Before this season began I stated that I would be assessing this team based on progress. While the first couple of weeks were shockingly bad across all metrics, I have seen progress, and there is reason to be encouraged … somewhat.
1. Defense - We were worse than even I expected allowing 59 points, and my hope is that this never happens again in the future history of the Miami Dolphins. I really didn't like the 40-burger either. But, the last two games allowed 31 and 30 points … terrible, but significantly better than the first two weeks.
2. Offense - While we have been abysmal, there have been positives. I have seen Josh Rosen's play improve and start to show glimpses of the QB he has the potential to become. Despite numerous injuries and a revolving door of players, our OL is improving. Rookie Michael Deiter has made some very significant strides. Jesse Davis, when healthy, wasn't as bad as expected at LT. All in all, there is hope here. DaVante Parker has started to show the potential we have been waiting on to stay healthy for so long.
3. Coaching - Our run defense is less horrible. Our secondary isn't as bad as the scores indicate considering our complete absence of pass rush. The DL players are learning. All in all, the coaching isn't anywhere close to what I had hoped, but it does appear the players are improving, so that's something.
4. I had targeted week 6 (game 5) as the first real evaluation game because it takes so long to learn all these new systems and we have so many new players. I'll reserve judgement until after the bye and our week 6 game. So for me … no grade yet on any of this.
