I was actually pretty satisfied with what I saw last night, with any real game planning, Miami held their own against the Eagles in their home. One of the things that I believe will be a big advantage with Miami to win tougher games will be game planning and strategy for each opponent, and I saw a lot of good things from Gase and the other coaches in that regard. To me I needed to see 5 things to feel more comfortable for the season from the 3rd preseason dress rehearsal.
1. Cutler needed to show consistency, without making any huge mistakes.
Cutler looked under control, made some darn good throws, and actually did not make any head scratching mistakes.
2. AJayi and Drake need to prove to us, they can run the ball.
Ajayi was again his overpowering self, and Drake showed he could add to a great 1-2 punch in the running game.
3, The receivers need to get open, and make catches in tough situations.
Though still not getting open as quickly or consistently as they should considering their talent, they still do a good job, and as far as catching the ball, they are as good as they come, just put the ball close to them, they will get it...very Anti-Wallace.
4. The O-line needs to be at least solid.
Though they were not exactly anything to feel confident about (Tunsil of all people failing does leave a bad feeling in your stomach), they were not horrible, and did show a little consistency...but they must get better or it's pretty much over before it begins.
5. The Defense has to consistently be good.
My Biggest fear (Yes, bigger then the o-line), this defense needs to play more consistently, Miami can not go into shootouts and expect to win. They need to get off the field on 3rd down, and it will not matter what happens on offense.
As I said, our game planning will be a huge addition to the team being successful, Gase proved last year he is great in that area, and adjusting at half time was also great to see, considering most of our HC before Gase refuse to change the game plan at halftime no matter our bad it was working, but the players need to produce, especially on defense, but I do not know why, but I do feel confident after watching last night game, we will be OK.
1. Cutler needed to show consistency, without making any huge mistakes.
Cutler looked under control, made some darn good throws, and actually did not make any head scratching mistakes.
2. AJayi and Drake need to prove to us, they can run the ball.
Ajayi was again his overpowering self, and Drake showed he could add to a great 1-2 punch in the running game.
3, The receivers need to get open, and make catches in tough situations.
Though still not getting open as quickly or consistently as they should considering their talent, they still do a good job, and as far as catching the ball, they are as good as they come, just put the ball close to them, they will get it...very Anti-Wallace.
4. The O-line needs to be at least solid.
Though they were not exactly anything to feel confident about (Tunsil of all people failing does leave a bad feeling in your stomach), they were not horrible, and did show a little consistency...but they must get better or it's pretty much over before it begins.
5. The Defense has to consistently be good.
My Biggest fear (Yes, bigger then the o-line), this defense needs to play more consistently, Miami can not go into shootouts and expect to win. They need to get off the field on 3rd down, and it will not matter what happens on offense.
As I said, our game planning will be a huge addition to the team being successful, Gase proved last year he is great in that area, and adjusting at half time was also great to see, considering most of our HC before Gase refuse to change the game plan at halftime no matter our bad it was working, but the players need to produce, especially on defense, but I do not know why, but I do feel confident after watching last night game, we will be OK.
