Indianapolis Colts 23, Miami Dolphins 20: Postgame Analysis
The Miami Dolphins 23-20 loss against the Indianapolis Colts was not the best outing many of us has seen this season. With that, there are key points to how Joe Philbin’s team did not retain their fourth straight victory.
Nov 4, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Donnie Avery (11) catches a pass against Miami Dolphins cornerback Sean Smith (24) during the game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-US PRESSWIRE
Sean Smith’s Troubling Performance:
After a terrific start to the 2012-13 season, Sean Smith finds himself bak into the real world. In weeks past, A.J. Green was the only big name wide receiver he had to go up against. This week it was Reggie Wayne, one of the prolific receivers in today’s game.
Smith really couldn’t provide any leverage for the secondary in today’s game. Specifically, the 36-yard completion for a touchdown by T.Y. Hilton was a head scratcher. Andrew Luck dropped back for the pass and right when he was about to get hit by Miami Dolphin’s defensive line, he let it float, literally float. The timing on the throw was most certainly off by the number one pick in 2012 NFL Draft. Those of you who saw the series know the 6-feet-3-inches cornerback had the chance to snag the ball away from Hilton. The reason behind the missed opportunity was Smith’s inability to locate the ball.
There is always those what if’s especially after a loss, but another play came into Smith’s hands. With roughly three minutes left on the clock, Colts had the ball on third down. Indy’s rookie quarterback looked for a receiver and he threw it–not knowing who would be there. That receiver happened to be Miami’s Smith, but of course he dropped it.
Smith producing two interceptions this 2012-13 season is accustomed to making the big play, but this time around he came up empty. While, it’s immoral to blame one person, the missed opportunities is verity with the fourth-year corner.
Nov 4, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) drops back to pass as tackle Bradley Sowell (60) blocks Miami Dolphins defensive end Cameron Wake (91) during the game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-US PRESSWIRE
Miami’s Defense Gave Luck Too Much Real Estate:
Once again Miami’s defensive line could not pressure the quarterback allowing over 433 passing yards. Andrew Luck’s performance broke Cam Newton’s single-game passing record by a rookie quarterback.
That recorded became true due to the Dolphins’ lines inability to get after the quarterback. Simply, they gave Luck too much room to grow and step into the pocket. Luck has been tremendous this season, but if you want to be an elite defense in the NFL you must be the best.
Cameron Wake’s contribution of one sack was all Kevin Coyle’s defense could offer against the mediocre Colt’s offensive line. While the run defense has been incredible (ranked second in opposition rushing yards), the passing defense has been horrific as of late allowing 281 yards per game.
This statistic must stick in the heads of Miami’s defense if they want to see the playoffs this year.
Nov 4, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Reggie Bush (22) runs past Indianapolis Colts nose tackle Antonio Johnson (99) during the game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-US PRESSWIRE
Inconsistency of Reggie Bush:
This has to be the biggest struggle to raise in today’s game.
Reggie Bush came out firing on all facets in this 2012-13 season. Now, he can’t buy a few yards to dave his life (besides 18-yard run this week). Ever since Bush got injured against the New York Jets in week three, he has not supplied any running presence for Joe Philbin’s team.
There was talk prior to this season that the 7-year running back wanted to become a 1,000-yard rusher in the 2012-13 season. Currently, it doesn’t seem to be possible to live up to those expectations.
Second-year back will give a run for his money if these underachieving performance stay consistent.