Miami Dolphins:No Need To Panic
The Miami Dolphins seem to always pull off the improbable win, then follow it up with a heart breaking loss. Last week saw the Miami Dolphins get destroyed by the Buffalo Bills 29-10, right after they surprised the league by beating the New England Patriots 33-20. The Buffalo Bills are a bad matchup for Miami, as their strengths play right into Miami’s weaknesses. While the Dolphins are decimated by injuries just two weeks into the season, and last week’s performance was a letdown, there is no reason to push the panic button.
The 2014 season is still young. While a loss to a divisional opponent isn’t good, there is still reason for optimism. Believe it or not, the Miami Dolphins team that showed up against the Patriots is really who this team is. Dominating the Patriots doesn’t happen every week. The Bills were coming off an impressive win over the Bears, playing in their home opener in front of a crowd with extreme energy.
It doesn’t help that the Miami Dolphins lost Knowshon Moreno in the first quarter to a elbow injury, weakening Miami’s rushing attack. Another factor to remember is Miami’s decimated LB unit who did not play well on Sunday. While injuries aren’t an excuse, as it happens to every team, for just 2 weeks into the season the Miami Dolphins are ravaged with injury. We don’t even know how good this team can be until their fully healthy.
Another factor you must measure in is suspended players. Two important players, S Reshad Jones and DE Dion Jordan are missing on defense. Dion Jordan will miss 6 games for violating NFL’s Policy & Program on Substances of Abuse, after having his first suspension reduced under the new NFL Drug Policy. Although it would be a while, he would help significantly on special teams and as a pass rusher upon his return. Reshad Jones will look to form a formidable duo with S Louis Delmas when he comes back from suspension after the bye week.
Ryan Tannehill has underperformed so far, but last week he suffered the same issues as last year, no protection. The defensive line of the Bills manhandled Miami’s offensive line. Remember, Mike Pouncey is still out and if the offensive line can play decently until he comes back, that unit should be OK. While Tannehill hasn’t played up to standards so far, at least he’s playing like this in September, rather late in the season where the Dolphins hope to be vying for a playoff spot.
There is no need to panic. It is early in the season and the Dolphins have two favorable matchups coming up on their schedule, facing Kansas City and Oakland before their bye week. With injuries and suspensions, we don’t know how well this team really is yet. Remember, the season is a marathon, not a sprint.