NFL.com/LIVE: Dolphins vs. Panthers
8:00 PM - 11:30 PM ETNFL.com/LIVE
104 comments
Welcome to NFL.com/LIVE and the Thursday Night Football online extra webcast of the Dolphins vs. Panthers. The pregame show begins at 6 p.m. ET on NFL Network, followed by kickoff at 8 p.m. ET.
Tonight's game is the second of eight live regular-season primetime games on NFL Network. Follow the game here during a live chat with the NFL Network pregame broadcast crew of Rich Eisen, Marshall Faulk, Steve Mariucci and Deion Sanders.
Submit your questions and join in on the live chat throughout the game.
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NFL.com,
Hello, NFL Nation! Welcome to tonight's NFL.com/LIVE Thursday Night Football online extra webcast of the Dolphins vs. Panthers. We're excited to be with you tonight, chatting live and taking your questions throughout the game. -
NFL.com,
Anticipating a great game tonight NFL Nation. Two teams with many similarities, both have won four of their last six games, and one of them will be 5-5 after tonight and right back in the playoff mix. -
BrianMorra, Loveland, OH
11:08 PM ET
Is DeAngelo Williams playing tonight?
NFL.com,
Hey Brian. DeAngelo Williams is active tonight, and expected to start. Jonathan Stewart is active as well. -
NFL.com,
And a note on the Dolphins, TE Anthony Fasano is inactive tonight and will miss his second straight game. -
joe mc, Batavia
11:11 PM ET
Is Steve Smith playing tonight? I read he was involved in a minor traffic accident before the game, on his way to the stadium.
NFL.com,
Hey Joe. Smith is active and playing tonight ... he was on the field warming up before the game. As NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora reported earlier, Smith was involved in a minor fender-bender on his way to the stadium ... he'll be fine, though. -
scott warner, florida
11:15 PM ET
What type of foot injury did Ronnie Brown incur?
NFL.com,
Hey Scott. Thanks for checking in. We still don't know the specifics of Browns' injury ... there has been no official word from the Dolphins -- he was scheduled to see a specialist this morning. For now, it's a "foot" injury ... but, regardless, he's out for the season. -
Jacob Phillips, Charlotte, NC
11:16 PM ET
NFL.com... who is YOUR pick to win tonight?
NFL.com,
Wow, Jacob, kissing up the moderator, huh? Now THAT's the question NFL Nation is wanting to know! Honestly, these teams are very similar. I think the Carolina offense has more big plays in it ... if they can get by without Jordan Gross, they'll win this one at home. -
NFL.com,
But let's check in with the experts ... let's see who they like tonight. -
Rod Woodson, NFL Network
I like the Panthers too. -
Marshall Faulk, NFL Network
Well guys, I like Miami. -
Steve Mariucci, NFL Network
I said Carolina on the air. I'll stick with them, the home team. -
Beau Thomas, Mays Landing
11:22 PM ET
I see an upset here. Ricky is going to go off the charts.
NFL.com,
Well folks, wherever Mays Landing is, Beau has checked in with his pick. -
Brandon Smith, Fredericksburg, va
11:23 PM ET
I think Miami will take this one, they know how to move the ball well and will exploit Jakes Panic Attacks.
NFL.com,
Brandon is going with the 'Fins. We got it, Brandon, but Jake has ZERO turnovers in the last three games. -
Adam Meeker, Saint Marys
11:25 PM ET
I know you have said this but I wasnt aware ronnie brown's injury was so severe. So he is out for the season for sure?
NFL.com,
He is, Adam, obviously tough for the Dolphins. Here's a link to the story we posted late last night. -
Marshall Faulk, NFL Network
The Panthers will have to throw at some point tonight. -
JASON CLEVELAND, ST LOUIS
11:27 PM ET
Just bought a new computer, love the live chat!
