- Joined
- Jan 5, 2009
- Messages
- 30,987
- Reaction score
- 1,249
Positives
* Great opening drive. The drive had some exciting and interesting elements to it. They spread the field, had formation variations and used motion. They picked up the pace and hustled to snap the ball. I was taken aback how receivers were wide open and Ryan Tannehill, who had a lot of time to throw, was accurate with the football.
* The line played well tonight. Without question, there will be much tougher defenses than Atlanta on the horizon. However, the line gave a clean pocket, allowed little pressure and made some holes for Lamar Miller.
* It was good to see on 3rd and 1, Bill Lazor made a play call to run the ball and pick up the needed yards.
* Brandon Gibson's return to the field during the first week of the preseason is nothing short of of amazing. He had a brutal injury last October yet he has come back and continues to prove to be a reliable target.
* Lamar Miller was decisive with his runs. He was also used in the passing game. He looks to be coming into his own as a RB in the NFL.
* While it was their first action, I am excited to see more of Anthony Johnson, Terrence Fede, Jordan Tripp and Chris McCain. They played with energy and showed the athletic ability to develop into players that could contribute in the future.
* Jarvis Landy's punt return.
* Michael Thomas made a nice stick to FF a fumble on special teams…unfortunately a penalty nullified the forced fumble.
* I noticed Brent Grimes cheering on the subs, patting guys on the back all game long. Leaders are going to be needed on this team and Grimes seemed genuinely interested in what was happening on the field well after he was done playing.
* Joe Philbin had a successful challenge on tipped ball that nullified a PI call against his team.
* Philbin also had a perfect approach to playing his starters. The starting offense marched down the field and got a TD…he got them out. The defense was not too hot tonight, yet understanding there is plenty of time to clean things up he did not extend his vital defenders. At the same time, it was brilliant to extend Ju'wuan James' PT into the 2nd half. Plus, James got time next to both Dallas Thomas and Billy Turner. It was outstanding to have play Dion Jordan deep into the game. Sitting those that were not completely 100% was also judicious. Joe had an excellent grasp of the situation tonight.
Negatives
* 3rd down defense. The starting defense was 0-3 on 3rd down against Atlanta's starting offense. They could not get off the field.
* Phillip Wheeler extending the Falcons TD drive with a hands to the face penalty.
* Too many missed tackles. Koa Misi stands out the most in that he was totally faked out in the back field against Jacquizz Rodgers and missed a tackle for a loss.
* The sub defense was awful defending in the 2 minute situation.
* Dion Jordan was totally invisible despite playing against back ups.
* While Michael Thomas was solid on special teams, he struggled defending the pass.
* Overall, the young, back up DB's showed little in their first game. Penalties and some easy completions were the norm for the night.
* Nate Garner seemed a step slow tonight.
* There were so many flags tonight. I understand that the officials setting a tone and there are lots of non-53 man roster players running around. However, it is inexcusable to not ID the player that committed a penalty that washes out a big play. I understand it is the preseason for the refs, but tonight that group of officials were flat out terrible.
* Figures a snap issue…though it was on QB Sam Lobato…pretty much ended the hopes for the Fins game one.
Overall Assessment
* Bill Lazor's debut could not have gone any better. It was a great start for his offense. There will be many challenges going forward as the team learns a new system…especially the QB. However, tonight was great to see.
* The LB's worry me more than the Oline at this point. The LB's miss too many tackles, take horrible angles to ball and never seem to be a position to make plays. There is little depth behind the starters that are ready to play full-time at this point. While there are a couple vets available on the FA scrap heap, I do not see this team making a move. This group will hold the defense back this year. No matter where you line up Wheeler, Misi and Dannell Ellerbe, they are simply not good enough to help the Dolphins.
* I was shocked to hear about Reshad Jones getting pinched for PED's. At the end of the day, Jimmy Wilson is the next man up. Wilson can do the job at FS. He has NFL experience and seems to be ready for more of a role. The issue will be how does Miami adjust its nickel package. Wilson is typically the nickel back. Do they leave him a safety or move him back in the nickel role when the situation arises? While I question the starting LB's, I also question the depth of the DB's. DB's are needed in numbers in today's NFL and I wonder how the Jamar Taylor's and Will Davis' of the world will hold up.
