Jimmy Boyd
Dolphins vs Rams
Free Pick on Dolphins -
The big news going into this game is the Rams will be debuting rookie Jared Goff. This might not seem like a big deal, given how much the offense was struggling under quarterback Case Keenum. I'm sure even some people might view it as an upgrade. I'm not one of them. After watching Goff struggle the way he did on Hard Knocks, I wasn't surprised at all that LA waited this long to make the switch.
I know Fisher has said that he's not going to rush a rookie into action, but you don't trade up for the No. 1 pick and not expect to play him right away. Not in today's NFL. I personally think the Rams realized they made a mistake with Goff and were simply trying to save face by pushing back his debut.
I also think there's something to say about how Keenum reacted to losing his job. Given how poorly he has played, you wouldn't expect him to be so upset about losing the job, unless he feels that he gives the team the better chance to win. I get the feeling the Rams players don't think Goff has what it takes and if they aren't behind this move, things are going to go south in a hurry.
All of this and I haven't even mentioned that the Dolphins are arguably the better team here and come into this game on a roll, having won 4 straight. While Jay Ajayi and the running game is getting all the praise right now, I've really been impressed with the play of Ryan Tannehill, who I think is now on the same page with head coach and quarterback guru Adam Gase. The perception here is that this isn't a great matchup for Miami, because the Rams have such a talented defensive line. While it's definitely talented, it's much better at getting after the quarterback than stopping the run. LA is only 17th in the league against the run, giving up 103.1 ypg. On top of that, they could be missing two key pieces up front, as Quinn and Brockers are both questionable.
I just think there's too much value here with Miami not to take a shot on the Dolphins in this spot, as I just feel there's a much greater chance that Goff fails in his debut than comes out and lights the world on fire. Take Miami!
Dolphins vs Rams
Free Pick on Dolphins -
The big news going into this game is the Rams will be debuting rookie Jared Goff. This might not seem like a big deal, given how much the offense was struggling under quarterback Case Keenum. I'm sure even some people might view it as an upgrade. I'm not one of them. After watching Goff struggle the way he did on Hard Knocks, I wasn't surprised at all that LA waited this long to make the switch.
I know Fisher has said that he's not going to rush a rookie into action, but you don't trade up for the No. 1 pick and not expect to play him right away. Not in today's NFL. I personally think the Rams realized they made a mistake with Goff and were simply trying to save face by pushing back his debut.
I also think there's something to say about how Keenum reacted to losing his job. Given how poorly he has played, you wouldn't expect him to be so upset about losing the job, unless he feels that he gives the team the better chance to win. I get the feeling the Rams players don't think Goff has what it takes and if they aren't behind this move, things are going to go south in a hurry.
All of this and I haven't even mentioned that the Dolphins are arguably the better team here and come into this game on a roll, having won 4 straight. While Jay Ajayi and the running game is getting all the praise right now, I've really been impressed with the play of Ryan Tannehill, who I think is now on the same page with head coach and quarterback guru Adam Gase. The perception here is that this isn't a great matchup for Miami, because the Rams have such a talented defensive line. While it's definitely talented, it's much better at getting after the quarterback than stopping the run. LA is only 17th in the league against the run, giving up 103.1 ypg. On top of that, they could be missing two key pieces up front, as Quinn and Brockers are both questionable.
I just think there's too much value here with Miami not to take a shot on the Dolphins in this spot, as I just feel there's a much greater chance that Goff fails in his debut than comes out and lights the world on fire. Take Miami!