4 things we learned from the Miami Dolphins intense win over the Lions

The unit on the Miami Dolphins that has been much-malighned heading into the game, did a very good job and is getting better.

The offensive line gave up two sacks, one of them was a flat-out miscommunication and the Miami Dolphins ran for around 4.1 yards per carry. Raheem Mostert, the starter, went for 4.6 yards per carry.

Other than the two sacks, the offensive line, led by Terron Armstead who handled Aiden Hutchinson all day long, protected Tua all day and made it possible for him to get the ball downfield. They let him navigate the pocket and get to his 3rd and 4th reads. It was an excellent job.

It blows that Liam Eichenberg went down with a scary injury. I actually missed it completely, got some food, but when I came back the announcers said it was so bad that they weren’t going to show it. I’m fine with that. I don’t consider myself squeamish, but I hate watching legs get bent in all different directions. He was on the cart so I expect that he’s done for a while if not the year. Greg Little came in and the line didn’t miss a beat.

Also, and let’s just say it, keep Brandon Shell at right tackle. I realize Austin Jackson started the year at right tackle but he hasn’t come back yet and Shell has played better than Jackson ever has. If Jackson does come back, maybe he can play left guard? Not sure but I am sure about keeping Shell at right tackle.

One thing this unit and seemingly every unit needs to improve on is penalties. The offensive line is not immune to this. So whatever McDaniel has to do to cut down on penalties across the board, do it.

I’m over the Miami Dolphins looking to set the record for most penalties called on them.

The Miami Dolphins, amazingly rank tied for 5th in penalties. I thought they had to be #1 in this category. I currently can’t find how many penalties have been declined by the other team but I expect it has to be around 20-25.

It’s getting old watching this team commit so many completely avoidable penalties. First play of the game and Elandon Roberts hits a guy hard, after he got 10 yards, and just has to stand over him and say something. It got flagged for taunting. Is it soft? Sure. But by now we know they’re going to call that 90% of the time.

I shudder to think about how many times Christian Wilkins and others lined up in the neutral zone. Not sure about you, but by now Wilkins and his defensive brethren should know where the neutral zone is.

Illegal contact, pass interference even some roughing-type plays I can understand. Those are in the midst of a play. But offsides, false starts, illegal formations, and not getting set are things I have zero tolerance for.

It appears that Mike McDaniel, at least towards the defense, is thinking the same thing.

Yes, the penalty situation needs to get friggin fixed and it needs to get fixed right now. You can beat the Lions of the world but that’s not going to fly against the Bills. It simply won’t.