Some thoughts going into Pitt

[royalshank]

Today's loss was disappointing as it would have been nice to have some momentum going into next week. That said, in spite of the listless start, this was still a game until two bad plays inside the 10. Landry's penalty that moved us back and then the fumble. Execute there and get the TD it's 27-21. We probably lose anyway but point is the game wasn't as bad as the score indicates. Some positives for me include:

- Ajai looks good even w the bad shoulder and hopefully he can find success again next week.
- Matt Moore is playing well. I didn't like the INT, but he was excellent in the 2nd half moving us down the field for 3 long drives.
- Our pass pro has been very good. Tannehill was getting sacked less before the injury and Moore has only been sacked 1 time in 3+ games.
- Today's showing by the D-line wasn't good but overall they have been good and I expect them to get pressure vs Pitt.
- Lippett came back in the game so injury doesn't seem serious. Hopefully we get Maxwell back next week.
- Our top 3 receivers are making plays - they all made plays again today. They are all playing well.

This team can can beat Pitt. It will be tough but not impossible. I like our chances.

 

[Pitbull13]

What killed us were penalties (illegal motion, false starts) and turnovers. Can't do that in Pittsburgh. Got to play error free.

 

[LANGER72]

Spot on Royalshank.

This team came out sleep walking again. This bothers me more than anything. If they play aggressive tough football from the get go, this game would be much closer.
Spotting NE a 20-0 lead will be a loss every time.

Hopefully this team will feel embarrassed and come out fired up for Pitt.

I would love a rematch in NE against the Cheatriots.

 

[Miami 13]

What killed us were penalties (illegal motion, false starts) and turnovers. Can't do that in Pittsburgh. Got to play error free.

Our pre snap penalties on both sides of the ball seem to be off the charts this year.

 

[montequi]

We CAN beat Pitt, and seeing as we already did earlier this year...I'm thinking we may match up well against them. We do not match up well against NE with their heavy use of the TE and short passes overall, and our terrible LBers.

 

[Dolfan5000]

Going into Pittsburgh I think the key to getting out with a W will be a combo of Ajayi and no huddle. Pittsburgh has a decent back 8 but their down 3 are very average. Pound them with Ajayi and sprinkle in some shots to Stills and Parker while giving Landry his touches and pressure Ben like they did the first time. It'll be tougher to beat them in Pitt, but if they show up angry and play smart football, I think they'll move past Pitt. Maxwell could be back and possibly Tannehill, so that would only help.

 

[NBP81]

What are the odds Tannehill returns for the game?

 

[Dsteve]

What killed us was Moore being trash. The playbook is limited to short crossers, outs and hitches with the occasional wobbler punt/pass.

The only completion that travelled 20 yards in the air was blown coverage and underthrown on the TD to stills. With Moore our only chance is if we win everywhere else.

 

[ANUFan]

What are the odds Tannehill returns for the game?

You just can't with his type of injury. He has to be able to move unimpededly. Also, If you somehow win the game how can you bench Moore?

 

[DefensiveEnd76]

If we somehow played the Patriots in New England in the playoffs, they'd probably hang 50 points on us. I could see them winning like 50-10. It would be really ugly.

 

[LANGER72]

What killed us was Moore being trash. The playbook is limited to short crossers, outs and hitches with the occasional wobbler punt/pass.

The only completion that travelled 20 yards in the air was blown coverage and underthrown on the TD to stills. With Moore our only chance is if we win everywhere else.

The Pats were playing a deep/combo zone for the most part with 3 or 4 line men. Their defense dictated where the ball was going to be thrown. The Pats made few mistakes and made the tackles.

Moore had one bad pick and a couple of bad throws, otherwise he played pretty well. The TD was a perfect ball.

The defense lost the game today. Look at the total yards.

 

[LANGER72]

If we somehow played the Patriots in New England in the playoffs, they'd probably hang 50 points on us. I could see them winning like 50-10. It would be really ugly.

With this defense, I agree with you. It is amazing we even made the playoffs with this DC and the lack of talent. We have 3 great players (X, Wake, Suh....4 if you include Jones), the rest are replaceable cogs.

That said, when a defense gives up as many points and yards and ranks at the bottom, the staff and scheme is also a big problem.

 

[Rick Cartman]

I hope we go play action deep early on against Pittsburgh. They're going to be jacked up to stop Ajayi, there will be an opportunity to burn them.

 

[royalshank]

What killed us was Moore being trash. The playbook is limited to short crossers, outs and hitches with the occasional wobbler punt/pass.

The only completion that travelled 20 yards in the air was blown coverage and underthrown on the TD to stills. With Moore our only chance is if we win everywhere else.

if trash is having 8 TDs to 3 picks and a 116 QBR or whatever he has I'll take it. He's playing fine.

 

[Dolfan5000]

You just can't with his type of injury. He has to be able to move unimpededly. Also, If you somehow win the game how can you bench Moore?

What makes you say that? The average timetable for return from his injury is anywhere from 2-8 weeks. He'll be at the 4 week mark this week and has been progressing nicely every week since he's had the cast off.