- Joined
- Jan 5, 2009
- Messages
- 30,987
- Reaction score
- 1,249
Positives
* Jarvis Landry. Had 71 yards on 6 catches. Brought a kick return back 50 yards. Simply fights for his team on the field and plays hard.
* Rishard Matthews had some nice moments. Seemed to get some separation and made some adjustments on balls. 62 yards on 7 catches.
* The defense played well between the first quarter to just the end of the second quarter. They forced four punts and a FG.
* 3rd down defense. Held New England to 3-12 on 3rd down.
* Rush defense: The Pats had 95 yards on 26 carries for 3.7 a rush.
* Cam Wake had a sack, TFL and a QB hurry.
* Matt Darr punted well. He blasted a 70 yarder to flip field position. Put one punt inside the 20.
Negatives
* Lost turnover differential 0-2.
* Lost time of possession 32:37 and 27:23. On a night, that Miami needed to keep the Pats offense off of the field, they simply did not possess the ball enough.
* The team could not end the half. The game was screaming for a Miami score to make it 12-3 or 12-7 as they were to get the ball to start the 2nd half. Instead, Miami did not score, the Pats got the ball back and scored a TD to make it 19-0.
* 3rd down offense. Only 2-11 on 3rd down.
* Only 270 total yards.
* Red Zone offense. The team had only two trips inside the 20. They did score on one of them.
* Ryan Tannehill was 28-44, 300 yards, 2 interceptions and 64.6 QB Rating. Tannehill missed some key throws and could not get the offense moving.
* Penalties. 40 yards on 7 penalties. Some penalties early in the game killed any chance to start drives for Miami.
* Miscommunication between Mike Pouncey and Tannehill that led to a botched snap and a safety.
* The offensive line was whipped. They got no push in the running game. Pass protection across the line was abysmal. All O-linemen took turns yielding pressure and sacks.
* Red Zone defense: The Pats scored 3 TD's on 4 trips to the Red Zone.
* The defense gave up too many explosive plays.
* With the shuffling and young players on the Patriots offensive line, the Dolphins D-line needed to do much more.
* Reshad Jones missed tackle on Rob Gronkowski's opening TD.
* Jamar Taylor.
* Cam Wake's Achilles injury.
* Jarvis Landry catching a punt inside a 10 that set up poor field position for the offense. The drive ended with a safety.
* Not enough 2 TE sets. I was surprised they used so much 11 Personnel packages. The team needed to establish the run and balance out the Patriots defense. That would have happened best with 12 Personnel. Just not enough Dion Sims.
* The run game did not work, but it needed more attempts. 15 total yards on 13 carries is embarrassing. Lamar Miller had 15 yards on 9 carries. There was time in this game in the middle of the first half to continue to try to run the ball. That would have brought more balance and slow the Pats pass rush down. Perhaps the run game would not have worked last night, but it still should have been given more of chance.
* That said, the Pats were flooding the lower zone of the field. Miami needed to take a few shots deep to loosen up the Pats. Kenny Stills was getting behind the defense. Try a shot to Jordan Cameron or Landry. That said, for Miami to open up the short passing game, they needed to take a shot or two early in the game deep. Maybe it is completed, maybe it is not, maybe you draw a PI.
* Kenny Stills getting tackled on the second interception. How was there no flag?
Overall Assessment
* I will continue to say this as we debate the merits of Dan Campbell getting the full-time gig in Miami: everything is going to take care of itself. Beyond last night, over the next nine games, we are going to get a feel of whether Campbell should be the HC or not. As much as people want to make proclamations that he is the guy or not right now, we cannot do that. This is going to be more of a marathon than a sprint for Campbell. He is in a tough spot to begin with. Plus, as the injuries mount, he is already not playing with full compliment of players. That said, by the end of the season we will no doubt be able to tell if Dan Campbell has earned the job or not. I am completely routing for him, but I am also willing to admit if it appears he is not the longterm answer. However we are going to get a handful of questions in the coming weeks to make an argument for or against him. What a great measuring stick game is the matchup in Buffalo. The Bills whipped the Fins in Miami, Week 3. Now, the team gets to lick its wounds, travel to a hostile environment and see how much they have improved. Also, does this team bounce back mentally and play a cleaner game in Buffalo? Does he get players to step up at other positions to meet the loss of other players? Does he and his staff find ways strategically to adapt to an opponent and personnel losses? All of these questions are fascinating to me as we head into November and based on how these are answered, it will simply tell us if Dan Campbell is the guy or not.