NFL.com,
Ahhh yeah Jason! Welcome to NFL Nation on your new computer. -
Mike Trainor, New Jersey
11:28 PM ET
Jordan Gross or Ronnie Brown: Which loss is more impactful?
NFL.com,
That's the question of the night, Mike. One of the main storylines we'll be following throughout the game. The Dolphins are unique in the fact they still have Ricky Williams ... not many teams can say that. Travelle Wharton has moved out to left guard to replace Gross, with Mackenzy Bernadeau making his first career start, at left guard. We'll see how the Panthers do running to the left side and what type of protection Delhomme gets. -
Vincent, NYC
11:34 PM ET
How does Ronnie Brown's absence affect QB Pat White out of the Wildcat?
NFL.com,
Good question Vincent, we're going to find out. Ricky Williams has run the Wildcat for the Dolphins, taking the direct snap. When Pat White is in, you'll see the Dolphins in the shotgun/spread option, which they call The Pistol ... White taking the snap in the shotgun, often times with a RB behind him. They've been running the option out of that formation, and it will be interesting to see how often they use it tonight. -
kerry wanke, milan, mn
11:38 PM ET
Can the wildcat formation still be effective for Miami with just Ricky Williams instead of the threat of both premiere running backs?
Marshall Faulk, NFL Network
I think they can, Kerry. Just imagine Ted Ginn being the motion player instead of Williams. -
Rich, NC
11:43 PM ET
I find it interesting that these are the 2 teams who implemented the Wildcat. Carolina who started it in the NFL and the Dolphins who now run it effectively
NFL.com,
Very astute observation, Rich. NFL.com's Steve Wyche brought that up earlier this week on NFL Total Access ... the Panthers ran some of the Wildcat back in the day with DeAngelo Williams taking the direct snap when Dan Henning was the OC for the Panthers. Now, you're seeing Henning implement it in Miami. -
Raul Garcia, Riverside, Ca
11:45 PM ET
Good Jake or bad Jake?
NFL.com,
So far we're seeing Good Jake. What do you think Raul? -
Marshall Faulk, NFL Network
I really like Davone Bess. He was good at Hawaii. -
Steve Mariucci, NFL Network
Wildcat ... noticably missing right now for the Dolphins. -
Jason, TN
11:53 PM ET
Who is the back up QB for Maimi??
NFL.com,
That's a great question, Jason. Had to look that up ... Pat White is technically the backup, but it's Tyler Thigpen who is the No. 3 QB. -
NFL.com,
A great graphic from the NFL Network crew ... at least 1 team with a 5-5 record or worse has made the playoffs in 21 of the last 22 seasons. That should tell you how important tonight's game is for these teams. -
Billy Campbell, Pa'ia, Maui
12:00 AM ET
WOW! So who is the guy getting paid to say we want to challenge. I could use a new gig, being a mountain bike tour guide pays less and is much harder.
NFL.com,
LOL Billy. Well, the officials are saying Smith didn't maintain control of the ball as he came down. -
Steve Mariucci, NFL Network
Most teams have an assistant up in the box to monitor those plays for when to throw a challenge -- someone they trust! But my guess is that the guy in the box didn't see that last replay as fast as we did. -
Dave Amsbaugh, Cincinnati
12:03 AM ET
Did the Dolphins list 3 QBs as active, or is Thigpen the emergency QB? If it's the latter, White would be the backup.
NFL.com,
Correct Dave, White is the backup, and Thigpen is the No. 3. If Thigpen plays, neither of the other two QBs could come back in the game. We were wondering who the other Dolphins' QB is. -
Skender Coma, Boynton Beach, FL
12:05 AM ET
I like how Paul Pasqualoni is putting pressure on Jake. It can cause him to make silly mistakes and bring out the "careless" side of him and cause turnovers.
Marshall Faulk, NFL Network
It's not about sacking Jake Delhomme, it's just about putting pressure on him. -
Craig Michaels, Lancaster, Ca
12:07 AM ET
Okay, so how do you get a date with an NFL cheerleader?
