Dolphins Have A Lot On The Line Today
By Brian Miller
Aug 11, 2011; Arlington, TX, USA; San Diego Chargers kicker Nate Kaeding (10) kick a field goal in the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
While most of the talk surrounds the injuries of Davone Bess, Charles Clay, Daniel Thomas, and Koa Misi, the Dolphins added kicker Dan Carpenter to the growing late season list of the injured reserve. Carpenter apparently injured his groin and is now done for the season, joining Charles Clay, Daniel Thomas, and Jake Long. To replace Carpenter, the Dolphins added former standout San Diego Charger kicker Nate Kaeding.
Kaeding was a long ball money kicker for most of his career in San Diego however as Charger fans will tell you, he was money until the game was on the line. While I am not going to dive into the statistics of a kicker who spent most of the season unemployed, I will say that Kaeding was a fantasy stud for the last four years. Kaeding was released by the Chargers after landing on IR in training camp after suffering a groin injury as well.
The addition of Kaeding is only a sample of what the Dolphins have on the line today.
The Dolphins are not out of the playoff hunt yet and in fact are the only team remaining in the AFC with an outside shot of getting in, that does NOT control it’s own destiny. On paper things look a little rough for the team but it’s not out of the question that the Phins could slide in if a few things happen.
1: The Dolphins must beat both the Bill today and the Patriots next week.
2: The Steelers must beat the Bengals today.
3: The Jets need to lose 1 more game.
4: The Steelers need to lose to the Browns next week.
5: The Bengals need to lose to the Ravens next week.
If all that happens, the Dolphins will make the post-season. Unlikely? Of course but in the NFL stranger things have happened.
The Dolphins will get a good amount of looks today at some of their reserve players. With Daniel Thomas on IR the team expects to see a lot more of RB Lamar Miller. With Charles Clay now on IR it’s expected the team will give TE Michael Egnew a shot at the field on Sunday. At WR it’s not known if recently added Armon Binns will make an appearance but Rishard Matthews will get more opportunities on the outside as well.