* I believe Ryan Tannehill is the QB for this franchise going forward and he can continue to grow albeit with small steps. Plus, those that do not like Tannehill, have no answer as to how to upgrade from him. That said, the team needs more from their QB in spots like last night. When things are not going well for the team, Tannehill needs to go to another level and pull the team with him. His performance last night was simply not good enough on the road, with no running game and the defense losing its best player. What is frustrating is there was a time in the mid first half that the defense was getting stops. That was the time for the offense to move the ball and score points. I am not saying the Dolphins win the game. However, the complexion and feeling of the game changes completely. Tannehill needs to do more in the big spot.
* With Ja'wuan James evidently going down with turf toe, we are back to seeing Jason Fox on the line. I do think he can hold up better at RT. However, he is now facing Mario Williams in Orchard Park. It is a shame that the Fins line finally was coming together and now there is an injury to one its rising talents. Big loss.
* The team needs to use more 2 TE sets. As expressed above, Jason Fox is now on the edge. He needs help from a TE and at the very least, it forces the DE to take a longer route to the QB. For awhile, I thought the Fins had the most talent on the field when going 3 wide. I am not so sure of that. Jordan Cameron and Dion Sims are talented players with diverse talents. Plus, the Fins have more of a physical mindset when going 12 personnel. Not saying its why they lost, but I was disappointed not to see Dion Sims as much last night.
* Cam Wake's injury is such a blow. First of all, he was playing like a monster on the field. He and Jones were creating a ton of big plays. However, Wake is such a champion with his leadership, attitude and the way he respects the game. The man takes care of his body and it is shame to have such an injury. I am not sure if Wake plays again for the Dolphins because his contract. That is going to be a very difficult situation for the front office and Wake and his reps.
With Wake out, Derrick Shelby steps in. I am a big Shelby fan. I think he can play. He will not give that explosiveness off of the edge, but plays with more power and will be more effective against the run than Wake. Lou Anarumo is going to have to think of manufacturing some pass rush now with blitzes. It is not what the team does best as they are better off rushing four and playing coverage with seven. However, without Wake and with a bit of extra time before the final nine games, the staff needs to come up with ways on how best to get after the passer. Those asking to see more of Chris McCain have their wish. Plus, I wonder if the team tries to use Koa Misi as rusher at times. Between backups stepping up, manufacturing a pass rush and getting creative with personnel, the defensive staff has to wear the hat in the coming weeks as to how to cover for Wake's loss the best way possible.
* Zach Bowman needs more run as a corner on the perimeter. He is good athlete, long and seems strong. Jamar Taylor is going to get picked on all year. Plus, I question how physical Taylor wants to be. There are times he could stick his nose into the action, but he pulls away. Taylor was a pick I loved and been completely wrong about. Very disappointing.
* DaVante Parker is a complete disappointment. I understand his career just started. However, last night was a perfect spot to get snaps. He did not and then seemed to tweak that foot. I did not like the pick. I never thought he could get separation. Miami needed more from their first rounder, who that was going to be. Parker has shown nothing and has an on the field career path of Dion Jordan in his rookie year. Not good.
* The New England Patriots fans and their media I simply cannot stand. First, the fans are boorish and obnoxious. With giant replica Brady or Gronk jerseys over their work clothes, they cheer with one hand while they drink flat beer with the other. The education level seems to top out at the 7th grade for most of the fans. The stadium's music sound track has not changed in 15 years. Their media is even worse. They take any credit given to someone other than the Pats as a criticism of their own team. On multiple occasions on the radio broadcast analyst Scott Zolak referenced how the Pats were being stopped by the refs. Give me a break. The Pats entire dynasty is based on a terrible interpretation of a rule. The league saved this franchise by destroying the Spygate tapes. It is just so gross. They have an excellent team, but between the fans and the media, they make it completely impossible for me to give them the credit they are due. One day, one day, one day, I will be in that god forsaken stadium when the Fins win...and yes I will take a victory lap around the lower concourse. I promise.
* Going to New England, where they do not lose, on a short week is very, very difficult task. I was hoping for a better result and maybe even a win. That said, this game was a Herculean task. Now, the task moves to preparing for a trip to Buffalo. The team needs to re-group around each other and find a way to win and get back to .500. I would even argue out of this three game road trip stretch, Miami needs one to survive the season before returning home to play Dallas. Simply time to regroup. It would be a heck of an accomplishment to be 4-4 at the half way point of the season.