NFL.com,
Craig, apparently that's a question for NFL Network reporter Scott Hanson. Scott has some of the best sideline moments of anyone here at NFL Network. -
Tre', Daytona Beach
12:08 AM ET
Special teams will win this game. Write that down.
NFL.com,
Don't need to write it down, Tre', just have to hit "post." But know everyone knows. Way to go out and make a statement. See how that works NFL Nation? -
Rick Herman, Miami
12:09 AM ET
Why would 2 great running teams be throwing the ball so much?
Steve Mariucci, NFL Network
It is a little bit surprising, Rick, especially with Miami. They're forcing the issue a little bit with the young QB Henne, and I'm not sure why. -
NFL.com,
And there's the first Wildcat play of the night, with Ricky Williams taking the direct snap. -
Marshall Faulk, NFL Network
There's the power run up the middle with Ricky Williams. -
Steve Mariucci, NFL Network
The Panthers are getting knocked off the line of scrimmage on this drive. -
Marshall Faulk, NFL Network
Let me remind you that the Panthers are ranked 25th in the NFL against the run. -
Pat Myhra, Wahpeton, ND
12:23 AM ET
Who is this Hilliard guy? He's lookin real good on this drive.
NFL.com,
That Hilliard guy is Lex Hilliard. Our fantasy editor Michael Fabiano says he knows very little about him. Except that he's Ricky Williams' handcuff right now. Fantasy advice from Fabiano! -
NFL.com,
And we have the game's first touchdown ... courtesy of Ricky Williams. -
NFL.com,
Are we seeing a shift in momentum here? -
Steve Mariucci, NFL Network
It looked like Wharton was expecting some help from the running back on a chip block there against Porter. -
Marshall Faulk, NFL Network
I'm not sure anyone had the momentum! This is more like the start of the momentum ... -
Steve Mariucci, NFL Network
Oh wow what a catch by Bess! -
Jim Helou, Albany, NY
12:33 AM ET
Lack of confidence in Williams running the Wildcat, the reason that Henne is throwing so much?
Steve Mariucci, NFL Network
That's a good question Jim. Pass defense is the strength of the Panthers. Maybe the Dolphins realize since they're going to have to play the rest of the season without Brown, they'll need to see what the offense can do. -
NFL.com,
A lot of missed tackles by the Panhters. -
NFL.com,
When we saw the replay of Williams' almost-catch, everyone in the room said "one" out loud ... but the "two" never came. That was close. -
Steve Mariucci, NFL Network
There was no containment by the Panthers against the Wildcat run by Williams. -
Rod Woodson, NFL Network
If I'm defending against the Wildcat on that play, I'm bringing everybody. -
Adam Michaud, Ishpeming, MI
12:45 AM ET
Mooch, How is Henne looking, and what do you think he's going to develop into down the road? Help a fellow Yooper out!
Steve Mariucci, NFL Network
I like him. His physical tools show. We need to see his intangibles and what happens in those situations. He has to go through all those things a QB needs to go though. But the physical tools, he can do it. -
Dylan Evans, Jacksonville
12:47 AM ET
Does carolina not get it? When Jake throws, we lose, we need to run. Plus, we had two time outs, we could have atleast brought a field goal up.
NFL.com,
It's interesting you bring that up, Dylan. The NFL research guys give us some great stuff before every game, and here's a note this week -- Delhomme is 4-1 this season when he has 25 or fewer attemtps, and 0-4 when he has 30 or more attempts. -
NFL.com,
And in case you were wondering, Delhomme is 7 of 17 for 64 yards. -
Craig Michaels, Lancaster, Ca
12:50 AM ET
We should just go back to Kelli the cheerleader on the sideline. Maybe show her in an iso in an inset on the screen, or better yet, put her on the main screen iso and the game small inset.
