PBP: The tape don’t lie: New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins, a Review | FinHeaven - Miami Dolphins Forums

PBP: The tape don’t lie: New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins, a Review

Perfect72

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Because of injuries, Miami is asking some defensive players to do more than anyone planned. There was a goal-line stand in the fourth quarter on Sunday in which four of the 11 Dolphins defensive players were Ndamukong Suh, Kiko Alonso, Earl Mitchell and Jordan Phillips. And the seven other players might not have been in on the field in this situation at the start of this season.

This is not to disparage their legitimacy as NFL players, or to criticize their effort. But I noticed the other seven players were:
Terrence Fede, Nick Williams, Jason Jones, Donald Butler, Neville Hewitt, Spencer Paysinger and Michael Thomas. Miami’s depth has been stretched more than would have been imagined. Two of those players were claimed off waivers. Three of those players are known primarily for their very strong special teams play. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph tried so many different formations and coverage schemes on Sunday, but it was nearly impossible to compensate for the absence of injured players like Reshad Jones, Isa Abdul-Quddus, Byron Maxwell, Jelani Jenkins, Koa Misi and the disappointment of benched free agent signee Mario Williams. Oh, and in case you forgot, LeGarrette Blount scored on that play, a 1-yard run to give the Patriots a 35-14 lead.

On a bright note, Jordan Phillips came to play. There were only 51 players taken ahead of Jordan Phillips in the 2015 NFL Draft and it hasn’t always been easy to see why. In truth, Phillips has lost a ton of snaps to defensive tackle Earl Mitchell in recent weeks. But Phillips is 6-feet-6, 335 pounds, and when at his best, shows lightning quickness and power at the snap.

Anyone who is ready to give up on Phillips should watch nine snaps at the end of the third quarter and start of the fourth quarter on Sunday, when the Oklahoma product completely and utterly dominated a man named Joe Thuney, who plays left guard for the Patriots. First, Phillips beat Thuney inside with a very explosive first step and blasted LeGarrette Blount for a 1-yard loss. Six defensive snaps later, Phillips overpowered his man, threw him backwards and bear-hugged Dion Lewis for a 1-yard loss. On the first play of the fourth quarter, Phillips overwhelmed the left guard again and drew a holding. Second snap of the fourth quarter? Yeah, again. You get the idea.
This is the Phillips Miami needs on a more consistent basis.


More at LINK:
http://dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2017/01/03/the-tape-dont-lie-new-england-patriots-at-miami-dolphins-a-review/

Interesting. Especially about how the Dolphins are dealing with all the injuries & the play of Jordan Phillips. Your thoughts? :ponder:
 
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