http://www.nfl.com/news/story/9669168
BAD IDEA
The Miami Dolphins not sticking with their running game longer in their 16-6 loss to the Buffalo Bills. If the Dolphins learned nothing else from the Bills' Week 1 loss at New England, it should have been that their smallish defense was no match for the power running of Laurence Maroney and Corey Dillon. The Dolphins have a power runner of their own in Ronnie Brown, and should have been able to control the game (or at least help make it more manageable for struggling quarterback Daunte Culpepper) by having their extra-large offensive line continually lean on that smallish defense and cause it to wear out in the second half in the South Florida heat. Instead, even when it was clear early on that Culpepper wasn't on the same page with any of his receivers or blockers and was clearly overmatched against Buffalo's pass rush and coverage, the Dolphins' coaches insisted on keeping the game in his hands. Culpepper wound up throwing 32 times for 250 yards, with an interception, a late touchdown pass, and several poor decisions. Brown carried only 15 times, but averaged 4.7 yards per carry and continually fought for extra yards after being hit. On a day when the quarterback was sacked seven times, the more consistent running threat would have slowed down the pass rush.
BAD IDEA
The Miami Dolphins not sticking with their running game longer in their 16-6 loss to the Buffalo Bills. If the Dolphins learned nothing else from the Bills' Week 1 loss at New England, it should have been that their smallish defense was no match for the power running of Laurence Maroney and Corey Dillon. The Dolphins have a power runner of their own in Ronnie Brown, and should have been able to control the game (or at least help make it more manageable for struggling quarterback Daunte Culpepper) by having their extra-large offensive line continually lean on that smallish defense and cause it to wear out in the second half in the South Florida heat. Instead, even when it was clear early on that Culpepper wasn't on the same page with any of his receivers or blockers and was clearly overmatched against Buffalo's pass rush and coverage, the Dolphins' coaches insisted on keeping the game in his hands. Culpepper wound up throwing 32 times for 250 yards, with an interception, a late touchdown pass, and several poor decisions. Brown carried only 15 times, but averaged 4.7 yards per carry and continually fought for extra yards after being hit. On a day when the quarterback was sacked seven times, the more consistent running threat would have slowed down the pass rush.
