What we learned in the Miami Dolphins week one win

The Miami Dolphins opened the 2018 season Sunday with a 27-20 victory over the Tennessee Titans in a game that lasted 7 hours and 8 minutes, the longest in NFL history.

The Miami Dolphins marathon game came to an end after all of the other early and late afternoon game had concluded. There were some interesting takeaways from the game and here is a look at some of those.

1) Reshad Jones can still ball

The two-time pro bowler shined in Sunday’s win. Jones brought in two interceptions and returned both into Tennessee territory, including one inside the 15 yard line. The second one was the most impressive as he was already on the ground and his momentum was carrying him the other way.

He was also all over the field with seven tackles on the day.

2) Miami’s rushing attack was efficient

The Dolphins had their running game working in the first half. Drake had 6 carries for 40 yards (6.7 ypc) and Gore had 5 rushes for 49 yards (9.8 ypc) in the opening 24 minutes of play. Gase went away from the run for the majority of the second half, but that’s typical of his offense when the game is tight.

Since Miami ran the ball well in the first half, it opened up more passing lanes for Tannehill throughout the game as well.

3) Minkah Fitzpatrick shined in his NFL debut

The rookie from Alabama made an impact early for Miami with three tackles in the first quarter, and one of them changed the game. 4th and goal at the three yard line for Tennessee and Fitzpatrick does this:

He finished the game with six tackles and one pass defense while playing on 44 of 69 defensive snaps (via Pro Football Focus).

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4) Miami MUST be better in the red zone

After the opening touchdown, the Dolphins next three trips inside the 20 resulted in a turnover on downs, interception and a field goal. 10 points in four trips just isn’t good enough and was one of the most frustrating aspects of the game.

Miami simply wasn’t able to move the ball inside the red zone. Even on the possession that resulted in a field goal, the Dolphins got the ball on the Tennessee 28 yard line and couldn’t take advantage of the short field.

The interception on the fade attempt to Mike Gesicki was one of the worst throws of Tannehill’s career. The ball HAS to be lofted toward the back pylon, instead he under-threw him and it resulted in an interception. However, Adam Gase said Monday the ball slipped from his hand.

5) Third down conversions…yikes

This is a huge area of concern after week 1. The Dolphins were just 2-for-10 on third down, while allowing the Titans to convert 6-of-14 third down plays. Offensively and defensively Miami needs to be better.

In order to beat great teams, the Dolphins have to be able to extend drives on third down, and that was not the case Sunday. Especially in third and less than three situations for the offense in which Miami was 0-for-3.

6) This offense has some serious speed

Every single one of Miami’s weapons got involved offensively Sunday. And more importantly, everyone seemed comfortable in the offense.

With Jakeem Grant, Albert Wilson, Kenny Stills and Drake all on the field at the same time someone was open nearly every play. We saw Grant’s ability to run past everyone on the kickoff return for a TD, and Stills’ speed on the 75 yard touchdown pass.

Wilson flashed on several occasions with three receptions for 31 yards and two rushes for seven yards.

When an opposing defense sees that much speed on film they have to respect the deep ball which led to quick easy completions for Tannehill. Particularly, to Grant who had five catches for 38 yards.

Every Dolphins fan should be excited about this offense. Clean up the red zone struggles and Miami might have a top-10 offense in 2018.

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