3 Main takeaways from Miami Dolphins vs Detroit Lions week 8
By Juan Vasquez
Mike McDaniel is good, but has a lot to improve:
The Mike McDaniel effect is a big reason why the Miami Dolphins made big moves in the offseason, recreated a winning culture, and got their QB to be reborn. But the details of in-game situations have caught McDaniel off guard more than once.
Clock management – the time clock has burned Miami more than once, especially in the 2-minute warning. Not calling timeouts, getting play calls in late, and having to call timeouts due to miscommunication holding up the offense.
They’re small details, but they weigh tons in the big moments.
In-game situational awareness – The game vs the Lions was a perfect example of bad situational awareness, there was a pass play by Tua to Sherfield where Sherfield got the ball over the endzone line for a TD, McDaniel had time to review but did not challenge.
Miami ended up scoring, but not every team forgives like Detroit.
Bad play calling and decision-making in crucial times – vs the Lions, the Dolphins were stopped to a 4th & 9 in Detroit’s 37-yard line and McDaniel kept the offense in for 20+ seconds before trotting out the special teams unit.
Luckily the snap got off as soon as the clock hit Zeros. Too close for comfort, can NOT happen.
And don’t even get me started on the penalties, because that in its entirety is a topic of its own.