Miami Dolphins lackluster again in first half against Panthers

The Miami Dolphins have a lot to do between now and the start of the season and it’s not just little things. It’s a lot of big things.

So far through six quarters of pre-season play the Miami Dolphins have done a good job and letting their detractors know they are right. Tonight has been no different.

Miami is trailing the Panthers 13-9 but this isn’t about some pre-season score. On the second play of the Panthers first drive the Dolphins gave up a 71 yard touchdown run. Late in the 2nd quarter with the Panthers looking at a first and 15, the Dolphins gave up a first down.

Miami can’t stop the run but that really isn’t the biggest problem. They can’t stop the passing game either. The Panthers are making the Dolphins linebackers look like rookies. Oh, wait, they are rookies for the most part because Raekwon McMillan missed all of his rookie season.

Here is a look at how things have gone so far.

Ryan Tannehill – Tannehill played all but the final series of the first half. He was o.k. His passes were short slants to the outside and that was really about it. Penalties killed his first drive. His second drive. His third drive. And his fourth drive. In other words mid-season form.

Offensive line – someone needs to step up and get these penalties to freaking stop. Period. Miami can’t win going backwards and they have been going backwards all night. Protection has been really good and some running lanes were open at times but overall, it doesn’t matter if you are going to kill any momentum build with a stupid penalty. That goes for Tannehill too he failed to get a play off in time in the red-zone no less.

Albert Wilson – Got his chance to shine on the outside and instead did practically nothing.

Mike Gesicki – Is doing well in pass blocking but has not seen a single pass his way, that I know of.

Running backs – Earlier I wrote how talented they are, I might have to rethink that. Drake is running hard but they all need to get some better vision. Sinorise Perry is doing o.k but again, vision needs to be improved.

Defensive ends – The combination of Robert Quinn and Cam Wake is going to be a lot of fun to see. Quinn looked really good and had two sacks. Wake came close a couple of times as well.

Defensive line – Hopefully we can trade for one or two starting quality defensive tackles. It’s not good but then again, if the scheme is to take up offensive lineman so the linebackers can make plays, well….

Linebackers – Raekwon McMillan looks rusty, worn, and he is getting a huge wake-up call to the speed of the NFL. Out of position, bad angles, allowing himself to be taken out of plays, it’s a learning night for him. He needs to work on a lot of things. Oh, the other LB’s can’t cover anything. The Panthers are killing them in the passing game.

Xavien Howard – DeVante Parker no Parker, Howard is good.

Corner 2 – Yeah Miami may be looking for a new corner if this continues.

Adam Gase – Poor offensive play calling. And by poor I mean pathetic. Hopefully this is a generic game calling to work on a few things because if not, he will be on the hot seat by the end of the year.