NFL.com,
Craig, I'll make sure the NFL.com/LIVE executive producers get your request ... full-time Kelli-Cam. Noted. -
Nathan Keibler, Fayetteville, NC
12:52 AM ET
I'm with Dylan. This is a recurring theme all year, too. It's not like we just started passing too much. Our run game is successful, so we start throwing. Can anyone explain???
Rod Woodson, NFL Network
To me, this is something that comes down to the head coach, Nathan. You have to know your strengths. The Panthers know what they're good at. -
Chris Long, NY
12:56 AM ET
I'm with Craig on this one! Where do we send our requests?
NFL.com,
Just opened up a whole can of worms. Thanks Craig in Lancaster. -
Carson, Seattle Washington
12:57 AM ET
and I agree with Craig. KELLI-CAM FOREVER
NFL.com,
Oh boy. -
D Dvorak, Janesville,Wi
12:59 AM ET
Mr Woodson, Congrats on the HOF. My question is to you and how you defend the wildcast formation.
Rod Woodson, NFL Network
The only way you can defend it -- be an aggressive defense and attack the gaps. You cover the one or two guys who can go out for routes, and then bring everyone else to attack the gaps. If Ricky Williams is going to beat you passing, then so be it. -
NFL.com,
Jake Grove just limped off the field for the Dolphins. -
David Bowden, New Orleans
1:03 AM ET
Keli-Cam we get ya' lots of views. I bet.
NFL.com,
Maybe you should come work in sales for us, David. The bosses here would love your metrics-based thinking. -
dax, lubbock
1:04 AM ET
Ricky Williams passing TD coming up in the second half.
NFL.com,
Not shy are you Dax? Or just trying to make the live chat with an outlandish commment?!? -
NFL.com,
Looks like the Panthers are moving to the no-huddle here. -
NFL.com,
Rod ... the INT by Delhomme killed that drive. What did you see there? -
Rod Woodson, NFL Network
They were playing a two-deep zone with man coverage underneath. It was just a bad throw. Smith ran a middle seem route, and Delhomme underthrew him. -
Karl Swank, Baltimore
1:12 AM ET
So, you are able to run it down the field. Then you throw it long and its picked. Why is John Fox's playcalling so horrid?
NFL.com,
Karl, going to disagree with you. That's not play-calling, that's execution. -
jim brazil, brighton, mi
1:14 AM ET
rod- how much you getting paid to answer these questions?
Rod Woodson, NFL Network
I'm a fan of the game, just like you Jim. -
mark, minneapolis
1:16 AM ET
like a few of the other teams deciding to bench their starting qb's, should carolina consider starting someone other than delhomme to see how they do?
NFL.com,
Well Mark, I think the coaching staff considered that earlier in the season. We heard Fox say that every week, that they'd examine the situation. What they came away with was that Delhomme still gave them the best chance to win. I'm guessing Fox will be facing those same types of questions next Monday as well. -
Rod Woodson, NFL Network
The game is not dictating that the Panthers have to be throwing the ball right now. -
Dr.Ubin, Gainesville
1:27 AM ET
Are you surprised we havent seen anything from Pat White tonight?
NFL.com,
I think a lot of us are surprised Dr. Ubin. From a lot of the talk before the game, the thinking was that we'd see less Wildcat (which we have) and more Pat White in The Pistol (which we haven't). The Dolphins look convinced they can win this game with a conventional offense. -
matt, greenville, SC
1:31 AM ET
The best thing I like about Steve Smith is that he runs after the catch and not just fall down like other receivers do.
NFL.com,
No one can question his toughness, Matt. -
dogpatch, Spartanburg, SC
1:31 AM ET
Of course the 'fins think they can win traqditionally. The Cats D is doing nothing!!
