The Miami Dolphins are not having a good season. Losing big games to Atlanta, Indy, New Orleans, and now the Patriots…of course the Atlanta game wasn’t a giveaway and the Patriots didn’t have to overcome 23 points. Still, the Phins have lost a lot of games this year that they should have won. Today was no different.
The first thing that pops out at you from this game was the lack of Wild Cat success. Two weeks ago the Saints stopped it cold in the 2nd half. Then last week the Jets took it completely away and the Patriots showed no signs of being fooled this afternoon. The Dolphins for all their shifting formations were unable to once again complete a game.
The Dolphins ate over 10 minutes off the clock in the 3rd quarter and entered the 4th with a 1 point lead. Then, like so many times this year, the defense gave up a quick TD and the lead, one that the team couldn’t get back.
Observations:
Vontae’ Davis and Sean Smith proved they are the real deal and are here to stay. Randy Moss had one big pass catch that schooled Davis in the art of stiff arms and earlier he went over the top of Davis and made a great catch with one hand to set up the Pats first TD. Davis also intercepted Brady on the first series of the game with one of the best INT’s I have ever seen. Sean Smith? Well his name wasn’t mentioned that often…which means he did his job, and did it well.
Moss – 146 yards on 6 catches…two of them came on long balls that got the bulk of the yardage.
PRESSURE? There was none today on Brady and that fact more than any other is why the Phins lost. Brady had so much time he literally stood in the pocket and looked over the field. Where was Joey Porter and his mouth?
Joey Haynos – If this guy isn’t starting by the end of the year then I will be surprised. Big hands and also scores his 2nd TD of the season.
Ted Ginn – Ginn finally looked like he wanted to play football. His two TD’s last week have apparently given him confidence in his return game. He easily got the ball out past the 20. Then the Dolphins tried to get him into the passing game. He caught one on the outside for short yardage and on the last play of the Dolphins offensive day, he dropped a first down pass on 4th down.
Davone Bess – Might be time to put him on the bench with Ginn. Bess is developing a bad case of dropping footballs and frankly, Camarillo and Hartline are playing so much better.
Defensively the Dolphins really missed Jason Ferguson and the run defense absolutely stunk. It’s obvious that this team needs a number 1 legit WR, a big NT, and a premier LB.