Are Dolphins actually better than their 3-4 record? We'll get better idea vs. Jets | FinHeaven - Miami Dolphins Forums

Are Dolphins actually better than their 3-4 record? We'll get better idea vs. Jets

DKphin

DKphin

Active Roster
Joined
Aug 10, 2008
Messages
14,535
Reaction score
6,353
Location
Pattaya, Thailand
There is usually one game on every team's schedule every year that has the potential to change a season's trajectory.
Sunday's home contest against the struggling New York Jets could be that game.
This AFC East rivalry game could show if Miami's past two impressive wins are the start of this franchise's transformation under first-year coach Adam Gase or if they were merely fool's gold.
The Dolphins (3-4) only face one team (New England) with a winning record the rest of the season, and Miami's next eight opponents have a combined record of 23-37. There are plenty of stats that indicate that the Dolphins are primed to make a push to respectability, but they still have some areas that need fixing.
Ryan Tannehill's 8.1 yards per attempt average has him ranked only behind New England's Tom Brady (9.8), Atlanta's Matt Ryan (9.4) and Cincinnati's Andy Dalton (8.2) when it comes to yards per attempt average for quarterbacks who have thrown 100 or more passes this season.
400x225

With the Dolphins at their bye week, Omar Kelly evaluates how each unit has performed through the first seven games.
(Omar Kelly)
Tannehill's 87.5 passer rating has him ranked as the 21st best quarterback in the NFL heading into this weekend's games. But he's also one of the league's best big-play producers for the second consecutive season. He's connected on 26 passes of 20-plus yards, and has seven pass plays that produced 40 or more yards.
What continues to hold Tannehill back are his third down (85.5 rating) and fourth-quarter struggles (85.3 rating), which have been an issue throughout his career.
Tannehill's pocket presence also remains a major issue. The Dolphins offensive line has allowed 18 sacks this season, which ranks Miami 23rd. But 11 of those sacks occurred in the two games Branden Albert, the team's Pro Bowl left tackle, was sidelined by salmonella poisoning. The Dolphins have allowed seven sacks in the five games Albert has started and finished this season.
Click to expand...
 
During the Buffalo game, one of the announcers quoted Gase as saying that he was pushing the team a bit too much, especially the offense. He also was quoted as saying that the no huddle scheme was too much too early. So as the offense took the field, the huddle was instilled, thus better performance. The O-Line said things were much better and smoother, that they had a clear understanding of the play schemes.

I remember Jim Kelly quoted the K-Gun offense took a few seasons to master, getting everyone on the same page.

The no huddle procedure is really a force multiplier. It worked for Miami at times. Gase feels that Tannehill is well up to the task. Hopefully, the coaching staff will remain stable. If so, I'm sure very good things will definitely appear.

As well ... minimal injuries, team attitude, an excellent draft and FA signings along with a stable coaching staff should should make all the difference.
 
DefensiveEnd76 said:
Beating a pathetic Jets team on our home field really isn't going to tell us a whole lot.
Click to expand...
Yes it will. I've seen a number of posts worrying about a standard Miami implosion following two good games and a standard playing down to opponents. This game will confirm that habit or go a long way toward exorcising those demons. It may not give a lot of evidence for talent but it WILL give fans an idea of the same 'ol Dolphins or not.
 
Unfortunately, every week is going to be the "defining game" of the franchise and season. This will end when we are in the playoffs and/or pull a long wining streak (7-8 games).
 
DefensiveEnd76 said:
Beating a pathetic Jets team on our home field really isn't going to tell us a whole lot.
Click to expand...

The performance of the running game against a top 5 rush defense that will scheme to stop the run is a measuring stick.
 
I've seen a lot of "pathetic" Jets and Bills teams beat the Dolphins lately. Even though we have pretty much been owned by the rest of the AFC East since Philbin, I think the fanbase still takes for granted beating any East rival not named New England.
 
i don't know but the more I watch the rest of the leagues o line play the more I think Miami currently fields a top 5 unit with the 5 starters

behind only dallas, Tennessee, and Oakland...
 
hoops said:
i don't know but the more I watch the rest of the leagues o line play the more I think Miami currently fields a top 5 unit with the 5 starters

behind only dallas, Tennessee, and Oakland...
Click to expand...

Minnesota last night...yesh. Jake Long started at LT? That guy is done. That O-line will undo their great start. If they're not on the phone with somebody trying to make a trade for some O-lineman they might not make the playoffs. It's not as bad as our O-line last year but they're close...can't run block and can't pass block. If T.J. Clemmings wasn't an awful reach I don't know what to tell you...I couldn't believe how people were hyping him up...redshirt sophomore who clearly wasn't ready for the NFL. Dumb pick by Spielman.
 
datruth55 said:
Minnesota last night...yesh. Jake Long started at LT? That guy is done. That O-line will undo their great start. If they're not on the phone with somebody trying to make a trade for some O-lineman they might not make the playoffs. It's not as bad as our O-line last year but they're close...can't run block and can't pass block. If T.J. Clemmings wasn't an awful reach I don't know what to tell you...I couldn't believe how people were hyping him up...redshirt sophomore who clearly wasn't ready for the NFL. Dumb pick by Spielman.
Click to expand...

Wont be surprised to hear Long get released today. Although there hurting so bad who knows.
 
clemmings played pretty well last year when they lost the waist bender for the year in camp from oklahoma...I think the whole swing thing has messed with him...cause he's a mess for sure...that looked like miamis oline the last few years except our qb produced more despite it...I see a lot of that...teams screwed by the oline and as a result trash can results from the qb

Miami might have the best left side and pivot unit in football as it stands...PLEASE STAY HEALTHY
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom