Dolphin. Two dropped passes, one of them a perfectly thrown down-field pass which you insidiously tipped up for Darren Sharper to return for a touchdown.

Then there was the five-yard reverse you ran, which you were able to securely slink out of bounds one yard shy of the first down. Lousaka Polite got it for you on third and short. That guy has his nuts however, so we'll consider it a typical situation.

Lastly there is the fact that your second drop came in the fourth quarter Henne was trying to claw out of the pits of Miami receiver hell.

Basically, Teddy, you are a bust. As a fan I am done with you. Here's to Patrick Turner's eminent start.

2. Gibril Wilson

Not sure what to say here other than you're missing tackles and can't seem to locate the tight end until it's too late. If Gibril Wilson even marginally plays Shockey we win that game.

Yeremiah Bell had a game. Sean Smith had a game. Vontae Davis played great, saved a touchdown. You, sir, did not. I know they won't pull the trigger, but Chris Clemmons is starting to look better and better.

3. Play Calling

I won't hate too much on Henning's play calling, but I will put as the third largest reason the Phins lost. With a strong lead the Phins abandoned the running game, calling just 8 running plays in the second half. Eight. Ricky Williams was practically unstoppable and you stop feeding him the ball?

Okay, I lied. I will hate on Henning. Seriously. Run the fucking ball. Slow the game down and take possessions away from the Saints. Why we decided to get pass happy with receivers dropping passes left and right (hell, Davone Bess had three drops).

The Three Minor Reasons

1. Channing Crowder

Channing, can you shut your mouth and make a play once in while? Three tackles. You're the starting middle linebacker and you make three tackles?

I like you bud. You hit hard and don't back down from taking on bigger backs. I'm just thinking that you might not have it. On a day where everyone was stepping up you stepped nowhere.

A forced fumble would be nice. Or a decent pass breakup. I won't ask you to pick off a pass. That would be way too much.

2. Anthony Fasano

Drops, drops and drops. Are you kidding me? Why can't anyone that is not Greg Camarillo (whose bonehead out-of-bounds toss will not be discussed) or Davone Bess (and even he dropped three yesterday) catch the ball?

Unbelievable.

3. The Fans

Big game. The Phins are coming off a by-week and a big win. A win against the Saints and your team is in THE CONVERSATION.

And yet I was looking at a lot of empty seats. That's embarrassing. Seriously people. Go to the fucking games! I wish I lived close enough to.

The Positives

Jason Taylor is awesome. 3 tackles 2 assists. Two sacks. Two forced fumbles. A batted pass that led to an interception. A handful of QB pressures otherwise.

Go ahead JT. Tell the haters what's up.

Ricky Williams is awesome. My favorite Dolphin is running better and better every week. If Henning had gave him the ball another eight times and we win this game.

Sean Smith and Vontae Davis are good. Davis saved a TD on the kick return by Roby. With Will Allen out for the year with an ACL tear, our cornerback tandem of the future will be on full display from here on out.

I like Will Allen and he was a big part of last year's storybook team. But his play has been inconsistent this year and I believe starting Vontae will be a full upgrade.

Stir The Pot

Chris Clemmons and Patrick Turner should start. Particularly Turner.

Ted Ginn is done. The thumbs have finally turned down for good. As to Clemmons, I figure Wilson has shown about as much as he is going to.