I've always believed that the first 3-4 games of the season are often an extension of Training Camp, meaning that teams are still fine tuning, finding out things about themselves, and learning from their opponents. That's my best explanation of how a team like New England gets stomped 31-0 and then comes back to win the Super Bowl in the same year.
The Miami Dolphins will be the most exciting team in the NFL this year because our team is filled with new players, new coaches, and will be a work in progress all year. That said, here's my analysis after 2 games.
QB - I really believe we have found a QB in Gus Frerrotte. Nothing has changed my mind so far. He is the calm, cool veteran, who acts as a coach in the huddle, and will rarely get rattled and make stupid mistakes. Gus simply executes the game plan and takes what the defense gives him. He knows this is the best way to stay employed in the NFL, even if it means losing some regular season games.
RB - A work in progress all season. The time Ronnie missed in training camp has clearly set him back. Rickly looms large in the horizon and our O-line has not learned how to run block yet. In Week 1, Denver stacked the box which allowed us to open up the passing game. In Week 2, the opposite occurred. Using the cover 2, the Jets dared Miami to run and we couldn't do it. This group will go as the O-line goes.
WR's - A good showing in week 1 and a bad showing in week 2. The cover 2 defense made it more difficult for the passing game, but there were blown opportunities. This group needs leadership. Chambers needs to step up to the plate and assert himself. He needs to have a dominant game and set the tone for the rest of the group. Right now we have a group of #2 WR's and no leader.
TE's - Randy McMichael continues to display pro bowl play and leadership. Lorenzo Diamond has been quietly effective. Linehan may lean on this group a bit more as the season develops.
O-line - In my view, Hudson Houck has done a wonderful job of teaching this group pass blocking. Defenses stacked the box against us every game last year and Houck obviously wanted to be ready for that again this year. Predictably, Denver stacked the box, but got burned, because we were ready. Unfortunately, we weren't ready for the Cover 2 from NY, which slowed our passing attack and put the pressure on our running game. Run blocking will continue to be a work in progress. This group is also limited by talent. We had no one quick enough to handle Abraham and we still don't get a push from the middle - very important for the running game. Ricky may ignite the running game, but this group is going to struggle for awhile
because it will take some time to for Houck to find the right combination.
D-line - Fantastic unit that has performed very well. Every player along the line has had at least 1 big play and they perform well as a unit. A few mistakes on Sunday with gap assignments, but a great group that will improve. Jason also looks like defensive MVP to me right now.
Linebackers - No problems here. Not even the venerable Junior Seau has shown any weaknesses. Zach is having a pro bowl year and we found a real gem with Channing Crowder.
Defensive Backs - Reggie Howard was badly exposed Sunday. This set off a chain of events. Sam played poorly and both safeties came up short. Saban is going to have to work his magic with this unit. We may see more of Travis Daniels and possible Yeremiah Bell. This unit benefited from the pressure of the D-line against Denver, but was exposed by NY.
Special Teams - A screw up on Mare's attempted field goal is to be expected. The young guys are doing well for the most part and I'm not too worried about our special teams.
Summary - Our biggest concerns lie with the running game and secondary. If teams follow NY's cover 2 plan, and they will, we must respond with a solid running game. I don't know if we have an answer, other than Ricky, right now. Saban will keep a close eye on the secondary and may shake it up if we see another performance from Howard like this past Sunday's. Perhaps more blitzes and pressure will take the pressure off the secondary.
The Miami Dolphins will be the most exciting team in the NFL this year because our team is filled with new players, new coaches, and will be a work in progress all year. That said, here's my analysis after 2 games.
QB - I really believe we have found a QB in Gus Frerrotte. Nothing has changed my mind so far. He is the calm, cool veteran, who acts as a coach in the huddle, and will rarely get rattled and make stupid mistakes. Gus simply executes the game plan and takes what the defense gives him. He knows this is the best way to stay employed in the NFL, even if it means losing some regular season games.
RB - A work in progress all season. The time Ronnie missed in training camp has clearly set him back. Rickly looms large in the horizon and our O-line has not learned how to run block yet. In Week 1, Denver stacked the box which allowed us to open up the passing game. In Week 2, the opposite occurred. Using the cover 2, the Jets dared Miami to run and we couldn't do it. This group will go as the O-line goes.
WR's - A good showing in week 1 and a bad showing in week 2. The cover 2 defense made it more difficult for the passing game, but there were blown opportunities. This group needs leadership. Chambers needs to step up to the plate and assert himself. He needs to have a dominant game and set the tone for the rest of the group. Right now we have a group of #2 WR's and no leader.
TE's - Randy McMichael continues to display pro bowl play and leadership. Lorenzo Diamond has been quietly effective. Linehan may lean on this group a bit more as the season develops.
O-line - In my view, Hudson Houck has done a wonderful job of teaching this group pass blocking. Defenses stacked the box against us every game last year and Houck obviously wanted to be ready for that again this year. Predictably, Denver stacked the box, but got burned, because we were ready. Unfortunately, we weren't ready for the Cover 2 from NY, which slowed our passing attack and put the pressure on our running game. Run blocking will continue to be a work in progress. This group is also limited by talent. We had no one quick enough to handle Abraham and we still don't get a push from the middle - very important for the running game. Ricky may ignite the running game, but this group is going to struggle for awhile
because it will take some time to for Houck to find the right combination.
D-line - Fantastic unit that has performed very well. Every player along the line has had at least 1 big play and they perform well as a unit. A few mistakes on Sunday with gap assignments, but a great group that will improve. Jason also looks like defensive MVP to me right now.
Linebackers - No problems here. Not even the venerable Junior Seau has shown any weaknesses. Zach is having a pro bowl year and we found a real gem with Channing Crowder.
Defensive Backs - Reggie Howard was badly exposed Sunday. This set off a chain of events. Sam played poorly and both safeties came up short. Saban is going to have to work his magic with this unit. We may see more of Travis Daniels and possible Yeremiah Bell. This unit benefited from the pressure of the D-line against Denver, but was exposed by NY.
Special Teams - A screw up on Mare's attempted field goal is to be expected. The young guys are doing well for the most part and I'm not too worried about our special teams.
Summary - Our biggest concerns lie with the running game and secondary. If teams follow NY's cover 2 plan, and they will, we must respond with a solid running game. I don't know if we have an answer, other than Ricky, right now. Saban will keep a close eye on the secondary and may shake it up if we see another performance from Howard like this past Sunday's. Perhaps more blitzes and pressure will take the pressure off the secondary.
