The Film Don't Lie: Dolphins

[DKphin]

It is hard to criticize the Dolphins this week following a 38-14 blowout victory over the Oakland Raiders. Miami did nearly everything right and played a full 60 minutes of winning football for the first time this year. Most important, Dolphins third-year quarterback Ryan Tannehill (278 yards, two touchdowns) responded with his best game of the season to quiet critics about his status as the starter.

But even with the big victory, the Dolphins remain sloppy with ball security. Miami had three turnovers -- two fumbles, one interception -- and still beat the Raiders in London’s Wembley Stadium by 24 points. The Dolphins (2-2) can get away with a trio of turnovers against the awful and winless Raiders (0-4). But Miami can’t expect sustained success when turning over the football, especially against the better teams.

Miami's three turnovers came from Tannehill's fourth-quarter interception and a pair of fumbles by tailback Lamar Miller and rookie receiver Jarvis Landry on punt returns. You're not going to bench Tannehill or Miller for making errors. But one potential solution is to replace Landry at punt return after the bye week. Landry's had two fumbles on punt returns, and the Dolphins have veteran returner Marcus Thigpen back on the roster.

The Dolphins have nine turnovers in four games. Interestingly, all of Miami's games so far have been decided by 13 points or more. Turnovers were a factor in the two losses to the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs, but were a non-factor in wins over the Raiders and New England Patriots.

According to data from ESPN Stats and Information, 36.2 percent of teams that start 2-2 make the playoffs. The Dolphins must reduce turnovers in order to increase that probability of getting into the postseason.

http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/72377/the-film-dont-lie-dolphins-3

 

[jvw]

Am I the only one who likes Landry on kick returns? Rooks always have a fumbling problem on special teams, he will get better as the season goes, he's avg almost 30 yards a return, that's damn good.....

 

[datruth55]

Am I the only one who likes Landry on kick returns? Rooks always have a fumbling problem on special teams, he will get better as the season goes, he's avg almost 30 yards a return, that's damn good.....

He's doing fine on kick returns...I think he may be 3rd in terms of average yards per kick return. Punt returns though...not good. Starting to think he just doesn't have a feel for it. There are a few he's fair caught at the 10 with no defender behind him that I think if he lets it go it probably goes into the end zone but really the only way to learn is from experience.

Lamar Miller used to return punts and kicks at the U, he would be the only other option I can think of on the roster but with Moreno out I don't think I would risk it.

 

[stephins87]

I would prefer he stay on KO returns and taken off the punt return assignment. 2 fumbles is 2 many.

 

[Sons Of Shula]

Turnover ratio matters? Wow, thanks BSPN. But....

If they were to actually look at the game situation as opposed the box score it tells quite a different story about the losses, as only one turnover was costly. The Landry first fumble in Buffalo hurt but Tannehill's interception was in a garbage time last drive situation. Tannehill was the only one who fumbled vs KC but it was recovered and no turnover. There's more but why bother.

Film doesn't lie but BSPN still didn't bother to watch it and apparently went off of statistics, which can be deceiving. I ****ing hate the Disney owned sports debacle.

 

[roy_miami]

Landry is a quick study. He's already improved his decision making on fielding punts, he'll work on this too. And if you fumble on punt returns you're just as likely to fumble as a receiver. No need to panic and do anything rash yet.

 

[oasis]

37.5% of teams that start the season make the playoffs.

 

[Mudder1310]

I remember when Barry Foster was a rookie kick returner for Pitt. He stood in the end zone and watched the ball bounce, to get picked up by the other team for 6. I think that dude turned out to be a pretty good football player. Rookies make mistakes.

 

[TheWalrus]

Article called "The Film Don't Lie" contains no study of film. :idk:

 

[xXwarXx]

Article called "The Film Don't Lie" contains no study of film. :idk:

The author even tries tries to blame the pick on tannehill, it hit his guy right in the hands! Not tannehills fault.

Anyone who watched fhe film would of seen that.

 

[ShorePhin]

Landry's problems on punt returns are not secluded to only fumbling. He needs to make better judgements on when to fair catch, let the ball go and when to catch and run. Although i generally like the player returning punts not return KOs and vice versa because of extra wear and tear and heightened odds of injury