NFL.com,
And so far they are, dogpatch. Not the greatest tackling by the Panthers tonight. -
Jim D, Rolling Meadows
1:35 AM ET
Jordan Gross is sorley missed huh
NFL.com,
As Rod just said, the Panthers didn't do the line any favors on that last play call. If they know they're going to face that type of pressure with no help to the tackles, they should have put Delhomme in the shotgun. -
NFL.com,
That was Jason Ferguson who was just shown being carted into the tunnel with a knee injury. Doesn't look good. -
Louie Sant, Tacoma Wa
1:38 AM ET
Wow i dnt think ive seen Ginn drop a ball today!
NFL.com,
LOL Louie. Four receptions, 32 yards. -
Kyle, Oklahoma City
1:39 AM ET
Williams is 12 for 119? Why would you pass on 2 of the 3 downs in the Red Zone? Am I missing something?
NFL.com,
You're not missing anything, Kyle. -
steven weiss, Teaneck
1:40 AM ET
Evaluate Ricky Williams' play. Can he carry the Dolphin running load for the rest of the season with the mileage on those tires of his?
Rod Woodson, NFL Network
He's playing great. You lose Ronnie Brown, and everyone wonders if Ricky still has it. He's proving he can still be a lead back for a team. -
justin spillman, titusville, fl
1:42 AM ET
ricky williams = beast
NFL.com,
Justin = right on. -
Matt, Arkansas
1:43 AM ET
At first I wasn't so sure, but it seems Henne is getting more comfortable each week back there.
NFL.com,
It doesn't seem that way Matt, that's how it is. Talking with Coach Mariucci about that earlier, he feels Henne has all the physical tools. What he's missing is experience ... and that comes with each and every start. -
Will, Greensboro, NC
1:48 AM ET
Ricky is already at 18 Carries, any chance he'll get up to 25 or will they start splitting the load more?
NFL.com,
Why stop now Will? Feed the Bear. Ricky is at 20 for 75, don't see why you go away from that. The Dolphins will get the ball back one more time, and Henne should turn around and give the ball to Ricky. -
NFL.com,
Well NFL Nation, Carolina gets the ball back with 7:30 on the clock ... let's see what they have here. -
James Routledge, Fargo, ND
1:52 AM ET
Another 7 minute drive ending in points. Is this what we should expect for the rest of the season for the Phins offense?
NFL.com,
There's not much to complain about there is there James? Really? -
TD, Georgia
1:53 AM ET
I smell a Pick>>>>
NFL.com,
Going out on a limb there huh TD? -
NFL.com,
The Panthers look to be establishing a rhythm with their version of the no huddle on this drive .. well, some type of a rhythm. -
jeremiah owens, tucson
1:56 AM ET
good production from rookie corners... Vontai over Moss?
NFL.com,
The Dolphins started three rookies in the secondary tonight jeremiah. Davis has started recently, and Smith, their second-round pick who has excellent size, won a starting job outright. They could be quite the combination. -
Michael Covington, Summerville S.C.
1:58 AM ET
Get your finger out of your nose TD. LOL TOUCHDOWN!!!!!!!
NFL.com,
Whoaaaa TD! ... Everyone, I think Steve Smith caught that ball with one hand. -
Lou , SanDiego
1:59 AM ET
if you go for two keep it on the ground PLEASE!
NFL.com,
OK everyone, Lou sent in his thoughts BEFORE Williams ran in the two-point converstion. Well done, Lou. -
Charlie Spicher, Palm Springs, Ca
2:01 AM ET
I love NFL drama. You can't script this..
NFL.com,
Right on Charlie. After last week, was hoping we'd get another close one. -
chris, roxboro, nc
2:02 AM ET
i was getting ready to go to bed, i'm wide awake now!
NFL.com,
Stay with us Chris! -
NFL.com,
Rod, how do you see this playing out? -
Rod Woodson, NFL Network
If Carolina gets the ball back, I think they'll score a touchdown. -
Sherwin N. , Atlanta, GA
2:06 AM ET
Man, coming from a dolphins fan, I can't remember when was the last time the Dolphins were able to keep the chains going in the last couple of minutes.