* Jarvis Landry. Had 71 yards on 6 catches. Brought a kick return back 50 yards. Simply fights for his team on the field and plays hard.
* Rishard Matthews had some nice moments. Seemed to get some separation and made some adjustments on balls. 62 yards on 7 catches.
* The defense played well between the first quarter to just the end of the second quarter. They forced four punts and a FG.
* 3rd down defense. Held New England to 3-12 on 3rd down.
* Rush defense: The Pats had 95 yards on 26 carries for 3.7 a rush.
* Cam Wake had a sack, TFL and a QB hurry.
* Matt Darr punted well. He blasted a 70 yarder to flip field position. Put one punt inside the 20.
Negatives
* Lost turnover differential 0-2.
* Lost time of possession 32:37 and 27:23. On a night, that Miami needed to keep the Pats offense off of the field, they simply did not possess the ball enough.
* The team could not end the half. The game was screaming for a Miami score to make it 12-3 or 12-7 as they were to get the ball to start the 2nd half. Instead, Miami did not score, the Pats got the ball back and scored a TD to make it 19-0.
* 3rd down offense. Only 2-11 on 3rd down.
* Only 270 total yards.
* Red Zone offense. The team had only two trips inside the 20. They did score on one of them.
* Ryan Tannehill was 28-44, 300 yards, 2 interceptions and 64.6 QB Rating. Tannehill missed some key throws and could not get the offense moving.
* Penalties. 40 yards on 7 penalties. Some penalties early in the game killed any chance to start drives for Miami.
* Miscommunication between Mike Pouncey and Tannehill that led to a botched snap and a safety.
* The offensive line was whipped. They got no push in the running game. Pass protection across the line was abysmal. All O-linemen took turns yielding pressure and sacks.
* Red Zone defense: The Pats scored 3 TD's on 4 trips to the Red Zone.
* The defense gave up too many explosive plays.
* With the shuffling and young players on the Patriots offensive line, the Dolphins D-line needed to do much more.
* Reshad Jones missed tackle on Rob Gronkowski's opening TD.
* Jamar Taylor.
* Cam Wake's Achilles injury.
* Jarvis Landry catching a punt inside a 10 that set up poor field position for the offense. The drive ended with a safety.
* Not enough 2 TE sets. I was surprised they used so much 11 Personnel packages. The team needed to establish the run and balance out the Patriots defense. That would have happened best with 12 Personnel. Just not enough Dion Sims.
* The run game did not work, but it needed more attempts. 15 total yards on 13 carries is embarrassing. Lamar Miller had 15 yards on 9 carries. There was time in this game in the middle of the first half to continue to try to run the ball. That would have brought more balance and slow the Pats pass rush down. Perhaps the run game would not have worked last night, but it still should have been given more of chance.
* That said, the Pats were flooding the lower zone of the field. Miami needed to take a few shots deep to loosen up the Pats. Kenny Stills was getting behind the defense. Try a shot to Jordan Cameron or Landry. That said, for Miami to open up the short passing game, they needed to take a shot or two early in the game deep. Maybe it is completed, maybe it is not, maybe you draw a PI.
* Kenny Stills getting tackled on the second interception. How was there no flag?
Overall Assessment
* I will continue to say this as we debate the merits of Dan Campbell getting the full-time gig in Miami: everything is going to take care of itself. Beyond last night, over the next nine games, we are going to get a feel of whether Campbell should be the HC or not. As much as people want to make proclamations that he is the guy or not right now, we cannot do that. This is going to be more of a marathon than a sprint for Campbell. He is in a tough spot to begin with. Plus, as the injuries mount, he is already not playing with full compliment of players. That said, by the end of the season we will no doubt be able to tell if Dan Campbell has earned the job or not. I am completely routing for him, but I am also willing to admit if it appears he is not the longterm answer. However we are going to get a handful of questions in the coming weeks to make an argument for or against him. What a great measuring stick game is the matchup in Buffalo. The Bills whipped the Fins in Miami, Week 3. Now, the team gets to lick its wounds, travel to a hostile environment and see how much they have improved. Also, does this team bounce back mentally and play a cleaner game in Buffalo? Does he get players to step up at other positions to meet the loss of other players? Does he and his staff find ways strategically to adapt to an opponent and personnel losses? All of these questions are fascinating to me as we head into November and based on how these are answered, it will simply tell us if Dan Campbell is the guy or not.
