EJay
Scout Team
[FONT="]I know most the post-game threads are going to single out a player or two as the reason for this loss, but please save it. One or two players do not win or lose a game. Period. Every player and coach contributed to the team being in the position they were in at the end of the game today.
The QB missed throws, the receivers dropped catchable passes, the o-line missed blocks, the RB's missed holes or fell down without being touched, the defense missed tackles and assignments, and the coaches made questionable calls / decisions.
So, moving on, I'd like to discuss the entire defensive unit, including the D coordinator. IMO, there has been a common thread in the 4 losses to the Colts, Chargers, Saints, and Patriots. And it even applies to the two wins over the Jets.
The defense is giving up far too many big plays, especially after a long scoring drive by the offense. While the offense and ST's have had their own problems during the first half of the season, I think the defense has been the biggest problem of all.
We first saw it against Indy when the offense DOMINATED the Colts defense and limited the amount of time Peyton Manning had the ball in his hands. Why did they lose that game? Too many 1, 2, or 3 plays scoring drives given up by the defense.
While the offense hasn't made a ton of big plays, I feel they have performed well enough to win more than 3 games thus far. They've consistently chewed up clock and converted short 3rd downs (I think they are the best in the league at it). Yet, each time they gain some momentum, the defense gives it right back in 2 or 3 plays. Now, I realize that they have played some damn good offensive teams, but c'mon ... they simply can't make it that easy for the opposition.
What's the problem? I think most of us see what the problem is. It's lack of consistent pressure on the QB. You give ANY QB as much time as the Dolphins allow and they should carve your defense apart. Period.
So is it scheme or is it lack of talent? Or is it a bit of both?
IMO, while the Dolphins may not have best personnel, I side more with scheme and coaching more than anything else.
Why doesn't Cam Wake play more?
If the D can't get consistent pressure rushing 3-4 defenders, why don't they blitz more?
When they do blitz, why do they telegraph it so early?
These are all legit questions and I wish I knew the answers.
It's funny, but during the first few weeks we were all bitching about the ST's units being the weak link. The last few weeks, they've been the strength of team. Of the remaining facets of the game, the defense has by far been more problematic, IMO. And I don't even think it's close.
Some may disagree with me, and that's fine. But I challenge you to prove that it was the offense that was most responsible for 4 of the 5 losses.
The only losses that I think the offense can be blamed for is the Atlanta game and possibly the San Diego game. Although, the defense gave up a lot of big plays to the Chargers that swung momentum of that particular game.
Before the coach and GM start worrying about a #1 receiver or a legit TE threat or whether Chad Henne is really the future at the QB position, I believe they should focus more on acquiring a few more play makers on defense.
The offense has been productive enough, while the defense has not.[/FONT]
The QB missed throws, the receivers dropped catchable passes, the o-line missed blocks, the RB's missed holes or fell down without being touched, the defense missed tackles and assignments, and the coaches made questionable calls / decisions.
So, moving on, I'd like to discuss the entire defensive unit, including the D coordinator. IMO, there has been a common thread in the 4 losses to the Colts, Chargers, Saints, and Patriots. And it even applies to the two wins over the Jets.
The defense is giving up far too many big plays, especially after a long scoring drive by the offense. While the offense and ST's have had their own problems during the first half of the season, I think the defense has been the biggest problem of all.
We first saw it against Indy when the offense DOMINATED the Colts defense and limited the amount of time Peyton Manning had the ball in his hands. Why did they lose that game? Too many 1, 2, or 3 plays scoring drives given up by the defense.
While the offense hasn't made a ton of big plays, I feel they have performed well enough to win more than 3 games thus far. They've consistently chewed up clock and converted short 3rd downs (I think they are the best in the league at it). Yet, each time they gain some momentum, the defense gives it right back in 2 or 3 plays. Now, I realize that they have played some damn good offensive teams, but c'mon ... they simply can't make it that easy for the opposition.
What's the problem? I think most of us see what the problem is. It's lack of consistent pressure on the QB. You give ANY QB as much time as the Dolphins allow and they should carve your defense apart. Period.
So is it scheme or is it lack of talent? Or is it a bit of both?
IMO, while the Dolphins may not have best personnel, I side more with scheme and coaching more than anything else.
Why doesn't Cam Wake play more?
If the D can't get consistent pressure rushing 3-4 defenders, why don't they blitz more?
When they do blitz, why do they telegraph it so early?
These are all legit questions and I wish I knew the answers.
It's funny, but during the first few weeks we were all bitching about the ST's units being the weak link. The last few weeks, they've been the strength of team. Of the remaining facets of the game, the defense has by far been more problematic, IMO. And I don't even think it's close.
Some may disagree with me, and that's fine. But I challenge you to prove that it was the offense that was most responsible for 4 of the 5 losses.
The only losses that I think the offense can be blamed for is the Atlanta game and possibly the San Diego game. Although, the defense gave up a lot of big plays to the Chargers that swung momentum of that particular game.
Before the coach and GM start worrying about a #1 receiver or a legit TE threat or whether Chad Henne is really the future at the QB position, I believe they should focus more on acquiring a few more play makers on defense.
The offense has been productive enough, while the defense has not.[/FONT]
