Miami Dolphins in London Saints recap

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 26: The Elizabeth Tower, commonly known as Big Ben, is covered in scaffolding as conservation works are carried out on September 26, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 26: The Elizabeth Tower, commonly known as Big Ben, is covered in scaffolding as conservation works are carried out on September 26, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) /
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From a no excuses almost shutout loss to this shutout loss with a lot of unanswered questions even coming from the head coach.

The last game at the Jets ended with what everyone hoped would be a sign of things to come when Jay Cutler drove for a TD with DeVante Parker.

And this game started off with what looked like that continuation. But oddly enough that was all there was to it. The first drive was much like the last drive of the previous game.

Only this time there was no second guessing if the offense had the luxury of playing a lax defense that teams tend to use late in games. So this makes the whole situation even more puzzling.

Just a whole lot of head scratching in this 20-0 loss to the Saints where Cutler went 18 of 26 for 139 yards and a 66 QB rating. Ajayi went 12 for 46 yards. The offensive line allowed 3 sacks, as well as being out gained 347-185. Only converting 1-8 on 3rd down.

Jay Ajayi seemed to be on the verge of busting a long run on at least a few plays. But unfortunately it never materialized.

New TE Julius Thomas had a nice 23 yard play down the middle almost making it into the end zone. And on the next play 1st and goal Cutler went to him again. Only Thomas was being covered tightly and was pressed on the goal line by his defender who ended up coming down with the ball. A nice drive ended with absolutely nothing to show for it. This may have taken all the wind from the sails of a team that had already showed not much muster heading into this game.

Saints vs. Dolphins | NFL Week 4 Game Highlights < click here

The power run game with Ajayi has to come uncorked at some point.

The TD try Cutler to Thomas: whole lot of finger-pointing but it’s better just to move on.

Kamara is coming on strong anyone need a RB in fantasy football?

One edge rusher too many for this play.

As advertised

Only a small glimpse again with Cutler and Parker. This time on the first Drive of the game. After that it all fell apart.

Cameron Wake: is the stalwart ageless wonder hitting Drew Brees so hard on a sack it was a wonder how he wasn’t hurt or fumbled the ball.

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Still missing in action

Scoring in red zone again. The first drive ended on an interception in the end zone that was meant for Julius Thomas.

The team overall: once again the whole team looked lost and lackluster. And the stage was set for Jay Ajayi being from the city of London where the game took place making this a big missed opportunity for an interesting story to play out.

Pleasant surprises

Cordrea Tankersley: Thrown into the fire from an injury to Byron Maxwell. And he was picked on from the get go by most of the targets even the top WR. He held up well considering the circumstance but would eventually give up a score.

Kenyan Drake: looked good in the short time he played. His longest run was called back by holding on the line.

Phin Fact: This is the first time the Miami Dolphins have been shut out going back to a 19-0 loss to Buffalo in Dec. 22. 2013.

Silver lining time and this might seem like a reach as I had to think outside the box to come up with this. The team is cohesive, that’s it. OK the thing is they are doing it badly. But should that turn around and the team stays together playing as one strong unit. This is what helps to make teams pull off a string of wins which we saw last season.

So after the Miami Dolphins traveled an amount some teams may not travel for the whole season they will be at home facing the Titans. And make an effort to get off the snide and start breaking out some wins going for a run.