NFL.com,
Well that ain't good Sherwin, because that's exactly what they need to do here. -
NFL.com,
Wow. 46 yards by Ricky Williams. Doesn't get any bigger than that. He didn't get touched on the second level. -
Devon, Pittsburgh
2:11 AM ET
Ronnie who??? lol Its only one game without him but still Ricky is a monster!!!
NFL.com,
Yeah but ... c'mon Devon. You can't take anything away from Ronnie Brown. Guy is completely legit and one heck of a football player. -
tony freels, lafayette indiana
2:13 AM ET
Why are you gonna try and tackle a big back like Williams high? Carolina's defense needs tackling 101
NFL.com,
That's been a theme all night Tony. Tackling high, or not tackling at all. -
J Spalding, Ny,NY
2:15 AM ET
Rod, will the dolphins make it to the playoffs this year?
Rod Woodson, NFL Network
Well, they're back in the race for that last Wild Card spot. There's a lot of football left. -
Joe Boggs, Canton, Ohio
2:19 AM ET
Isn't Carolina top 5 against the pass? What happened?!?!
NFL.com,
True Joe Boggs, the Panthers are 4th in pass defense and 25th in rush defense. Which shows you teams are chosing to run against them. -
NFL.com,
Miami just called a TO to get on the same page before this onside kick. -
Ron Wilson, Tampa
2:23 AM ET
is it over?
NFL.com,
The Panthers have two timeouts. Even without a first down by Miami, they wouldn't have much time left. But one first down, and the fat lady will be singing. -
NFL.com,
Did everyone catch the graphic that was just up of the Panthers' remaining schedule? Another reason why tonight's game was so big. Their last four games this season -- Patriots, Vikings, Giants and Saints. Whew. -
Scott Chester, Staten Island
2:27 AM ET
Why dont you kick the field goal...end the game.. its not a long one
Rod Woodson, NFL Network
Scott, if you miss it, you give them the ball with an extra seven yards for the snap. But I would have rolled Henne out on that play for a pass/run option. -
NFL.com,
For the second week in a row, our Thursday Night game will come down to the last play! -
NFL.com,
Wow everyone, at least we had a finish there didn't we? -
Balin, College Station, TX
2:32 AM ET
2nd week in a row, the game ends with a defensive play in the end zone. Exciting!
NFL.com,
NOT complaining at all Balin! -
Esteban, Miami
2:32 AM ET
big win for the dolphins but an even bigger loss for the panthers according to that schedule
NFL.com,
Agreed Esteban. The NFL Network posted a graphic earlier that 1 team with a 5-5 record or worse has made the playoffs for 21 of the last 22 seasons. That's astounding. And that's why games like this are still important. There's a lot of football left. -
Mike Thompson, San Diego, CA
2:34 AM ET
Miami has lately been appearing more and more confident& explosive on both ends of the ball... even losing Ronnie Brown. Does Brown's abcense necessarily hurt Miami does it mix it up and benefit?
NFL.com,
Mike, I get where you're going with that, but it NEVER helps losing a player like Ronnie Brown. Never. He's their best offensive player and the focal point of everything they do. -
Bill McLain, Morganton, NC
2:36 AM ET
Intestinal fortitude. I think that is what Carolina Lacks?
NFL.com,
Willing to be that's the first time "intestinal" has appeared on an NFL.com chat. That's for sure.
Bill, the Panthers are what they are. They didn't stop the run tonight, they turned the ball over, and got away from the run. That's not a good formula. -
Joe Sinclair, Augusta, GA
2:38 AM ET
NFL Games Online: Thankyou NFL.COM for making this happen!
NFL.com,
No way Joe, thank you guys for checking in and hanging out with us for the game tonight. We're here because you're here. Appreciate everyone checking out NFL.com/LIVE and sending in your comments and questions. We'll be back next week for the Giants at Broncos.
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