* I still think the team is starting two SS when Jones and Louis Delmas are playing together. However, we will have to wait until October to see them play together. I question whether the pair are a good match.
* While I killed the defense for some things tonight, the Falcons do have a nice offense. Solid QB, weapons on the outside and capable RB's. Miami went up against a strong offensive team in game one, but still most improve.
* As the team screams for more LB help, it is somewhat disappointing to see that Jason Trusnik has never developed into more than a front line special teamer. One would think that Trusnik being around the game as much as he has, he might develop into a player capable of pushing a starter. That is simply not the case.
* I know I am in the minority, but I do not like the concept of Ryan Tannehill running with the ball in the new offense. If it is a simple wrinkle, now and then, that is fine. Keep him in the pocket or throwing on bootlegs and limit his exposure as a balll carrier.
* Rishard Matthews has to make this team. I know there was talk of him in the dog house, but he is coming along nicely and should continue his career in Miami.
* While I think Marcus Thigpen can help this team with his speed, I think he is in trouble. Being asked to field a punt into the second half was a red flag for me. If Landry can be an effective returner, Thigpen is expendable. Plus, in a crowded receiver group, returning kicks and punts is a way to get Landry involved.
* While the missed tackles were depressing to watch, it should not be totally unexpected. The rules limiting contact in practice has eroded tackling skills especially early in the year. Right or wrong, tackling is not what it used to be. Miami missing tackles was ugly tonight and has to improve. However, the new rules limiting contact factored into the sloppy performance tonight.
* While I was not impressed with the penalties the Fins took, preseason games are called tighter to condition teams mentally as they head into the regular season.
* The emphasis on illegal contact could make games unwatchable. I know the players will adjust, but it was over the top tonight on some of the calls. I do not want to see the ref announcing a penalty after every other play.
* NFL Network missed a big chance for not using the "whip around" program during the first week of the preseason. Showing a single game is dull and it would be more entertaining to have a makeshift Red Zone Channel with 2nd and 3rd teamers trying to make a name for themselves.
* Great opening drive. The drive had some exciting and interesting elements to it. They spread the field, had formation variations and used motion. They picked up the pace and hustled to snap the ball. I was taken aback how receivers were wide open and Ryan Tannehill, who had a lot of time to throw, was accurate with the football.
* The line played well tonight. Without question, there will be much tougher defenses than Atlanta on the horizon. However, the line gave a clean pocket, allowed little pressure and made some holes for Lamar Miller.
* It was good to see on 3rd and 1, Bill Lazor made a play call to run the ball and pick up the needed yards.
* Brandon Gibson's return to the field during the first week of the preseason is nothing short of of amazing. He had a brutal injury last October yet he has come back and continues to prove to be a reliable target.
* Lamar Miller was decisive with his runs. He was also used in the passing game. He looks to be coming into his own as a RB in the NFL.
* While it was their first action, I am excited to see more of Anthony Johnson, Terrence Fede, Jordan Tripp and Chris McCain. They played with energy and showed the athletic ability to develop into players that could contribute in the future.
* Jarvis Landy's punt return.
* Michael Thomas made a nice stick to FF a fumble on special teams…unfortunately a penalty nullified the forced fumble.
* I noticed Brent Grimes cheering on the subs, patting guys on the back all game long. Leaders are going to be needed on this team and Grimes seemed genuinely interested in what was happening on the field well after he was done playing.
* Joe Philbin had a successful challenge on tipped ball that nullified a PI call against his team.
* Philbin also had a perfect approach to playing his starters. The starting offense marched down the field and got a TD…he got them out. The defense was not too hot tonight, yet understanding there is plenty of time to clean things up he did not extend his vital defenders. At the same time, it was brilliant to extend Ju'wuan James' PT into the 2nd half. Plus, James got time next to both Dallas Thomas and Billy Turner. It was outstanding to have play Dion Jordan deep into the game. Sitting those that were not completely 100% was also judicious. Joe had an excellent grasp of the situation tonight.