* I believe Ryan Tannehill is the QB for this franchise going forward and he can continue to grow albeit with small steps. Plus, those that do not like Tannehill, have no answer as to how to upgrade from him. That said, the team needs more from their QB in spots like last night. When things are not going well for the team, Tannehill needs to go to another level and pull the team with him. His performance last night was simply not good enough on the road, with no running game and the defense losing its best player. What is frustrating is there was a time in the mid first half that the defense was getting stops. That was the time for the offense to move the ball and score points. I am not saying the Dolphins win the game. However, the complexion and feeling of the game changes completely. Tannehill needs to do more in the big spot.
* With Ja'wuan James evidently going down with turf toe, we are back to seeing Jason Fox on the line. I do think he can hold up better at RT. However, he is now facing Mario Williams in Orchard Park. It is a shame that the Fins line finally was coming together and now there is an injury to one its rising talents. Big loss.
* The team needs to use more 2 TE sets. As expressed above, Jason Fox is now on the edge. He needs help from a TE and at the very least, it forces the DE to take a longer route to the QB. For awhile, I thought the Fins had the most talent on the field when going 3 wide. I am not so sure of that. Jordan Cameron and Dion Sims are talented players with diverse talents. Plus, the Fins have more of a physical mindset when going 12 personnel. Not saying its why they lost, but I was disappointed not to see Dion Sims as much last night.
* Cam Wake's injury is such a blow. First of all, he was playing like a monster on the field. He and Jones were creating a ton of big plays. However, Wake is such a champion with his leadership, attitude and the way he respects the game. The man takes care of his body and it is shame to have such an injury. I am not sure if Wake plays again for the Dolphins because his contract. That is going to be a very difficult situation for the front office and Wake and his reps.
With Wake out, Derrick Shelby steps in. I am a big Shelby fan. I think he can play. He will not give that explosiveness off of the edge, but plays with more power and will be more effective against the run than Wake. Lou Anarumo is going to have to think of manufacturing some pass rush now with blitzes. It is not what the team does best as they are better off rushing four and playing coverage with seven. However, without Wake and with a bit of extra time before the final nine games, the staff needs to come up with ways on how best to get after the passer. Those asking to see more of Chris McCain have their wish. Plus, I wonder if the team tries to use Koa Misi as rusher at times. Between backups stepping up, manufacturing a pass rush and getting creative with personnel, the defensive staff has to wear the hat in the coming weeks as to how to cover for Wake's loss the best way possible.
* Zach Bowman needs more run as a corner on the perimeter. He is good athlete, long and seems strong. Jamar Taylor is going to get picked on all year. Plus, I question how physical Taylor wants to be. There are times he could stick his nose into the action, but he pulls away. Taylor was a pick I loved and been completely wrong about. Very disappointing.
* DaVante Parker is a complete disappointment. I understand his career just started. However, last night was a perfect spot to get snaps. He did not and then seemed to tweak that foot. I did not like the pick. I never thought he could get separation. Miami needed more from their first rounder, who that was going to be. Parker has shown nothing and has an on the field career path of Dion Jordan in his rookie year. Not good.
* The New England Patriots fans and their media I simply cannot stand. First, the fans are boorish and obnoxious. With giant replica Brady or Gronk jerseys over their work clothes, they cheer with one hand while they drink flat beer with the other. The education level seems to top out at the 7th grade for most of the fans. The stadium's music sound track has not changed in 15 years. Their media is even worse. They take any credit given to someone other than the Pats as a criticism of their own team. On multiple occasions on the radio broadcast analyst Scott Zolak referenced how the Pats were being stopped by the refs. Give me a break. The Pats entire dynasty is based on a terrible interpretation of a rule. The league saved this franchise by destroying the Spygate tapes. It is just so gross. They have an excellent team, but between the fans and the media, they make it completely impossible for me to give them the credit they are due. One day, one day, one day, I will be in that god forsaken stadium when the Fins win...and yes I will take a victory lap around the lower concourse. I promise.
* Going to New England, where they do not lose, on a short week is very, very difficult task. I was hoping for a better result and maybe even a win. That said, this game was a Herculean task. Now, the task moves to preparing for a trip to Buffalo. The team needs to re-group around each other and find a way to win and get back to .500. I would even argue out of this three game road trip stretch, Miami needs one to survive the season before returning home to play Dallas. Simply time to regroup. It would be a heck of an accomplishment to be 4-4 at the half way point of the season.
