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Failure on 3rd down an 'issue'

TotoreMexico

TotoreMexico

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DAVIE · The Dolphins have a third-down problem, and if they don't fix it their chances of turning around a 1-3 start might not improve.

"That has been an issue," coach Nick Saban on Monday. "It continues their drives and gives them opportunities, and it doesn't continue our drives and enhance our opportunities."

It had an impact in Sunday's 17-15 loss to Houston. The Dolphins converted only 3 of 12 while the Texans converted 9 of 16.

In four games, the Dolphins have converted 20 of 56 (35.7 percent), 21st in the NFL, while opponents have converted 26 of 58 (44.8 percent), tying the Dolphins for 28th in the league.

"The third downs you create have something to do with being successful," Saban said. "Your chances of converting a third down and three or four are a whole lot better than third down and 15."

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/football/pro/dolphins/sfl-dolphins03oct03,0,5715866.story?coll=sfla-dolphins-front
 
Of course it's an issue, lol. You need around 50% conversion to have a chance, unless you are full of big plays, which we have not had.
 
Hmm, the Buffalo offense was so good on 3rd downs under Mularkey. I wonder what changed?
 
I remember a stat on the game when they said our offense average 3rd down was like 3 and12. That is because of all the sacks. Its hard to get 3rd down when it is 3rd and long.

Just another reason we need to run more. Even if we only pick up 3 yards, it still puts 3rd down into a managable position.
 
Whats funny is, it seems that we ARE able to make plays on 3rd downs. Unfortunately, it always seems like Culpepper is always checking down and making a short completion or we're in 3rd and a mile and can't make up the yardage.

Thats just my observation without knowing the actual percentage of converting the 3rd downs or knowing how many completions or "positive" plays occur on 3rd and long. It would be nice if we weren't in 3rd and long all the time.
 
checkdowns are usually forced by a blitz, or lack of time. also if they drop 7 in coverage and still get pressure on your qb alot of times you have nothing downfield so you dump it off and take every bit of field position you can get...
 
Ross said:
Our Defense can't seem to get off the field on third down either...
Click to expand...

They tire down later in the game because the offense can't put together consistent, long drives.

I think that is one of the glaring problems with our team. The defense tires out in the 3rd and 4th quarters becuase they've been on the field so long. Unless the o-line picks up their play and gives pep some time (on a CONSISTENT) basis, we will continue to lose. I don't see this happening all season, but I hope we fix the problem fast. The NE game would be a GREAT start.
 
When you're in 3rd and over 5 on a consistent basis then it gets hard. IMO the biggest reason for these situations are the sacks. It seems like we're always on 3rd and 8, 3rd and 7, 3rd and 9. These sacks are killing us
 
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