Negatives
* 3rd down defense. The starting defense was 0-3 on 3rd down against Atlanta's starting offense. They could not get off the field.
* Phillip Wheeler extending the Falcons TD drive with a hands to the face penalty.
* Too many missed tackles. Koa Misi stands out the most in that he was totally faked out in the back field against Jacquizz Rodgers and missed a tackle for a loss.
* The sub defense was awful defending in the 2 minute situation.
* Dion Jordan was totally invisible despite playing against back ups.
* While Michael Thomas was solid on special teams, he struggled defending the pass.
* Overall, the young, back up DB's showed little in their first game. Penalties and some easy completions were the norm for the night.
* Nate Garner seemed a step slow tonight.
* There were so many flags tonight. I understand that the officials setting a tone and there are lots of non-53 man roster players running around. However, it is inexcusable to not ID the player that committed a penalty that washes out a big play. I understand it is the preseason for the refs, but tonight that group of officials were flat out terrible.
* Figures a snap issue…though it was on QB Sam Lobato…pretty much ended the hopes for the Fins game one.
Overall Assessment
* Bill Lazor's debut could not have gone any better. It was a great start for his offense. There will be many challenges going forward as the team learns a new system…especially the QB. However, tonight was great to see.
* The LB's worry me more than the Oline at this point. The LB's miss too many tackles, take horrible angles to ball and never seem to be a position to make plays. There is little depth behind the starters that are ready to play full-time at this point. While there are a couple vets available on the FA scrap heap, I do not see this team making a move. This group will hold the defense back this year. No matter where you line up Wheeler, Misi and Dannell Ellerbe, they are simply not good enough to help the Dolphins.
* I was shocked to hear about Reshad Jones getting pinched for PED's. At the end of the day, Jimmy Wilson is the next man up. Wilson can do the job at FS. He has NFL experience and seems to be ready for more of a role. The issue will be how does Miami adjust its nickel package. Wilson is typically the nickel back. Do they leave him a safety or move him back in the nickel role when the situation arises? While I question the starting LB's, I also question the depth of the DB's. DB's are needed in numbers in today's NFL and I wonder how the Jamar Taylor's and Will Davis' of the world will hold up.
* I still think the team is starting two SS when Jones and Louis Delmas are playing together. However, we will have to wait until October to see them play together. I question whether the pair are a good match.
* While I killed the defense for some things tonight, the Falcons do have a nice offense. Solid QB, weapons on the outside and capable RB's. Miami went up against a strong offensive team in game one, but still most improve.
* As the team screams for more LB help, it is somewhat disappointing to see that Jason Trusnik has never developed into more than a front line special teamer. One would think that Trusnik being around the game as much as he has, he might develop into a player capable of pushing a starter. That is simply not the case.
* I know I am in the minority, but I do not like the concept of Ryan Tannehill running with the ball in the new offense. If it is a simple wrinkle, now and then, that is fine. Keep him in the pocket or throwing on bootlegs and limit his exposure as a balll carrier.
* Rishard Matthews has to make this team. I know there was talk of him in the dog house, but he is coming along nicely and should continue his career in Miami.
* While I think Marcus Thigpen can help this team with his speed, I think he is in trouble. Being asked to field a punt into the second half was a red flag for me. If Landry can be an effective returner, Thigpen is expendable. Plus, in a crowded receiver group, returning kicks and punts is a way to get Landry involved.
* While the missed tackles were depressing to watch, it should not be totally unexpected. The rules limiting contact in practice has eroded tackling skills especially early in the year. Right or wrong, tackling is not what it used to be. Miami missing tackles was ugly tonight and has to improve. However, the new rules limiting contact factored into the sloppy performance tonight.
* While I was not impressed with the penalties the Fins took, preseason games are called tighter to condition teams mentally as they head into the regular season.
* The emphasis on illegal contact could make games unwatchable. I know the players will adjust, but it was over the top tonight on some of the calls. I do not want to see the ref announcing a penalty after every other play.
* NFL Network missed a big chance for not using the "whip around" program during the first week of the preseason. Showing a single game is dull and it would be more entertaining to have a makeshift Red Zone Channel with 2nd and 3rd teamers trying to make a name for themselves.
