Fins’ Offense Electric, D Strong In Second Half Win

Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Last week against the Cleveland Browns, the Miami Dolphins failed to play a complete team game.  The offensive never quite clicked, and for the most part Miami won the game on the defensive side of the ball thanks to big plays by the secondary and defensive line.  This week, it was the other way around, as the Miami offense kept the team in the game and ultimately led to the defense’s game winning stop (props to the D on that series!).

While the defense did not necessarily play badly, it did give up 448 total net yards (133 on the ground and 315 in the air).  However, a promising and anticipated Dolphin pass rush failed to put pressure on Andrew Luck, and when they did, they failed to wrap him up and get him to the ground (except for the game-ending play).  Both Dion Jordan and Cameron Wake failed to finish crucial sacks that almost led to a Colts’ victory. However, having said that, the defense did come up big at the end when another “Lucky” win seemed imminent.

It wasn’t the defense that stepped up big for the Dolphins but rather their offense.  Mike Wallace has arrived ladies and gentlemen!  All demands for the football have been met!  Miami’s most coveted off season edition showed us why we paid $60 million for his plane ticket to South Beach.  The speedy WR had 9 receptions, 115 yards and 1 TD.  His longest catch of the day was of 34 yards, and a slightly under thrown pass by Ryan Tannehill left Wallace inches short of a 2nd TD.

In addition to Wallace’s stellar performance, FB/TE/HB Charles Clay had himself a career day.  The versatile play maker made the stinging pain of Dustin Keller’s injury alleviate to some degree.  Clay reeled in 5 receptions for 109 yards (long of 67 yd) and had a one yard TD on his first ever carry.  Simply put, Clay was exactly what the ‘Phins needed him to be: a security blanket and play maker for this offense.  If Clay can keep up this level of play, not only will this Dolphins’ offense continue to flourish, but the loss of Dustin Keller will not have as severe an impact as expected.

Miami has still yet to play a COMPLETE game.  Last week it was the defense who remained consistent throughout the course of the game while the offense struggled to get going.  This week it was Miami’s offense that continuously made plays and put points on the board, while it took the defense an entire half to slow down Andrew Luck and the Colts’ offense.  I am extremely thrilled with this Dolphin team through the first two weeks of the season and hopefully this team continues to get better week in and week out.  Next week, Miami will return home to face a tough Atlanta Falcons team.  Some might call them elite.  Look for the ‘Fins to play their first complete game of the year on both sides of the ball.  If they do, they’ll find themselves at 3-0.

FINS UP!