When Miami's vaunted defense really needs to stop a team...

[Maggot Brain]

...it seems like, more often than not, they come up short

Yes, they played their collective balls off Sunday night, and yes they were forced to be on the field way too long, and yes several key cogs were missing, but when it really meant something at the end of the game they just couldn't get it done. This has been a trend that dates back to when J.J. first assembled the core of the current defense. It kind of epitomizes the entire Dolphin franchise--always look good on paper and near the top of the league in numerous categories--but at crunch time they have a tendency to fold like a cheap lawn chair. Anyone remember two years ago when they had to win one of their final two games (Vikings & Patriots) to get in the playoffs? Outcome--fold. How about what I think was J.J.'s last year when, after starting like a house on fire, they backed into the playoffs loosing either 4 or 5 of their last 5 games and proceeded to get bounced out in the first round. It has long been my belief that the Dolphin franchise lacks heart. I'm not talking about individual players (Zach, Seau, JT, McMichael, etc. play like their lives depended on it). However, that somehow does not transfer to the collective psyche of the team and franchise in general. Unfortunately in this story there is no wizard that can give the Miami Tinmen heart. As far as the rest of this season goes, we can only hope they somehow find the ruby cleats that may grant them a miracle.

P.S. The Miami offensive line...they're not...they're not...they're not good; they stink.

 

[darkoak]

Merge

 

[yankeehillbilly]

What do you want from these guys? They held their opponent to less than 10 pts. They did their job well. Would it make any difference if they paced themselves earlier and allowed an extra FG then shut Cincy down at the end? The score would have been the same.

 

[hunter5nc1]

:fire: You think they might have been alittle tired!

 

[jbond]

I don't think this game is even close to the D missing 24 tackles a game (see Philly last year), giving up 2 TDs on the opposing team's first 2 possessions (see Tenn last year) or allowing the Pats to overcome a Phins lead w 4 minutes to go (see a couple years previous). Granted, they allowed some big plays the last 2 minutes of the game (with WHO in the secondary?)....but they held the bungles offense to 9 pts. What more could you want?

 

[MiamiCrocs04]

I agree with you Yankee, the defense played an outstanding game. They only allowed 9 points. If Miami offence cannot beat that, which they cannot…. we are in trouble. So from hear on out I wont be expecting much the rest of this season. I will continue to pull for them, but I will not bet my paycheck on them.