But the Dolphins face an uphill battle to keep it going this week when they face a New Orleans Saints team that is taking notice with its new aggressive 3-4 defense that is bringing pressure from all angle.
Drew Brees and the offense are still working out some kinks but with weapons like tight end Jimmy Graham and wide receivers Marques Colston and Lance Moore still in the fold they capable of exploding at any time.
DOLPHINS OFFENSE
Veteran playmaker Mike Wallace has been added to the wide receiver mix this season, but make no mistake the Dolphins success so far has everything to do with the rapid growth and maturity of second-year quarterback Ryan Tannehill. In just these three weeks alone, Tannehill has stepped up and make big play after big play to give the offense a spark. Tannehill is completing 66 percent of his passes and has thrown four touchdowns and two interceptions and has a stellar 94.3 passer rating through the first three games. The only downside so far has been the 14 sacks he has taken, which are attributed part to the offensive line and partly to the young quarterback's tendency to hold the football too long. So far Brian Hartline and Charles Clay have been Tannehill's top two targets while Wallace get and Tannehill develop chemistry. The Dolphins, however, have been fairly one dimensional with running backs Lamar Miller and Daniel Thomas not able to get much going consistently.
DOLPHINS DEFENSE
There were already going to be problems trying to contain all of the matchup issues the New Orleans Saints naturally bring, but injuries to Dolphins starters threaten to make it worse. Miami could be without defensive starters Cameron Wake (knee), Koa Misi (shoulder), Paul Soliai (knee) and Dimitri Patterson (groin) on Monday night at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Dolphins coaching staff is clearly in full panic mode as was evidenced Monday when they worked out six free agent defensive backs and also signed free agent defensive tackle Marvin Austin this week. Even with their starters, the Dolphins defense has struggled with stopping the run and tackling so far this season. They will have their hands full against a Saints offense that seems to have no shortage of receiving threats.
DOLPHINS SPECIAL TEAMS
The Dolphins haven't exactly been spectacular on special teams but they have been solid in all facets. Marcus Thigpen has shown the potential to be a game-breaker as a kickoff returnman, where he is averaging 29 yards per kickoff return and has a 38-yard return so far this season. Place-kicker Caleb Sturgis has been on target so far this season, converting 6 of 6 field goals, nailing 3 of 3 between 40 and 49 yards and going 2 for 2 on 50-plus yard field goals this season. Brandon Fields is averaging 49.0 yards per punt and has pinned the opposition inside the 20 yard line on six of his 13 punts in the first three games.
