I think it's when they run
2nd and 17
2nd and 10
2nd and 10
2nd and 22
1st and 20
2nd and 9
too depressed to look more
Great post. That was the point I was going to make. It's almost like running plays just to say we did it, to combat anyone who cites numbers alone. But they are almost give up runs.
If we ran with authority on first down it would not only lessen long yardage on late downs but it would open up play action and so many other options for Tannehill. I have no idea why we didn't use any of that boot action on first down, like earlier in the season. Tannehill is very effective on that type of stuff.
When the Dolphins are playing confidently on offense it features quick drops and decisive darts over the middle by Tannehill. There was very little of that on Sunday. Just one series in the third quarter when he hit two in quick succession. If we saw that type of attack mode all the time -- regardless of how the defense is playing us -- I can almost guarantee we would be more successful. Tannehill is not as effective when asked to stand back there and scan.
When the Dolphins are playing hesitantly and poor on offense it features slow developing pass plays and with multiple options well short of the first down marker. That basically describes the first 23 minutes of every game. I wish we would get rid of at least 50% of the sideways routes and at least 50% of the routes short of the marker. If those are available Tannehill is going to take them.
Also, Gesicki is looking more and more like the guy I saw so frequently at Penn State. Odd looking player who doesn't look the part out there and doesn't play to his test scores, other than the occasional wow play. We have yet to see a wow play but they will come. However, I have to believe Dallas Goedert was the superior choice. He has more of a traditional tight end frame and can make so many traditional tight end plays, ones we could really use right now. Goedert is nearly as athletic as Gesicki.
At least we got two division road games out of the way and didn't do too badly with a split. Gase's approach with the tentative early offense and so many underneath throws does not fit well against division foes, who will study your tendencies and personnel and not allow that cheap garbage to succeed.
I still have to laugh at all the criticism Bill Lazor got around here. Sons of Shula was somehow allowed to hypnotize and intimidate the gullible posters into believing Lazor was the worst offensive mind in the league. Meanwhile, Gase has been every bit as stubborn and inflexible as Lazor, but without as much creative spacing. The Bengals had fantastic variety of play calling and routes on that final game winning drive yesterday, including on multiple fourth down saves.
